最新美国发明专利第2011-07-05期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07971938B2	Vehicle seat assembly A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function includes a seat body having a seat bottom and a pivotally connected seat back. The seat body is configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that inhibits the seat back from actuating the easy entry function. The seat body is further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that allows the seat back to actuate the easy entry function. The first actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the first angular range. A second actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the second angular range. The seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range.
US07971937B2	Seat adjuster assembly A seat adjuster assembly includes an electric motor having an output shaft with a worm gear positioned in a gearbox, a spur gear meshing with the worm gear in the gearbox, a spindle shaft fixed to and driven by the spur gear coacting with a nut contained in a tube, and a linkage system connected to both a vertically movable upper vehicle seat part and a non-vertically movable lower vehicle seat part that positions vertically the upper vehicle seat part responsive to the position of the nut relative to the spindle shaft. At least one washer is provided on the spindle shaft. The spur gear is a plastic spur gear molded over the washer. A pair of leaf springs disposed in the gearbox bears against the spur gear and a wall of the gearbox.
US07971934B2	Lumbar support system for furniture member An occupant lumbar support system includes a flexible lumbar support member having homogenously connected first and second connection braces. The lumbar support member is deflectable to a plurality of lumbar support positions. A rigid displacement rod is connected at a first rod end to one of the connection braces. A lumbar member actuation mechanism has a rotatable first actuation arm receiving a second displacement rod end. The actuation member translates the displacement rod causing the first and second connection braces to move toward each other, deflecting the lumbar support member to any of the lumbar support positions. A cable is connected at a first end to an actuation mechanism second actuation arm and at a second end to a displaceable lever manually movable to co-rotate the first and second actuation arms and translate the displacement rod.
US07971919B2	Cargo bed insert for utility vehicle, front end mounting assembly, and optional accessories items for use therewith, along with utility vehicle incorporating the same Various enhancements to the capabilities of vehicles in general, and particularly light-duty utility vehicles, which can advantageously enhance the cargo-carrying capabilities of such vehicles. The present invention provides a cargo bed insert, as well as an insert system, for removable attachment to a vehicle's existing cargo box. Improvement to a light-duty utility vehicle, where the improvement is in the form of a cargo box for the vehicle which includes one or more features of the described cargo bed insert and/or system is disclosed. The invention contemplates methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capability of a light-duty utility vehicle. In particular, methods for enhancing the cargo-carrying capacity of such a vehicle beyond a manufacturer's specified cargo weight capacity are provided. Lastly, the invention includes a mounting assembly for a removable attachment to a vehicle's frame. The mounting assembly may be employed as a stand-alone item, or in conjunction with the cargo bed insert, to create a system for enhancing a vehicle's cargo-carrying capability.
US07971918B2	Extendable sleeper and method of operation Embodiments described herein relate to extendable sleepers for a tractor and methods of operating such a sleeper. In one embodiment, the tractor is connectable with a trailer. The trailer has a front surface. The extendable sleeper comprises a fixed portion disposed on the tractor, an extendable portion attached to the fixed portion, the extendable portion being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a mover operatively connected with the extendable portion for moving the extendable portion between a retracted position and an extended position. A control system is operatively connected with the mover for controlling operation of the mover. The control system operates in an extension mode where position of the extendable member is adjustable, a teach mode where a significant location of the extendable member is programmed into the control system, and an automatic mode where position of the extendable member is maintained.
US07971916B2	Reconfigurable robotic end-effectors for material handling A tool module associated with an end-effector for a robot arm that includes both linear and rotational locking mechanisms providing movement in five degrees of freedom. The tool module includes an integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism that are simultaneously locked and unlocked. The linear locking mechanism locks to a rod and the rotary locking mechanism locks and unlocks a shaft that is rigidly coupled to a swing arm. An opposite end of the swing arm includes another linear locking mechanism that locks and unlocks a shaft supporting a vacuum cup at an opposite end. The vacuum cup is mounted to a ball joint on the shaft that allows the vacuum cup to pivot. By locking and unlocking the locking mechanisms of the tool module, the end-effector can be readily configured to grasp and hold various parts of different dimensions and shapes.
US07971914B1	Auxiliary handle attachment for a tool An auxiliary handle attachment for efficiently decreasing or eliminating the requirement to bend over and cause strain upon ones back when using a long-handled tool, such as a shovel, broom, rake, or the like. The auxiliary handle attachment generally includes a mounting structure having a first channel member including a first channel and a second channel member including a second channel aligned with the first channel, an auxiliary shaft extending upwardly from the mounting structure, and an auxiliary handle extending from the shaft. The mounting structure is adapted to attach to the shaft or handle of the tool by collectively receiving the shaft from an upper side of the first channel opposite the first channel member and a lower side of the second channel opposite the second channel member. Various fastening members and grips may also be used to secure the shaft within the channel members of the mounting structure.
US07971911B2	Plug part of a plug-type connection arrangement and plug-type connection arrangement Plug part of a plug-type connection arrangement for connecting two fluid lines and plug-type connection arrangement including the plug part. The plug part includes at least one two-layer area, the two layers of the two-layer area including a metallic material. At least a portion of the plug part is structured and arranged to be fed into a coupling part of the plug-type connection arrangement.
US07971906B2	Device facilitating control of the weighting of an agricultural tractor and for improving its productivity Device for facilitating the control of the weighting of an agricultural tractor and for improving its productivity, includes a support member (A) designed to run transversely to the direction of travel of the tractor, this support member having a central part with a member (B) for coupling to a front or rear three-point lift of the tractor and, on each side of this central part, a lateral extension (Aa, Ab) equipped with a unit of attachment (Ea, Eb) of a weight, a load or a tool.
US07971905B2	Folding rollover protection system A folding rollover protection system includes an upper ROPS hinged to a lower ROPS and movable between an upright position and a folded down position. An isolation member may be urged between the upper and lower ROPS to separate them from each other. The isolation member may be a resilient wedge-shaped member positioned between a first wedge and a second wedge. The first wedge is movable toward the second wedge to urge the isolation member against one of the ROPS, isolating the upper ROPS from the lower ROPS.
US07971904B2	Rollover protection system A rollover protection system for an off road vehicle includes a pair of lower legs, each lower leg having an arced portion and a horizontal portion connected to the vehicle frame. The upper section of the rollover protection system is pivotably connected to the lower legs, so that it may pivot to a lowered position in which the upper section fits around the rear mounted engine and is within the rear dimensions of the vehicle.
US07971903B2	Plastic bracket countermeasure for door side impact An automobile door bracket includes an attachment section and a corrugated section. The door bracket is placed within an automobile door assembly to function as a side impact countermeasure.
US07971901B2	Airbag apparatus An airbag apparatus is provided by which, when an airbag collides with an occupant, the occupant can receive a reaction force from the airbag. An airbag apparatus (10A to 10B) inflates between two seats arranged in a vehicle width direction (20L, 20R, 21L, 21R) to protect an occupant (P). The airbag apparatus (10A to 10B) includes an inflator (12) and a folded airbag (11). When gas is jetted from the inflator (12) at a side collision, the airbag (11) is allowed to inflate and is abutted to a vehicle interior (35) to thereby suppress the move of the airbag (11) when the airbag (11) collides with the body of the occupant (P).
US07971899B2	Side curtain airbag An inflatable cushion for a side of a vehicle is disclosed herein, the inflatable cushion having: a first cushion section formed from a first material, the first cushion section having a plurality of separate inflatable cells each of which having an inlet opening for receipt of an inflation gas; an internal passageway formed in the first cushion section, the internal passageway linking and fluidly coupling to each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells via the inlet opening of each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells; a diffuser member disposed in the internal passageway, the diffuser member being configured to supply the inflation gas to each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells, wherein the diffuser member consists essentially of a non-rigid fabric member formed from a permeable material, the non-rigid fabric member is independent of the first material used to form the first cushion section and the permeable material of the non-rigid fabric member is the main source of fluid flow into each inlet opening of each of the plurality of separate inflatable cells such that the inflation gas must pass through the permeable material; and means for restricting fluid flow between the plurality of inflatable cells by limiting fluid flow between an exterior portion of the diffuser member and an interior surface of the internal passageway proximate to an edge of the inlet openings of the plurality of inflatable cells.
US07971897B2	Foldable stroller having discrete handlebar A stroller is provided having a stroller frame supported by front and rear wheels. The frame includes a latch assembly that is movable between a locked and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the latch assembly prevents the frame from being folded. When in the unlocked position, the latch assembly allows the frame to be folded. The frame is connected to an ergonomically friendly handlebar having discrete outer ends. The handlebar includes a latch release handle that is operably connected to the latch assembly.
US07971889B2	Loading machine A wheeled loading machine includes a body mounting a loading arm, a ground engaging structure including a front axle which carries a front pair of ground engaging wheels and a rear axle which carries a rear pair of ground engaging wheels, the loading arm being mounted at a position towards a rear of the machine for up and down movement about a generally horizontal axis, and the loading arm extending forwardly beside a cab which is mounted at one side of the body, to an outermost end which is beyond a front of the body, and the loading arm having at its outermost end a mounting for a loading implement and the arm being extendible to vary the length of the loading arm, and each axle being suspended from the body by a respective suspension, each of the ground engaging wheels being drivable by an engine of the machine through a mechanical transmission, and the machine including a braking system for braking each wheel, the braking system including a brake control system which provides a brake anti-locking function to resist any braked ground engaging wheel skidding relative to the ground as a result of becoming locked during braking when a low friction condition exists between the wheel and the ground.
US07971887B2	Method of making a subframe of a motor vehicle, and subframe for a motor vehicle In a method of making a subframe of a motor vehicle profile elements made of hollow sections of steel are placed in a casting tool. Subsequently, aluminum material is filled into the casting tool to casting around the profile elements so as to form plural cast nodes on the profile elements in spaced-apart relationship.
US07971883B2	Workholding clamping assembly A failsafe workholding clamping assembly includes a base, an axially slidable draw bar and collet, and a force amplifier. A driver applies a continuous driving force to the force amplifier. The force amplifier amplifies the driving force and applies a resulting amplified force to the draw bar to bias the draw bar toward its closed position and the collet toward its gripping position. A collet opener mounts to the base and selectively applies an opening force to the draw bar to counteract the driving force and move the collet into its released position. The workholding clamping assembly holds a collet in a predetermined rotational orientation and includes a draw bar rotating mechanism to enable an operator to rotate the draw bar to threadingly engage the draw bar and a rotationally-fixed collet.
US07971882B1	Labyrinth seal A stepped labyrinth seal having a plurality of teeth forming gaps between a stationary honeycomb member, where the cavities formed between adjacent teeth include a plurality of vortex flow generating strips on the wall of the cavity that redirect the leakage flow from a gap back toward the gap and in a direction toward the gap in order to limit the leakage flow through the gap. The vortex generating strips extend along the cavity floor and up the sides of the teeth forming the cavity. The strips slope downward from the downstream tooth toward the upstream tooth in the direction of rotation, and with a curvature in the direction of rotation. The stepped labyrinth seal is intended for use in a gas turbine engine having a plurality of stages in the turbine, with the labyrinth seal being used to seal the gap between rotating blades and the honeycomb surface on the stationary casing.
US07971878B2	Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus A sheet conveying device includes a torque estimation unit that, based upon a first load torque generated at a time that a sheet-like member passes through a first nip between a first driving roller and a first driven roller of an upstream sheet conveying unit, estimates a second load torque generated at a time that the sheet-like member passes through a second nip between a second driving roller and a second driven roller of a downstream sheet conveying unit; and a control unit that controls the driving torque such that the second load torque is counterbalanced by applying a counterbalancing torque in synchronization with a timing of entry of the sheet-like member into the second nip.
US07971872B2	Drive joint mechanism and image forming apparatus using the same A drive joint mechanism includes a drive shaft (30) and a driven shaft (24) coupled coaxially to the drive shaft (30). A coupling (31) on the drive shaft (30) or the driven shaft (24) has pin-engaging grooves (31a, 31b) and at least one pyramid-shaped pin-guide (32) between adjacent pin-engaging grooves (31a, 31b). An engagement pin (25) is provided on the other of the drive shaft (30) and the driven shaft (24) and engages the pin-engaging groove (31a, 31b). The engagement pin (25) contacts the pin-guide (32) while coupling the drive shaft (30) and the driven shaft (24). Thus, at least one of the drive shaft (30) and the driven shaft (24) is rotated by a pressing force exerted in the axial direction by the driven shaft (24) so that the pin-guide (32) guides the engagement pin (25) into the pin-engaging groove (31a, 31b).
US07971871B2	Tray exit ramp A sheet stacking tray assembly may include a tray having a lead edge surface, a tray exit ramp having a first end and a second end, and a feeder having a feeder edge. The first end of the tray exit ramp may be configured to connect to the lead edge surface. The tray exit ramp may be convex relative to the lead edge surface and may extend beyond the lead edge surface. The tray exit ramp may include one or more first anti-stub surfaces, that may be configured to be positioned below a lead edge of a sheet in a sheet stack. The feeder edge of the feeder may include one or more second anti-stub surfaces that are complementary to the first anti-stub surfaces. The feeder edge may be configured to interconnect with the second end of the tray exit ramp to form a transition surface.
US07971870B2	Medium feeding unit and image forming apparatus having the same A medium feeding unit having an improved structure for sensing that the number of print media loaded onto a loading plate is equal to or exceeds a predetermined remaining number, and an image forming apparatus having the same. The medium feeding unit includes a sensor that outputs sensing signals having different voltages according to quantities of received light. The medium feeding unit also includes a plurality of actuators that sense the number of print media on a loading plate, differentially intercept the sensing area of the sensor thus changing the voltage level of the sensing signal, and therefore signal the medium feeding unit when the number of print media on the loading plate falls below the predetermined remaining number.
US07971869B2	Printing media supply device for image forming apparatus A printing media supply device for use in an image forming apparatus includes a printing media supply cassette adapted to receive a stack of printing media. A pick-up roller picks up the printing media stacked in the printing media supply cassette. The pick-up roller has a pick-up member for picking up the printing media, and a rotation member for supporting the pick-up member. The rotation member has a buffer surface formed by cutting a portion of a leading edge portion thereof away. The buffer surface may be formed so as to expose side surfaces of the pick-up member. The pick-up roller applies a substantially uniform pressure to the printing media even when there is a large quantity of printing media stacked in the printing media supply cassette, and thereby minimizes multifeeding of the printing media. Accordingly, the supply of printing media is stable, improving the printing media supply efficiency.
US07971855B2	Stemless ball valve A stemless ball valve comprising two flanges and a ball with a channel, two axis pins and two travel pins. One end of each axis and travel pin is fixedly attached to the ball, and the other end of each axis pin is lodged into a notch in the first or second flange such that the axis pin is allowed to rotate in the notch. The guide sleeve comprises two channels, and one end of each travel pin is situated within one of the two channels in the guide sleeve. An outer magnetic cartridge causes the inner magnetic cartridge and guide sleeve to rotate, and when the guide sleeve rotates, the travel pins move up and down within the channels in the guide sleeve. The movement of the travel pins within the channels in the guide sleeve causes the ball to rotate, thereby opening and closing the ball valve.
US07971854B2	Replaceable valve shaft sealing system A replaceable valve shaft sealing system is disclosed that enables the operator to greatly reduce the maintenance needs of valves where rotational movement of a shaft, that is connected to the actual metering apparatus of the valve, actuates the opening or closing of the valve thereby regulating fluid flow. The design of the shaft enables the user to replace the valve stem and associated sealing rings or to re-lubricate the shaft, while the valve is connected to the line, by simply removing the packing nut. There are no-preloaded sealing devices that require re-construction. Prior art designs use O-rings to prevent the seepage of fluid into the valve body and though the rotating shaft, but the disclosed shaft prevents contamination of the lubrication into the fluid flow and eliminates any of the axial loads that can cause O-rings to fail using the prior art designs.
US07971852B2	Seal structure of high-pressure tank Disclosed is a seal structure of a high-pressure tank capable of properly securing seal efficiency. The seal structure of the high-pressure tank includes a plurality of seal members that have mutually different seal properties and that are installed between a ferrule of the high-pressure tank and a valve body attached to the ferrule. One of the plurality of seal members has low temperature resistance, and the other has high temperature resistance. A first seal member is an O-ring formed of butyl rubber or silicone. A second seal member is an O-ring formed of EPDM. Furthermore, the two O-rings are different in gas permeability from each other. This seal structure can be applied between the ferrule and the valve body, in addition, between the ferrule and a liner, between the ferrule and a shell, and between the valve body and the shell.
US07971848B2	In-situ gel casting machine An In-Situ gel casting machine comprising a gel casting stand (1), a rubber cushion (2), and a locking base (3). Overlapping a notched glass (121) with a glass plate (122) tightly together will form a gel room (123), it is called as the slab gel casting mold (12). Put the same two slab gel casting molds (12) into each side of the portable casting stand (11) along its insides, and then insert the wedge frames (13) against each slab gel casting mold (12), which will form the gel-casting stand (1). Because each sidewall locking structure (32) of the locking base (3) compresses the slab gel casting molds from two directions, it ensures that the slab gel casting molds are sealed well. Without moving the slab gel casting molds, an electrophoresis experiment can be started right after the gel has been solidified, which can avoid the leakage of the gel solution and the production of air bubbles into the slab gel casting molds.
US07971845B2	Security mount for displaying handheld device A security mount for displaying an article such as a handheld device is provided that includes a device mount that can be secured to a handheld device and a base mount that can be secured to a display structure. The device mount is releasably connected to a tether such that the device mount can be detached from the tether without detaching the device mount from the handheld device.
US07971840B2	Adjustable support arm for audio visual device An adjustable arm supports a device housing with respect to a base and allows the position of the device housing to be adjusted as desired. The adjustable arm has segments joined by pivot joints, with passages therethrough to allow wires to be strung through the arm segments and joints so as to be shielded by the arm. The joints can be either dual-pivot joints or single pivot joints, and for both types of joints, the frictional resistance of the joints can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the elements of the arm can be strung onto the wiring prior to assembly.
US07971839B2	Equipment mount for waterborne vessels An apparatus for mounting equipment on a waterborne vessel includes a base member configured to support an instrument. An elongate spacer arm is connected to the base member. A selectively deployable elongate transducer arm is pivotably coupled to the spacer arm. The transducer arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a stored position. The length of the transducer arm is at least sufficient for the transducer end to reach the water surface when the transducer arm is in the deployed position. The spacer arm is substantially parallel to or collinear with the transducer arm when the transducer arm is in the stored position, allowing the apparatus to be folded for compact storage.
US07971838B2	Flange-engaging clamp A clamp for engaging a structure flange includes a clamp body having a slot between a pair of body sections, a spring clip on the clamp body that extends into the slot, and a pair of screws threadedly engaged with the clamp body. The spring clip holds a structure flange in place when the clamp is placed on a structure flange, with the flange in the slot. This allows the installer to tighten the screws to engage the flange, without having to simultaneously hold the clamp in place. The screws may bite into the flange, providing a more secure coupling between the clamp and the structure flange. The clamp may be used to mount a variety of objects, such as sway braces for seismic bracing.
US07971837B1	Stuffing box maintenance device A stuffing box maintenance device designed to be releasably secured to a polished rod above the stuffing box wherein the stuffing box maintenance device is configured to retain the tools and the maintenance items required to perform a maintenance procedure on the stuffing box. The stuffing box maintenance device further includes a body being planar in manner and rectangular in shape. A mounting ring secured to the body on one end is operable to surroundably mount the polished rod. An opening is located on the mounting ring opposite the body and is configured to allow the stuffing box maintenance device to be laterally coupled to the polished rod. The stuffing box maintenance device further includes a support rod for retaining at least one packing gland. The body is further configured to retain the hand tools necessary to perform a maintenance procedure on the stuffing box.
US07971835B2	Adjustable cable-concealing universal mounts A mounting apparatus for mounting a device, preferably to a surface of a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting apparatus may comprise a base, a first intermediate component, a second intermediate component, and an adapter. The first intermediate component may be engageable to the base in at least two positions relative to the base. The second intermediate component may be engageable to the first intermediate component in at least two positions relative to the first intermediate component. The adapter may be engageable to the second intermediate component in at least two positions relative to the second intermediate component. The adapter may also be engageable to the device. The first intermediate component, the second intermediate component, and the adapter may be adjustable to position the device in a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the base, and may also be configured to receive a wire.
US07971831B2	Method for manufacturing a solar module in orbit A geosynchronous Solar Power Satellite System is created by an artificial gravity, closed ecology, multiple use structure in low earth orbit that manufactures modular solar power panels and transmitter arrays. This facility takes empty fuel tanks and expended rocket boosters from launch vehicles that are sent into low earth orbit, and re-manufactures them into structural components. These components are mated to solar cells that are launched from earth. The modular solar panels are transported to geosynchronous orbit by vehicles with ion engines, where the panels are mated to other solar panels to collect power. Structural components are also mated to transmitter elements launched from earth. These are likewise transported to geosynchronous orbit. They are mated to the solar power collecting panels and they beam the collected power back to earth.
US07971829B2	Center-routed kite safety device A control device for use with an aerodynamic wing including a bar having a safety system that restrains one of the flying lines by routing an attachment through an aperture on the bar. Preferably, the system includes a stopper housing that engages an increased diameter element of the flying line. During normal operation, the increased diameter element is secured by the stopper housing, preventing the flying line from being pulled beyond the stopper housing. When the safety system is deployed, the increased diameter element is pulled from the stopper housing and slack is developed along the remaining flying lines to depower the kite.
US07971825B2	Aircraft jet engine pylon suspension attachment The invention relates to a turbojet suspension pylon for an aircraft, the pylon being provided with a rigid structure (10) comprising a longitudinal central box (22). According to the invention, the rigid structure also comprises two lateral boxes (24a, 24b) fixed to a forward part of said central box (22), the pylon also comprising a first (6a) and a second (6b) engine forward suspension designed to resist forces applied along the longitudinal direction (X) of the pylon, these first and second suspensions being arranged on the two lateral boxes respectively.
US07971821B2	Device for applying a paper web onto a paper reel and corresponding reel changer A device for applying a paper web onto a paper reel is provided, including a web application roller mobile between a guiding position of the paper web and an application position of the paper web onto the paper reel, and an actuator for moving the web application roller between its two positions. The device includes a locking mechanism adapted for locking the web application roller in its application position.The device may be used in reel changers of web-fed offset printing presses.
US07971817B1	Compact mobile crushing and screening apparatus A compact mobile crushing and screening apparatus for disintegrating solid feedstock and further processing the disintegrated feedstock comprises a hopper, a feedstock feeder system, a pre-screen (aka dirt screen), a crushing mechanism with a feed inlet opening, at least one side conveyor, a discharge conveyor having a front elevating section, a magnet and a screening/separator all on one track mounted framework that is radio remote controlled. The track mounted framework of the compact mobile crushing and screening apparatus provides the skeleton of the entire apparatus. The compact mobile crushing and screening apparatus comprises a crusher frame that carries the crushing mechanism and is integrated into the framework, which is configured and disposed to support and strengthen the crusher frame and thus reduces the mass and overall weight of the crusher frame. The feed inlet opening is at least about 3.5 square feet, the weight of the overall apparatus is no more than about twenty tons and the ratio of the area of the feed inlet opening in square feet to the overall weight of the apparatus in tons is at least about 0.25.
US07971812B2	Power saving shredder The present invention discloses a shredder which does not waste energy in standby mode. Power is applied to the components of the shredder only when material to be shredded is inserted into the shredder throat or when the unit is switched into reverse to clear a jam in the shredder.
US07971807B2	Gas jet nozzle A gas jet nozzle 1 is provided that has a relatively simple mechanism capable of jetting high-pressure gas for a long period. The nozzle 1 jets high-pressure gas from a high-pressure gas bottle 12. The nozzle 1 has a jet port 2 for jetting high-pressure gas by communicating with the gas bottle 12. The nozzle 1 further has a jet passage 3 for directing to a target the gas jetted from the jet port 2 and jetting the directed gas from the front end 4 of the passage. The nozzle 1 includes an air suction part 5 for sucking atmospheric air into the gas jetted from the jet port 2.
US07971804B2	Channeled shaft check valve assemblies A channeled shaft check valve assembly includes a conduit with an internal valve seat with a central opening. An actuating member is contained inside the conduit between an outlet fixture and the valve seat. A valve member mounted within the sleeve includes a disc on the opposite side of the valve seat from the outlet end of the conduit and a channeled shaft extending outward from the center of the disc and through the central opening in the internal valve seat. The opposite end of the channeled shaft may also have a disc mounted thereto, allowing for a three position valve. The valve is urged closed under pressure unless an outlet fixture urges the valve open allowing fluid flow along the channeled shaft and through the central opening in the valve seat. In a two disc valve member, the valve may have two closed positions and one open position.
US07971800B2	Adjustable smooth bore nozzle An adjustable nozzle comprising a nozzle body with an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet. The passageway has an inner dimension transverse to the central axis of the nozzle and a compressible wall wherein the inner dimension is adjustable to adjust the flow rate through the nozzle.
US07971794B2	Actively regulated modulation index for contactless IC devices A contactless IC device including a detection circuit configured to detect a carrier wave that has been amplitude shift-keying (ASK) modulated with digital data and a shunt circuit configured to regulate the carrier wave to a predetermined voltage level.
US07971793B2	Memory card The present invention provides a memory card equipped with an interface controller connected to external connecting terminals, a memory connected to the interface controller, and a security controller connected to the interface controller. A second external connecting terminal capable of supplying an operating power supply to the security controller is provided aside from a first external connecting terminal which supplies an operating power supply to the interface controller and the memory. An interface unit of the interface controller connected to the security controller receives the operating power supply from the second external connecting terminal and thereby enables a stop of the supply of the operating power supply from the first external connecting terminal. Even if the supply of the operating power supply to the interface controller is cut off, the output of the interface unit is not brought to an indefinite state.
US07971789B2	Document with indexes A document with indexes is constructed by printing plural pixels and divided into plural areas. Each of the areas has plural indexes respectively consisting of a group of indexing dots to represent an area code corresponding to the area. The indexes and the pixels have different optical reflection features.
US07971788B2	Electronic payment terminal, smart card adapted to such a terminal and method for loading a secret key in such a terminal The invention relates to a card reader payment terminal including an electrode circuit including at least one printed circuit board, to which are connected electronic components, particularly a microcontroller designed to control different peripherals characterized in that the microcontroller is connected to an associated microprocessor, the microcontroller using the associated microprocessor for performing programs such as arithmetic calculations, the microprocessor being mounted on a support having the format of a smart card and including a connector compatible with the standardized connector of the smart cards for connection with the microcontroller.
US07971787B2	Commodity-vending system and weight-scale apparatus When a customer picks up a commodity at a store aisles and operates a tag device, a PLU code of the commodity is transmitted from the tag device to a weight-scale apparatus. The terminal device is provided corresponding to each commodity. The weight-scale apparatus upon receiving the PLU code increments a counter value (prepared per commodity) in only one step, and displays a commodity icon corresponding to the PLU code on a liquid-crystal touch panel. The counter value increments every time the PLU code is received. The weight-scale apparatus subsequent to weighing issues a label and decrement only a step of the counter value. The icon corresponding to the counter value continues to be displayed unless the counter value does not indicate “0 (zero)”. The icon is erased when the counter value indicates “0 (zero)”. This results in providing superior operations in weighing and selecting various types of commodities, displayed at the store aisles, that are objects to be weighed.
US07971786B2	Metal-containing transaction card and method of making the same Metal-containing transaction cards, useful for the purchase of goods and/or services are disclosed. The metal-containing transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3⅜ inches by about 2 14 inches) or any other size yet still usable as a transaction card. Moreover, the metal-containing transaction card may include a pocket having characters embossed therein. Further, the metal-containing transaction card may include a fill panel disposed within the pocket. The metal may be titanium or stainless steel.
US07971785B2	Method for authenticating micro-processor cards, corresponding micro-processor card, card reader terminal and programs A method is provided for authenticating micro-processor cards to determine whether a card is a genuine card or a fake card. Authentication is performed by a checking program of at least one card reader terminal. The program sends to each card commands belonging to a standard and public set of commands. The method includes: modifying the checking program in the terminal or terminals, in such a way that the program additionally sends, to each card to be authenticated, at least one additional command, called a secret command, from a set of at least one additional command, pre-inserted into each genuine card, and different from the standard and public set of commands; and a step of detecting authenticity of the card, if the secret command is recognised and/or processed correctly, or the presence of a clone, if the secret command is not recognised and/or is processed wrongly.
US07971783B1	Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read card data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser and the machine carries out transaction functions for consumers including dispensing cash. The automated banking machine may generate a password for the machine responsive to randomly generated data.
US07971780B2	Method of operation of card reading apparatus in automated banking machine to reduce risk of fraud A method of operating an automated banking machine in response to data included on a user card includes operating a cash dispensing automated banking machine that includes a card reader, a keypad, a cash outlet, a deposit accepting opening and other transaction locations that may be susceptible to the installation of fraud devices. The machine operates to sense the probable installation of unauthorized devices. Such unauthorized devices may include fraudulent card reading devices, fraudulent keypad input intercepting devices, cash outlet trap devices, deposit input diversion devices or other fraud devices. Control circuitry in operative connection with radiation output and radiation sensing devices, operates to identify conditions corresponding to the probable installation of a fraud device on the machine and to take actions in response thereto.
US07971774B2	Drinking apparatus A drinking apparatus comprising a base and a sheet having a first end and a second end. The sheet is rolled to exhibit an inner side and a predefined perimeter, such that the first end is adhesively attached to the inner side of the rolled sheet, and such that the second end protrudes outwardly from the predefined perimeter of the rolled sheet. The rolled sheet is adhesively attached to the base to form an impervious cup. The second end comprises an operationally separable spoon-like stirrer, the spoon-like stirrer comprising an elongated end and a broadened end. Separating the operationally separable spoon-like stirrer leaves a hollow in the second end. The hollow is arranged to operationally serve as a handle to the impervious cup.
US07971769B2	Quick change over tooling for a welder A weld stack includes a horn having a weld end, a polar mount adapted to receive a portion of the horn therein, a first adjustment ring coupled to the polar mount at a pre-determined distance from the weld end of the horn, and a second adjustment ring coupled to the polar mount adjacent the first adjustment ring, wherein the second adjustment ring includes a fine adjustment device for adjusting a relative position of the first adjustment ring and the second adjustment ring.
US07971768B2	Guidance system for fasteners A fastener driving tool for driving fasteners toward a work surface comprises a body having a forward end, a rear end, and a cylinder with an axis, a piston mounted within the cylinder, a power source for driving the piston axially forwardly, a driver blade extending axially forwardly from the piston, a nosepiece extending axially forwardly from the front end of the tool body, wherein the nosepiece encloses a drive bore for guiding the fasteners and the driver blade toward the work surface, there being an opening into the drive bore for the fasteners, a magazine for guiding the fasteners to the opening. In one aspect, the magazine and the nosepiece are fixed with respect to each other, and the tool includes a fastener guide that extends axially forwardly from the nosepiece and moves with respect to the nosepiece between an extended position and a retracted position. In another aspect, the opening into the drive bore provides a small clearance through which the tips can pass, wherein the opening is long enough to accommodate fasteners of at least two different lengths.
US07971763B2	Backpack-style strap carrier tote A unique strap carrier tote carries a rolled yoga mat, collapsed hula hoop, towel, prayer rug, poster/drawing case, or other piece of equipment in a backpack style on the user's back. Two adjustable straps encircle the piece of equipment—typically proximate opposing ends of the rolled mat or opposing sectional sides of the collapsed hoop—and two adjustable shoulder straps extend therefrom. The user can sling the piece of equipment across her back so that her hands will be free, and the equipment will be securely and easily carried during walking, running, climbing, biking, etc.
US07971757B2	Liquid dispenser device A liquid dispenser device for being associated with a liquid reservoir (R), said device comprising: a chamber (10) provided with an inlet valve (5, 15), an outlet valve (32, 232), and a piston (3) that is suitable for varying the volume of the chamber; a liquid dispenser orifice (25); and a pusher (2) that is axially displaceable down and up between a rest position and a depressed position; the dispenser device being characterized in that the pusher (2) includes an elastically-deformable wall (212) that is thus displaceable relative to the remainder of the pusher, the piston (3) being in contact, at least momentarily, with the deformable wall (212), so as to be urged in displacement relative to the remainder of the pusher while the wall is being deformed, in such a manner as to open the outlet valve.
US07971753B2	Container with a filter A filter-equipped container which, particularly in a small-sized eyedrop bottle or the like, is capable of accurate dropping while preventing bubbles from being involved when a contents liquid is to be delivered through a delivery port. To solve such problem, a plug body 12 disposed in the mouth of a bottle 10 is provided with a delivery passage for delivering contents liquid received in the bottle 10, the delivery passage being provided with a filter 25. The filter 25 is composed of a filter film 25a for filtering bacteria to prevent the latter from permeating from upstream to downstream as seen in the direction of delivery, and a contents liquid holding member 25b of porous material that has microscopic pores, disposed upstream of the filter film 25a, the contents liquid holding member 25b being in planar contact with the filter film 25a.
US07971752B2	Cinch for resilient collapsible tubes A cinch (10) to hold resilient tubes (22), permanently collapsed, during and between use. Partially used resilient tubes (22) can not stay collapsed without an external containment, like a cinch (10), made of a single piece of back-to-back, self-engaging material. As product is dispensed, the tube is flattened (24) to keep product at the outlet (30) and folded to form a passageway (26) wide enough to receive the cinch (10) that was stored on the tube (100). A cinch (10) inserted through the passageway (26), wrapped around the body of the tube (28), overlapped and fastened (18) to itself, will permanently hold the tube (22) in a collapsed state, ready to use and full to exclude the atmosphere protecting its contents from contamination, oxidation and drying, over the products useful life time. A tube (22) so contained may be stored in new ways. The string (11) and holes (16) allow for aftermarket decoration, identification and tracking of product.
US07971751B2	Constant force material delivery system and method Systems, devices, and methods are provided for dispensing material from a container. Devices can include driving means for providing one or more forces, and actuator means for activating the driving means whereby the driving means causes material to be dispensed from the container.
US07971748B2	Flexible mold with grasping handles A flexible, silicone mold having a container and a peripheral rim that defines an opening to the container. Grasping zones are disposed along the rim and the grasping zones have sufficient dimensions to permit control of the geometry of the rim and also to permit control of the horizontal positions of the two grasping zones.
US07971741B2	Folding box made of synthetic resin A folding box made of synthetic resin which a worker can surely grip and stably carry without a slip by gripping whichever edge parts of a hexahedron of a box with both hands is provided. The folding box includes a rectangular-tube shaped side wall configuration member 3 comprised of four side panels 1 made of hard synthetic resin, adjacent side ends of the four side panels 1 being foldably connected to each other through side panel connecting hinge parts 2, a bottom plate configuration member 6 comprised of connecting bottom pieces 4 made of hard synthetic resin which are foldably connected to bottom ends of the plurality of side panels 1 through bottom piece connecting hinge parts 5, and a lid configuration member 7 comprised of lid pieces 15 made of hard synthetic resin which are foldably connected to upper ends of the plurality of side panels 1 through lid piece connecting hinge parts 10. Nonslip parts 13 made of soft synthetic resin exposed to the outside are provided near edges of one or both surfaces adjacent to each other at right angle through edges of a hexahedron. The Nonslip parts are provided near all the sides of the hexahedron.
US07971739B2	Closure A closure for a container with a cap connecting to a neck of the container has at least one cutter edge placed around a central axis internal of the neck. The edge cuts through a closure film as axially displaced on a holding sleeve, which is held centrally by the cap with a flexible skirt. The holding sleeve contains a component for mixing with the contents of the container. A screw cap holds an initial non-puncturing position and, a stop position after additional screwing on, at which the film is punctured. The cap remains permanently on the neck of the container, and includes a pouring opening. In the stop position, the container contents flow toward the pouring opening. When the screw cap is back into its initial position, flow to the pouring opening is interrupted.
US07971738B2	Rotate, squeeze and lift child resistant safety cap A squeeze and lift child resistant safety closure for attachment to a container having a conventional container closure on its top includes: an inner member for attachment to either the container or its closure, the inner member having an outer member interlocking component, being one of a circular track and a circular rail, the circular track having inside and outside ledges with a track space between the inside and outside ledges, the track space having a predetermined track space width, the circular rail having inside and outside protrusions adapted to ride inside the track space and under the ledges, the protrusions having widths less than the track space width and greater than one half the track space width; and an outer member being an outer closure having a circular bottom that is semi-flexible, and at its circular bottom, having the other of the one of a circular track and a circular rail. When the inner member is attached to a container under its conventional closure and the inner member and the outer member are interconnected, access to the convention closure is denied. However, if a user squeezes the outer member at the squeeze indicia to flex the outer member from circular to oval, the outer member can be removed to expose the conventional container closure for normal opening.
US07971735B2	Merchandising system A merchandising system includes an elongated mounting member selectively securable to a front portion of an associated shelf. A track is received on the mounting member, wherein the track extends rearwardly over the associated shelf. The track includes an elongated body which is substantially solid in cross section both along a longitudinal axis of the body and in a direction approximately transverse to the longitudinal axis. A first rail extends from the body and, a second rail extends from the body. The second rail is spaced from the first rail.
US07971732B2	Grit trap for waste water system A grit removal unit for a waste water system, including a round grit removal chamber with an input for waste water and an output, a grit storage chamber beneath the grit removal chamber, and an opening between the grit storage chamber and the grit removal chamber. A vertical drive shaft extends through the grit removal chamber into the grit storage chamber, and is rotatable to facilitate waste water flow in the grit removal chamber whereby grit in the waste water is directed toward the opening. A grit size restrictor includes a shear secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith (the shear including a plate extending radially from the drive shaft above the opening), a first set of bars extending across the opening, and a second set of bars secured to the bottom of the shear plate with the second set of bars positioned adjacent the first set of bars.
US07971728B2	Bone fragment collector A filtration system for collecting bone fragments during surgery performed on a patient includes a cylinder having a rotating disk with circumferential arms extending radially in the cylinder to define pockets. The rotating disk includes a longitudinal hub that carries an outlet connected to a central passageway formed in the disk. A plurality of apertures on the disk permit the liquid to flow into the passageway and through the outlet while the pockets retain the bone fragments. The disk is rotated to align circumferential spaced pockets to align with the inlet and outlet ports. The disks includes bearing surfaces that permit the rotation thereof and the arms are spaced from the cylinder inner surface to allow the flow of fluid in the event the pockets fill and clog the apertures and prevent flow into the outlet passage.
US07971727B2	Blocking slide unit of a feed and sorting device for packaging machines A feed and sorting device for tablets has a number of vertically extending filling tubes for tablets, and a blocking slide unit for temporarily blocking the guiding channels of the filling tubes. The blocking slide unit includes a base plate with through-openings for the filling tubes and a plurality of blocking fingers designed as integral parts of the base plate and horizontally extending into the through-openings. Each blocking finger is assigned to one of the filling tubes.
US07971726B2	Screening apparatus A screening apparatus for processing excavated material from a ditch into fines and roughs is disclosed. The screening apparatus includes an inclined lift conveyor for moving the excavated material upward and depositing the excavated material onto a convex vibrating screen surface. A transfer conveyor having an arcuate belt path as disposed below the separator for introducing the fines to the excavation. The separator includes a reversible motor for providing a first vibration and a second vibration to the separator.
US07971720B2	Vertically stacking litter bag with handle Bags for granular material with a closure on top of the bag and a vertical handle on the lower end of the bag and having suitable dimensions, static coefficient of friction, creep resistance and containing granular materials of limited flow properties can be vertically stacked without support, for example on a pallet. One such suitable granular material is cat litter.
US07971718B2	Package for dispensing and retaining gum slabs with adhesive securement A package assembly includes individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products arranged in a side-by-side array. The package housing supports the array of products. The package housing includes a back wall and a foldable front wall. The front wall includes an adhesive location therealong for releaseably adhesively retaining the array of products in the package housing.
US07971714B1	System and method for displaying a padlock A system and method is provided for displaying a padlock. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a padlock, a card and a back plate, wherein the card includes a front side, a back side and an aperture sized to receive at least a body of the padlock, and the back plate is configured to be attached to the back side of the card (e.g., via coupling portions). Once the padlock is placed in the aperture and the back plate is attached to the card, the padlock is secured (e.g., between at least one retaining tab and the back plate) and ready to be displayed (e.g., on a hook, on a shelf, on a display rack, etc.).
US07971713B2	Container for shipping vehicles, including extension plate In a container for shipping vehicles, a bottom plate is provided having a predetermined length and a predetermined width satisfying standards of a conventional container holder. Support poles are installed on four corners of the bottom plate and include corner casts on upper portions thereof. An extension plate extends from a side of the bottom plate and supports vehicles so that vehicles can be loaded in the width direction of the bottom plate.
US07971712B2	Portable casing and method for carrying instrument The present invention provides a portable casing for carrying instrument, particularly musical instrument, very securely. The casing interior is provided with flexible shock absorbing support(s) on which the non-vulnerable portions of the instrument are laid whereas the delicate and vulnerable portions are held suspended in mid-air. As soon as the casing is closed, the supports get deformed acquiring a loop-shaped structure to encircle and cradle the instrument-parts which overlie thereon and in doing so the instrument is rendered securely captive against any movement In case of accidental impact the stress generated is borne by the soft lining of the casing and by the shock absorbing supports, rendering the instrument unharmed. The shock absorbing supports are advantageously detachably secured to the inner walls of the casing by retaining means. The present invention also provides a method for housing instrument in a portable casing for transportation.
US07971711B2	Folded and sealed coupon insertable in packs containing tobacco products, and a blank from which to fashion the coupon A folded and sealed cigarette coupon is inserted typically between the outermost face of a cigarette packet and its transparent overwrap. The coupon is fashioned from a flat blank divided by crease lines into a set of panels and extended at either end to create a corresponding set of flaps. The panels are quarto folded to form a substantially rectangular main body of the coupon with the flaps combining to form a grippable closure tab along one edge of the body, which can be torn off to open the coupon. The flaps making up the tab are equal in number to the folded panels, so that the thickness of the coupon remains uniform from edge to edge in both length and breadth.
US07971708B2	Conveyor mat module, conveyor mat and conveyor A module for a modular conveyor mat, comprising a sheet metal body part (2) bent-over, in cross section, into a substantially inversed U-shape, wherein the connecting part of the U forms a conveying face and wherein the legs of the U form side faces (6, 7) located adjacent longitudinal edges of the conveying face, extending downwards relative to the conveying face, which side faces are provided adjacent the front and rear side (8, 9) of the body part (2) with openings (10) for receiving hinge pins (22) therethrough.
US07971705B2	Apparatus for and method of servicing conveyor belt return rollers during belt operation A method comprises a step of accessing a conveyor belt system that has a belt, a return roller, and a return roller support assembly. The return roller is supported by the return roller support assembly. The return roller is engaged with the belt from beneath the return run. The method also comprises operating the return roller support assembly in a manner causing the return roller to lower relative to the belt to a position where the return roller is no longer engaged with the belt, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt. The method still further comprises removing the return roller from the return roller support assembly by sliding the return roller out from under the belt after the return roller has been lowered, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt.
US07971704B2	Micropipette sorting and packaging system A micropipette sorting and packaging system includes a base, a XY platform, a carrying platform, a vibration tray, an automatic discharge mechanism and a control unit. With the installation of the automatic discharge mechanism, a conventional sorting and packaging design adopting a robotic arm is replaced to reduce occupied space and lower installation costs.
US07971700B1	Loader attachment for use with a mobile conveyor system A loader attachment for use with a mobile conveyor system has a base plate, a C-shaped support structure, and a cable. The base plate is dimensioned to be supported upon a conveyor belt of the mobile conveyor system. The C-shaped support structure extends upwardly from the base plate for supporting a roofing supply during transport on the conveyor belt. The cable is adapted to be attached to a top end of the C-shaped support structure and the base plate for securing the roofing supply on the C-shaped support structure.
US07971695B2	Independent variable drive assemblies for wheels on a snowblower and related methods Drive assemblies and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The drive assemblies include a transmission wheel disposed about a shaft and rotatably movable for rotating at least one wheel. The transmission wheel has a contact surface. The drive assemblies also include a drive pulley having a drive surface. The drive pulley is rotatable and configured for causing the transmission wheel to rotate when the drive surface and the contact surface of the transmission wheel are in contact. At least one brake clutch is disposed about an end of the shaft to provide independent control to the at least one wheel.
US07971692B2	Antiseismic pad, device for supporting a structure and use thereof An antiseismic support pad having a base for supporting and holding the pad on a support surface, at least one spherical rolling element mounted to rotate freely about a center of rotation in a bearing secured to the support base, and a support plate resting on the spherical rolling element via a concave bearing surface, the pad being characterized by the fact that the support base comprises a soleplate secured to at least one bearing, configured to rest freely on the support surface and to hold the pad in place on the support surface without a fastener, and that the support pad includes an arrangement configured to suspend the support base from the support plate and move the base resiliently in radial directions about a support plate axis that is substantially perpendicular to the soleplate, the arrangement connected firstly to the support plate and secondly to the support base comprising the soleplate and the bearing.
US07971690B2	Coned disc spring A coned disc spring is arranged between a second component and a third component provided inside a tubular first component and movable in an axial direction. The coned disc spring comprises a body having a circular dish shape, teeth closely fitting into spline grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface of the first component and projecting to a radial outer side on an outer periphery of the body, and a stress relaxation portion formed in a flat shape or a curved shape at an edge portion of a circular arc portion at the base of the tooth in a direction at least one of a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the body.
US07971686B1	Double latched scaffold connector An improved scaffold connection is provided, attachable to a vertical scaffold member having a plurality of ring members. The scaffold joint has an upper side and a lower side, and an upper hook section and a lower hook section engagable with the ring members on the vertical scaffold members. The invention includes two latches to lock the joint to two ring members, where the two latches are mechanically connected.
US07971685B2	Pump jack tree stand The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a pump jack tree stand including a platform and a seat engaging a pump jack. The pump jack cooperates with a pole that is supported by an adjacent tree. The user actuates a foot lever on the pump jack to climb the pole. The pump jack's release is hand actuated as opposed to the commonly used foot-actuated release.
US07971684B2	Acoustic panel A panel for acoustic treatment connected to a surface of an aircraft, includes—from the outside to the inside—an acoustically resistive porous layer, at least one alveolar structure, and a reflective or impermeable layer, whereby the acoustically resistive porous layer includes—at the outside surface that can be in contact with the aerodynamic flows—one sheet or piece of sheet metal including open zones (14) that allow sound waves to pass and filled zones (16) that do not allow sound waves to pass, characterized in that the sheet or piece of sheet metal of the acoustically resistive layer includes sets of microperforations (18), whereby each set of microperforations forms an open zone (14), the sets of microperforations being separated from one another by at least one series of bands separated by filled zones (16).
US07971683B2	Acoustic protective panel for vehicle comprising an impregnated sealing layer An acoustic protective panel for the fitting of a wall of a vehicle, has an upper porous layer, in particular with a felt or remelted flexible foam base, at least one zone of the porous layer being arranged on one sealing layer, the sealing layer being arranged on one backing layer (5) with a flexible polyurethane base forming a spring, said sealing layer being formed by impregnation on a portion of the thickness of the porous layer by the polyurethane of the backing layer overmolding the porous layer. Architectures for mounting such a panel are described.
US07971682B2	Exhaust device for engine An exhaust device for an engine cam include a flow rectifying device for rectifying a flow of an exhaust gas. The flow rectifying device is disposed in an upstream end of an inner pipe, and comprises protrusions projecting inwardly. The exhaust gas engaging the flow rectifying device has passed through a curved portion of the inner pipe. The inner pipe also includes a muffler having a plurality of vent holes disposed in an inner portion thereof, and an outer pipe surrounding the inner pipe, defining an angular chamber therebetween.
US07971681B2	Exhaust-gas muffler An exhaust-gas muffler (1) has a housing (2) through which at least one sleeve (11) projects. At one end, the sleeve (11) has an attachment opening (10) and at the opposite-lying end has an access opening (14). To avoid a contamination of the sleeve (11) during operation, a plug (15, 25, 35, 40, 45, 55) of a pressed metal wire is arranged in the access opening (14).
US07971675B2	Hydraulic transaxle and vehicle comprising it A hydraulic transaxle comprises a transaxle casing for supporting left and right axles, a pair of hydraulic motors disposed in the transaxle casing so as to drive the respective left and right axles, hydraulic ports provided in the transaxle casing so as to fluidly connect the pair of hydraulic motors in parallel to a common hydraulic pump, and a system for restricting or canceling differential rotation of the pair of hydraulic motors.
US07971669B2	Method for controlling an output torque of an electric variable transmission by battery power management In a method for controlling an output torque of an electric variable transmission having an input coupled to a combustion engine and at least one electric motor that is at least feedable by a battery and able to recuperate energy into the battery, the battery power is limited to a maximum continuous battery power when the transmission is in a stationary operating point with a continuous revolution speed. The battery power is increased and limited to a maximum transient battery power that is greater than the maximum continuous battery power in a non-stationary operating point, upon a request for changing the gear-ratio (ratio between transmission input and output-speed) or upon a request for changing the transmissions output revolution speed.
US07971667B2	System and method of inhibiting the effects of driveline backlash in a hybrid propulsion system In a hybrid electric vehicle, a motor may be downstream of an engine and transmission. This configuration can be exploited by using the motor to buffer and control torque changes between the engine and the wheels, thereby reducing driveline backlash and clunk.
US07971665B2	Motor vehicle comprising a hybrid drive and method for controlling the idle speed of a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle A motor vehicle having a hybrid drive and a method for idle-speed control of a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle are provided. The hybrid drive includes an internal combustion engine having an engine management system, and at least one speed-controlled electric machine which is coupled to a drive shaft of the internal combustion engine during idling. During idling, the internal combustion engine is controlled by the engine management system in open or closed loop as a function of power demands of an electrical system of the motor vehicle.
US07971659B2	Foamer/sulfur scavenger composition and methods for making and using same A new multi-purpose foaming composition having applications in oil field application, industrial applications, waste management applications, or other applications that can be benefited by a foam, is disclosed, where the composition includes a surfactant, a sulfur scavenger and optionally an additive, where the sulfur scavenger and/or additive improve foam characteristics and/or the foam improves an activity of the sulfur scavenger and/or the additives. Method for using and making the foaming compositions are also disclosed, especially, coiled and capillary coiled tubing downhole applications.
US07971655B2	Hand-held power tool with a vibration-damped rounded handle The invention relates to a hand machine tool (2), particularly a percussion drill and/or percussion hammer, comprising a housing (4) having two parallel appendages (20, 22), a hollow, U-shaped, rounded handle (10) with a yoke (24) and two parallel legs (26, 28), said handle being movably supported on springs in relation to the housing (4) for the purpose of damping vibration. The appendages (20, 22) of the housing (4) extend into both hollow legs (26, 28) of the rounded handle (10). The invention also comprises two coupling elements (34, 36) situated in the hollow yoke (24) of the rounded handle (10) which serve to synchronize the movements of both legs (26, 28). The external end faces of the coupling elements (34, 36) are flexibly connected to the appendages (20, 22). The coupling elements (34, 36) are connected on the other end faces thereof to the rounded handle (10), and cross each other, and are flexibly connected to each other at the crossing point.
US07971654B2	Rotary impact tool A rotary impact tool includes a drive shaft rotationally driven by a rotational drive power source, a hammer arranged around the drive shaft, a ball engaging with a cam groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft and a cam groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the hammer, an anvil engageable with the hammer along a rotational direction and a spring for biasing the hammer toward the anvil. The hammer is designed to rotate along a rotational locus decided by the cam groove of the drive shaft and the cam groove of the hammer. The rotational locus of the hammer as seen in a development view describes a curve in which the lead angle of the rotational locus varies continuously with the change in hammer rotation angle.
US07971653B2	Aerator with hole spacing control system An aerator with a hole spacing control system is disclosed. The aerator has a traction drive with at least a pair of driven wheels and a single steered wheel. A vehicle control unit provides commands to the traction drive to move the aerator at a specified ground speed. An operator-adjustable hole spacing actuator may be moved to a plurality of hole spacing settings. The hole spacing actuator is electrically connected to the vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit includes logic to vary the commands to the traction drive based on the hole spacing settings from the actuator. An engine speed sensor and/or coring head speed sensor also may be electrically connected to the vehicle control unit, and the vehicle control unit commands being also based on inputs from those speed sensors.
US07971652B2	Linear actuation system in the form of a ring A device for use in actuating a valve to control the flow of fluids through a flow tube comprises a stationary ring surrounding the flow tube, the ring having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the flow tube. An interior of the ring and an exterior of the flow tube have complementary screw threads. At least three actuators are equally circumferentially spaced along an exterior of the ring. When activated an actuator induces a screw thread on the interior of the ring to engage a screw thread on the exterior of the flow tube such that the flow tube is moved in an axial direction relative to the ring.
US07971649B2	Flow control system having an isolation device for preventing gas interference during downhole liquid removal operations A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a wellbore to remove liquid from the wellbore. An isolation device is positioned in communication with the wellbore to substantially prevent gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.
US07971647B2	Apparatus and method for raising a fluid in a well An apparatus, and a method which uses the apparatus, for raising a fluid from a lower region to a higher region of an at least partially cased well. The apparatus includes: a tubing string; a contacting structure at the upper end of the tubing string for engaging a stop structure in the well casing such that the tubing string is held in suspension; an exterior sealing element for sealing against the casing wall; and an internal check valve.
US07971637B2	Dual mini well surface control system A well surface control system for use with various types of work strings such as, but not limited to, drill strings, coiled tubing, snubbing pipe, electric line, production tubing, and wireline. The system includes a main housing with a main bore extending from one end to the other. The main housing is equipped with a side port which communicates with the main bore between the two ends. The main housing is also equipped with two valves for controlling fluid and/or gas flows through the main bore and for severing a component of a work string running through the main bore. The first valve is positioned between the side port and one end of the main housing and the second valve is positioned between the side port and the other end of the main housing. Attached to each end of the main housing is a saver sub, with means for temporarily locking the saver subs to the main housing to prevent circular and longitudinal movement of the saver subs in relation to the main housing.
US07971636B2	Heat exchanger with drain grooves A heat exchanger for use as an evaporator includes a heat exchange core having a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged in a left-right direction at a spacing, and a refrigerant turn tank as a lower tank disposed toward a lower end of the heat exchange core. The heat exchange tubes are inserted through respective tube insertion holes formed in the turn tank and joined to the tank. The turn tank has drain grooves each extending from a forwardly or rearwardly outer end of each of the tube insertion holes for discharging condensation water to below the turn tank therethrough. Each of the drain grooves has a bottom extending gradually downward as the bottom extends away from the tube insertion hole. the exchanger is used as the evaporator, the top surface of the turn tank can be drained of water with an improved efficiency.
US07971634B2	Air conditioner and antibacterial case Air conditioner pertaining to the present invention in which a synthetic polymer case, in which an antibacterial agent impregnated in a medium such as a porous body or water-absorbing polymer is sealed, is arranged in the upstream airflow side and/or downstream airflow side of an evaporator, which air conditioner is characterized in that the thickness of the wall of the case is formed to allow gas permeation of the antibacterial agent, and in that the thickness of the wall on the downstream airflow side is less than the thickness of the wall on the upstream airflow side.
US07971623B2	Adjustable garage door window frame and method of installation A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members of injection molded plastic which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The window frame members have alignment elements to assist in assemble and have engagement elements located about their peripheries which snap together in mating fashion to mount the frame members within the window opening. The engagement elements are adjustable to accommodate garage door panels of varying thicknesses and window panes of varying thicknesses. The engagement elements are also disengageable with a hand tool to separate the frame members and remove the members from the window opening.
US07971622B2	Modular structure for temporary exhibitions A modular structure (1) for temporary exhibitions which comprises at least one shaft component (2), at least one sheet (3) with at least one fixed end (3a), which is fastened to the shaft component (2) and at least one free end (3b) opposite the fixed end (3a), and a releasable fastening mechanism (11) capable of fixing the free end (3a) to the shaft component (2) and in which the shaft component (2), comprises a rolling device suitable for rolling the sheet (3).
US07971621B2	Filling bell for filling a tubeless tire A filling bell can be used to fill a tubeless tire arranged on a wheel rim with a pressurized gas. The filling bell includes an annular sealing face which can be pressed onto a side wall of the tire. The filling bell also includes a central opening, into which the wheel rim may penetrate. The sealing face is formed by an annular flange which surrounds the opening and includes a plurality of wedge-shaped segments. The width of the wedge-shaped segments increases away from the opening. The wedge-shaped segments are displaceable relative to one another and substantially radially relative to the opening.
US07971619B2	Stamping cylinder A cylinder for stamping planar substrates, such as sheets of paper comprises at least a pit with clamping means for holding a stamping medium on said cylinder, said medium comprising at least a row of stamps distributed along the medium. The medium is formed by a stamping plate or by stamping strips and said cylinder further comprises at least a supporting piece forming a bridge over said pit.
US07971614B2	System for locking a mounting ring on a vehicle hub A locking system for a ring for mounting on a hub of a vehicle, the mounting ring being intended to receive a bead of a tire in an assembly for mounting the tire on the hub of a vehicle. The locking system comprises a locking ring and a polymeric insert.
US07971613B2	Detection systems for power equipment Methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood. The methods and woodworking equipment may include predictive blade stop algorithms that prevent unnecessary activations of a safety brake during coast down of a blade and continued protection in the event a main power switch is turned off.
US07971603B2	Header for a heat exchanger Disclosed herein is a header for a heat exchanger that has an inflow side, an outflow side, a bypass port therebetween, and a pressure-sensitive flapper valve proximal the bypass port. As pressure increases at the inflow side of the header, the flapper valve opens proportionally, and, as pressure decreases at the inflow side, the flapper valve closes proportionally. The flapper valve is preferably included as part of a service cartridge assembly to facilitate easy repair and/or replacement of the flapper valve. In some embodiments of the invention, a differential pressure is measured between the inflow and outflow sides, and activation of the heat exchanger is initiated in response to the differential pressure having exceeded a set point.
US07971602B2	Systems and methods for the collection, retention and redistribution of rainwater and methods of construction of the same Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and redistributing water, which systems and methods make use of building foundations and surface concrete slab structures. A variety of rainwater collectors are anticipated, including rooftop collection systems (e.g., gutters) and ground surface covering structures (driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and patios). These collection systems are joined together in a collection conduit system that carries the rainwater to one or more rainwater containment vessels. The stored water may then be redistributed, again through a variety of distribution means, to address part or all of the landscape watering requirements of the property. The system takes advantage of standard foundation and slab construction techniques to establish a major portion of the structure required for the containment vessel.
US07971601B2	Water circulation system valve assemblies having water temperature control A valve assembly for a water circulation system includes a valve body defining a bypass passage between a hot water side and a cold water side of the valve body. The bypass passage has a valve seat therein. A bypass valve is received within the bypass passage. The bypass valve restricts the flow of water through the bypass passage based on a temperature of the water in the bypass passage. The bypass valve is variably positionable with respect to the valve seat to control a bypass shut-off temperature of the water.
US07971598B1	Valve in-line backflow control A valving assembly, comprises elongated tubular body, a first annular diaphragm in the body, and a first annular seat in the body engaged by the first diaphragm when pressurized fluid flow passes through the body and through the first diaphragm to deflect the first diaphragm, a second annular diaphragm in the body, and a second annular seat in the body engaged by the second diaphragm when said pressurized flow passes through the body and second diaphragm to deflect the second diaphragm, a third seat in the body engaged by the first diaphragm to block reverse flow through the body, an escape port in the body to allow escape of the reverse flow, and a drain port in the body to allow drainage of such fluid in the body upstream of the first diaphragm during such reverse flow.
US07971597B2	Wire tray and tent frame incorporating same A wire tray and tent frame structural members are provided. The structural members include a utility channel or C-shaped channels to which wire trays can be mounted. More particularly, mounting structures of the wire tray insert into or otherwise engage the utility channel or engage the C-shaped channels and secure the wire tray to the structural members. The utility channel or C-shaped channels can include at least one undercut to prevent removal or disengagement of the mounting structure of the wire tray from the structural member. Similarly, methods of using the wire tray including resiliently biasing mounting structure of the wire tray to attach it to the structural member are provided.
US07971593B2	Hair rollers The invention relates to a hair roller (1) having a central roller mandrel (3) and a partially slotted hair roller housing (2) that surrounds the roller mandrel at a distance. Said hair roller fixes the hair in the vicinity of the scalp by means of catch hooks and is positioned approximately at a right angle to the scalp in the final wound position.
US07971592B2	Magnetic cell and method of using the same In the present invention, because no examples are known of binding of magnetic particle to mesenchymal cell or chondrocyte which might be used in regenerative medicine, whether or not a cell having the magnetic particle bound thereto is retained in local by external magnetism after administration and whether or not the cell can exhibit intrinsic activity is studied. According to the present invention, a magnetic cell comprising mesenchymal cell or cultured chondrocyte having magnetic particle bound to the surface thereof is provided, and when the cell is administered in vivo and an external magnetic field is applied, the cell can be retained for a long time at a disease site. Moreover, a drug delivery system can be constructed by causing the magnetic cells to contain a drug.
US07971589B2	System and method for a collapsible reservoir with an auxillary fluid channel A collapsible reservoir system is disclosed herein. The collapsible reservoir system includes a first tube pneumatically connected to the collapsible reservoir, and a second tube pneumatically connected to the collapsible reservoir. The second tube is configured to generally remain open in the absence of an externally applied compressive force. The second tube is positioned relative to the collapsible reservoir such that a compressive force applied to the collapsible reservoir can also compress and thereby restrict the second tube. A corresponding method for controlling the pressure of a collapsible reservoir system is also provided.
US07971588B2	Methods and systems for operating an aerosol generator A method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes delivering a dose of aerosolized medicament intermittently to a ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of the patient. Also, a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes taking the patient off a ventilator, and administering to the patient, a nebulized aerosol comprising from about 100 μg to about 500 mg of a medicament. Additionally, an aerosolized medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary disease, where the medicament includes amikacin mixed with an aqueous solution having an adjusted pH from about 5.5 to about 6.3. The pH is adjusted by adding hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to the aqueous solution.
US07971586B2	Solar heating system and method of forming a panel assembly therefor A solar heating system for mounting under a roof includes a panel formed of a sheet material, the panel having substantially opposed first and second surfaces and adapted for attachment under the roof with the first surface substantially facing the roof. A plurality of tubing fasteners extend outward from the second surface of the panel, and at least one run of tubing is held against the second surface of the panel by the plurality of tubing fasteners. The plurality of tubing fasteners can be partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material. The system can also include a sidewall formed by folding a portion of the sheet material toward the second surface along a line of weakness and standoff tabs extending from the first surface formed as partially cut-out and bent portions of the sheet material.
US07971582B1	Pulley assembly and axle for compound bows Rigging for a compound archery bow including first and second pulley assemblies disposed at ends of opposite first and second bow limbs. Each pulley assembly includes an integral pivot axle, mounted to rotate about an axis at the tip of a limb on which it is mounted. Each pulley assembly also includes a string pulley component fixed to the axle, and having a non-circular peripheral string groove; a cable pulley component fixed to the axle, and having a peripheral cable take-up groove; a bowstring with opposite ends connected to the first and second pulley assemblies such that, at rest condition of the bow, the peripheral string grooves are substantially occupied by wrapped bowstring; a first cable segment, extending from the entry of the peripheral cable take-up groove of the first pulley assembly to an attachment carried by the second limb; and a second cable segment, extending from the entry of the peripheral cable take-up groove of the second pulley assembly to an attachment carried by the first limb.
US07971580B2	Control device for internal combustion engine and straddle type vehicle provided with the same Startability of an internal combustion engine using a mixed fuel of gasoline and alcohol is improved. An intake passage of the engine has a main flow channel provided with a throttle valve and a bypass flow channel for bypassing the throttle valve. A bypass quantity adjusting mechanism adjusts the bypass quantity in the bypass flow channel. A control device detects or estimates the mixing ratio of alcohol of the fuel and controls the bypass quantity adjusting mechanism so that a bypass quantity before a first explosion is smaller than a bypass quantity after the first explosion when the mixing ratio of alcohol is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
US07971573B2	System for regulating pilot fuel supply in a combustion engine The invention relates to supplying pilot fuel to the cylinders of a combustion engine. The invention comprises cylinder-specific pressure sensors (1) that are installed in the cylinders of the combustion engine, as well as a control unit (2). The control unit determines each cylinder's crankshaft angle at maximum pressure and the cylinders' average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure, and verifies whether the average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure is within a certain range of crankshaft angle variation. If the average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure is outside the range of variation, the duration of total pilot fuel injection into the engine is controlled. Furthermore, the differences between each cylinder's crankshaft angle at maximum pressure and the average crankshaft angle at maximum pressure are determined. The differences are compared with a certain range of difference variation, and the duration of fuel injection into a cylinder is controlled if the difference in an individual cylinder traverses the minimum or maximum limit of the range of difference variation.
US07971571B2	Operation control method on the basis of ion current in internal combustion engine The present invention is an operation control method on the basis of an ion current in an internal combustion engine, the method comprising a step of detecting the ion current generated within a combustion chamber 30 so as to control an operating state of the internal combustion engine 100 on the basis of a state of the detected ion current, wherein a control at an engine start point in time on the basis of the state of the ion current is stopped for predetermined cycles just after the engine start.
US07971564B2	Premixed compression ignition type engine and method of controlling intake air thereof An intake passage (10) communicating with a combustion chamber (3) comprises a first branch intake passage (16) having an intake port (4) at one end thereof and also having an intake manifold including a surge tank (13), a second branch intake passage (17) having an intake port (14) at one end thereof and also having an intake manifold including a surge tank (23), and a common intake passage (19) communicating with the ends of the first branch intake passage (16) and the second branch intake passage (17). The common intake passage (19) is provided with a mixer (11) for producing a mixture. The intake passage (10) is provided with a switching valve (18) for bringing the common intake passage (19) into communication with at least one of the first branch intake passage (16) and the second branch intake passage (17).
US07971563B2	Engine valve operating system In an engine valve operating system, a timing transmission chamber (48) is formed on one side of an engine main body; the timing transmission chamber (48) houses a timing transmission system (37) that provides a connection between a crankshaft (12) and a camshaft (36) disposed above intake and exhaust valves (29i, 29e); opposite end parts of the camshaft (36) are supported by one side wall (5a) of a cylinder head (5) and a dividing wall (5b) that is adjacent to the timing transmission chamber (48); and a valve operating chamber (49) housing the camshaft (36) is defined between said one side wall (5a) and the dividing wall (5b). An oil slinger (72) is disposed in a lower part of the timing transmission chamber (48). An oil passage hole (75) is provided in the dividing wall (5b), the oil passage hole (75) guiding scattered oil that has been shaken off in an upper part of the timing transmission system (37) to the valve operating chamber (49). An oil return passage (77) is provided for transmitting pressure pulsations generated in the crank chamber (9) to the valve operating chamber (49), and making oil that has collected in the valve operating chamber (49) flow downward to the crank chamber (9) within the crankcase (2). Thus, the interiors of the timing transmission chamber and the valve operating chamber which are separated from each other can be lubricated without using an oil pump, while maintaining an arrangement in which the camshaft is disposed above the intake and exhaust valves.
US07971558B2	Circulating fluidized bed reactor with separator and integrated acceleration duct A circulating fluidized bed including a reaction chamber connected by an acceleration duct to a centrifugal separator which separates hot gas particles derived from the chamber. The acceleration duct is arranged partly in the upper part of the chamber.
US07971557B2	Dog boot A dog boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate, preferably of durable material such as heavy nylon. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, tensioning straps, and strategically located cushions are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching.
US07971553B2	Method and apparatus for creating a pathway in an animal A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. In addition to AI and embryo transplant, other applications for the pathway include other therapeutic, diagnostic or procedures, such as introducing fluoroscopic cameras, instruments, and drug delivery.
US07971552B1	Free-standing, portable support system stand for providing liquid and food for pets/animals A water bottle has a main body section and a dispensing mechanism. A tapering section is between the main body section and the water dispensing mechanism. A support base includes a horizontal lower plate and a vertical upper plate, a pair of laterally spaced top holes and at least one pair of vertically aligned, laterally spaced additional holes. A bottle retainer has a vertical component. The vertical component has a pair of bolts. The bolts extend rearwardly from the vertical component. The bolts are spaced the same distance between the holes. A pair of horizontal components extend forwardly from the vertical component. Each of the horizontal components have an opening to receive the main body portion of the bottle. A rotation abater is secured to the bottle retainer with an angled face to contact the water bottle there adjacent.
US07971541B2	Submerged substrate plug cutter and related method A device for use in cutting plugs of submerged substrate and particularly seagrass plugs for the purpose of transplanting using a corresponding transport receptacle and method. The device utilizes a hollow cutting member with a serrated bottom edge capable of being placed over a targeted area and forced into the submerged substrate, created vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member, and compressed air injected between the exterior of the hollow cutting member and the submerged substrate to accomplish cutting of a submerged substrate unit. Vacuum pressure in the hollow cutting member is released to transfer the collected unit to the corresponding transport receptacle with a removable bottom. A corresponding method for transplanting a collected seagrass plug is further accomplished by creating a hole at recipient site using the device and removing the transport receptacle's removable bottom to release the plug into the created hole.
US07971539B2	Cleaning device, cleaning tool and method of using the cleaning device A cleaning device, cleaning tool and method for cleaning outlet ports or the like and/or outlet spouts (12) or the like in soda recovery boilers of the like the cleaning device including at least one connecting rod and at least one front tool part mounted on the connecting rod.
US07971534B2	Mobile platform for the delivery of bulk explosive The present invention is directed to a mobile platform for the delivery of bulk explosives to a blast hole. One embodiment of the platform provides a tank for holding an explosive composition and a rotary shaft that supports a mixing blade that mixes the explosive composition within the tank. The platform further comprises bearing structure for supporting the rotary shaft that is located to deter any of the explosive composition from entering the bearing.
US07971532B1	Microelectromechanical systems ignition safety device The present disclosure provides a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) igniter which is an ignition safety device (ISD) in a small, low-cost, low-power, and highly reliable design. The MEMS igniter provides both out-of-line safety and an ignition mechanism for a rocket motor. The igniter is initially held in a safe, out-of-line position with respect to a propellant. Upon receiving appropriate arm and fire commands and sensing the correct environment, MEMS mechanisms move an ignition component into alignment and the device can function.
US07971531B2	Method for detecting an unknown or unmarked slave device such as in an electronic blasting system A system, for example an electronic blasting system, in which a detection command is issued by a master device to all slave devices connected to the system, causing all slave devices that have not been identified to the master device to respond.
US07971529B2	Assembly for rotary press An assembly for a rotary press is provided including a hub which is suitable for being rotatably mounted about a center axis in a rotary press, a format adaptation sleeve and means for fixing the adaptation sleeve to the hub. The hub and the adaptation sleeve each include a stop surface. The stop surfaces have a frustoconical shape about the center axis, and the fixing means comprise a radial stop element which is suitable for being interposed between the hub and the adaptation sleeve.
US07971521B2	Flatbread maker A handle and latch assembly for a flatbread maker, which includes a handle rotatably mounted to an upper heating plate of the flatbread maker. A roller plate extends downward from the handle, adjacent the peripheral edge of the upper plate, the roller plate having a roller rotatably mounted near the lower end thereof. A latch member is secured to a lower portion of the body of the flatbread maker, beneath the lower heating plate. The latch member has a lower surface configuration which includes at least two curved or notched areas therein. The handle is pressed downwardly so that is the roller engages one or the other of the two curved areas, flatbreads with two different thicknesses are produced.
US07971519B2	Apparatus for hydraulically adjusting the blades of an impeller of an axial-flow fan An apparatus for hydraulically adjusting the blades of an impeller of an axial-flow fan, comprising an adjustment cylinder that on both sides of a piston displaceably disposed in the cylinder has a first chamber and a second chamber respectively provided with a connection to control oil lines connected to four-way valves. Not only a feed line leading to one of the control oil lines, but also a return line connected to the other control oil line, is each divided into two parallel branch lines. Two redundant four-way valves are provided, each being disposed in one of the parallel branch lines. Disposed in each branch line of each control oil line, between the respective connection and the respective four-way valve, is a seat valve that closes by spring force.
US07971513B2	Paper punch die and paper punch with such a die A paper punch die (125) is disclosed as including a top part (110, 202, 302) and a platform (100, 206, 306) engaged with each other, the platform (100, 206, 306) having an upper major surface (106) and a lower major surface (126, 207, 307), the upper major surface of the platform (100, 206, 306) being in abutment with a lower major surface (118) of the top part (110, 202, 302), and an endless wall (130) with an undulating cutting edge (132) extending away from the lower major surface (126, 207, 307) of the platform (100, 206, 306). There is also disclosed a paper punch (140) including such a paper punch die (125).
US07971511B2	Panel saw machine A panel saw machine comprises: a horizontal work table movable in a forward and backward direction; a clamping unit equipped with one or more gripping elements for retaining panels while they are being machined; a cutting unit that divides the panels into sub-panels along an axis transversal to the feed axis; a horizontal tray positioned above the horizontal work table for transporting the panels; means for holding the tray in conjunction with means for driving the tray and enabling the tray to perform a first movement along the feed axis in both directions and a rotational movement on the horizontal work table so as to vary the position of the tray and of the panels with respect to the cutting unit.
US07971509B2	Dual screwdriver adaptable to connector assemblies of different types and sizes A dual screwdriver is provided for connecting and disconnecting a connector assembly having first and second jackscrew guideposts. In one embodiment, the dual screwdriver includes a housing, a user input rotatably coupled to the housing, first and second manually-bendable shafts each rotatably coupled to the housing, and first and second bits mounted to the distal end portions of first and second manually-bendable shafts, respectively. The first and second bits are configured to matingly engage the first and second jackscrew guideposts. A gear train is disposed in the housing and mechanically couples the user input to the first and second manually-bendable shafts. The rotation of the user input drives the rotation of the first and second manually-bendable shafts and, therefore, the rotation of the first and second jackscrew guideposts when matingly engaged by the first and second bits, respectively.
US07971507B2	Lubrication arrangement A lubrication arrangement for interlocking gears 2, 3 is configured by a housing 1 which incorporates sections 1a, 1b of a snail cross-section. Thus, rotating gears 2, 3 are positioned to generate a centrifugal pumping effect between those gears 2, 3 and the housing sections 1a, 1b which drives scavenged oil flow into a volute 11 formed by the opposing surface of the housing 1a, 1b. The scavenged oil is driven in the direction 13 towards an off-take 12 configured such that there is a minimum available cross-sectional area 14 between the housing at the intermeshing of the gears 2, 3 at an interlocking location 4. In such circumstances the scavenged oil is driven at relatively high speed through the off-take 12. Such relatively high speed scavenged oil 15 can be used for displacement scavenging in other parts of an engine or machine where problems exist with oil residence.
US07971506B2	Automotive accelerator pedal with adaptive position kick-down detent An adaptive position kick-down detent mechanism for providing a force feedback to an operator of a vehicle through a drive-by-wire accelerator prior to the transmission performing a kick-down. The kick-down detent mechanism includes a plunger portion, a plunger driving device, and an elastic portion. The plunger portion is slidable within the plunger driving device and is biased by the elastic portion. An electronic control unit communicates a kick-down pedal position to the plunger driving device, which moves the plunger portion to the kick-down pedal position so that the force feedback is provided to the driver before the kick-down even as the kick-down pedal position changes during vehicle operation.
US07971502B2	Assembly with metal casting and polymeric member and transmission shift mechanism including same An assembly including a polymeric member and a unitary metal casting wherein the metal casting relatively moveably captures the polymeric member on the metal casting. The assembly can be adapted for use as a crank arm in a transmission shift mechanism. In some embodiments of the assembly, the polymeric member includes an opening defining a rotational axis of said polymeric member. The metal casting extends into the opening and includes at least one enlarged diameter portion with the polymeric member being rotationally disposed on the metal casting and axially captured on the metal casting by the at least one enlarged diameter portion of the metal casting. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.
US07971501B2	Shift lock assembly A shift lock assembly including a shifter base and a shift lever having a pivot member that is associated with the shifter base. A detent member having an upper portion including engaging features is coupled to the pivot member. A lock lever having opposing sides and a first end pivotally attached to the shifter base and a second end adapted to contact the engaging features of the detent member is also included. At least one solenoid is connected to the lock lever for pivotally moving the lock lever relative to the detent member wherein the at least one solenoid moves the lock lever between low, middle and high positions in response to control parameters.
US07971498B2	Control device A control device is provided for a technical system (17), e.g. for a shift-by-wire vehicle transmission. The control device includes a control (actuating) element, e.g. a rotary knob (1), with at least two shifting positions. The control element (1), itself, can rotate without limitation, whereas the control device has at least one stop device (2, 3), which can be adjusted in a controlled manner and which limits the angle of rotation (W) of the control element (1).
US07971495B2	Measuring a tensile force An apparatus can measure a tensile force in a continuously running material, such as a material web or strand. The apparatus can facilitating an improved absorption of force and a more precise measurement while at the same time enabling simpler manufacture and easier installation.
US07971492B2	Method and system for inspecting characteristics of bended flexible unit A method for inspecting characteristics of bended flexible unit is disclosed, which comprises steps of: (a) providing a clip unit, an observing unit, a characteristic-inspecting unit and a controlling unit; said clip unit, observing unit, and characteristic-inspecting unit are electrically connected to said controlling unit which stored a predetermined radius; (b) the clip unit clips a flexible unit and bends the same; (c) the observing unit gets the lateral profile of the flexible unit and sends it to the controlling unit which calculates the bending radius thereof accordingly; and (d) the controlling unit determines if the bending radius is the same to the predetermined one; if positive, the clip unit stops and the characteristic-inspecting unit inspects the characteristic of said flexible unit; if negative, the procedure returns to step (b).
US07971486B2	Apparatus and method for the vibroacoustic inspection of a motor vehicles The invention is an apparatus and a method for carrying out a vibroacoustic inspection of a motor vehicle that features at least a front and a rear axle, with a test stand that is directly or indirectly connected to at least one of the two axles by means of a force flow and relative to which the motor vehicle is tied, wherein at least one vibration generator of a first type is provided along the force flow in order to generate vibrations below 50 Hz. The invention includes at least one second vibration generator of a second type, which is provided along the at least one force flow or parallel to the force flow, for generating vibrations above 30 Hz, preferably above 100 Hz, and the at least one second vibration generator is operatively connected to the motor vehicle.
US07971485B2	Method of and apparatus for testing wooden poles A method of testing an elongate wooden element includes injecting an input acoustic signal into the element, detecting a return acoustic signal at a surface of the element, and determining a spectral profile for the return signal. In at least a predetermined range in the spectral profile, each resonance peak is detected whose amplitude exceeds a first predetermined value, and from the resonance peaks so detected the number of higher peaks is determined whose amplitude exceeds 3 dB. For each of said higher peaks a quality factor Q is calculated, a mean quality value Qm is determined, and Qm is then compared with a predetermined value to provide an indication of the presence or absence of external decay of the element. A ratio R of the number of higher peaks to the number of resonance peaks detected, and the statistical spread S of the average Q for the spectral profile, are calculated and compared with a predetermined boundary function Fn(R,S) to determine acceptability or unacceptability of the pole.
US07971483B2	Systems and methods for acceleration and rotational determination from an out-of-plane MEMS device A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) inertial sensor systems and methods are operable to determine linear acceleration and rotation. An exemplary embodiment applies a first linear acceleration rebalancing force via a first electrode pair to a first proof mass, applies a second linear acceleration rebalancing force via a second electrode pair to a second proof mass, applies a first Coriolis rebalancing force via a third electrode pair to the first proof mass, applies a second Coriolis rebalancing force via a fourth electrode pair to the second proof mass, determines a linear acceleration corresponding to the applied first and second linear acceleration rebalancing forces, and determines a rotation corresponding to the applied first and second Coriolis rebalancing forces.
US07971481B2	Circuit design to prevent false level sense readings A circuit for conveying signals between one or more ink level sensors and a circuit includes a substrate having a circuit end, a sensor end, and an elongated body extending therebetween. The sensor end includes a bottom layer in which the first signal trace is routed and a top layer in which the second and third signal traces are routed. The sensor end includes a first, a second, and a third connector each extending through the top and the bottom layers that are electrically connected to a first signal trace, a second signal trace, and a third signal trace, respectively, in the substrate. The first connector, the second connector, and the third connector are configured for electrical connection to a first probe, a second probe, and a third probe, respectively, of the level sensor. A first ground trace is positioned in the sensor end that includes a first continuous guard ring in the top layer completely surrounding and spaced from the first connector, and a first segmented guard ring in the bottom layer including a plurality of segments that are each electrically connected to the first continuous guard ring and being spaced from the other segments in the first segmented guard ring. The first signal trace is routed in the bottom layer to the first connector via a space between the segments of the first segmented guard ring.
US07971479B2	Fluid flow rate measurement apparatus A fluid flow rate measurement apparatus prevents accumulation of pollutional substances in a sub-passage to enable high-accuracy fluid flow rate measurement. A heater pattern is formed on the surface of a cylindrical rod. When electricity is conducted in the heater pattern and heat is generated, the heat is transmitted to the sub-passage through an insulating layer. The heat is gradually transmitted up to the leading end of the sub-passage, and burns out pollutional substances adhering to the sub-passage. In this way, accumulation in the sub-passage of pollutional substances can be prevented, thus attaining a fluid flow rate measurement apparatus that enables high-accuracy fluid flow rate measurement.
US07971478B2	Wind sensor A wind sensor includes first and second elements in an orthogonal axis arrangement and a calibration data array comprising first calibration data associated with the first element and second calibration array data associated with second element. An anemometric processor determines a wind speed (S) and direction (W) for an airflow received by the first and second elements using a first electrical parameter associated with the first element and the first calibration array data and a second electrical parameter associated with the second element and the second calibration array data. A wind sensing probe can have a pair of wind sensing elements, wherein each element has a core formed of a low specific heat, low density, high temperature plastic polymer, with two metal leads extending from the ends of core. A wind sensing element can include a fine Nickel alloy coil wound around an aforementioned core.
US07971475B2	Method for diagnosing an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle A method for diagnosing an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle having at least one sensor unit, including at least one sound receiver, the sound receiver converting sound waves into an electrical signal. Sound waves of the internal combustion engine are recorded using the sound receiver of the sensor unit and converted into an electrical signal, and the electrical signal is used for the diagnosis of the operating state of the internal combustion engine.
US07971473B1	Apparatus and process for testing turbine vane airflow An apparatus and process for testing airflow through a turbine vane under actual engine airflow conditions. The apparatus includes first a second static pressure chamber each with an opening on which a cover plate is to be secured to enclose the chamber and hold the vane in place for testing. Each chamber includes a pressurized air supply tube that extends into the chamber to deliver the volume of air necessary for testing the airflow. The chamber is of such a size that the high volume of pressurized air delivered to the chamber will enter the vane as static air for the testing. The cover plates are formed of two halves in which the vane endwall can be secured between the halves. A stand supports both cover plates so that the plates and the vane can be moved into position where the cover plates are secured to the opening of the chamber for testing. The pressurized air supplied to both chambers flows into the vane and through the film cooling holes so that proper testing of the airflow can be done. If a vane has two separate internal cooling passages, each pressure chamber can be supplied with different pressures to simulate airflow conditions through the two different passages.
US07971471B2	Quartz window gas sensor with heated membrane The gas sensor has a selectively permeable membrane which is composed of silicon material and is provided with a heating device on the outside. The membrane closes an evacuated housing which contains a pressure sensor. When evacuating the area surrounding the housing, the heat dissipation is changed as a result of the quick change in the total pressure of the surrounding air, with the result that signal drift arises despite temperature regulation of the membrane. The disclosure provides at least one second heating device whose temperature is regulated independently of the first heating device. As a result, the membrane temperature is highly constant even in the case of severely changing total pressure in the housing.
US07971468B2	Part transfer system and method A transfer assembly (22) for moving a work-piece (26) between stations of a hydroforming and/or hydrotrimming assembly. The transfer assembly (22) includes left and right posts (40, 42) spaced from and parallel to each other and extending vertically. A left top arm (56) and a left bottom arm (58) and a right top arm (62) and a right bottom arm (64) extend in spaced and parallel relationship with each other transversely to the posts (40, 42) to distal ends (60, 84). An upper rail (80) extends between the distal ends (60) of the top arms (56, 62) and a lower rail (82) extends between the distal ends (60) of the bottom arms (58, 64). The rails (80, 82) each include a plurality of part grabbers (86, 88) for engaging the work-piece (26). A transfer module interconnects each arm with the associated post for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) vertically up and down and for moving the arms (56, 58, 62, 64) in and out. A rail transfer module (74) interconnects each arm with the associated rail for moving the rails (80, 82) side-to-side.
US07971466B2	Press-formed member having corner portion, press-formed member manufacturing apparatus and press-formed member manufacturing method A press-formed member includes a first wall with a first thickness, a second wall with a second thickness, and a first corner portion. The first corner portion is disposed between the first and second walls, with the first corner portion having an increased thickness formed by pressure-forming such that the increased thickness of the first corner portion is larger than the first and second thicknesses of the first and second walls adjacent to the first corner portion. In a manufacturing method for the press-formed member, a preliminary body structure to be deformed is provided, and the thickness of the first corner portion of the preliminary body structure is increased by applying pressure to the preliminary body structure.
US07971464B2	Small-sized electronic casing and method of manufacturing small-sized electronic casing One mode of the present invention relates to a small-sized electronic casing comprising an aluminum alloy extruded shape having a hollow sectional part at least contained in a main part, wherein the extruded shape has at least either component-mounting holes or notches. Another mode of the present invention relates to a small-sized electronic casing manufacturing method that comprises a press punching process of forming at least either component-mounting holes or notches in an aluminum alloy extruded shape of a prescribed length having a hollow sectional part. The present invention may provide an aluminum alloy casing that is excellent in formability and productivity, has a smaller thickness and provides higher dimensional precision.
US07971459B2	Door lock and alarm A door lock and alarm in the form of a case which is attached to the exterior door handle by a clamping mechanism that stops movement of the case with respect to the door in all degrees of freedom, but allows the handle to turn inside the case. The case is provided with a lockable cover so as to permit an authorized user to open the cover and operate the door handle. An alarm device can be provided within the case to indicate tampering with the door lock.
US07971454B2	Beaker type dyeing machine In one embodiment, the present invention is a beaker type dyeing machine. One embodiment of an apparatus for dyeing a material in a beaker includes a cylinder body having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for coupling to the lid of the beaker, a check valve incorporated into the first end of the cylinder body, and a plug incorporated into the second end of the cylinder body, the plug being operable to control opening and closing of the check valve.
US07971450B2	Deep-freezer with neural network Deep-freezing apparatus for foodstuffs comprising a deep-freezing compartment, signal display means, sensor means adapted to detect the temperature inside the foodstuffs stored in said deep-freezing compartment, processing means for the signals generated by said sensor means, wherein the apparatus further comprises a neural network adapted to receive the signals issued by a temperature sensor situated inside the foodstuff being deep-frozen and by an information on the time elapsed from the beginning of the deep-freezing process, and further adapted to provide a signal representative of the residual time needed to reach a pre-set (deep-freezing) temperature, as well as processing means adapted to receive the signal output by said neural network and provide in response an information representative of the predicted time needed for a pre-determined temperature to be reached on said first temperature sensor.
US07971447B2	Control parameters for a high voltage battery cooling strategy A cooling system for a vehicle battery is described. The system has a cooling loop in heat transfer communication with the battery, for removing heat therefrom with a coolant, a first cooling device selectively coupleable to the cooling loop, using a refrigerant fluid to transfer heat with the coolant, and a second cooling device selectively coupleable to the cooling loop, using ambient air to transfer heat with the coolant. Various temperature sensors for sensing an ambient temperature and a battery temperature are provided, and connected to a controller that implements a coolant flow bypass function by commanding operation of a valve to bypass the selected one of the cooling devices in response to the battery and the ambient temperatures.
US07971441B2	Receiver/dryer-accumulator-internal heat exchanger for vehicle air conditioning system An integrated receiver/dryer-accumulator-internal heat exchanger for use in a vehicle HVAC system and a method of operation. The integrated receiver/dryer-accumulator-internal heat exchanger may include an accumulator portion having an accumulator inlet configured to be in fluid communication with an evaporator, and an accumulator outlet configured to be in fluid communication with a compressor; and a receiver/dryer portion mounted within the accumulator portion and having receiver/dryer inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a first portion of a condenser and a receiver/dryer outlet configured to be in fluid communication with a sub-cooler portion of the condenser. The integrated receiver/dryer-accumulator-internal heat exchanger allows for exchanging heat between the refrigerant in the accumulator portion and refrigerant in the receiver/dryer portion.
US07971439B2	Annular turbomachine combustion chamber An annular turbomachine combustion chamber comprising an inner wall, an outer wall, and a chamber end wall disposed between said inner and outer walls in the upstream region of said chamber, the chamber end wall presenting a central portion and an outer assembly flange, and the outer wall presenting an upstream assembly flange, the chamber end wall and the outer wall being assembled together by their assembly flanges, in which the free edge of said outer assembly flange is curved inwards. In addition, the outer face of the outer assembly flange presents a shoulder.
US07971438B2	Gas turbine engine having a heat exchanger arrangement for exhaust gas flows Environmental concerns have resulted in consideration of the effects of condensation trails from gas turbine engines. By provision of a condensation stage in a heat exchanger arrangement for a gas turbine engine the level of condensation within a final exhaust gas flow G from an engine is reduced. Furthermore, by cooling of the exhaust gas flows for mixing with by-pass air flows a water partial pressure at an exhaust gas exit temperature can be provided which is below the eutectic liquid to vapor phase transition and therefore avoid condensation (contrail) formation.
US07971437B2	Thermal energy storage systems and methods A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed. The thermal energy storage apparatus has a phase change medium. The thermal energy storage apparatus also has an inner manifold area having at least one inner feed port. The thermal energy storage apparatus also has an outer manifold area having at least one outer feed port and fluidically coupled to the inner manifold area. The inner manifold area and the outer manifold area are configured to be substantially immersed in the phase change medium. Methods of constructing and controlling embodiments of related thermal energy storage apparati are also disclosed, as well as embodiments of related heat exchangers.
US07971424B2	Heat cycle system and composite heat cycle electric power generation system A high-efficiency heat cycle system including a compressor, a first turbine, first and second heat exchangers 7 and 8, a first pump, and an expander, and a composite heat cycle power generator using the high-efficiency heat cycle system. Working gas Fg compressed in the compressor (C) drives a first turbine (S) and is thereafter cooled by passing through a heat dissipating side of a first heat exchanger (7) and then raised in pressure by a first pump (P) to form high-pressure working liquid Fe, the high-pressure working liquid is expanded and evaporated in an expander (K) to form working gas Fg, said working gas Fg is heated by passing through a heat receiving side 82 of the second heat exchanger before being introduced into the compressor C. A heat dissipating side 81 of the second heat exchanger comprises a heat dissipating portion of a refrigerating machine or a heat dissipating portion for waste heat from a heating machine.
US07971422B2	Marine safety device attachment with automatic release capability A device for fastening emergency equipment to a vessel includes a hydrostatic release mechanism, a tether, and a float-free link. The tether is attached to the hydrostatic release mechanism and provides an attachment point for lashing the emergency equipment to the vessel. The tether may also be threaded through openings in the curved partially tubular body of the float-free link. A breakable bridge is integrally coupled to the body of the float-free link to form a closed loop. The breakable bridge is designed to be the break point when the emergency equipment needs to be freed from a vessel that has sunk below a predetermined depth. When the vessel sinks below the predetermined depth, the hydrostatic release mechanism severs the tether thus freeing the emergency equipment from one point of attachment to the vessel. The bridge is designed to break when the strain on the fastening line, e.g., the painter line, is between a predetermined minimum force and maximum force.
US07971421B2	Reel mower having transversely spaced, pivotal, and rigid links permitting cutting unit roll A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants to avoid the possibility of damage to the turf or grass. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength. The reel cutting unit also has a pivot axis for the bedknife allowing adjustment of the bedknife relative to the cutting reel without changing the longitudinal location of the front edge of the bed-knife to ensure consistent cutting of the cutting unit. Finally, an improved mounting for the grass basket used on he cutting unit is disclosed which mounting avoids inadvertent disengagement of the grass basket from the cutting unit.
US07971417B2	Elective down pressure system for cutting units of grass mowing machine An elective down pressure system for cutting units of a grass mowing machine with lift and lower mechanisms connected to the lift arms with lost motion couplings that may be set to either a downforce position in which the lift and lower mechanisms urge the lift arms to apply downforce to the cutting units while they are on the ground surface, or a no downforce position in which the lift and lower mechanisms discontinue urging the lift arms to apply downforce once the cutting units are on the ground surface.
US07971414B1	Multi-dose filling machine An apparatus for transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card to a second blister card includes a press plate, a transfer fixture, and a tray. The press plate is adapted for displacement between a first position and a second position to force the plurality of tablets out of a plurality of blisters carried by the first blister card. The transfer fixture includes a plurality of passageways, each of which is adapted to receive one tablet of the plurality of tablets from the first blister card. The passageways further direct the tablets into a corresponding plurality of blisters carried by the second blister card. The tray supports the second blister card adjacent the transfer fixture for receiving the tablets.
US07971410B2	Hurricane framing tie A unitary framing tie is provided for use in securing framing members in wood framed construction. The tie comprises a generally U-shaped base having: a pair of longitudinally spaced apart coplanar plates; a pair of substantially parallel, opposed flanges depending downwardly from the plates; and a pair of substantially parallel, opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the plates. In operation, the tie provides an apparatus capable of securing two framing ties together bilaterally, which may be installed before or after the framing members are affixed together.
US07971408B2	Stairtower and method for erecting the same A transportable and erectable stairtower having a removable/slidable wheel carriage and a removable installation section arranged for transporting and erecting the stairtower. The stairtower has vertical column members and lateral members defining levels of the stairtower. Removable staircases extend between alternate levels of lateral members. A platform landing is formed at the intersection of first and second stair segments of the staircase. Removable ramps may be connected to the stairtower above, below, and at a position corresponding to the platform landings. A safety device in the form of catch pans, gutters, and leaders may be provided to protect workers by collecting debris and rainwater. A transporting vehicle may be connected to the installation section to transport the stairtower to a desired location. A lifting vehicle may be used to lift the stairtower from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.
US07971399B1	Stairway A stairway having an alternating series of risers and treads wherein two risers and a tread form a step structure for use in constructing the stairway. The step structure including a first riser having a front portion and a rear portion, a tread having a support surface and an opposite surface, a second riser having a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the tread is positioned between the rear portion of the first riser and the front portion of the second riser and wherein the second riser of one step structure becomes the first riser of the next-up step structure.
US07971391B2	Movable body driving apparatus A door driving apparatus includes a rotary actuator, a rotary transmission member integrally fixed to an output shaft extending from the rotary actuator, and a pair of linear transmission members opposed to each other via the rotary transmission member. The linear transmission members are configured to be in mesh with the rotary transmission member and to move approximately parallel to each other in opposite directions.
US07971386B2	System and method for trolling A system is disclosed that includes a selectively positionable brake for a towed fishing body. Additionally, a system is disclosed that includes a speed control for a planer board. The planer board is used for fishing by being towed through water. Moreover, a method is disclosed including positioning a brake attached to a towed fishing body.
US07971385B2	Under ice crawler An under ice crawler lowerable into a body of water through a hole in a layer of ice overtop is operable to extend a flexible line within the body of water between two points spaced along the ice. The crawler features a floating body having sliding surfaces defined at an upper limit thereof, a motor carried on the floating body to selectively drive a propeller, a connector carried on the floating body to facilitate the connection of the line thereto and a starting device carried on the floating body and actuable from thereabove. A termination device is carried on the floating body at a position distinct from that of the starting device to provide easy access. The starter device is actuable by lowering a starting-signal generator through the hole in the ice into proximity with a starting-signal sensor carried on the float body without requiring physical contact with the receiver.
US07971383B2	Rail cover panel for a firearm A panel system for covering a lengthwise segment of an elongate firearm mounting rail. The panel system comprises at least one pair of identically shaped panel halves. Each panel half comprises a body having a top, a bottom, an abutting proximal edge and a distal edge. At least one axial tongue extends from the abutting proximal edge and a corresponding axial groove having a groove mouth is defined in the body. A cantilevered clip extends from the abutting proximal edge. A clip receptacle is defined by the body. A proximally extending lip extends from the body bottom near the distal edge. Each panel half is configured so that with the abutting proximal edges brought into abutment, each axial tongue of each panel is received in a corresponding axial groove of the other and each cantilevered clip engages the clip receptacle of the other.
US07971382B2	Firearm An improved firearm having a barrel coupled to an upper receiver where the receiver includes a passageway extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a guidance feature extending along the passageway generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The firearm also includes a lower receiver coupled to the upper receiver and a recoil spring assembly comprising a mating attachment structure and a disassembly button disposed on a lateral side of the upper receiver. The mating attachment structure is attached to an attachment structure of the lower receiver to attach the lower receiver to the upper receiver. Actuation of the disassembly button detaches the mating attachment structure from the attachment structure to detach the lower receiver from the upper receiver.
US07971376B2	Rocking head picture display device A rocking head picture display device includes a casing and a rocking assembly received in the casing. The rocking device includes an electromagnetic device mounted to the bottom of the casing and a rocking device mounted to the top of the casing. The rocking device includes a pivotal shaft supported by the casing and a rocking arm extending downward next to the electromagnetic device. A circular plate shaped connector is eccentrically joined to the outer end of the pivotal shaft in front of the casing. A channel shaped base is joined to bottom of the casing to form a locating groove. A picture has a head portion adhered to the connector and a body portion rested in the locating groove. When the electromagnetic device is powered on, the rocking device is induced to swing with the connector and the head portion.
US07971366B2	Alignment tool An alignment tool removably attachable to a bit (e.g. a drill bit) for aligning a workpiece to the bit. The tool has a bit grip or a bit clamp which may have a pair of bit grippers, an aligner, which may be a pointer supported by a pointer mount, a stylus or a laser, and a mechanical linkage of the bit grip to the aligner. When the aligner is aligned with a target, a tip of a bit clamped by the bit grip would also be aligned with that target. A first stylus link may be movably connected to a second stylus link at the pointer mount. The first and second stylus links may be pivotally connected to the bit clamp. The bit clamp, the first and second stylus links may cooperate to align a central axis of the pointer with a central axis of the bit.
US07971360B2	Powered hand-held metal cutter A power driven portable sheet metal cutter includes a head with two blades that mounts to a hand-held electric or pneumatic rotating power unit. The fixed blade has a primary shearing surface that has a convex or radiused cutting edge, a convex or radiused bevel, and a convex or radiused body feature. There is also a clearance radius and a nose radius so that the cutter can cut a wide variety of shapes and configurations of corrugated building panels. A head with a right hand set of blades predominately cuts curves to the right, and a head with a left hand set predominately cuts curves to the left.
US07971358B2	Tank unit, ink jet recording head and method of manufacturing tank unit and ink jet recording head A flow path forming member is formed with a recessed portion for forming an ink flow path. A junction surface of the flow path forming member is in a protruded state from a non-junction surface. The flow path forming member is composed of a transparent resin exhibiting transmissivity of laser beam. A tank holder is composed of a non-transmissive resin having no transmissivity of the laser beam. In a state where the flow path forming member is press-connected to the tank holder, the junction surface is welded by irradiating a periphery of the ink flow path with the laser beam from the side of the flow path forming member, thereby forming an ink flow path. Provided is an ink jet recording head in which the tank holder and the flow path forming member that serve to form the ink flow path are surely connected by a small number of steps without producing foreign matters within the ink flow path.
US07971356B2	Method for contour grinding wide blades at high speed The invention relates to a method for contour grinding wide blades at high speed, according to which a wheel (1) is used the grinding contour of which has a width dimension that is less than the width of the tip of the blades to be ground, said contour being defined by a straight area followed by an arched area at one end, with the straight area of which a straight grinding is carried out to deburr the tip of the blades, whereas with the arched area the contour grinding is carried out by the interpolation of axes.
US07971348B2	Method for manufacturing component-embedded substrate A component-embedded substrate includes a component embedded in an uncured resin layer of a second layer. After curing the resin layer, a hole passing through the second layer in the vertical direction is formed. The hole is filled with an electroconductive paste to form a second interlayer connection conductor. A first in-plane conductor including a plurality of lands, a first layer, and the second layer are respectively stacked in that order and pressed to join together, and the first layer is heated to form an integrated structure. A method for manufacturing the component-embedded substrate can form an interlayer connection conductor having a small diameter and high straightness and thus can achieve a miniaturized component-embedded substrate including interlayer connection conductors at a narrow pitch.
US07971347B2	Method of interconnecting workpieces Embodiments of an apparatus and methods of forming a package on package interconnect and its application to the packaging of microelectronic devices are described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US07971345B2	Reconstituted battery pack, reconstituted battery pack producing method, reconstituted battery pack using method, and reconstituted battery pack control system A reconstituted battery pack producing method comprises an obtaining process for obtaining, by use of one of a first charged-state control device having ever controlled a charged state of a used battery pack when it was used before and a second charged-state control device arranged to control the charged state of the used battery pack as with the first charged-state control device, a reference-time charge amount charged in each used secondary battery constituting the used battery pack; a selecting process for selecting more than one of the used secondary batteries close to each other in the reference-time charge amount from a group of the used secondary batteries whose reference-time charge amounts have been obtained; and an assembling process for combining and assembling the selected used secondary batteries into a new reconstituted battery pack.
US07971342B2	Method of manufacturing a conductor assembly A conductor assembly and method of manufacture. The assembly includes a magnetic coil positioned about a curvilinear axis with one or more coil rows comprising conductive material having an arcuate shape. A generated field is characterized by a dipole component having a first magnitude, a quadrupole component having a second magnitude, a sextupole component having a third magnitude and a decupole component having a fourth magnitude. The third and fourth magnitudes are each 10−3 the first magnitude or less.
US07971334B2	Bladed disk assembly method and roller device A bladed disk assembly device having a horizontal adjustable arm and a vertical pivot bar that is perpendicularly attached to a first end of the horizontal arm. A roller assembly is attached to a second end of the horizontal arm. A rotary table holds a disk that is circumvented by a blade positioning belt around an outer diameter of the turbine disk. A saddle is attached to the vertical pivot bar that is positioned beneath the disk.
US07971331B2	Spring testing apparatus and method A force measuring apparatus and method for testing a spring for a surgical cartridge. The apparatus and method permit an operator to measure the force applied by the spring when it is in the state it will be in when mounted in a cartridge. Therefore, a spring that exerts an insufficient force is rejected, and a spring that exerts a sufficient force is accepted and then mounted in a cartridge. A rejected spring is ejected from a pocket in the apparatus, and an accepted spring is mounted in the cartridge.
US07971330B2	Method of repairing a nuclear reactor vessel bottom head penetration A method of repairing a vessel bottom head penetration of a nuclear reactor is presented, said penetration comprising a tube fastened to the internal wall of the vessel bottom head by an internal weld bead and emerging outside the vessel bottom head, forming a groove. The method consists inter alia in preparing a mock-up representative of the vessel bottom head penetration to be repaired and in depositing this mock-up on site in an irradiation-free zone, in fastening two half-inserts to this mock-up in the groove, each half-insert having a profile corresponding to the half-profile of the groove, in forming, again on this mock-up, automatically and by remote control, a weld bead in the groove, in carrying out a dimensional check and, after validation of this weld bead, in carrying out the steps of fastening the two half-inserts and forming a weld bead automatically, directly in the groove of the vessel bottom head penetration to be repaired.
US07971318B2	Hinge assembly and mobile terminal having the same A hinge assembly and a mobile terminal are disclosed. The hinge assembly can include: a torsion spring; a shaft, which penetrates through the torsion spring; a bushing, coupled to one end of the torsion spring and to one side of the shaft; a holder, which is coupled to the other end of the torsion spring, and which the shaft penetrates through; a sliding cam, which is coupled to the other side of the shaft, and which may move in linkage with the shaft; a fixed cam, which engages the sliding cam; a compression spring, which is positioned between the holder and the sliding cam, and which may place the sliding cam in close contact with the fixed cam; and a housing coupled to the holder and the fixed cam. Thus, the mobile terminal can be unfolded automatically using just a few number of parts without requiring energy consumption.
US07971317B2	Hinge assembly and portable electronic device using the same A hinge assembly and a portable electronic device are provided. The portable electronic device includes a lid, a main body, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly pivotly connects the lid to the main body. The hinge assembly includes a pivot element, a torsion spring, and a hinge brace. The pivot element is formed on the lid and partially and rotatably received in the main body. The torsion spring is assembled between the lid and the main body. When the lid is in a closed position with respect to the main body, the torsion spring becomes constricted and accumulates potential energy. When the lid is opened from the main body, the potential energy of the torsion spring is released to drive the lid to rotate to an open position with respect to the main body. The hinge brace is attached to the main body for blocking an excessive rotation of the lid with respect to the main body.
US07971315B2	Suction brush for vacuum cleaner A suction brush for a vacuum cleaner includes an upper casing, a lower casing coupled to the upper casing and provided with a suction port through which contaminants are drawn in from a surface to be cleaned, a lift plate disposed between the upper casing and the lower casing to move up and down with respect to the lower casing, a lift plate driving part to allow the lift plate to move up and down, and a lift control unit to control the lift plate driving part so that when the surface to be cleaned changes from a hard floor to a carpet, the lift plate is raised, and when the surface to be cleaned changes from the carpet to the hard floor, the lift plate is lowered.
US07971312B2	Connecting element for wiper The invention relates to a connecting element (22) for hingedly connecting a wiper blade (10) to a wiper arm, said wiper blade (10) having a wiper strip (12) and at least one sprung blade (20) inserted into the wiper strip (12). Said sprung blade projects beyond the wiper strip (12) in the area of the connecting element (22) and is enclosed by guide rails (30) that are interlinked by at least one spring clip (34) and secured in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (10) by at least one locking element (38) which laterally engages with a recess (28) of the sprung blade (20).
US07971308B1	Golf grip cleaning and rinsing device A grip cleaning and rising devices includes a dual tubular body having a closed lower end for holding separately both soapy and rinsing fluid, and an open upper end for receiving the grips or handles to be cleaned longitudinally therein. Cleaning is effected by a single helical brush with multiple turns that is simply threaded into position in the washing body. A splash guard is also provided as an impinging lip that extends into the receiving orifice. A smaller diameter rinsing tube is in fluid isolation from the cleaning solution. A cap may optionally be provided to close the top of the grip washer when not in use or for transportation from one place to another. The simple tubular construction enables the grip washer adapted for use as a mobile unit, with a laterally extending base to allow the user to stabilize the device by placing his or her feet over the base edge. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07971307B2	Device for cleaning tubes The present invention provides a device for cleaning tubes, in particular the internal surfaces of tubes in heat exchange systems. The device comprises a mass (2) with an optionally provided central through-hole (10) disposed thereon, and optionally provided a plurality of protrusions (20, 21) mounted and/or moulded on the mass (2). The through-hole (10) is preferably of a conical shape-like configuration. A plurality of first protrusions (20) is disposed in a fin-like arrangement on the mass (2). A plurality of second protrusions (21) is disposed in a spiral arrangement on the mass (2), and the lengths of the second protrusions (21) are relatively longer than the length of the first protrusions (20). The mass may consist of an asymmetrically positioned weighted core (15) of different weights and sizes to provide a variety of relative density to the device and to serve as a geometrical manipulation to impart rotational momentum and random dynamic motion to the device.
US07971304B2	Optical fiber connector cleaner, and method of cleaning optical fiber connector connection surface An optical fiber connector cleaner (1) comprises a housing (10), a winding means (32) and a delivery means (34) for a cleaning tape (T) which are disposed in the housing, a cleaning means (20) having a bar-like cleaning section (21) projecting outwardly of the housing, on the front-end of the cleaning section the cleaning tape delivered from the delivery means being movably mounted under tension in an exposed state, the front-end of the cleaning section being brought into contact with the end surface of an optical fiber connector to thereby clean the end surface, a cleaning section rotating means (23) coaxially connected to the cleaning section in the housing and rotatably supported with respect to the housing; and a transmission means (40) which rotates the winding means and the cleaning section rotating means substantially simultaneously in a predetermined direction through a predetermined angle and then reverses the cleaning section rotating means to its original position.
US07971301B2	Washing machine and the control method of the same A washing machine and a control method thereof are provided. The method includes calculating a quantity of a detergent in a washing operation, setting a washing pattern based on the calculated quantity of the detergent, and performing a rinsing operation according to the set washing pattern, thereby improving rinsing capacity of the washing machine.
US07971297B2	Slidable cushion for a multi-purpose gurney An apparatus has a back section, a center section pivotally connected to the back section so that the back section is movable between a first position coplanar with the center section and a second position approximately perpendicular upwardly relative to the center section, a leg section pivotally connected to the center section so that the leg section is movable between a straight position coplanar with the center section and a bent position approximately perpendicular downwardly relative to the center section, a cushion slidably positioned on the center section so that the cushion is movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the cushion between the backward position and the forward position.
US07971295B2	Protection for a lifting unit The present embodiments relate to a lifting unit for a patient support. The lifting unit includes a base plate, a motor drive, a lifting drive driven by the motor drive and received in the base plate. The lifting drive is adapted to carry out a lifting movement and a movement in the opposite direction. A triggering element is activated when the pressure exerted by the lifting drive on the base plate falls below a defined minimum value. The movement of the lifting drive is stopped in response to the activation of the triggering element. If the patient support collides with an obstacle during lifting, the pressure exerted by the lifting drive on the base plate is reduced. The reduced pressure is detected by the triggering element and the movement of the patient support is stopped.
US07971292B1	Pocketed bedsheet, system and method A bedsheet, a system, and a method for use thereof for elevating at least one leg or heel of the patient lying on a mattress is disclosed. The bedsheet has a plurality of overlapping longitudinally spaced pockets into which a pillow is insertable. The orientation and configuration of the pockets of the bedsheet allows for insertion of the pillow into the bedsheet at a desired location with minimal interruption to or movement of the patient, and holds the inserted pillow in a relatively fixed position relative to the bedsheet. The system includes the bedsheet and the pillow. The method includes placing the bedsheet on the mattress, inserting the pillow into one of the pockets of the bedsheet to create an elevated portion of the bedsheet, and positioning the leg or heel of the patient on top of the elevated portion of the bedsheet.
US07971291B2	Bed siderail A bed siderail has a vertical siderail extension, a horizontal siderail extension, or both. A bed siderail has dual vertical siderail extensions. A bed has gap fillers pivotally mounted to the headboard and/or footboard, either in the manner of a hinge, or by means of a dual axis pivot, to fill gaps between the headboard/footboard and a siderail. A bed siderail has pivotally mounted gap fillers directed toward the headboard, footboard, or an adjacent siderail. A bed has slidably mounted gap fillers. A bed siderail has pivotally mounted gap fillers, to fill a gap between the siderail and a mattress, the gap fillers being either gravity- or cam-activated, or being integrally formed in the siderail support arms. A bed siderail is rotatable from a deployed to a stowed position, and is simultaneously stowed close-into or underneath the bed frame.
US07971290B2	Bunk bed with reversible staircase and drawer unit A bunk bed having a staircase and chest unit that can be mounted to either end of the bunk bed frame. The staircase opens to the front side of the bunk bed whereas drawers pull outwardly in a direction from the end of the bunk bed. The drawers may be mounted to either end of the bed frame with the drawers being reversible.
US07971287B2	Method and apparatus for automatically lifting a cover An apparatus for lifting a cover from a spa or other housing includes a frame member having one end that is pivotally attached to the exterior of the housing. Another end of the frame member is pivotally and slidably coupled to the cover. In one embodiment, the frame member is pivotally and slidably coupled to the proximate cover portion via a pin attached to the proximate cover portion and extending through a slot defined by the frame member. A motor is likewise attached to the exterior of the housing and is pivotally coupled to the frame member. The motor causes the frame member to rotate thereby lifting the cover off of the housing.
US07971284B2	Flushing water guiding arrangement for a toilet bowl The invention relates to a flushing water guiding arrangement (1) for a toilet bowl (5) or similar, comprising a housing which can be inserted into the edge (4) of the toilet bowl, an inlet (6), at least one outlet (7, 8, 10) and a dispensing device (11) which is used to dispense at least one liquid active substance as a supplement to the flushing water. The dispensing device (11) comprises at least one container (12) which is used to receive the active substance and at least one dispensing opening (13) which is arranged between the inlet (6) and the outlet (J, 8, 10). The flushing water guiding arrangement is characterized in that low pressure is set in the container (12) when the active substance is dispensed and that, essentially, only air reaches into the container (12) which is suctioned by the low pressure in the container (12).
US07971278B2	Hat cover and frame A hat cover protects the face and neck of a wearer. The cover can be designed to fit almost any type or style of hat. The cover is adapted to slip over the outer area of the hat and to be easily attached and detached. The cover includes rear and side wing portions that drape below the rim of the hat to cover the neck and face of the wearer. The hat may be provided with a pouch for containing a cooling medium (ice), if desired. The hat cover may include frames specially designed for use with the cover if no hat is worn.
US07971276B2	Glove with hand-friendly coating and method of making A hand-friendly rubber glove article comprising a dried coating of an emulsified hand-friendly mixture comprising at least one water-soluble humectant moisturizer, at least one water-soluble lubricant, at least one water-soluble surfactant, and at least one water-insoluble occlusive moisturizer, which is finely and substantially uniformly dispersed within the mixture, which is transferred to the skin of a wearer upon activation with skin-generated moisture, and, optionally, a fabric-adherent cuff region and/or a texturized surface and methods of making the emulsified hand-friendly mixture and the glove article.
US07971273B2	Drag harness with multiple gripping locations A drag harness for use with a protective garment for a fire fighter or emergency worker is provided. The protective garment includes an outer shell having a main body portion and at least two limb covering portions. The drag harness includes a wearer loop and at least two gripping portions. A first gripping portion is located at a first limb covering portion while a second gripping portion is located at a second limb covering portion. Each of the gripping portions is located adjacent the outer shell in a non-deployed state and extend away from the outer shell in a deployed state whereby a rescuer can drag a wearer.
US07971270B2	Protective garment for nuclear environments A protective garment for nuclear environments is formed of a tri-laminate 30/30/30 water resistant barrier fabric. The garment can be incinerated so as to provide a disposable, one time use coverall particularly adapted for use in nuclear/radioactive environments. The coverall provides integrated elements for water resistant (i.e., splashproof), breathable, comfortable contamination protection. It is adapted for use with various types of breathing apparatuses, included external air lines, back-mounted self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), and emergency breathing bottles or apparatuses. Air tanks and bottles are covered by the garment and thus do not need to be decontaminated. The garment also includes elements for use with air sampling devices and/or dosimetry equipment that are often worn by such workers.
US07971267B2	Air supplying device for welding mask Disclosed is an air supplying device for a welding mask, capable of supplying clean air into a face shield of the welding mask. According to an embodiment of the present invention, more specifically, the air supplying device comprises a housing connected to the face shield, a connection member connected to a supply port of the housing, a first opening/closing member connected to a first outlet part of the housing, and a second opening/closing member connected to a second outlet of the housing. Therefore, the air supplying device is capable of conveniently adjusting direction of a bellows hose connected to supply the air and also adjusting quantity and direction of the air being supplied.
US07975309B2	Systems and methods for securing data in an electronic apparatus A method for securing data for an electronic apparatus includes flagging data stored in the electronic apparatus, setting a plurality of security functions corresponding to the flagged data, defining a plurality of hotkeys corresponding to the security functions, and defining a hold-down time for each of the hotkeys. In operation, a user may have to input one or more hotkeys in order to access various functions of the electronic apparatus.
US07975308B1	Method and apparatus to secure user confidential data from untrusted browser extensions Embodiments in accordance with the invention install a primary security browser extension first in the browser event notification order list and a secondary security browser extension last in the event notification order list. On receipt of a user data event including user confidential data at the primary security browser extension, the user confidential data is obfuscated by the primary security browser extension and the user data event including the obfuscated data is released to a next browser extension in the browser event notification order list. Upon receipt of the user data event at the secondary security browser extension, the obfuscated data is restored with the original user confidential data and the user data event is released for further processing.
US07975302B2	System for real-time detection of computer system files intrusion A system for detecting real-time system file intrusions in a user computer that is coupled to an administrator computer and includes an operating system and system files. At a boot time of the user computer, an application program interface (API) of the operating system receives a list of vital system files that consists of at least two directory files. At the boot time, one of more daemons are launched, after which the API detects one or more system calls made to one or more vital system files. The API raises an automatic interrupt ‘I’ command that awakens a daemon from a sleep mode. The awakened daemon catches the interrupt ‘I’ command and sends an alert message to the administrator computer to alert the administrator computer of the detecting of the system call made to the one or more vital system files.
US07975299B1	Child identity monitor An identity monitoring system notifies legal guardians of potentially fraudulent activity associated with their children's identities. The monitoring system may determine if credit files for respective enrolled minors exist and monitor any credit files of the enrolled minors, such as via periodic requests for credit data and comparison of certain returned credit data, in order to determine if potentially fraudulent activity associated with the minor has occurred. The monitoring system provides periodic notifications, such as via email and/or Internet-accessible user interfaces, regarding potentially fraudulent use of their children's identities. In one embodiment, the monitoring system also provides legal guardians with useful information and resources for how they can further protect the identity of their children.
US07975297B2	Anti-phishing protection Anti-Phishing protection assists in protecting against phishing attacks. Any links that are contained within a message that has been identified as a phishing message are disabled. A warning message is shown when the phishing message is accessed. The first time a disabled link within the phishing message is selected a dismissible dialog box is displayed containing information about how to enable links in the message. After the user dismisses the dialog, clicking on a disabled link causes the warning message to flash drawing the user's attention to the potential severity of the problem. The links may be enabled by the user by selecting the warning message and choosing the appropriate option. Once the user enables the links, future displays of the message show the links as enabled.
US07975296B2	Automated security threat testing of web pages A method of security testing a web application is presented. The method identifies a web application to be tested, determines potential security vulnerabilities of the web application, generates one or more security tests for testing the potential vulnerabilities, and executes the security test on the web application. The results of the security testing are then used to make the web application less vulnerable to security attacks.
US07975294B2	VPN management A client attempts to transmit a presence state to a presence server that is behind a firewall of a secure network. If the client is inside the firewall, the presence server instructs resources within the secure network to directly communicate with the client. However, if the client is outside the firewall, then the client must tunnel into the secure network via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before accessing the resources in the secure network.
US07975291B2	Network node machine and information network system In the global information sharing and distributing service system, the public use of idle resources can be propelled and sufficient security can be guaranteed on the resources for private use. A node machine configuring an information network includes resources located in a private zone available to private use, resources located in a public zone for public service use, and a private resource security management unit for management of the security of the resources located in the private zone.
US07975290B2	Verifying authenticity of instant messaging messages A certificate registry system is configured to issue authentication certificates to each one of a plurality of information providers and to maintain a root certificate corresponding to all of the authentication certificates. Each one of the authentication certificates links respective authentication information thereof to identification information of a corresponding one of the information providers. Each one of the authentication certificates includes a respective Instant Messaging (IM) screen name information of the information provider. The authentication certificates of the certificate registry are associated in a manner at least partially dependent upon at least one of a particular type of information that the information providers provide, a particular organization that the information providers are associated with, a particular type profession in which the information providers are engaged and a particular geographical region in which the information providers are located.
US07975289B2	Program, client authentication requesting method, server authentication request processing method, client and server The client requests authentication by transmitting the authentication information entered by the user, the MAC address of the network adapter, and the address change information as to whether or not the MAC address has been changed. When the authentication information and the MAC address are in agreement with the details of registration, and if a change in the MAC address is recognized from the address change information, the server regards the authentication as being a failure and issues an access refusal, thus completing the processing. If a change in the MAC address is recognized, the fact may be notified to the manager to issue an access permit or an access refusal in accordance with the manager's instruction.
US07975287B2	System and method for validating a user of an account using a wireless device The invention provides a system and method of authenticating a user to a network. For the method, it comprises: when the user at the device initiates a request for the restricted resource, the network receives the request and automatically initiates an authentication step relating to the user prior to providing the device access to the restricted resource, the authentication step including requesting a user account and a password; processing an input stream from the device from the user in response to the authentication step, the input stream comprising account data and a password; comparing the input stream against account data associated with the restricted resource; if the input stream matches the account data, providing the device with access to the restricted resource; and when the user at the device initiates a request for a non-restricted resource, providing the device with access to the non-restricted resource automatically.
US07975285B2	Broadcast receiver and output control method thereof According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiver is configured to receive a broadcast signal and output the broadcast signal to an external device. The broadcast receiver includes a program information obtaining module, a storage module, and a channel selection detector. The program information obtaining module obtains program information from the broadcast signal. The storage module stores the program information obtained by the program information obtaining module. The channel selection detector detects an operation of selecting a channel. When the channel selection detector detects that a channel is selected, the broadcast receiver controls the external device to mute audio output. The channel selection detector also reads program information corresponding to the selected channel from the storage module and output the program information.
US07975279B1	Impulse purchase system for pay-television In a pay television system, the choice and the confirmation of an impulse purchase are performed by the user on presentation, by means of a screen, of a grid of programmes. The selection by this user of a particular programme of his choice from the grid is subsequently confirmed in the system by an entitlement management message, this message being specific to an impulse purchase. In order to authorize the immediate screening of the selected transmission, the entitlement management message specific to an impulse purchase is contained in the data tied to the presentation of the grid.
US07975278B2	Digital broadcast receiving apparatus There is provided a digital broadcast receiving apparatus capable of notifying a user that an item in itself exists even if a blank exists in the name portion of an item in the variable RRT to prevent the user from omitting setting. The microcomputer 18 acquires a rating region table (RRT) from a transport steam (TS) signal and attaches a flag capable of restricting viewing to each level in the RTT based on inputs entered by a user while displaying the RTT on a screen. If rating information including the TS signal expresses the level on which the flag capable of restricting viewing is attached, viewing of a program including the rating information is restricted, a blank in the level, item and table names included in the RRT is detected and the detected blank is substituted with a predetermined character string.
US07975266B2	Remote installation of computer resources Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for installing resources in a computer system operate to identify a need to install resources on a target device and perform an installation of the resources on the target device using installer components located remotely from the target device. The remotely located installer components control the installation of the resources.
US07975263B2	Method and apparatus for generating run time profiles for program compilation A method for managing a profile includes generating an initial profile of code using an initial sampling frequency. An information entropy value of the profile is computed. A representative profile of the code is determined from additional profiles using a sampling frequency determined from the information entropy value. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US07975260B1	Method of direct access and manipulation of debuggee memory from debugger A method includes generating a list of shared and private memory regions of a debuggee. A thread is injected into the debuggee for generating the list and communicating with the debugger. Associated shared memory region handles are added to the list. The handles are used to map the shared memory regions of the debuggee to a debugger. New shared memory regions corresponding to the private memory regions of the debuggee are created and mapped to the debugger. Handles for the new shared memory regions are provided to map the new shared memory regions to the debuggee. The debuggee private memory regions are freed. The new shared memory regions are mapped to respective virtual addresses of the debuggee corresponding to the respective freed private memory regions. In this manner, content of debuggee memory regions is directly accessible by the debugger, and computer processing resources are conserved.
US07975259B2	Verification of customization results Objects associated with a business document and one or more functions associated with the production of the objects may be determined. An object associated with an unexpected result in the business document may be selected. A function associated with the object may be selected, the function being associated with one or more custom settings. One or more steps, based on the custom settings, used in producing the selected object and associated with the selected function may be determined and provided in a result view.
US07975258B2	Testing environment for database server side logic A system for providing a test environment for database server-side objects persistently stores a profile for a plurality of test runs for database server-side objects, where the profile comprises persistently stored test parameter values, pre-execution scripts, and/or post-execution scripts. Once the profile is created, it can be selected for subsequent test runs for one or more objects. A plurality of profiles for the objects may also be created. The system eliminates the need for a manual set up or destruction of the test environment for each test run, improving efficiency in the development of database server-side objects significantly.
US07975253B2	Power supply noise analysis model generating method and power supply noise analysis model generating apparatus An object is to simplify a power supply noise analysis model of a circuit board. CAD data of the circuit board is obtained from a CAD apparatus, and overlapping power supply islands among power supply islands existing in different layers of the circuit board are extracted as a power supply pair. Nodes are arranged in the extracted power supply pair, and the nodes of the power supply pair are projected on the power supply islands to which the power supply pair belongs. A mesh region which encloses each node is determined for each power supply island, and impedance (L, R, C) between nodes is calculated. Then, a power supply noise analysis model is created based on the impedance between nodes in each layer, and a capacitance between layers.
US07975244B2	Methodology and system for determining numerical errors in pixel-based imaging simulation in designing lithographic masks A method is provided for designing a mask that includes the use of a pixel-based simulation of a lithographic process model, in which test structures are designed for determining numerical and discretization errors associated with the pixel grid as opposed to other model inaccuracies. The test structure has a plurality of rows of the same sequence of features, but each row is offset from other rows along an x-direction by a multiple of a minimum step size, such as used in modifying masks during optical proximity correction. The images for each row are simulated with a lithographic model that uses the selected pixel-grid size and the differences between row images are compared. If the differences between rows exceed or violate a predetermined criterion, the pixel grid size may be modified to minimize discretization and/or numerical errors due to the choice of pixel grid size.
US07975242B2	Portable multifunction device, method, and graphical user interface for conference calling In some embodiments, a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display performs a method that includes: displaying a phone call user interface on the touch screen display, wherein the phone call user interface includes: a first informational item associated with an active phone call between a user of the device and a first party, a second informational item associated with a suspended phone call between the user and a second party, and a merge call icon; upon detecting a user selection of the merge call icon, merging the active phone call and the suspended phone call into a conference call between the user, the first party, and the second party, and replacing the phone call user interface with a conference call user interface. The conference call user interface includes: a third informational item associated with the conference call, and a conference call management icon.
US07975238B2	Identifying previously bookmarked hyperlinks in a received Web page in a World Wide Web network browser system for searching Presenting to a user at a receiving Web station, who is viewing a received Web document or Web page, a very clear picture of which hyperlinks in each Web page are linked to a Web page/document that has already been bookmarked by the user. A system for tracking bookmarking in received Web documents that comprises the combination of apparatus associated with one of the receiving display stations for bookmarking of selected received Web documents to thereby store, as bookmarks, at the receiving display station, direct links to the sources of the Web documents, apparatus associated with this one receiving display station for comparing the stored bookmarks to hyperlinks in each received Web document to determine if the hyperlinks have been bookmarked, and an implementation which, in response to the apparatus for comparing, then visually distinguishes each bookmarked hyperlink in the received displayed Web document. A convenient way to visually distinguish such previously bookmarked hyperlinks is to display a small indicator such as a book image next to the hyperlink.
US07975231B2	Image display updating system, server client system and drawing operation echo back script A drawing object image and an image processing program are provided in an HTTP server 12. The drawing object image is downloaded by accessing the HTTP server 12 from a terminal unit 10. When the operator initiates a drawing operation on a WEB browser screen of terminal unit 10, an XMLHTTP request with coordinate position information of the cursor and the drawing radius information are transmitted to the HTTP server 12 to execute an image manipulation process. The WEB browser virtually divides the drawing operation object image into cells, identifies the cells in which the image contents are modified in the image manipulation process, and issues HTTP requests for the cell images. The HTTP server 12 cuts out the manipulated image in the requested areas and transmits them to the WEB browser and arranges them.
US07975230B2	Information-processing apparatus, information-processing methods, recording mediums, and programs The present invention provides an information-processing apparatus including reproduction means for synchronously reproducing content data common to an other information-processing apparatus, user information input means for inputting first user condition information including a voice and image of a user, user information receiver means for receiving second user condition information including a voice and image of an other user from the other information-processing apparatus, synthesis means for synthesizing a voice and image of the content data synchronously reproduced by the reproduction means with the voice and image of the second user condition information received by the user-information receiver means; information analysis means for analyzing at least either the first user condition information input by the user-information input means or the second user condition information received by the user-information receiver means, and parameter-setting means for setting a control parameter used for controlling a process, which is carried out by the synthesis means to synthesize voices and images, on the basis of an analysis result produced by the information analysis means.
US07975229B2	Context-aware systems and methods location-aware systems and methods context-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same and location-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same Context-aware systems and methods, location-aware systems and methods, context-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same, and location-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same are described. In various embodiments, a context or location service module, implemented in software, determines a vehicle context or a vehicle location based upon information that it receives from various context providers or location providers respectively. Software executing on a vehicle's computer can then cause one or more applications that are associated with a vehicle computer to be modified in a manner that changes their behavior. The behavior modification is based on the current context or location of the vehicle and thus provides a context-specific or location-specific user experience. The context or location can be ascertained through the use of one or more hierarchical tree structures that comprises individual nodes. Each node is associated with a context or location. The nodes are traversable by the vehicle's software to ascertain a more complete context or location.
US07975218B2	Apparatus and method for forming document group structure data and storage medium The apparatus for forming a document group structure data contains a base document specifying section that specifies plural documents to be positionally fixed on the tree structure as base documents based on an input from a user, an upper tree structure forming section that forms an upper tree structure data showing a hierarchical relation among the base documents based on positional information of the base documents in the directory structure, a lower tree structure forming section that forms lower tree structure data showing tree structures of document groups having the base documents as root nodes, respectively, by following links of the hypertext structure starting from the respective base documents, and a tree structure combining section that forms a tree structure data showing the hypertext structure by combining the upper tree structure data and the respective lower tree structure data.
US07975217B2	Embedding metadata with displayable content and applications thereof The present invention relates to embedding metadata with user interface messages. One method embodiment includes: encoding the metadata into a sequence of non-displayable characters; combining the displayable data and the sequence of non-displayable characters; and sending the combined displayable data and sequence of non-displayable characters to a client for display. In examples, the displayable characters may be displayable Unicode characters, and the non-displayable characters may be non-displayable Unicode characters, such as the left-to-right mark (0x200E) and the right-to-left mark (0x200F).
US07975213B2	Automatic reconfiguration of system sub-models for independent analysis A process for analyzing a sub-model associated with a full system model as often depicted as an influence diagram. The process includes defining the sub-model as a collection of entities where some entities are calculation entities and some are data entities. The process converts the calculation entities in the sub-model that depend on entities in the fall model outside of the sub-model to temporary data entities. Further, the process deletes any data entity in the sub-model from which any converted temporary data entity depends. The process also determines if there are any isolated cycles in the sub-model, and, if so, which of the entities in the isolated cycle will be an output entity.
US07975209B2	Non-volatile memory with guided simulated annealing error correction control Data in non-volatile storage is decoded using iterative probabilistic decoding. An error correcting code such as a low density parity check code may be used. In one approach, initial reliability metrics, such as logarithmic likelihood ratios, are used in decoding sensed states of a set of non-volatile storage elements. The decoding attempts to converge by adjusting the reliability metrics for bits in code words which represent the sensed state. Simulated annealing using an adjustable temperature parameter based on a level of error in the data can be performed to. The simulated annealing can introduce randomness, as noise for example, into the decoding process. Moreover, knowledge of the device characteristics can be used to guide the simulated annealing process rather than introducing absolute randomness. The introduction of a degree of randomness adds flexibility that permits possible faster convergence times and convergence in situations where data may otherwise be uncorrectable.
US07975204B2	Robust digital communication system Normally ordered robust VSB data are reordered in accordance with a first interleave to produce reordered robust VSB data. The reordered robust VSB data and ATSC data are reordered in accordance with a second interleave to produce normally ordered robust VSB data and reordered ATSC data. The normally ordered robust VSB data and reordered ATSC data are time multiplexed for transmission to a receiver. The receiver discards the reordered ATSC data or the normally ordered robust VSB data depending upon receiver type or user selection. A robust VSB receiver is able to process the normally ordered robust VSB data upstream of an outer decoder without an interleave thereby avoiding the delay associated with an interleave.
US07975201B2	Symbol encoding for tolerance to single byte error The present invention provides a method that protects symbol types by characterizing symbols as one of two types—DATA or NON_DATA, generating a symbol characterization bit, placing the symbol characterization bit at both ends of the symbol, and transmitting the symbol with the symbol characterization bits at both ends. Thus, a single byte error may affect a type bit in two consecutive symbols, and will affect one or the other of the type bits in a single symbol, but cannot affect both type bits in a single symbol.
US07975198B2	Test system and back annotation method A test system for performing a test of a device is provided that comprises a source file of a test plan that describes a program for performing a test, and one or more of elements that are formed in a unit that divides the source file into one or more blocks. The test system further comprises an annotatable object that, when debugging of objects of the source file is performed, manages modification details of the debugging with reference to an element corresponding to a portion where the debugging is performed, and a controller that, after the debugging, rewrites the source file with details after the debugging is performed on an element basis based on the element and the annotatable object.
US07975195B1	Scan architecture for full custom blocks with improved scan latch A non-fighting fully clocked scan latch is described that is dynamically configurable to support both logic data latching and scan data latching. The described scan latch circuit design reduces a load placed on a logic data latch portion of the described circuit by a scan latch portion of the described circuit, and thereby increases the speed of the described scan latch to that of an output latch without scan capability. Power required to drive the described scan latch is reduced by clocking the circuit to avoid fighting and by reducing the number of transistors included in transistor stacks internal to the scan latch. By reducing drive power requirements, eliminating internal latch fighting, and increasing latch response, a versatile scan latch is achieved that may be successfully implemented in a wide range of circuits despite the use of different supply drive voltage, threshold voltage, source-to-drain voltage, and transistor technology combinations.
US07975193B2	Solid state storage end of life prediction with correction history Described embodiments provide for end-of-life (EOL) checking for NAND flash devices. An exemplary implementation of a computing environment comprises at least one NAND data storage device operative to store one or more data elements. In the illustrative implementation, the EOL data processing and storage management paradigm allows for the storage of data according using a selected EOL enforcement algorithm that can utilize current and/or historical correction levels. The NAND data storage EOL checking module can be operable to cooperate with one or more NAND data store components to execute one or more selected EOL operations to protect stored data.
US07975189B2	Error rate estimation/application to code-rate adaption The disclosure proposes bit-error-rate (BER) and symbol-error-rate (SER) estimation techniques and its application to incremental-redundancy and rate-adaptation for modern-coded hybrid-ARQ systems. In particular, BER/SER estimators are proposed based on iterative refinement of mixture-density modeling of the bit/symbol decision metrics. For hybrid-ARQ systems, rate-adaptation functions are proposed based on BER/SER estimators for failed transmissions. Methods are disclosed for code-rate selection based on successfully decoded blocks as well as incremental parity size selection for retransmission of failed blocks Techniques disclosed here apply to forward-error-correction codes employed for digital data communication systems.
US07975188B2	Restoration device for BIOS stall failures and method and computer program product for the same A restoration device for restoring a system when the BIOS falls in a stall failure includes a first watchdog timer and a second watchdog timer, a setter for setting timer values respectively in the first watchdog timer and in the second watchdog timer, a suspender for suspending the decrement of the timer value of the first watchdog timer when the BIOS is started and also execution of a BIOS process is started, a switch for switching the BIOS data region for starting when the timer value of the first watchdog timer becomes equal to 0 or a prescribed number, a resetter for resetting the system when the timer value of the first watchdog timer becomes equal to 0 or a prescribed number, a suspender for suspending the decrement of the timer value of the second watchdog timer when the BIOS of the system starts and a resetter for resetting the system when the timer value of the second watchdog timer becomes equal to 0 or a prescribed number.
US07975187B2	Method and apparatus for measuring customer impacting failure rate in communication networks A method and system for measuring a customer impacting failure rate in a communication network are disclosed. For example, the method collects a plurality of customer impacting network failure events, where the plurality of customer impacting network failure events comprises both hardware failure events and software failure events associated with a particular type of router or switch, or a particular type of component of the router or the switch. The method computes a Mean Time Between Outage (MTBO) metric from the plurality of customer impacting network failure events and compares the MTBO metric with a MTBO goal metric, wherein the MTBO goal metric is calculated in accordance with a predicted Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) metric.
US07975184B2	Diagnostic access system A dedicated processing system for monitoring, processing and combining mass statistical diagnostic data of a process control system. Through real time and near real time network health monitoring by the system statistical inferences can be made to anticipate potential system and device problems with notification(s) to users. A variety of user alerts are facilitated, including status and warning LEDs, direct display, and display on a networked computer. Multiple systems can be employed and systems will discover each other and interoperate. Specific systems can be specified to gather and unify diagnostic data from installations with multiple systems.
US07975182B2	Method, system and computer program product for generating trace data There is provided a method, system and computer program product for generating trace data related to a data processing system event. The method includes: receiving an instruction relating to the system event from a location in the system; determining a minimum number of trace segment records required to record instruction information; and creating a trace segment table including the number of trace segment records, the number of trace segment records including at least one instruction record.
US07975179B2	Techniques for automatic software error diagnostics Techniques are provided for automatically diagnosing errors in a software system. The software system automatically determines whether conditions associated with the software system warrant use of any diagnostic features that are not currently enabled. When the software system determines that the conditions associated with the software system warrant use of any diagnostic features that are not currently enabled, the software system determines which of a plurality of available diagnostic features should be enabled. The software system then enables the determined one or more diagnostics features.
US07975178B2	Memory device and system with cyclic, ECC-corrected bootloading operation during voltage bring up Provided are a semiconductor memory device, memory system and method of executing a bootloading operation. The method includes cyclically executing a bootloading operation cycle that includes loading the boot information from the memory to the controller, and performing an ECC operation on the boot information. The ECC operation provides a fail condition indication or a pass condition indication and if the fail condition indication is provided, the next bootloading operation cycle is executed.
US07975174B2	Failover system and method One aspect of the present invention provides a system for failover comprising at least one client selectively connectable to one of at least two interconnected servers via a network connection. In a normal state, one of the servers is designated a primary server when connected to the client and a remainder of the servers are designated as backup servers when not connected to the client. The at least one client is configured to send messages to the primary server. The servers are configured to process the messages using at least one service that is identical in each of the servers. The services are unaware of whether a server respective to the service is operating as the primary server or the backup server. The servers are further configured to maintain a library, or the like, that indicates whether a server is the primary server or a server is the backup server. The services within each server are to make external calls via its respective library. The library in the primary server is configured to complete the external calls and return results of the external calls to the service in the primary server and to forward results of the external calls to the service in the backup server. The library in the secondary server does not make external calls but simply forwards the results of the external calls, as received from the primary server, to the service in the secondary server when requested to do so by the service in the secondary server.
US07975173B2	Fault tolerance and failover using active copy-cat Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary instance, such as a process, thread, application, processor, etc., using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup instance, that mirrors operations in the primary instance, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary instance. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary instance and gates those inputs to the backup instance once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup instance are then compared with the outputs of the primary instance to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup instance to take over for the primary instance in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup instances are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary instance need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary instance need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary instance to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary instance to the backup instance.
US07975170B2	Memory refresh system and method A refresh scheduler is configured to refresh memory cells of a memory device according to a plurality of refresh intervals. The various refresh intervals are determined in response to refresh errors.
US07975168B2	Storage system executing parallel correction write If a failure occurs in any of a plurality of data disks, and if a controller receives a read request from a host computer for the RAID group including the failed data disk, the controller performs data recovery using data stored in the other data disks in the RAID group, and transmits the recovered data to the host computer and also writes the recovered data to a spare disk.
US07975166B2	System, method and computer readable medium for providing redundancy in a media delivery system In a digital video system, high availability distribution is provided using spare modules such as an integrated receiver decoder, multimedia transcoder and streaming module in support of the primary modules. The primary modules multicast status messages which are monitored by the spare modules. When failure of a primary module is detected, the spare module takes over the role of the failed module, for example by joining the same multicast groups as the failed module and taking over processing of the streams of the failed module. Multiple redundancy schemes are described.
US07975165B2	Management of information technology risk using virtual infrastructures Information Technology Risk to an organization is associated with a plurality of virtual machines (VMs) each running on a plurality of hosts, each host being a computer system connected to a network and in communication with a risk orchestrator, which receives threat indication messages (TIMs) from threat indicators. Each TIM indicates a status of a threat to which a hosts is vulnerable. Downtime probability (DTP) resulting from the threat and an overall host DTP for each host are calculated. For each VM, a risk value associated with the VM is calculated as a function of the host DTP for and an impact for the VM, the impact being a value reflecting a relative importance of the VM to the organization. Each VM requiring risk mitigation is identified and prioritized in accordance with a policy, and a configured mitigation control action may be carried out for each VM requiring risk mitigation.
US07975163B1	Apparatus and method for masking a clock signal A system and method are disclosed for masking a clock input from a clock line when the clock line is not being driven by a clock source. The clock mask is triggered by a clock cycle from the clock source. In one version, a memory controller configures a masking circuit to either allow a clock signal to the clock input or to mask the clock input from a bidirectional clock bus. The masking circuit may comprise a storage element and a gate, as an example.
US07975162B2	Apparatus for aligning input data in semiconductor memory device An apparatus for aligning input data in a semiconductor device includes at least one alignment block and a decision block. The at least one alignment block is for aligning serial input data into groups of parallel data synchronized to at least one divided data strobe signal for increasing margin between the maximum and minimum tDQSS values. The decision block is for selecting one of the groups of parallel data as valid data in response to synchronization information generated for removing any invalid data in the serial input data resulting from a write gap.
US07975157B2	Host device with power-saving function A card reader with power-saving function is used for being inserted with a memory card so that a computer can access the memory card through the card reader. When the memory card is inserted in the card reader, the card reader is enabled to operate. On the other hand, when the memory card is not inserted in the card reader, the card reader enters to a power-down mode for saving power.
US07975155B2	Apparatus and method for controlling voltage and frequency A method and an apparatus for controlling voltage level and clock signal frequency supplied to a system. The apparatus includes a hardware module, adapted to receive at least one indication of a load of the system and to determine a voltage level and a clock signal frequency to be provided to the system, and a software module, adapted to configure a voltage source and a clock signal source in response to the determination. The method includes: (i) receiving, at a hardware module, indication of a load of a system; (ii) determining, by the hardware module, a voltage level and a clock signal frequency to be provided to the system; and (iii) configuring, by a software module, a voltage source and a clock signal source in response to the determination.
US07975154B2	Controlling circuit for configuring ring indicator pin of communication port A controlling circuit for a communication port having a ring indicator (RI) pin is provided. The controlling circuit includes a first selection circuit and a second selection circuit. The first selection circuit is controlled by a basic input/output system (BIOS) for determining whether an RI signal is transmitted to the RI pin. The second selection circuit is controlled by the BIOS for determining whether a first voltage or a second voltage is transmitted to the RI pin.
US07975151B2	Decryption key table access control on ASIC or ASSP An ASIC or ASSP has processor circuitry (110), a predetermined initialization program (100) for execution by the processor circuitry at power up, and a non-volatile key table (120) readable by the initialization program, and not accessible otherwise by the processor circuitry. The initialization program reads a key index associated with encrypted data, from external memory, and uses the key index to read a corresponding key from the table, to decrypt the encrypted data for use by the processor circuitry. Optionally another key is first decrypted and used for the decryption of the encrypted data. By keeping the key on board the chip and restricting access in this way, the key and therefore the encrypted data can be protected from software based reverse engineering. This means the encrypted data can cheaper memory chips or other storage. Thus the processor circuitry can be formed on a smaller integrated circuit.
US07975148B2	Information recording medium reproducing method, information recording medium, reproducing apparatus and information medium managing method In an information recording medium reproducing method, an information recording medium, a reproducing apparatus and an information recording medium managing method, a predetermined server is accessed on the basis of an address recorded in an information recording medium to issue key data from the server, and encrypted data recorded in the information recording medium are decrypted with the key data thus issued.
US07975140B2	Key negotiation and management for third party access to a secure communication session Described are a method and system for establishing a secure communication session with third-party access at a later time. A first communication subsession is established between two original devices using a first key generated by a two-party key and security association protocol. At least one of the original devices is established as a group key server. A request from a joining device to join the secure communication session is received and a second communication subsession is established between the original devices using a second key generated by the two-party key and security association protocol. The second key is provided to the joining device to enable participation in the second communication subsession.
US07975139B2	Use and generation of a session key in a secure socket layer connection The invention describes a method and system for verifying the link between a public key and a server's identity as claimed in the server's certificate without relying on the trustworthiness of the root certificate of the server's certificate chain. The system establishes a secure socket layer type connection between a client and a server, wherein the server transmits information including the server's public key to the client while establishing the connection. Next, a first information is sent from the client to the server. The client and the server create an identical authentication key using a shared secret known to the server and the client. Next, the server transmits a first encrypted message to the client, wherein the first encrypted message includes the server's public key encrypted with the authentication key. Then, the client decrypts the first encrypted message and verifies the correctness of that message including comparing the public key included in the decrypted first encrypted message to the public key transmitted during the set-up of the secure socket layer type connection to authenticate the client and to establish the trustworthiness of the server's public key and thereby the entire SSL connection. The client then transmits a second encrypted message to the server, wherein the second encrypted message is the first information encrypted with the authentication key. Finally, the server then decrypts the second encrypted message and verifies the correctness of the decrypted second encrypted message to authenticate the client.
US07975138B2	Systems and methods for mutually authenticated transaction coordination messages over insecure connections Systems and methods are provided that enable authentication of transaction coordination messages sent via insecure connections. Also provided are systems and methods for controlling transaction coordination and recovery. In many embodiments, there is an exchange between a coordinator and a sub-coordinator, such that the coordinator provides the sub-coordinator with a coordinator token, and the sub-coordinator provides the coordinator with a sub-coordinator token. The coordinator and sub-coordinator tokens are used to authenticate transaction coordination messages sent over one or more insecure connections between the coordinator and the sub-coordinator.
US07975133B1	Method for repairing a speculative global history record A system and method are provided for updating a speculative global history prediction record in a microprocessor system using pipelined instruction processing. The method accepts microprocessor instructions with consecutive operations, including a conditional branch operation with an associated first branch address. A speculative global history record (SGHR) of conditional branch resolutions and predictions is accessed and hashed with the first branch address, creating a first hash result. The first hash result is used to index a branch history table (BHT) of previous first branch resolutions. As a result, a first branch prediction is made, and the SGHR is updated with the first branch prediction. A non-speculative global history record (NSGHR) of branch resolutions is updated with the resolution of the first branch operation, and if the first branch prediction is incorrect, the SGHR is corrected using the NSGHR.
US07975132B2	Apparatus and method for fast correct resolution of call and return instructions using multiple call/return stacks in the presence of speculative conditional instruction execution in a pipelined microprocessor A microprocessor having a plurality of call/return stacks (CRS) correctly resolves a call or return instruction rather than issuing the instruction to execution units of the microprocessor to be resolved. The microprocessor fetches a call or return instruction and determines whether the instruction is the first call or return instruction fetched after fetching a conditional branch instruction that has yet to be resolved. The microprocessor copies the contents of a current CRS to another CRS and designates the other CRS as the current CRS, if the state exists. The microprocessor pushes the address of the next sequential instruction following the call instruction onto the current CRS and fetches an instruction at the call instruction target address if the instruction is a call instruction. The microprocessor pops a second return address from the current CRS and fetches an instruction at the second return address, if the instruction is a return instruction.
US07975131B2	Processor lock A processor having multiple distinct instruction sets is disclosed where one set, a default set, is always available for execution while a second set is only available once a valid control code is externally supplied to the processor to effectively “unlock” and enable the second set. Once the second set is so unlocked, then the instructions in both sets are available for subsequent execution by the processor to provide enhanced functionality only available through use of the second set, such as accessing on-line services and content information. Multiple unlockable instruction sets can also be similarly provided, each being separately unlocked and enabled through entry of an corresponding externally supplied control code.
US07975129B2	Selective hardware lock disabling Controlling a reorder buffer (ROB) to selectively perform functional hardware lock disabling (HLD) is described. One apparatus embodiment includes a unit to enable an ROB to selectively disable a lock upon Identifying a lock acquire operation (LAO) associated with a critical section (CS) entry point, a unit to selectively retire the LAO, a unit to cause the ROB to selectively disable the lock, and a unit to snoop a buffer. The apparatus may, based on the snooping, selectively abort a transaction associated with the CS.
US07975127B2	Computer system for processing instructions each containing a group of operations to be executed out of order A computer system comprising a data file having entries each of which is designed to hold data, an advanced and a completed mapping file each having entries each of which is designed to hold a data-file-entry address, an operation window that is a buffer to hold substances of operations waiting execution, and a state-modification queue that is designed to be able to hold a substance of a modification on the advanced mapping file for each clock cycle; wherein making a modification on the advanced mapping file, entering the substance of this modification into the state-modification queue, and entering substances of operations into the operation window are each to be done in one clock cycle, and operations held in the operation window are to be executed out of order. The system can attain high performance easily and utilize programs described in any machine language for traditional register-based/stack-based processors.
US07975125B2	Method for read-only memory devices A ROM comprises several bit output lines and X address decode lines, and stores a data set. Each address decode line stores a unique data word. Addresses in the data set that have the same data word are mapped by the decoder to the same address decode line. Each address decode line is electrically connected to a bit output line as determined by the data set. An initial design of the ROM uses N connecting devices to respectively electrically connect N of the address decode lines to a bit output line. If N exceeds X/2, then an optimization process is performed. The optimization process involves electrically disconnecting each address decode line that was connected to the bit output line, and electrically connecting each address decode line that was not connected to the bit output line. The output of the bit output line is then run through a logical inverter to provide the correct output data bit.
US07975118B2	Storage system and data rearrangement method The first storage apparatus includes a transmission unit for sending to a host computer, if data rearrangement in a volume is executed, a data transmission switching request for switching the transmission destination of write data, and a rearrangement unit for rearranging data in the volume. The host computer includes a data transmission switching unit for switching, after receiving the data transmission switching request from the transmission unit, the transmission destination of the write data from a first virtual volume in the first storage apparatus to a second virtual volume in a second storage apparatus. The rearrangement unit rearranges data in the first volume after the data transmission switching unit switches the transmission destination of the write data from the first virtual volume in the first storage apparatus to the second virtual volume in the second storage apparatus.
US07975107B2	Processor cache management with software input via an intermediary Software assists a processor subsystem in making cache replacement decisions by providing an intermediary with information regarding how instructions and/or data of a working set are expected to be used and accessed by the software. The intermediary uses this information along with its knowledge of system requirements, policy and the cache configuration to determine cache usage and management hints for the working sets. The cache usage and management hints are passed by the intermediary to the processor subsystem.
US07975106B2	Managing device configurations and documents workflow through a portable storage device An MFP that is configured to receive instruction sets for processing documents, such as workflows, from a portable memory device. The MFP may be part of a larger network computer system and may also be able to receive workflows for processing documents from other components of the system in addition to the portable memory device. The portable memory device may comprise a memory stick, or any other portable electronic device that has memory functionality. The system may also be able to filter files on the portable memory device so that the MFP only receives workflow files related to processing documents.
US07975104B2	Method for preserving data integrity by breaking the redundant array of independent disks level 1(RAID1) A method of breaking a redundant array of independent disks level 1 (RAID 1 ) for preservation of data integrity is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for breaking a RAID 1 to preserve data integrity of the RAID 1 includes breaking a redundancy of the RAID 1 when a size of data stored in the RAID 1 exceeds a storage capacity of the RAID 1, where the RAID 1 includes a first disk and a second disk mirroring the first disk. Further, the method includes writing a portion of the data exceeding the storage capacity of the RAID 1 to the second disk, and restoring the redundancy of the RAID 1 by using two additional disks implemented to the RAID 1.
US07975101B2	Storage medium storing drive configuration setting program A storage medium stores a set of program instructions including: acquiring a number of at least one virtual unit with which at least one of a plurality of storage units is associated, the number of at least one virtual unit being set smaller than a total number of the plurality of storage units; receiving, from an operating system, a first command that specifies one of the at least one virtual unit; registering, as an accessible storage unit, a single storage unit from among the at least one of the plurality of storage units that is associated with the one of the at least one virtual unit specified by the first command, the single storage unit being in condition for communicating data with a data processing device; and outputting, to a peripheral device, a second command that specifies the accessible storage unit based on the first command.
US07975097B2	Reducing content addressable memory (CAM) power consumption counters A method may include counting the number of times each of a plurality of entries in a content addressable memory (CAM) matches one or more searches; grouping entries in the CAM into a first subset and a second subset based on the number of times each of the plurality of entries in the CAM matches one or more searches; and searching the first subset for a matching entry and, if no matching entry is found, searching the second subset for the matching entry.
US07975094B2	Programmable I/O interface The invention provides an architecture and method for implementing a programmable I/O interface. The primary function provides a generic reconfigurable interface for serial communications between a laser printer controller and the print mechanism. The design also supports vertical page synchronization (top of page detection).
US07975093B2	Cache with high access store bandwidth A cache memory system and method for supporting multiple simultaneous store operations using a plurality of tag memories is provided. The cache data system further provides a plurality of multiple simultaneous cache store functions along with a single cache load function that is simultaneous with the store functions. Embodiments create a cache memory wherein the cache write buffer does not operate as a bottle neck for data store operations into a cache memory system or device.
US07975092B2	Bus interface converter capable of converting AMBA AHB bus protocol into i960-like bus protocol The invention provides a bus interface converter for converting from AMBA AHB bus protocol to i960-like bus protocol. The converter comprises an AHB interface which can accomplish interface processing for AMBA AHB bus protocol; an i960-like interface which can accomplish interface processing for i960-like bus protocol; and a main controller which can accomplish protocol converting between the AHB interface and the i960-like interface, wherein the AHB interface comprises an AHB bus signal register module which can judge and register control signal from AMBA AHB bus; and an AHB bus signal response module which can generate corresponding response indicating signal of AMBA AHB bus protocol.
US07975091B2	Information processor capable of supplying power to an electronic device connected thereto According to one embodiment, an information processor has: an input/output module configured to input/output a data signal through a data signal line; a first voltage supply module configured to supply a first differential signal pair; a second voltage supply module configured to supply a second differential signal pair; a first switching module configured to select and output, in response to a first control signal, one of the first differential signal pair supplied from the first voltage supply module and the second differential signal pair supplied from the second voltage supply module; and a second switching module configured to receive one of the first differential signal pair and the second differential signal pair output from the first switching module, and output one of the first differential signal pair and the second differential signal pair to the electronic device through the data signal line, in response to a second control signal.
US07975086B1	Apparatus for real-time arbitration between masters and requestors and method for operating the same A circuit is provided for handling multiple requestors desiring access to a resource. The circuit includes a plurality of arbitrators and a plurality of masters. Each master is assigned to a different one of the plurality of arbitrators. Each arbitrator is defined to select a different one of the multiple requestors to be serviced by the master to which the arbitrator is assigned. Also, the plurality of arbitrators is defined to make their requestor selections in the same clock cycle. Additionally, the plurality of arbitrators is defined to make their requestor selections such that selection of a particular requestor is not duplicated among the plurality of arbitrators.
US07975085B2	Signal processing device and control method, signal processing method, program, and signal processing system A signal processing device controls a plurality of signal processing units that process an input signal inputted via a signal line with wide bandwidth, via a control line with narrow bandwidth or the signal line, and includes: a storing unit configured to store correspondence information that associates instruction information indicating an instruction of control with respect to each of the signal processing units, with control information related to all of the plurality of signal processing units, among pieces of control information necessary for each of the signal processing units to execute content of control; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the control information associated with the instruction information by the correspondence information, to the plurality of signal processing units via the signal line, when control is instructed with respect to the plurality of signal processing units.
US07975081B2	Image display system and control method therefor Provided are an image display system and a control method for the image display system capable of displaying an image, which is represented by raster image data to be transferred through burst transmission and which is formed with a plurality of scanning lines, through simple control. An image display system includes a plurality of FIFO memories numbering the same as scanning lines in which pixels to be transferred during one burst transmission are contained do, and an input control unit that selects one of the plurality of FIFO memories according to a line number assigned to a line of pixels corresponding to unit transfer data, and stores second raster image data in the selected FIFO memory.
US07975080B2	Methods and apparatus for providing bit-reversal and multicast functions utilizing DMA controller Techniques for providing improved data distribution to and collection from multiple memories are described. Such memories are often associated with and local to processing elements (PEs) within an array processor. Improved data transfer control within a data processing system provides support for radix 2, 4 and 8 fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithms through data reordering or bit-reversed addressing across multiple PEs, carried out concurrently with FFT computation on a digital signal processor (DSP) array by a DMA unit. Parallel data distribution and collection through forms of multicast and packet-gather operations are also supported.
US07975078B2	Method and apparatus for detecting the type of interface to which a peripheral device is connected A peripheral device, connected to a computer, has either a first or second interface. The first interface communicates over a differential data connection and the second interface communicates over a clock conductor and a single ended data connection. The peripheral device has first and second communication conductors that are either connected to the differential data connection when the computer includes the first interface or to the single ended data connection and the clock conductor when the computer includes the second interface. The peripheral device has an interface detection component that detects which of the first and second interfaces the peripheral device is connected to. The peripheral device also has a controller that communicates according to a protocol corresponding to the detected interface.
US07975074B2	Data transmitting method with multiple token mechanism in wireless token ring protocol A data transmission method with multiple token mechanism in wireless token ring protocol is provided. First, (a) a logical ring with M nodes is provided; (b) a k-th node is selected from the logical ring, and a token in the k-th node is generated; (c) a first message is sent to a (k+1)-th node from the k-th node with the token, and whether the (k+1)-th node responds a second message is judged, if yes, the data to be transmitted is transmitted from the k-th node, otherwise, the token of the k-th node is eliminated; (d) the token is sent to the (k+1)-th node from the k-th node after completing the transmission of the transmitted data of the k-th node, a generation token sequence is generated in a i-th node, and sent to a (i−1)-th node; and (e) the token is generated for the (i−1)-th node with the generation token sequence.
US07975072B2	Mutual scheduling of events on handheld computers An embodiment of the invention provides a method for scheduling an event. The method includes signaling a request from a first computer to schedule an event to a second computer. A schedule is then received from the second, the schedule includes indicators of available time periods in the calendar period from the second computer. A consolidated schedule is then generated. The consolidated schedule comprises information comparing the indicators of available time periods from the second computer with indicators of available time periods from the first computer.
US07975070B2	Routing instances for network system management and control A network system uses a management routing instance to route management information between elements involved in management of the system. The system registers each element in the management routing instance when the element comes on line. Based on the management routing instance, the system creates management forwarding tables. The system then uses the management forwarding tables to route management information between the elements. Multiple systems, for example systems connected by a network, may exchange management routing instance information to allow elements in different systems to communicate management information with each other.
US07975068B2	System and method for self configuration of reconfigurable systems The invention is a system and method for reconfigurable computers. The invention involves a plurality of reconfigurable component clusters (RCCs), each of which can change their respective configuration upon receiving a configuration command. The invention uses a reconfiguration network for distributing the configuration command to the RCCs, wherein the reconfiguration network comprises a plurality of cells, wherein each RCC is connected to a cell.
US07975065B2	File splitting, scalable coding, and asynchronous transmission in streamed data transfer Files are divided into parts and at least some of the parts are transmitted to a client using a communication channel. At least some of the transmitted parts are cached locally. This allows subsequent streaming playback of the file while using less bandwidth by transmitting the part of the file that hasn't been cached, and combining the cached parts with the transmitted parts. In some embodiments, files may be represented at a low quality level by a first data set, and at higher quality levels with additional data sets. Data sets are cached locally, so that during subsequent streaming playback of the file, the quality level of the playback may be improved by sending additional data sets using bandwidth that would otherwise be dedicated to transmitting the cached data sets.
US07975064B2	Envelope packet architecture for broadband engine A mechanism provides for sending an envelope and replying to an envelope. A transmitter is configured to send an envelope. A receiver is coupled to the transmitter, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the envelope and generate a reply envelope. A send buffer is coupled to the transmitter. A receive buffer is coupled to the receiver. A retry timer is coupled to the transmitter, wherein the retry timer is configured to reset upon the receipt of a reply envelope correlated to the transmit envelope. The transmitter is configured to retransmit an envelope if the transmitter does not receive a corresponding reply envelope within a selected time period as determined by the retry timer. This leads to a decrease in the total number of envelopes, transmitted from both the transmitter and the receiver.
US07975062B2	Capturing and sharing media content A media device allows users to watch and capture portions from a media stream. Users may then share the captured media content with other users. In one embodiment, the media device receives a media stream, plays the media stream, and caches a portion of the media stream as it is being played. A user can define a media clip by selecting its boundaries in the cached portion of the media stream. The media device creates the media clip based on the user's input and enables the user to transmit the media clip to another system, such as a community website for sharing it with other users.
US07975060B2	Adaptive video delivery A video server for transmitting video across a network to a plurality of users includes a coder (112) which operates in response to call requests or instructions received across the network (102) from individual clients (104, 106). The server maintains in memory a series of user status records (116), one for each of the users. Each record includes, or refers to, a copy of a previous frame sent to the respective user. When the coder (112) receives a call request, it uses the previously-sent frame for that user to optimise coding the current frame that is to be sent, received from a frame grabber (110). The invention avoids the difficulties of video broadcasting while still requiring only a single instance of a video coder.
US07975056B2	Method for providing a network address The present invention comprises a method of and apparatus for simplifying the process of access to a network for a roaming computer user, divides the responsibility of servicing a given user wanting to access the network between multiple parties and minimizes the possibility of improper dissemination of email header data as well as improper use of network resources (including server systems) by non-clients.
US07975050B2	Conditional access network In a conditional access network a provider distributes valuable contents such as digital TV over the network and end-users are allowed to access such valuable contents in function of individual access rights defined by a user license. The valuable contents are made available to the end-users, by way of a plurality of different conditional access systems, each end-user is provided with a generic conditional access component having a basic functionality common to all conditional access systems, and particular conditional access systems are selectively enabled on each conditional access component subject to a successful verification of a corresponding license.
US07975048B2	Network including snooping A computer network including: at least one switch connecting at least one edge device to the remainder of the network, said at least one switch including: snooping apparatus using DHCP to monitor the signal traffic through the switch to or from the each edge device to determine, without changing the traffic signals, for each edge device, the MAC address, the IP address, and the port of the switch to which it is connected, and a dynamic table within said switch of, for each edge device, the MAC address, the IP address, and the port which it is connected, the contents of the table being provided by said snooping apparatus.
US07975046B2	Verifying a lawful interception system Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for verifying a lawful interception system. A first file and a second file are received. The first file is formed by recording data traffic at a computer as the data traffic generated at the computer is transmitted from the computer to a remote network via a broadband remote access server (BRAS), saving the recorded data traffic as a first packet capture and flat file export (PCAP) file, and exporting packet summary lines from the first PCAP file. The second file is formed by intercepting the data traffic as the data traffic egresses from a mediation system to a law enforcement agency (LEA) system, saving the intercepted data traffic as a second PCAP file, and exporting packet summary lines from the second PCAP file. The first file is compared with the second file to verify an accuracy of the mediation system.
US07975044B1	Automated disambiguation of fixed-serverport-based applications from ephemeral applications Provided are methods for partitioning communication data in a network and disambiguating fixed or non-ephemeral communication data from ephemeral communication data and services. In one example, kmeans data clustering is used to partition or cluster server ports based on a location of the server ports in a 2-dimensional space. The location of the server ports may be based on a number of connections per server port and the number of servers using that port.
US07975039B2	Method and apparatus to support application and network awareness of collaborative applications using multi-attribute clustering A method of clustering communication nodes based on network attributes such as network delays and forwarding capacity; on communication interest attributes; and on application attributes such as quality of service preferences/constraints in providing communications between users and application servers. A multi-attribute communication feature vector is formed. That vector is comprised of network attributes, communication interests attributes, and quality of service requirements and is used to form efficient group communication mechanisms for distributed collaborative applications. Then the multi-attribute communication feature vectors are clustered. The clustering methods for multi-type attribute feature vectors are: iterative clustering using a generalized distance space with normalized attribute subspace metrics; fusion clustering, and nested clustering.
US07975033B2	System and method for initializing and maintaining a series of virtual local area networks contained in a clustered computer system A system and method for sharing network resources; the system comprising: (1) at least one network switch; (2) a plurality of computing devices, where the computing device comprises (i) at least one network connection; (ii) a plurality of processing nodes; and (iii) at least one storage device containing software for (a) initializing and maintaining a plurality of top-layer virtual local area networks (VLANs), (b) initializing and maintaining a plurality of client VLANs; and (c) using an empty VLAN as a virtual wire between the client VLAN and a shared network resource.
US07975027B2	Credit depletion notification for transmitting frames between a port pair Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for credit depletion notification for transmitting frames between a port pair. Credits indicate a number of outstanding frames a first device may transmit to a second device. The credits are decremented in response to transmitting a frame to the second device. The credits are incremented in response to receiving a ready code from the second device indicating that the second device processed the transmitted frame. A determination is made as to whether additional credits are needed for communicating frames from the first device to the second device. A credit depletion notification is sent to the second device in response to determining that the additional credits are needed for communication with the second device.
US07975024B2	Virtual personal computer access over multiple network sites A computer system in a wide area network, including a workstation computer and a first virtualization server which maintains virtualization information in real time for the workstation computer on a first storage device, wherein the first virtualization server is located at a first site. A second virtualization server is located at a second site in the wide area network. At the first site, a first gateway computer is operatively connected to a first synchronization computer and at the second site, a second gateway computer is operatively connected to a second synchronization computer. A copy of the virtualization information of the workstation computer is maintained in real time on a second storage device at the second site, by intercommunicating between the first synchronization computer and the second synchronization computer.
US07975023B2	System and method for using resources of a computer system in conjunction with a thin media client A computer system including a processor and a memory for retrieving digital media content, storing the digital media content in the memory, and providing the digital media content to a thin media client is provided.
US07975015B2	Notification platform architecture The present invention relates to a system and methodology to enable a variety of information associated with one or more notification sources to be directed to one or more notification sinks via a notification platform architecture. The architecture includes a context analyzer for determining a user's state such as location and attentional focus, wherein the user's state is employed by a notification manager to make decisions regarding what, when and how information generated by the notification sources should be forwarded to the notification sinks, for example. These decisions can include a cost benefit analysis wherein considerations are given as to whether the benefits of notifying the user are outweighed by the costs of disrupting the user. Decision-theoretic policies and/or somewhat less formal heuristic policies can be employed to enable the decision-making process within the notification manager.
US07975014B2	Method and system for message thread compression A method for compressing electronic mail messages each having a message thread for storage in a storage device, comprising: identifying one or more sections of each message thread; assigning a respective identifier to each section; storing one occurrence of each section in the storage device for retrieval using its identifier; replacing each section in each thread by its identifier to thereby compress the messages; and, storing the messages in the storage device.
US07975010B1	Countering spam through address comparison Computer implemented methods, apparati, and computer readable media for determining whether an electronic message (30) is likely to contain spam. A method embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of comparing (11) addresses associated with the electronic message (30) with addresses in an address book (21) of a recipient (20) of the electronic message (30); counting (12) instances for which an address associated with the electronic message (30) matches an address in the address book (21); and determining (13) whether spam is likely present in the electronic message (30) by calculating whether a pre-selected condition (70) is satisfied, said pre-selected condition (70) being based upon a count of said matches and at least one predetermined threshold (80).
US07975009B2	Instant message contact router A method and apparatus are provided for processing an instant message within a system having a plurality agents for handling the instant message. The method includes the step of a buffer sever detecting an arrival of the instant message. The method also includes the steps of sending the instant message to one of a plurality of messages queues associated with the buffer server pending availability of one of the plurality of agents to handle the instant message and automatically generating and sending a status message to a source of the instant message while the message is in the message queue based upon the status of the instant message in the message queue.
US07975008B2	System for channel congestion management A system for managing data traffic in a multi-user multiple-simultaneous-access (MUMSA) environment, for example in a code reuse multiple access (CRMA) environment or other physical environment having true random access with more than one transmission present at the same time, the system including a channel load estimator for multiple users, a congestion threshold calculator using the estimate of channel load to calculate threshold on an ongoing basis, a tester at each terminal performing an experiment using that congestion threshold value and a random number generator to determine if a packet is eligible to be transmitted, a traffic controller for transferring downstream virtual channel traffic and a redistributing mechanism for redistributing user terminals to affiliate with the proper downstream virtual channel.
US07975002B2	System and method for accumulating a historical context of interactions between components A system and method for accumulating a historical context of interactions between components is presented. A plurality of components that each have a component context and which include at least one of a requester component and at least one of a service component are maintained. An interaction including the requester component requesting an operation to be performed by the service component is identified by sending the component context of the requester component to the service component. The component context of the requester component is recorded into the component context of the service component as contextual metadata.
US07975000B2	A/B testing of a webpage Performing A/B testing of content of a webpage includes selecting one of at least two different versions of the webpage to be displayed to a user through an interactive user interface (e.g., a web browser) based on an identification code, such as an Internet Protocol address or tracker identifier supplied by a cookie, associated with the user.
US07974998B1	Trackback spam filtering system and method A blog website may register with a trackback spam filtering service to receive a trackback URL pointed to a computer of the track back spam filtering service. The trackback URL may be posted on the blog to allow readers to trackback to the blog. Trackback pings for linking to the blog may be received by the trackback spam filtering service for evaluation. The trackback spam filtering service may extract comment links from the trackback pings, and provide the comment links to a web reputation service to determine characteristics of the comment links. The trackback spam filtering service may consult a rules database that includes deterministic rules, heuristic rule, or both to determine if a comment link having particular characteristics is pointed to a spammer website. If so, the trackback spam filtering service may block the trackback to the blog.
US07974997B2	Hardware matrix computation for wireless receivers In one embodiment, a receiver including one or more signal-processing blocks and a hardware-based matrix co-processor. The one or more signal-processing blocks are adapted to generate a processed signal from a received signal. The hardware-based matrix co-processor includes two or more different matrix-computation engines, each adapted to perform a different matrix computation, and one or more shared hardware-computation units, each adapted to perform a mathematical operation. At least one signal-processing block is adapted to offload matrix-based signal processing to the hardware-based matrix co-processor. Each of the two or more different matrix-computation engines is adapted to offload the same type of mathematical processing to at least one of the one or more shared hardware-computation units.
US07974995B2	Techniques to associate media information with related information System, apparatus, method, and article for techniques to associate media data with related information. A mobile computing device includes a media manager module. The media manager module processes a media file including metadata. The media manager module retrieves a first content from a metadata field in the metadata. The media manager module retrieves a second content from a field in an application file associated with an application client. The media manager module compares the first and second contents and determines whether the first and second contents are associated. If the first and second contents are associated, the media manager module retrieves the second content and inserts the second content in a second metadata field of the media file.
US07974994B2	Sensitive webpage content detection Computer-readable media, systems, and methods for sensitive webpage content detection are described. In embodiments, a multi-class classifier is developed and one or more webpages with webpage content are received. In various embodiments, the one or more webpages are analyzed with the multi-class classifier and, in various embodiments, a sensitivity level is predicted that is associated with the webpage content of the one or more webpages. In various other embodiments, the multi-class classifier includes one or more sensitivity categories.
US07974993B2	Application loader for support of version management A system for supporting version management is provided. The system includes a first application having a plurality of versions. Each of the plurality of versions is associated with a separate a version-specific assembly. A loader is configured to load one of the version-specific assemblies, the assembly then being utilized as a basis for deriving an object from a database associated with the first application. The object is provided to a second application, typically in response to a corresponding request.
US07974986B1	System, method and computer program products for resume blasting Systems, methods and computer program products include capturing a job seeker's résumé, capturing a list of career websites on which the job seeker desires to post his or her résumé and for each career website specified, logging onto that career website and posting the job seeker's résumé to that career website. If the job seeker doesn't have an account on a specific career website, one is created for him/her.
US07974984B2	Method and system for managing single and multiple taxonomies A system and method may include retrieving a first taxonomy comprising at least one first category and one or more second taxonomies, at least one second category being associated with at least one of the one or more second taxonomies. The system and method may further include creating a new taxonomy by merging the first taxonomy with the second taxonomy based on a comparison of a first category profile of the at least one first category with a second category profile of the at least one second category.
US07974982B2	System and method for device profiling using cascaded databases A system for device profiling using cascaded databases includes a client configured to deliver data to a device, and a plurality of databases accessible by the client, each of the plurality databases containing information relevant to the device, such that the plurality of databases are queried in a prioritized order to obtain information relevant to the device.
US07974974B2	Techniques to perform relative ranking for search results Techniques to perform relative ranking for search results are described. An apparatus may include an enhanced search component operative to receive a search query and provide ranked search results responsive to the search query. The enhanced search component may comprise a resource search module operative to search for resources using multiple search terms from the search query, and output a set of resources having some or all of the search terms. The enhanced search component may also comprise a proximity generation module communicatively coupled to the resource search module, the proximity generation module operative to receive the set of resources, retrieve search term position information for each resource, and generate a proximity feature value based on the search term position information. The enhanced search component may further comprise a resource ranking module communicatively coupled to the resource search module and the proximity generation module, the resource ranking module to receive the proximity feature values, and rank the resources based in part on the proximity feature values. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07974969B1	Apparatus, method and computer-code for quantifying index overhead Apparatus, methods, and computer readable medium for monitoring a database and for determining an estimated index-overhead for a given index is provided. A description of database performance may be presented to a user in accordance with the determined index overhead. Furthermore, in some embodiments, apparatus, methods and computer-code for (i) determining fractional aggregate index-wait time in accordance with database statement execution plans and (ii) presenting a description of database performance in accordance with the fractional aggregated index-wait time are also disclosed.
US07974964B2	Context based search and document retrieval A context based search and document retrieval application is disclosed. The application uses context data that is generated by a document analysis component based upon context information from various sources, including for example, document collections available on the world wide web. The context data is provided to a search query generator. The search query generator is configured to generate a contextually annotated search query based upon a user query and context data. Bookmarks having an associated context are generated for documents retrieved in response to the contextually annotated search query. The application then provides access to the bookmarked documents when the user is browsing other documents with similar contexts to the context of the original document for which the context based search was executed and the bookmark created. The bookmarked documents are hyperlinked to terms in the browsed document.
US07974961B2	Method and apparatus to facilitate the creating and altering of index objects on tables A method for facilitating creation and managing of partitioned table indices of a table object of a first partitioning type includes steps of: automatically looking up a table and its partitioning type definition; retrieving the table index and all indices defined for that table object, and their definitions; presenting to a user at least a portion of the table index in a single set of index alter screens; receiving from the user an alter request in the form of a screen option; performing validity checking on the screen option, based on the index type. If the screen option is not compatible with the index type, the method automatically overrides the screen option with one that is compatible, and issues a diagnostic message. If the screen option is valid for the index type, the user is notified about the changes that will be made and the effect of those changes. Data definition language statements are then generated consistent with the screen options.
US07974958B2	Method, apparatus and system for configuration-dependent control of furnishing information A method and apparatus for updating technical data sets that perform maintenance processes in technical systems is provided. The technical systems include a plurality of components that can each be configured dynamically. After a change in configuration of a component is detected, a report is sent by a configuration database to a central management system. The current management system provides the current version of the technical data sets to a document server.
US07974953B1	System and method for deletion of writeable PPIS Techniques introduced herein allow writeable PPIs to be analyzed prior to deletion to determine whether or not the writeable PPIs have reached the end of their life cycle. Prior to deletion a writeable PPI manager can inspect the writeable PPI to determine whether or not the writeable PPI has reached the end of the writeable PPI life cycle. If various criteria are not met, then the writeable PPI can be determined to have not yet reached the end of its life cycle and the deletion can be prevented.
US07974951B2	Onsite backup for third party internet-based systems A system for onsite backup of internet-based data is provided. The system includes a central computer, a client computer, a communications link between the central computer and the Internet, and a communications link between the client computer and the Internet. The system also includes at least one database containing a plurality of data records accessible by the central computer, each data record containing a client identification number. Software executing on the central computer receives a data backup request, and software executing on the central computer transmits the data backup to the client computer.
US07974947B2	Incrementally sychronizing occasionally-connected mobile databases, preserving horizontal filter scope consistency by using client pre-image A system for synchronizing data on a first device with data at a second device, includes: determining a pre-image of the data on the first device according to a filter after a previous synchronization with the data at the second device; determining a current image of the data at the second device according to the filter; determining a delta of the current image, where the delta comprises data that exists in the current image and has changed since the previous synchronization; instructing the first device to delete data that exists in the pre-image but not in the current image; and instructing the first device to UPSERT a union of the data that exists in the delta and the data that exists in the current image but not the pre-image. This is efficient in time and bandwidth resources while also providing consistent data integrity.
US07974946B2	System and method for synchronizing personal data among a plurality of devices storing such data A system and method for maintaining data synchronization across a plurality of user devices is provided. The system and method manage data synchronization among a plurality of data storage devices includes a mobile personal information system adapted interface with a number of data storage devices. A personal information system supports multiple data synchronization protocols so that the personal information system may synchronize data with a wide range of different data storage devices. A synchronization arbitrator is associated with the personal information system. The synchronization arbitrator is adapted to register all of a user's personal devices which store the user's personal information. The synchronization arbitrator also initiates a data synchronization function with each registered data storage device, employing the synchronization protocol appropriate for each device. The personal information management system may comprise a vehicular mounted personal data storage system. The user devices may include a hand-held personal data storage system and a computer adapted to store personal data.
US07974941B2	Creation of a virtual community In order to facilitate creation of a community without member-specific registration, one or more sibling identifiers with corresponding units to be distributed to other persons are allocated to a subscriber and the one or more sibling identifiers is associated with the subscriber's identifier. The subscriber may then give a unit to his/her friend and when the friend uses the unit, or more precisely a sibling identifier the unit relates to, the system will recognize that the subscriber and the friend belong to the same community on the basis of the association formed when sibling identifiers were allocated.
US07974940B2	Real time expert dialog service Methods and systems provide for establishment of online dialogs between a person and a user of an online community where those people are not necessarily familiar with each others areas of expertise or interests. The methods and systems can categorize a dialog topic received from the person, and determine, from categorization of users, a selection of users of a system to receive the dialog topic. That selection can be further narrowed according to user availability and/or ranking determinations, as well as an initial subject matter test posed to the selection of users. Judging the acceptability of the users' responses can help determine subject matter expertise in an area relevant to the proposed topic.
US07974936B2	Structural formula display system, method, and program storage medium storing program thereof Character string divider divides a targeted character string into a plurality of groups at each bonding sites on a main chain. In the character string dividing process, the character string divider adds starting/ending symbols to the targeted character string, inserts a delimiter between adjacent characters, changes a notation related to oxo acids, reconstructs an atomic symbol consisting of two characters, changes a notation regarding a subscript or superscript, links hydrogen to another element, reconstructs a set of side chains, reconstructs a character string consisting of one group, reconstructs a back-end group, reconstructs a double bond in a group, and removes the starting/ending symbols. Character string reverser reverses the alignment of the groups.
US07974934B2	Method for segmenting webpages by parsing webpages into document object modules (DOMs) and creating weighted graphs A method of segmenting a webpage into visually and semantically cohesive pieces uses an optimization problem on a weighted graph, where the weights reflect whether two nodes in the webpage's DOM tree should be placed together or apart in the segmentation; the weights are informed by manually labeled data.
US07974933B2	Estimating the efficacy of a mathematical model of system behaviour Estimating the overall efficacy of a mathematical model of system behavior involves providing a template representing factors that affect the overall efficacy of the mathematical model. A Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) having nodes based on the factors of the template is created and the BBN is used to obtain an estimate of the overall efficacy of the mathematical model of system behavior.
US07974931B2	Methods for producing, transmitting and preventing transmission of content based on determination of compliance or non-compliance A method is provided for producing content, the content to be produced depicting at least one person and being subject to a federal record-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of providing to a computer system information pertaining to a person to be depicted in at least a portion of the content in accordance with a federal record-keeping requirement; associating by the computer system the information with the content to be produced by storing the information together with an identification of the content to be produced in a storage medium independent of a medium to be used to store the content; determining by the computer system that the stored associated information complies with the federal record-keeping requirement; and producing the content based on the determination of compliance.Methods for transmitting such content, and for preventing the transmission of such content, are also provided.
US07974930B2	Method and system for providing real estate information An interactive, computer-implemented system for providing a comparison of at least two real estate properties is provided. The system includes a database that stores a plurality of data relating to real estate properties. The data includes at least one of address data, ownership data, size data, geographic location data and monetary value data. An interface system enables a system user to input a request for a comparison of at least a portion of the data for at least two of the real estate properties. The request includes information sufficient to identify the real estate properties to be compared. A processor uses the information to obtain a comparison of the data relating to the real estate properties. A delivery system provides to the system user a comparison of the data relating to the real estate properties.
US07974928B2	System and method for securing database records from tampering and managing and recovering from component failure in devices such as postage value dispensing systems A method of managing and recovering from the failure of cryptographic devices in a secure transaction processing system including a database, a plurality first cryptographic devices and a standby cryptographic device. Each of the first cryptographic devices periodically generates and sends to the database a total freshness counter record and generates and sends to another of the first cryptographic devices a digital signature and time stamp record. Upon failure of a first cryptographic device, the standby cryptographic device requests and receives the current total freshness counter record and digital signature and time stamp record for the failed first cryptographic device, and uses the digital signature and time stamp record to verify that the total freshness center record is most current. If so verified, the standby cryptographic device assumes the operation of the failed first cryptographic device.
US07974927B2	Mailing machine and initialization method The mailing machine and a method of initializing it are based on an unremovable program memory, which contains an initialization program. A removable authorization device is operationally connected to the mailing machine and is designed such that it can be interrogated. The interrogation is performed before and during the initialization of the mailing machine with predetermined INIT data. A security module connected to the program memory serves for checking the authorization and can prevent initialization without authorization. The initialization of the mailing machine takes place at the goods receiving location in the destination country by switching into an initialization mode, authorization of the initialization by means of the authorization device, input of initialization data and ending of the initialization and cancellation of the authorization.
US07974926B2	Content use system, information terminal, and settlement system Provided is a new system for content use and settlement. A user requests a mobile telephone charge management server (3000) to perform proxy settlement for goods purchased using mobile telephones 1 (4100), 2 (4200) and 3 (4300). The mobile telephone charge management server (3000) makes an inquiry to a registration server (3100) as to whether or not proxy settlement is possible. When proxy settlement is not possible, the mobile telephone performs settlement using electronic money that has been deposited therein.
US07974922B1	Computer-driven exception processing system A computer-implemented system to track, process, and report exceptions arising from processing of electronic representations of checks and other financial documents.
US07974918B1	Credit risk framework A credit risk framework and systems and methods for using the same. The credit risk framework provides information regarding the eligibility of loans to be sold (delivered) to a purchaser, such as in the secondary mortgage market. The credit risk framework includes determining categories of potentially eligible loans. At least one risk segment is determined and an eligibility grid associated therewith. The eligibility grid is organized using two data elements as axes and forming boxes representing ranges of the two data elements. Each box is then further associated with additional information regarding any restrictions on loans that would fall in the box. Each risk segment may have its own level of delegated authority so as to tie risk to a delegation structure.
US07974913B1	Methods, computer systems, and software for estimating trading volume The disclosed technology involves estimating daily trading volume for a securities market for a next day, estimating daily trading volume for a particular security for a next day, and estimating intraday trading volume for a particular security for a next time bin in the current day.
US07974910B2	Analyzing auction data having a varying number of bidders Methods and associated apparatus comprise, among other features, organizing previously acquired auction data into a plurality of sub-samples, each sub-sample comprising bid data associated with auctions having a common number of bidders, applying an inverse bid function to at least two sub-samples, pooling results from applying the inverse bid function to form a first pool, applying a direct bid function on the first pool to generate sample bids, matching bids from at least one sub-sample to the sample bids, and pooling results from the matching with the first pool to form a second pool.
US07974908B1	System and method for promoting competition in an auction A system and method for promoting competitive bidding in an online auction that has a bidder, a favored bidder, and a sponsor, including receiving bids from the bidder and the favored bidder, deriving a relative spread, determining a market position for the bidder and the favored bidder, and displaying feedback information to at least one of the favored bidder or the bidder. The relative spread represents a minimum premium amount required before the sponsor awards a contract to a non-favored bidder. The market position reflects a comparison of the bid of the favored bidder to the bid of the bidder using the relative spread and the feedback information shows the market position.
US07974907B2	Configurable security processor identifier table A system in an electronic securities market includes a configurable look-up table having assignment entries that assign each of a plurality of securities to one or more securities processors in the system. A configuration process allows administration of the assignment entries included in this configurable look-up table.
US07974903B2	System and method for analyzing distributions for taxation analysis A method and system receives one or more target distribution amounts corresponding to currency totals for one or more foreign entities to distribute to one or more domestic entities in one or more years, the foreign entities being direct or indirect subsidiaries of the one or more domestic entities, then it receives entity data pertaining to tax relevant attributes for the one or more domestic and foreign entities over the one or more years, and receives distribution constraints for each foreign entity, the distribution constraints including a minimum distribution amount and a maximum distribution amount for each entity in each year. The method and system creates one or more distribution scenarios including corresponding tax costs based on the entity data and the distribution constraints and identifies a distribution scenario from the one or more distribution scenarios having the lowest tax and meeting the one or more target distribution amounts.
US07974902B2	Method and apparatus for massively multiplayer online games According to embodiments of the invention, processes and products permit relationships to be formed between player characters of a video game. In addition, death and reincarnation of player characters can be employed as features of the video game.
US07974901B2	Video game with character parameters derived from other characters In various embodiments, apparatus and processes permit a video game in which there are relationships between player characters, karma points employed, and death and reincarnation of player characters.
US07974899B1	Atomic deposit transaction A user may generate a digital image of a negotiable instrument such as a check. The digital image may be transmitted to an institution in a digital image file for deposit of the check. After the user selects to submit the digital image file, the digital image file may be sent from a user computing device to the institution. The user computing device may be decoupled from the transaction once the submission of the digital image file for deposit of the check is made. The transaction is thereafter managed by the institution. Incomplete transactions are avoided by moving the transaction processing to the server side at the institution after the user submits the digital image file. This may be referred to as an atomic deposit transaction.
US07974897B2	System and method facilitating tri-party repurchase agreement transactions In accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, a DVP repo and tri-party repo hybrid transaction is provided as well as a process for facilitating and processing such a hybrid transaction, referred to herein as a “tri-party hybrid repo” transaction.
US07974895B1	System and method for developing finance rate information A system and method for providing finance rates are provided. According to the system and method, rate request information is acquired. Once the rate request information is acquired, it may be stored in a tracking database for statistical purposes. The acquired request information is submitted to a rate generation system that generates rates based at least upon the acquired request information. The generated rates are used to populate a template rate sheet that is then output in response to a rate request.
US07974892B2	System and method for expense management A method for expense management. An expense data record is retrieved from a trusted source and two or more sub-transactions are identified. The expense data record is then added to an expense report as two or more expense items corresponding to the two or more sub-transactions.
US07974889B2	Social networking interactive shopping system The social networking interactive shopping system includes a portable wireless user interface for use by a store customer when shopping. A merchant server is provided, the server having market survey, advertising, promotions, security, social networking services, web server capability, a quantitative prediction modeling system predicting behavior of the customer, a predictive response marketing/advertising system that targets advertising messages to the customer based on a predicted customer response to the advertising messages, and payment application software. The merchant server is capable of wired or wireless communication with the portable wireless user interface. A database is provided, and can be stored on site or off site. The database includes information associated with items for sale at the store, and is in operable communication with the merchant server. Using the portable wireless user interface, the store customer can purchase user selected store items thereby obviating necessity for travel through a store check-out line.
US07974887B2	Pool supply and service system Systems and methods for the efficient and convenient provision of pool services, equipment and supplies. The system incorporates a network between a pool distributor, pool regional dealer and pool customer. The system allows for the distributor to increase market share by providing benefits to pool customers who sign up to the network, i.e., provide profile information. In exchange for passing the business to regional dealers, regional dealers agree to promote and employ distributor's products.
US07974886B2	Method and system for delivery of targeted commercial messages A method for delivery of targeted commercial messages. The method comprises assembling a plurality of potential purchaser profiles in an electronic file for presentation to at least one potential advertiser of goods or services applicable to a substantial portion of the plurality of potential purchasers, developing commercial message selection criteria for selecting from the potential purchasers those suited to receive a specified commercial message contained in a set of commercial messages, applying the commercial message selection criteria to the purchaser profiles to identify the potential purchasers suited to receive specified commercial messages, and presenting over a data network to a potential purchaser identified as suited, the specified commercial messages.
US07974881B2	Method and system for assessing, scoring, grouping and presenting nutritional value information of food products A method and system for presenting nutritional information about food products. The method involves gathering nutritional data about food products, analyzing that data to determine a nutritional value, scoring the product, and applying a designation reflecting the nutritional score. The nutritional value score designation is then displayed at the point of sale for observation by customers. The system includes a data gathering function, a data analyzing function, a data storing function, a scoring function, a reporting function and a display function to perform the steps of the method described.
US07974879B2	Information distribution system A system and method that enhances the “focus” of information exchanged between sellers and buyers. Buyers identify potential sources for goods and services that are desirable to the buyer. Buyers can focus their access to listings of seller information by identifying desirable attributes, including but not limited to: geography attributes relating to the location(s) of the seller; and category attributes relating to the various categories of offerings that interest to the buyer. The use of geographical and categorical attributes is not limited to their inclusion as part of the search terms. Instead, seller listings can be organized into hierarchies of geography-based and category-based attributes in a highly normalized fashion to enhance the ability of a buyer focus on the most desirable listings. The system can be configured to limit, order, or otherwise prioritize the information viewed by the buyer on the basis of the desired attributes identified by the buyer.
US07974877B2	Sending and receiving electronic business cards Graphical visual representations of electronic business cards may be generated from associated contact file information. Electronic business cards may be sent and received over digital media. Contacts information associated with received electronic business cards may be used for adding to or updating information contained in a recipient's electronic contact files.
US07974875B1	System and method for using voice over a telephone to access, process, and carry out transactions over the internet A method for executing a transaction related to an item or a service using a telephone includes providing information identifying the item or the service, providing a query as to a transaction to be performed in which the transaction is related to the identified item or service, and sending to a server system a request to execute the transaction related to the identified item or service in response to a user answer. The transaction is executed without the user performing a single action on a computer interface.
US07974868B2	Enhancing virally-marketed facilities A method and apparatus for enhancing a virally marketed facility is described and illustrated. In one embodiment, the invention is a method of operating a virally marketed facility. The method includes measuring virality of the facility based on a conversion rate and a propagation rate. The method also includes determining potential options for increasing virality. The method further includes executing potential options for increasing virality. In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of operating a virally marketed facility. The method includes measuring virality of the facility. Also, the method includes determining potential options for increasing virality. Further, the method includes concurrently executing potential options for increasing virality.
US07974865B2	Systems and methods of managing assignments Disclosed are systems and methods of making assignments, particularly of sales leads. The assignments are considered either committed or uncommitted responsive to an effective date associated with one or more assignment rule used to make the assignments. Uncommitted assignments may be used to review the effects of changes in assignment rules. Examples are provided including the use of uncommitted assignments to review the effects of changes in a hierarchical territory structure.
US07974861B1	Digital asset insurance Digital assets may be insured against loss. The digital assets may comprise commercial products and/or user-generated data. An insurance product may provide either for monetary reimbursement or replacement (e.g., repurchase) of the digital assets and/or for backup services to backup insured digital assets so that the insured digital assets may be retrieved if the original user copies are lost.
US07974849B1	Detecting and modeling temporal computer activity patterns A method is described with which to detect and model a person's temporal activity patterns from a record of the persons computer activity or online presence. The method is both predictive and descriptive of temporal features and is constructed with a minimal amount of beforehand knowledge. Activity related data is accumulated from a mechanism that is involved in the activity of a person. Significant inactivity features are identified within the activity data. These inactivity features are characterized so as to project the temporal activity of the person. Real-time activity of the person is then detected and inactivity periods are checked for likelihood of belonging to a previously characterized significant feature. The resulting information is formatted and made available to individuals having a need for the information.
US07974844B2	Apparatus, method and computer program product for recognizing speech A speech recognition apparatus includes a first-candidate selecting unit that selects a recognition result of a first speech from first recognition candidates based on likelihood of the first recognition candidates; a second-candidate selecting unit that extracts recognition candidates of a object word contained in the first speech and recognition candidates of a clue word from second recognition candidates, acquires the relevance ratio associated with the semantic relation between the extracted recognition candidates of the object word and the extracted recognition candidates of the clue word, and selects a recognition result of the second speech based on the acquired relevance ratio; a correction-portion identifying unit that identifies a portion corresponding to the object word in the first speech; and a correcting unit that corrects the word on identified portion.
US07974843B2	Operating method for an automated language recognizer intended for the speaker-independent language recognition of words in different languages and automated language recognizer The invention relates to an operating method for an automated language recognizer intended for the speaker-independent language recognition of words from different languages, particularly for recognizing names from different languages. The method is based on a language defined as the mother tongue and has an input phase for establishing a language recognizer vocabulary. Phonetic transcripts are determined for words in various languages in order to obtain phoneme sequences for pronunciation variants. The phonemes of each relevant phoneme set of the mother tongue are then specifically mapped to determine phoneme sequences that correspond to pronunciation variants.
US07974840B2	Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding MPEG-4 BSAC audio bitstream having ancillary information A method of and an apparatus for encoding/decoding an MPEG-4 bit sliced arithmetic coding (BSAC) audio bitstream having ancillary information. A time domain audio signal is converted to a frequency domain audio signal and quantized. A number of data bits is counted and a number of available bits per layer is obtained. The number of available bits per layer is modified considering the size of ancillary information. Actual audio data is encoded in units of layers and ancillary information is embedded in the encoded bitstream. A header is decoded and a layer structure of an audio bitstream is calculated to determine the size of the ancillary information as a difference between a size of data up to a top layer and a size of a frame. The ancillary information is extracted to improve meta data and sound quality of audio contents.
US07974839B2	Method, medium, and apparatus encoding scalable wideband audio signal Provided is a method and apparatus for encoding a scalable wideband audio signal, the method including: filtering a voiced signal by performing linear prediction on the voiced signal and modulating the filtered signal; encoding the modulated signal in the time domain, and outputting a core layer encoding result of the voiced signal; subtracting a signal obtained by decoding the core layer encoding result from the modulated signal and outputting an error signal; and encoding the error signal and outputting an enhancement layer encoding result of the voiced signal.
US07974836B2	System and method for voice user interface navigation A Voice User Interface (VUI) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system utilizes three levels of navigation (e.g. Main Menu, Services, and Helper Commands) in presenting information units arranged in sets. The units are “spoken” by a system in a group to a human user and the group of information at each level is preceded by a tone that is unique to the level. When navigating the levels, the tones of the levels are in a musical progression, e.g. the three-note blues progression I, IV, V, for preceding the groups of information, respectively. The musical progression returns to the tonic of the musical key when the navigation returns to the level one of the first group of information.
US07974831B2	Communication support apparatus and computer program product for supporting communication by performing translation between languages A communication supporting apparatus includes a supplemental example storing unit that stores a source language interpretation which is an interpretation of a semantic content of a source language sentence to be translated, and a supplemental example sentence which is an example of a sentence for supporting the semantic content, in association with each other; an input accepting unit that accepts the source language sentence input by a user; an analyzing unit that analyzes the semantic content of the source language sentence and outputs the source language interpretation; a search unit that searches for the supplemental example sentence associated with the source language interpretation from the supplemental example storing unit; and a translation unit that translates the source language sentence and the supplemental example sentence into a target language.
US07974826B2	Energy system modeling apparatus and methods A computer-implemented method for modeling and/or improving operational performance of an energy system includes providing a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to manipulate equipment icons into an energy system model representation, using modular, piece-wise linear equipment models to simulate non-linear behavior of equipment represented by the manipulated equipment icons to solve an energy system model represented by the manipulation, and displaying a solution of the energy system model.
US07974821B1	Vector-based representation of a lens flare Systems, methods, and computer program products for generating a vector-based representation of a lens flare are provided. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes presenting a plurality of visually rendered wire frame shapes, each one of the plurality of visually rendered wire frame shapes having a geometric correspondence with a lens flare component, each lens flare component being one of: a center point, a flare ring, a flare ray, or a halo, receiving a first input to manipulate a first visually rendered wire frame shape in the plurality of visually rendered wire frame shapes to interactively change the position or form of a first corresponding lens flare component, and presenting a visual rendering of the first corresponding lens flare component where the visual rendering reflects the change in the position or the form of the first corresponding lens flare component.
US07974817B2	CAD program, structure design system, and structure design method A computer acquires maximum lengths of a structure as measured along X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and acquires numbers of divisions of line segments which extend along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively, and have the maximum lengths, respectively. The computer then calculates a basic shape, which is the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped divided into a three-dimensional grid, on the basis of the maximum lengths and the numbers of divisions. The computer creates a basic frame of the structure from the basic shape by deleting a selected line, and adding a line between two selected grid points. The computer calculates structure data, which are three-dimensional data representing the structure, by arranging frame members, which are represented by three-dimensional frame member data, along lines between the grid points of the basic frame. The computer then outputs a drawing of the structure from the structure data.
US07974816B2	Sensor registration by global optimization procedures Disclosed are method and apparatus for registering multiple sensors collecting data from multiple objects. Sensor registration is decomposed into a two-step procedure. The first step corrects systematic errors. The second step assigns objects measured by one sensor to objects measured by a second sensor. Systematic errors are corrected by generating the global minimum of a systematic error function. One embodiment for generating the global minimum uses a Continuous Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure.
US07974814B2	Multiple sensor fusion engine A method and system for of fusing the outputs of multiple sensors. The output of each sensor including a sensor class probability vector based on each sensor's classification database is input to a fusion engine which estimates a base class probability vector based on the sensor class probabilities output by the sensors and a preconfigured base database including base classes.
US07974810B2	Portable diagnostic handset A portable diagnostic device. The portable diagnostic device includes a housing, a processor located within the housing, an input device located on the housing and coupled to the processor, and a display screen located on the housing and coupled to the processor. The processor includes a microbrowser module configured for communicating with an external source of information and a diagnostic module configured for analyzing information received from the external source of information.
US07974809B2	Power monitoring and testing Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and testing power systems are disclosed. In various embodiments, a site server collects data from one or more generators, automatic transfer switches, sensors, and cameras at a site. The site server stores captured data and triggers alarm events when preselected limits are exceeded. The site server also enables users to configure, initiate, pause, resume, monitor, and abort scripted tests of the monitored entities. In some of these and other embodiments, an enterprise-wide server collects data from multiple site servers, makes the data available via a web-based or other client interface, and provides consolidated monitoring, alarm, test management, and management resources.
US07974802B2	Photomask image inspection A method optimizes photomask inspection. After masks are manufactured, the method predicts the likelihood that the masks will be defect free based on defect criteria, etch area, etch mode, and etch tool type associated with the masks. The method skips an initial mask inspection for masks that have a predictability value above a predetermined value and performs the initial mask inspection for masks that have a predictability value below the predetermined value. After initial inspection is preformed (or skipped), a pellicle is mounted on the mask and then all masks are inspected or reinspected for defects and foreign matter.
US07974801B2	Method and system for a two-step prediction of a quality distribution of semiconductor devices By performing a two-step approach for predicting a quality distribution during the fabrication of semiconductor devices, enhanced flexibility and efficiency may be accomplished. The two-step approach first models electrical characteristics on the basis of measurement data, such as inline measurement data, and, in a second step, an appropriate distribution for the electrical characteristics may be established, thereby obtaining modeled wafer sort data which may then be used for predicting a quality distribution of the semiconductor devices under consideration.
US07974798B2	Intelligent electronic device and method thereof An intelligent electronic device (IED) having a gain control unit adapted to selectively regulate operating ranges of output signals of a sensing circuit of the device is described. In one embodiment, the IED is a digital electric power and energy meter, which operating ranges for supply voltages and supply currents of electrical services may be adjusted to match pre-determined ranges for input signals of a data acquisition system or a data processing module of the meter.
US07974796B2	Fully-charged battery capacity detection method A fully-charged battery capacity detection method detects first and second no-load voltages (VOCV1, VOCV2) of a battery at first no-load timing and second no-load timing, respectively. Further, first and second remaining capacities (SOC1 [%], SOC2 [%]) of the battery are determined based on the first and second no-load voltages, respectively, when the first no-load voltage (VOCV1) falls within a predetermined voltage range. Moreover, a fully-charged capacity (Ahf) of the battery is calculated based on a remaining capacity variation rate (δS [%]) and a capacity variation value (δAh) of the battery. Also, the variation rate of the remaining capacity is calculated based on a difference between the first and second remaining capacities. The capacity variation value of the battery is calculated based on an integrated value of the charging current and discharge currents of the battery to be charged/discharged from the first no-load timing to the second no-load timing.
US07974790B2	Particulate determination method A particulate determination method determines by onetime scanning, the size of a particulate included in a plurality of particulates of various sizes which are arranged on a disc. False recognition of the number of particulates is avoided even when a plurality of particulates are adjacent to each other. A photodetector detection signal is judged using plural threshold values according to the sizes of particulates to be detected. Results of determinations corresponding to the respective threshold values are stored on mutually independent memory maps. When counting particulates, a particulate size and a particulate count value are determined from a combination of stored data appearing in a scanning window at the same position on the respective memory maps.
US07974785B2	Method for quantitative evaluation of fluid pressures and detection of overpressures in an underground medium Method for evaluating fluid pressures in an underground zone by means of seismic and well data. The zone studied is divided into several time analysis intervals. For each of these intervals, a pre-stack stratigraphic inversion of the seismic data is then carried out using geological a priori information, and a lithoseismic facies cube is determined by lithoseismic analysis. Then, for each facies, relations connecting the seismic impedances of wells to differential pressures in wells are determined in each analysis interval. Finally, a differential pressure cube is determined using the previous relations, as well as a confining pressure cube, in order to determine the fluid pressures in the subsoil by simple difference between these two cubes. Application: petroleum sphere for the detection of overpressure zones during drilling for example.
US07974779B2	System and method for assigning participants to a rideshare based on financial transactions A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare environment with multiple rideshare transactions is maintained. Each rideshare transaction includes one or more participants. Bids are received from potential participants for a position in at least one of the rideshare transactions. At least one potential participant is assigned to one of the rideshare transactions based on one of the bids.
US07974777B2	Navigation device and method for using a traffic message channel A method and a navigation device are disclosed for sharing at least one location message with at least one other device. The navigation device includes a receiver to receive multiple traffic message channels, an input device to receive a user input indicating a frequency, and a processor to select a traffic message channel based on a signal strength, starting with the indicated frequency. The method includes receiving multiple traffic message channels, receiving a user input indicating a frequency, and a selecting a traffic message channel based on a planned route, starting with the indicated frequency.
US07974774B2	Trip optimization system and method for a vehicle A system for operating a vehicle including an engine operating on at least one type of fuel is provided. The system includes a locator element to determine a location of the vehicle, a characterization element to provide information about a terrain of the vehicle, a database to store characteristic information for each type of fuel, and a processor operable to receive information from the locator element, the characterization element, and the database. An algorithm is embodied within the processor with access to the information for creating a trip plan that optimizes performance of the vehicle in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the vehicle.
US07974771B2	Method and apparatus for enabling commuter groups A commuter groups service (CGS) allows commuters to join commuter groups so that they are able to socialize while commuting. Through the commuter groups, the users may share commuting routes, traffic updates, road conditions, and other information. Group members may arrange car pools, short term riding arrangements, and may anonymously or directly contact each other. The CGS may collect group member position information, e.g. GPS information, to enable the CGS to calculate traffic conditions and to select location specific information for group members. The system may include an on-line service accessible through a computer or wireless networking device. The user may log into the CGS, create or modify a user profile, and join groups of their choosing. Groups may be associated with specific events or with getting to/from work. Commuter groups may be formed for commuters that use private vehicles and/or public transportation.
US07974770B2	Engine-controlling unit and engine-controlling method for an internal-combustion engine An engine-controlling unit/method for an internal-combustion engine with first and second combustion-chamber groups having a first and second catalytic exhaust-gas converter, respectively, having (a) a master control device that controls a combustion-air ratio for the first combustion-chamber group by forcibly exciting the first combustion-chamber group, further having (b) a slave control device that controls a combustion-air ratio for the second combustion-chamber group by forcibly exciting the second combustion-chamber group, and further having (c) a data link between the master and slave for control through the master. It is proposed (d) for the master to transmit a synchronizing signal to the slave over the data link during changeover between the rich and lean combustion-air ratio within the scope of forced excitation, and (e) on receipt of the synchronizing signal from the master for the slave to change over within the scope of forced excitation between the rich and lean combustion-air ratio.
US07974769B2	Integrated open and closed-loop control method for active engine mounts A system adapted for counteracting engine produced vibratory forces and isolating the forces from a body, includes active engine mounts, force or acceleration sensors, and a controller communicatively coupled to the mounts and sensors, and configured to execute an integrated open and closed-loop control method.
US07974765B2	Engine boost control for multi-fuel engine A fuel delivery approach for an engine includes delivering a first fuel blend from a first, lower alcohol fuel tank to a port injector; delivering a second, higher alcohol, fuel to a direct injector, and transferring the first fuel from the first tank to the second tank so that the first tank is emptied before the second. In this way, at least some fuel is available for direct injection even when the higher alcohol fuel is exhausted prior to the lower alcohol fuel. Thus, it is possible to at least obtain charge cooling benefits of direct injection, and therefore the engine may be operated with a greater amount of boost.
US07974759B2	Control device for vehicle, and control method thereof A drive force control portion firstly changes a front wheel command torque (Tfcm) and a rear wheel command torque (Trcm) so that each command torque reaches a torque in a predetermined range. The drive force control portion releases the restriction on the change of the rear wheel command torque (Trcm) after the front wheel command torque (Tfcm) and the rear wheel command torque (Trcm) have entered the predetermined range. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the vehicle stability in a vehicle that includes a plurality of power sources that drives a plurality of wheels.
US07974758B2	Method and apparatus for the setting of the torque transmitted by a friction clutch A method and apparatus for setting the torque transmitted by a friction clutch via an actuator chain having an electric motor, a reduction gear and a mechanism for converting the rotary movement of the electric motor. In the method, a desired angle of rotation of the electric motor or a link of the actuator chain is determined from the torque to be transmitted by the friction clutch and is set in a setting procedure based on a given torque/angle dependence. To compensate for wear inside the friction clutch, a calibration process takes place in which a first correction angle is determined for the torque/angle dependence. Variations in a torque/power consumption dependence caused by wear within the actuator chain are also taken into account. Specifically, the number of setting procedures of the electric motor within a predetermined time interval is determined and is used to correct the torque/power consumption dependence.
US07974755B2	Motor vehicle acoustic noise reduction system A motor vehicle acoustic noise reduction system is provided. The acoustic noise reduction system particularly reduces or eliminates wind throb in a moving vehicle. The system includes a window sensor operable to sense when a first window of the motor vehicle is open. An air inlet is also included which is actuatable to let air into the motor vehicle when the air inlet is in an open position. An actuator associated with and operable to open or close the air inlet is provided and in communication with a controller. The controller is associated with tie sensor and can energize the actuator to place the air inlet in the open position and let air into the motor vehicle when the window sensor senses the first window is in the open position and communicates this information to the controller.
US07974752B2	Steering assistance device for vehicle A steering assist apparatus for a vehicle includes an electric motor for steering assist. Rotation output of the electric motor is reduced in speed by a ball-screw mechanism and converted to rectilinear motion, which is transmitted to a rack bar. An electronic control unit determines a target current value in accordance with a steering torque detected by a steering torque sensor and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor. While using an actual current value of the electric motor detected by a current sensor as a feedback, the electronic control unit controls the current flowing through the electric motor to be equal to the target current value. The electronic control unit changes the feedback gain of the feedback control in accordance with a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor, to thereby suppress abnormal noise generated at a steering mechanism, without deteriorating steering feel.
US07974748B2	Driver assistance system with vehicle states, environment and driver intention A driver assistance system with an architecture of general use for applications related to driver assistance, passenger safety and comfort and communication with external systems, e.g. for diagnosis and maintenance purposes, comprises (in one embodiment): a first interface for sensing external signals coming from the environment of a vehicle, a second interface for sensing internal signals of the vehicle, a first subsystem for fusing the output signals of the first interface and the second interface in order to generate a representation of the vehicle's environment, a second subsystem for modeling the current state of the vehicle being provided with the output signals of the first subsystem, a third subsystem for modeling the behavior of a driver, a fourth subsystem for interpreting the current scene represented by the first subsystem in order to determine characteristic states of the current external situation of the vehicle, and a fifth subsystem that generates stimuli for the actuators of the vehicle and/or the driver based on the output signals of the second, the third and the fourth subsystem.
US07974746B2	Singularity escape and avoidance using a virtual array rotation Techniques for providing singularity escape and avoidance are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for providing control moment gyroscope (CMG) attitude control singularity escape includes calculating a Jacobian A of a set of control equations, calculating a measure of closeness to a singularity, and comparing the calculated closeness to a threshold value, when the calculated closeness is less than or equal to the threshold value, recalculating the Jacobian A. Recalculating may include determining a new direction of virtual misalignment of β and γ, recalculating the Jacobian inputting the new direction of the virtual misalignment, recalculating the measure of closeness to a singularity, and comparing the measure of closeness to the threshold value. Further, the method may include calculating a gimbal rate command if the of closeness is greater than the threshold value and generating a torque from the gimbal rate command to control the attitude of a satellite.
US07974744B2	Multiple telemetry stream parsing and reconstruction system A system and method for parsing a set of archived telemetry streams for the purpose of reconstructing the data contained within the set of archived telemetry streams into a newly constructed set of telemetry streams. The newly constructed set of telemetry streams are used as a set of test driver data to evaluate performance in variety of ground based systems. The availability of test drivers produced by the preferred embodiment of the invention shortens the system development time line by allowing an evaluation of hardware and software changes ahead of the actual delivery of vehicle telemetry components, resulting in a reduction of overall program costs.
US07974740B2	Integrated management system and method using setting information back-up for controlling multi-type air conditioners An integrated management system for controlling multi-type air conditioners can use a remote integrated management system to securely and automatically back up setting information for a local controller provided in at least one air conditioner system, which is disposed in a room or office and is being operated, thereby allowing an improvement of stability of the integrated management system.
US07974738B2	Robotics virtual rail system and method A virtual track or rail system and method is described for execution by a robot. A user, through a user interface, generates a desired path comprised of at least one segment representative of the virtual track for the robot. Start and end points are assigned to the desired path and velocities are also associated with each of the at least one segment of the desired path. A waypoint file is generated including positions along the virtual track representing the desired path with the positions beginning from the start point to the end point including the velocities of each of the at least one segment. The waypoint file is sent to the robot for traversing along the virtual track.
US07974737B2	Apparatus and method of automated manufacturing An apparatus and method of optimizing collision free path planning comprising: initializing a plurality of feasible configuration points, sample points located in a free space, and sample points not located in the free space; determining a goodness rating of the various pluralities of points; generating new candidate points; determining if each new candidate point is a feasible configuration point and adding each to the plurality of feasible configuration points if it is; if not, determining if each new candidate point is located in the free space and adding it to the plurality of sample points located in the free space if it is; if not, adding to the plurality of sample points not located in the free space; determining an updated goodness rating of the various pluralities of points; determining if a termination criteria has been met and reporting a best solution or no solution if it has been met.
US07974734B2	Method and system to check an electronic metrological measurement instrument Control system of an electronic instrument for metrological measurements, comprising an electronic local processing unit including a handling application of said instrument. The system includes a control application for said handling application, which can be associated with said local processing unit, said control application being suitable for generating a univocal certification code for the application.
US07974733B2	Automatic estimation of weldgun size using section geometry A method for estimating a plurality of geometrical parameters defining the size of a weld gun that has particular application for automatically selecting a weld gun for a welding operation. The method includes iteratively estimating a plurality of geometric parameters based on part section curves corresponding to a direction of approach of the weld gun to weld point of the plurality of weld points. Thereafter, a set of valid weld gun sizes are calculated based on the estimated plurality of geometric parameters. Similarly all the valid weld gun sizes are calculated corresponding to each of the weld gun approach direction. Further, each set of the valid gun sizes are estimated for each of the weld point for the welding operation. Finally, a weld gun for performing the welding operation is selected based on the set of weld gun sizes corresponding to the welding operation.
US07974729B2	Server device and program with sub-recipe measurement communication A server device is provided with a measurement information storage unit 1201 which can store plural measurement information, i.e., information having a measurement value and time information indicating time; an instruction receiving unit for receiving an output instruction of the measurement information; a measurement information acquisition unit for acquiring, from the measurement information storage unit, the measurement information designated by the output instruction; an output information composing unit for composing output information by using the acquired measurement information; and an output unit for outputting the output information composed by the output information composing unit. The output instruction includes an instruction for designating one or more desired number of times of execution of a sub-recipe among plural number of times of execution of the sub-recipe in the recipe and the measurement information acquisition unit acquires measurement information corresponding to the sub-recipe designated by the output instruction.
US07974728B2	System for extraction of key process parameters from fault detection classification to enable wafer prediction A system, method, and computer readable medium for extracting a key process parameter correlative to a selected device parameter are provided. In an embodiment, the key process parameter is determined using a gene map analysis. The gene map analysis includes grouping highly correlative process parameter and determining the correlation of a group to the selected device parameter. In an embodiment, the groups having greatest correlation to the selected device parameter are displayed in a correlation matrix and/or a gene map.
US07974727B2	Volume element printing system with printhead groups of varying vertical displacement from substrate A volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object includes a first printhead group having a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate; at least one second printhead group having a plurality of second printheads downstream from the first group, the second printhead group configured to print a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer, said second printheads being reconfigurable as backup printheads for the first printheads in case of failure; a conveyor configured to convey the substrate past the printhead groups; and a control system configured to control and monitor the printhead groups, the object insertion device, and the conveyor, and dynamically to reconfigure the second printheads upon detection of failure of a first printhead. The at least one second printhead group is vertically spaced from the substrate by a greater distance than the first printhead group.
US07974722B2	Methods and systems for processing surface data for the manufacturing of optimum fit mating parts A computer-based method for defining a surface of a part for placement adjacent a mating surface of a base part is described. The method includes receiving raw data which defines the mating surface of the base part, smoothing the raw data, generating a stable reference frame consisting of at least one of a substantially smooth curve and surface based on the smoothed raw data, calculating a dimensional offset curve or surface using the smoothed raw data and the stable reference frame curve or surface by referencing any peaks in the smoothed raw data within a predefined range of a corresponding point in the stable reference frame curve or surface, smoothing the dimensional offset curve or surface, and outputting the dimensional offset curve or surface for utilization in fabricating the part that is to be adjacent the base part.
US07974720B2	Dynamic fulfillment planning method and apparatus This invention relates to a method for production planning in which changing demands and current demands are combined and separated into fixed demands, time-flexible demands, and quantity-flexible demands before being prioritized according to a set of rules that optimize efficient handling of changing demands while minimizing changes in and maximizing flexibility of a production schedule.
US07974718B2	Method for assembling a component A method for assembling a component including individual parts, includes making a plurality of the individual parts available in a plurality of respective containers. A control and display unit is assigned to each respective container. Each control and display unit includes a display element and a sensor associated with each container. The display element is activated on a respective container to indicate the individual part required for a next assembly step. The individual part is removed from the container indicated by the display element. The removal of the individual part is monitored by the sensor of the control and display unit. The component is assembled inside an assembly device during individual assembly steps. The assembly device is monitored with a sensor arrangement to determine whether each individual part required for assembling the component is available.
US07974715B2	Audio/video transcription system A computer based digital transcription system employs audio and video inputs of a court proceeding, and stores the digital signals in a memory in the form of distinct file segments of a predetermined time length during each recording session. The computer associates a date and time and a third identifier, such as location, with each distinct file segment. Playback of any desired segment may be effected during recording or at any time afterward; and playback does not interfere with the recording of realtime information.
US07974714B2	Intelligent electronic appliance system and method An intelligent electronic appliance preferably includes a user interface, data input and/or output port, and an intelligent processor. A preferred embodiment comprises a set top box for interacting with broadband media streams, with an adaptive user interface, content-based media processing and/or media metadata processing, and telecommunications integration. An adaptive user interface models the user, by observation, feedback, and/or explicit input, and presents a user interface and/or executes functions based on the user model. A content-based media processing system analyzes media content, for example audio and video, to understand the content, for example to generate content-descriptive metadata. A media metadata processing system operates on locally or remotely generated metadata to process the media in accordance with the metadata, which may be, for example, an electronic program guide, MPEG 7 data, and/or automatically generated format. A set top box preferably includes digital trick play effects, and incorporated digital rights management features.
US07974712B2	Pre-curved cochlear implant electrode array An implantable electrode array (30) that can adopt a first configuration selected to allow the array (30) to be inserted into a cochlea (12) of an implantee and at least a second configuration in which the array can apply tissue stimulation. The array (30) comprises an elongate carrier (31) having a proximal end (37), a distal end (34), and an inner surface (35) conformable with the inner wall of the implantee's cochlea (12). A plurality of electrodes (36) are supported within the carrier (31) at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end (37) and the distal end (34) with at least one of the electrodes having a surface that is at least adjacent the inner surface (35) of the carrier (31). The carrier (31) is formed in the second configuration from a first layer (32) and at least a second layer (32) of resiliently flexible material. A method of forming an array (30) is also described.
US07974710B2	Guide catheters for accessing cardiac sites Guide catheters for facilitating implantation of cardiac leads for applying electrical stimulation to and/or sensing electrical activity of the heart through one or more electrodes positioned at an implantation site within a heart chamber or cardiac vessel adjacent a heart chamber. Such a cardiac lead has low torqueability and pushability through a pathway to enable attachment of the cardiac lead at the implantation site. The catheter body comprises a delivery lumen to introduce a small diameter cardiac lead and a guide lumen to receive a guide tool to locate the catheter body distal end at the implantation site. The small diameter lumen within a small diameter guide tube extends distally from the delivery exit port of the delivery lumen. The catheter body is shaped to bias the delivery lumen exit port toward the heart.
US07974708B2	Calibration of adaptive-rate pacing using intrinsic chronotropic response Calibration of adaptive-rate pacing by a cardiac rhythm management system using an intrinsic chronotropic response. The cardiac rhythm management system may include an adaptive-rate pacing device. The adaptive-rate pacing device may include an adaptive-rate sensor module for measuring an activity level of the individual. A monitor module may be coupled to the adaptive-rate sensor module, the monitor module monitoring an intrinsic chronotropic response. A calculator module may be coupled to the monitor module, the calculator module calculating a calibrated parameter for the adaptive-rate pacing device based on the intrinsic chronotropic response. An adjuster module may be coupled to the calculator module, wherein the adjuster module adjusts the adaptive-rate pacing device based on the calibrated parameter. The parameters of the adaptive-rate pacing device adjusted by the adjuster module may include a sensor rate target, a maximum sensor rate, and a response factor.
US07974700B1	Cochlear implant component having a unitary faceplate A protective faceplate (37) for an implantable component of a tissue-stimulating prosthesis, such as a prosthetic hearing implant. The faceplate (37) comprising a first or outer surface and an opposed second or inner surface. The implantable component can be removably or non-removably mountable to the second surface and adapted to extend into a cavity formed in a bone of a recipient.
US07974696B1	Closed-loop autonomic neuromodulation for optimal control of neurological and metabolic disease A neurological control system for modulating activity of any component or structure of some or all of the nervous system, or any structure interfaced thereto, generally referred to herein as a “nervous system component.” This system generates neural modulation signals delivered to a nervous system component through one or more neuromodulators to control neurological state or autonomic state and prevent neurological or metabolic signs and symptoms. Such treatment parameters may be derived from a neural response to previously delivered neural modulation signals, with sensors configured to sense a particular characteristic indicative of a neurological, psychiatric, or metabolic condition.
US07974694B2	Method and apparatus for quantification of cardiac wall motion asynchrony A phase analysis technique provides for quantification of regional wall motion asynchrony from endocardial border contours generated from two-dimensional echocardiographic ventricular images. The technique produces results including a degree of radial ventricular asynchrony in heart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay to predict a magnitude of contractile function improvement with pacing therapy. Quantification of change in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a therapy provides for a means to identify candidates to receive the therapy and quantitatively predict the benefit of the therapy. Quantification of changes in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a sequence of therapies provides for a means to determine an approximately optimal therapy for an intended patient response.
US07974692B2	Implantable pulse generator and method having adjustable signal blanking An implantable pulse generator senses a cardiac signal, identifies cardiac events in the cardiac signal, and starts a blanking interval including a repeatable noise window blanking interval in response to each cardiac event. When noise is detected during the repeatable noise window blanking interval, the noise window blanking interval is repeated. In one embodiment, the duration of repeated repeatable noise window blanking intervals is summed and compared to a pacing escape interval. When the sum is greater than the pacing escape interval, asynchronous pacing pulses are delivered until the noise ceases. Alternatively, when the sum is greater than the pacing escape interval, the pace escape interval is repeated.
US07974691B2	Method and apparatus for controlling cardiac resynchronization therapy using cardiac impedance This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for measuring cardiac impedances and producing one or more resynchronization index parameters each indicative of a cardiac synchrony or asynchrony using the measured cardiac impedances. In one example, the one or more resynchronization index parameters are used to adjust one or more pacing parameters of a cardiac resynchronization therapy.
US07974687B1	Methods and systems for enhanced arrhythmia discrimination Embodiments of the present invention are for use with implantable cardiac devices that discriminate between ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVT). Discrimination between VT and SVT can be based on: a detected absence, presence or degree of T-wave alternans leading up to the onset of a detected tachycardia; a detected absence, presence or degree of T-wave variability leading up to the onset of the detected tachycardia; and/or a detected cardiac electrical stability leading up to the onset of the detected tachycardia.
US07974685B2	Systems, devices, and methods for tachyarrhythmia discrimination or therapy decisions Systems, devices, and methods detect or classify tachyarrhythmias or make a therapy decision. A tachyarrhythmia can be classified using a rhythm discrimination parameter having a value. In certain examples, the value of the rhythm discrimination parameter can be adjusted using a relationship between a detected atrial rate and a detected ventricular rate, or the value can be adjusted using information about at least one of the atrial rate or the ventricular rate in addition to using the relationship between the atrial rate and the ventricular rate. These techniques can improve the specificity of arrhythmia detection or classification, allow anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy to be better tailored to the particular tachyarrhythmia, or provide more automatic operation making it easier for a physician to use an implantable device.
US07974684B2	Reduced electrode electrocardiography system Electrocardio-graphic (ECG) signals such as the standard 12-lead are synthesized from a novel reduced electrode set. Signals are received from a group of electrodes connected to predetermined locations on a human body, and deriving at least one further ECG signal using predetermined transformation(s) (130) on said first set of ECG signals. This forms a desired set of signals. The group of electrodes may comprise the standard 12 lead electrode sites V2 and V5 plus one electrode positioned substantially level with V5 on the right anterior axillary line, and a further electrode on each of the right hand side and left hand side of the body. In an alternative arrangement the electrode position V2 is replaced by an electrode position Vc on the sternum directly between the standard electrode sites V1 and V2. Also disclosed is a method of improving accuracy of synthesized signals by detecting body posture and modifying the transformations.
US07974683B2	Method and system for characterization and mapping of tissue lesions via light and special chemical agents A method and an apparatus for the in vivo, non-invasive, early detection of alterations and mapping of the grade of these alterations, causing in the biochemical and/or in the functional characteristics of the epithelial tissues during the development of tissue atypias, dysplasias, neoplasias and cancers is presented. The method is based, at least in part, on the simultaneous measurement of the spatial, temporal and spectral alterations in the characteristics of the light that is re-emitted from the tissue under examination, as a result of a combined tissue excitation with light and special chemical agents. The topical or systematic administration of these agents result in an evanescent contrast enhancement between normal and abnormal areas of tissue. The apparatus enables the capturing of temporally successive imaging in one or more spectral bands simultaneously.
US07974682B2	System and method to adaptively control contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging procedure A system and method are provided for determining individualized scan and injection protocols for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. Taking into account parameters specific to the scan subject, injection-related parameters, and scan parameters, the system and method can determine an optimal timing for a scan sequence to begin, to ensure that the scan sequence coincides with a desired contrast enhancement. Some embodiments further provide for real-time triggering of the scan commencement based on bolus tracking, and can adapt the scan and injection protocols in real-time based on monitored dynamic scan subject parameters and/or actual enhancement values determined from image data.
US07974678B2	Catheter for magnetic navigation A catheter for magnetic navigation in the human body, has a magnet arranged in the catheter tip in order to move a catheter to the desired position in the body by interaction with an external magnetic field, and has a number of separated electromagnets, that can be controlled independently of one another, distributed along the length of the catheter body.
US07974676B2	Method and system for discriminating image representations of classes of objects A method of identifying the location of a lesion in an image and evaluating whether the identified lesion is more likely to be cancerous, benign or uncertain is provided where the image includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a particular intensity I in the range of 0
US07974673B2	Multi-element probe array A multi-element probe array suitable for sensing or stimulating is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multi-element probe array includes a plurality of microfibers extending longitudinally and oriented substantially parallel to form a bundle. Probe elements are defined by a first subset of the microfibers displaced in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis relative to spacer elements defined by a second subset of the microfibers. Interface elements and communication elements are disposed on the probe elements.
US07974672B2	Device and method for determining analyte levels Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices, that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices comprise a unique microarchitectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
US07974670B2	Method of measuring superficial chemical species and apparatus for measuring the same A method of processing skin surface observation measuring data which is able to address various sicknesses and reduce an error in sickness detection, and a measuring apparatus requiring no filter. The measuring apparatus an irradiator applying a white light to a biological surface as a sample, a detector detecting the spectra of the white light reflected off a plurality of positions on the biological surface, a plotter plotting the absorbances of the above spectra to a light spectrum multi-dimensional space, an analyzer subjecting data in the spectrum multi-dimension space obtained from the plurality of positions to multivariate analysis to determine the eigenvectors of at least first, second and third principal components, and a display projecting data at respective positions in respective eigenvector directions to display their magnitudes on a two-dimension display screen on a gray scale or in colors corresponding to the magnitudes; and a measuring method by the apparatus.
US07974667B2	Mobile terminal device An information terminal device that includes a first housing electrically and movably connected to a second housing via a cable, the first housing includes a first substrate, a cable guide member having a portion of the cable therein so that the cable guide member guides an end portion of the cable to the first substrate, and a cable cover member which integrally includes a cable surrounding unit which covers the portion of the cable in the cable guide member and a sensor holding unit which holds a detection sensor for detecting the position of the second housing in relation to the first housing.
US07974666B2	Opening/closing device and mobile device using the same It is an object of the present invention to provide an opening/closing hinge device which can be produced simple in construction and inexpensive in production by reducing the number of the parts forming part of the mobile device and to provide a mobile device small in size, reduced in cost and sufficiently reliable in the hinged members. The second member is rotated with respect to the first member toward the opening operation direction through the movable cam (150) by the urging force of the urging means (170) when the operation cam (130) is displaced in the predetermined operation direction by the external operation force. The fixed guide member (110) has inclined guide portions (115) each inclined at an advance angle in a predetermined inclination direction with respect to the surface perpendicular to the guide center axis to have the second rotation cam (140) rotated around the guide center axis in response to the displacement of the second rotation cam (140) along the guide center axis. The second rotation cam (140) being driven to rotate by the inclined guide portions (115) under a pressing force from the movable cam (150) to have its engagement state with the movable cam (150) changed and to have the urging direction of the second member by the urging means (170) changed when the operation cam (130) is operated to cause the first rotation cam (160) to be rotated from the operation starting position.
US07974660B2	Mobile device housing with a display unit and method for making the mobile device housing A housing assembly (100), used, e.g., in a mobile electronic device (300), includes a housing body (10) and a display unit (20). The housing body defines a display opening (110). The display unit contains electronic ink. The display unit is received in the display opening and is configured for providing information and/or graphics. The housing body moldingly receives the display lens therein, via an injection molding process.
US07974659B2	Repeat dialing in wireless networks to called parties that are powered off A wireless network is disclosed that provides repeat dialing to called parties that are powered off. The wireless network includes an originating MSC system, a Home Location Register (HLR) system for a called party, and a serving MSC system that serves the called party. Responsive to identifying that the called party is powered off, the calling party transmits a repeat dialing instruction to the originating MSC system. The originating MSC system then transmits a repeat dialing indicator to the HLR system for the called party. The HLR system for the called party identifies when the called party powers on. When the called party does power on, the HLR system transmits an instruction to the serving MSC system to attempt to set up a call between the called party and the calling party.
US07974649B2	Mobile user terminal, mobile communication system, base station, and communication method A mobile user terminal, which transmits downlink quality information indicating downlink channel quality and an uplink pilot signal to a base station, in which a carrier frequency used for transmitting the downlink quality information and a carrier frequency used for transmitting the uplink pilot signal are selectable respectively from among a plurality of carrier frequencies assigned to a mobile user terminal, a mobile user terminal comprising of a radio transmitting unit, which transmits said downlink quality information and said uplink pilot signal by using the same carrier frequency among a plurality of carrier frequencies or by using adjacent carrier frequencies among a plurality of carrier frequencies.
US07974645B2	Mobile registration using a service area identifier or plurality of service area identifiers A method of registering a mobile device in a mobile telecommunications network comprises the device's receiving power from a power source and transmitting a registration request signal including mobile device identification data, an associated mobile network determining a set of latitude and longitude location coordinates for the transmitting mobile device, comparing the determined set of latitude and longitude location coordinates with a table for matching the location coordinates with a service area code, determining a service area code responsive to the comparison, and storing the service area code, the mobile device identification data, the determined service area code and a location area code of the associated public mobile network for registering the mobile device in the associated mobile network. A related mobile device comprises a power source, a processor for determining whether power has been actuated, a global positioning system for determining a set of latitude and longitude location coordinates for the transmitting mobile device, the processor for comparing the determined set of latitude and longitude location coordinates with a table for matching the location coordinates with a service area code, determining a service area code responsive to the comparison and storing the service area code in memory of the mobile device.
US07974643B2	Reducing mobile-terminated call set up by identifying and mitigating overlap between paging and system information broadcast In a Universal Mobile Telecommunications (UMTS) system, a mobile device reads scheduling information for uplink interference (SIB7) from a Master Information Block, broadcasted on the Broadcast Channel (BCCH). The UE wakes up from the sleep during its periodic paging occasions and reads the paging indicator channel (PICH). If the UE needs to read the PCH, then the UE computes the timing of the next broadcast of SIB7 using the scheduling information broadcast in the MIB on BCCH. Knowing the timing of the next SIB7, the UE can determine if there is an overlap. If overlap is detected, the mobile device demodulates both the paging channel carried by the Secondary Common Control Physical Channel (S-CCPCH) and the broadcast channel carried by the Primary CCPCH, avoiding a mobile-terminated (MT) call setup delay by waiting for the next SIB7 broadcast, which depending upon a SIB7 repetition ranges from 360 msec to 2.56 seconds.
US07974641B2	Communication terminal apparatus and computer program A communication terminal apparatus includes: a communication unit performing communication; a storage unit collecting and storing history information on communication; a registration unit registering at least communication address information on communicating parties and image information that represents the communicating parties; a display unit displaying images, which represent the registered communicating parties, on a display screen; and an arrangement position determining unit determining arrangement positions of the images, which represent the communicating parties, based on the history information on communication with the communicating parties.
US07974637B1	Passive mode tracking through existing and future wireless networks A method and system of Passive Mode Tracking of an item, object or cargo associated with a wireless communication device through existing and future wireless networks is described. The method builds on the observation that for many applications, cargo tracking included, an exact GPS or comparable accuracy method of location is not always necessary, however, the progress or rough movement, is. Therefore it is possible to utilize the tracking units' geographical location based on the registration process of a wireless service and its associated networks to locate the tracking unit. This method improves the size, weight, power consumption and complexity of the tracking unit by removing work from the tracking unit and utilizing the information collected by the wireless system(s) and the network(s) it attaches to. The location of the tracking unit is determined by inquiring of the wireless network the location of the wireless communication device.
US07974636B2	Intelligent paging in multiple networks A method and system are provided for paging a mobile device in the intersection of logical areas of two or more different subsystems using information indicative of the logical areas of each subsystem in which the mobile device is likely located. In some embodiments, only those cells which belong to at least two of the different logical areas in which the mobile device is likely located are used to page the mobile device. In some embodiments, the intersection area is used to provide paging access to a first network on which a mobile is not active, by sending a first network page or a request to listen for the page over the second network.
US07974634B2	Content forwarding for bandwidth conservation Embodiments described herein provide for conserving bandwidth. A cluster of cellular devices is identified. Each cellular device in the cluster may be within a given proximity from at least one other cellular device in the cluster. A seed is selected from the cluster of cellular devices. A schedule associated with a content item to be distributed to the cluster of cellular devices is identified. The schedule identifies which of the cellular devices in the cluster receive the content item. A cellular tower is instructed to transmit the content item and the schedule to the seed. Upon receiving the content item, the seed may forward the content item to another cellular device in the cluster according to the schedule.
US07974632B2	Method and system for the localization of a mobile WLAN client A method and a system for the localization of a mobile WLAN client, located within a WLAN network of multiple WLAN stations. Static reference points are ascertained by measuring field strengths of the WLAN stations at spatial coordinates, aided by WLAN client(s), and assignment of the measured field strengths to the spatial coordinates in terms of data records. Self-learning ascertainment of further dynamic reference points is obtained by measuring field strengths of the WLAN stations, aided by WLAN client(s) moving through the region of the network, and assignment of the measured field strengths in terms of data records to the respective spatial coordinates calculated for this purpose, in the database server. This may be done to localize a WLAN client by selecting a plurality of nearest matched data records of static and dynamic reference points whose subsequently calculated center of gravity corresponds to the estimated position of the WLAN client.
US07974631B2	Method and system for resource allocation based on distributed scheduling in a wireless communication system including heterogeneous mobile stations A method and system for efficient resource allocation based on distributed scheduling in a wireless communication system including heterogeneous mobile stations. The method includes receiving, by a base station, a first message including resource request quantity information from at least one heterogeneous mobile station using different resource allocation schemes; calculating, by the base station, a shadow price for a corresponding mobile station based on the resource request quantity information associated with the corresponding mobile station; and transmitting a second message including resource allocation quantity information determined based on the shadow price to the corresponding mobile station.
US07974628B2	VoIP WLAN conference calling via home wireless routers A home wireless router establishes a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and services a plurality of wireless terminals within the WLAN service area including at least one Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) wireless terminal. The home wireless router receives a request from the VoIP wireless terminal to establish a VoIP conference call with at least two other VoIP wireless terminals. The home wireless router interacts with the VoIP service accumulator to determine at least one other home wireless router required to service the VoIP conference call, queries the at least one other home wireless router to determine its ability to service the VoIP conference call for at least one serviced VoIP wireless terminal, and receives a response from the at least one other home wireless router. The home wireless router, the at least one other home wireless router, and the VoIP service accumulator then set up and service the VoIP conference call.
US07974624B2	Registration messaging in an unlicensed mobile access telecommunications system Methods and messages for performing registration of mobile stations (MS) in an unlicensed mobile access network (UMAN). URR (UMA radio resource) registration messages are exchanged between an MS and a UMA network controller (UNC) operating in the UMAN to register the MS. The MS may access the UMAN via a wireless access point (AP) that is communicatively coupled to the UNC via an IP network. The URR registration messages are sent between the MS and the UNC using an Up interface comprising a set of layered protocols over an underlying IP transport.
US07974622B1	Provisioning system for fixed vs. nomadic wireless services A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for authorizing a device to authenticate onto a network from a base station. The method includes receiving a first identifier of a device and receiving a second identifier of a base station. Furthermore, the method includes determining if the device is authorized to authenticate onto the network from the base station based on an evaluation of the first and second identifiers. Additionally, the method includes authorizing the device to authenticate onto the network when it is determined that the device is authorized to receive service at the base station.
US07974621B2	Method and apparatus for transitioning between radio link protocols in a packet-based real-time media communication system A method and apparatus for transitioning between radio link protocols in a packet-based real-time media communication system. A wireless communication device such as a cell phone will operate under one radio link protocol (such as IS-856, also known as 1xEV-DO) to engage in packet-based signaling for setup of a packet-based real-time media session such as a push-to-talk session. Once the session is set up, the wireless communication device will then automatically transition to operate under a different radio link protocol (such as IS-2000, also known as 1xRTT), and will engage in packet-based real-time media communication in the session over that different radio link protocol. Preferably, the radio link protocol used for session setup signaling will provide for reduced setup latency, while the radio link protocol used for bearer communication in the session will provide for reduced jitter and improved real-time media communication.
US07974619B2	Systems and methods for mobility management in overlaid mobile communications systems Communications of a mobile station with a satellite mobile communications system and a terrestrial mobile communications system are coordinated. The mobile station is registered with the terrestrial mobile communications system and, responsive to the registration of the mobile station with the terrestrial mobile communications system, the mobile station is concurrently registered with the satellite mobile communications system. The concurrent registration may include implicitly registering the mobile station with the satellite mobile communications system, e.g., by storing information identifying the mobile station may be stored in a location register of the satellite mobile communications system responsive to the registration of the mobile station with the terrestrial mobile communications system, and maintaining synchronization between the two registrations. Authentication tokens may be pre-generated for quick re-registration with a satellite mobile communications system.
US07974617B2	Method and apparatus of performing frequency transitions in user equipment A method and apparatus adapted to permit an internal handover from 1900 MHz to 900 MHz under controlled circumstances. Using the method of the present invention, the amount of time needed to disconnect a call of a user equipment (UE) under test, remove the 1800 MHz cell and setup a GSM 1900 MHz cell, allow the UE to perform a search for the 1900 MHz cell, register and establish a new call and then perform tests on GSM 1900 MHz is reduced by several seconds. On a production line in which millions of UEs are manufactured, the time saved by the present invention allows for significant savings in production costs.
US07974614B1	Systems and methods for merchandising content to a second mobile telephone based on the content of a first mobile telephone A system and method for merchandizing content to wireless subscribers that have upgraded their mobile station or service is disclosed. The wireless carrier maintains a database of identifying data for content downloaded to subscribers' mobile stations. When a subscriber upgrades his or her mobile station the wireless carrier searches the database for previously downloaded content, identifies the equivalent content that is compatible with the new mobile station and provides the information of available equivalent downloads to the mobile station.
US07974609B2	Mobile communication terminal having function of displaying communication state and method thereof A mobile communication terminal having a function of displaying a communication state and a method thereof are disclosed. The method of displaying a communication state in a case of a multiparty call using a mobile communication terminal having a plurality of display units includes displaying information on one calling party on a first display unit, and displaying information on the other calling party on a second display unit.Here, information on one calling party and information on another calling party can be switched with each other and displayed on the different display units, and therefore voice communication is possible between one or more of the parties at the same time.
US07974608B2	Anonymous call blocking in wireless networks Wireless networks and methods are disclosed that provide for anonymous call blocking in wireless networks. A wireless network of the invention includes an MSC system and an HLR system. When a calling party initiates a call to a called party, the MSC system receives the call and generates a call setup message for the call. The call is anonymous, so the call setup message does not include caller ID information for the calling party. The MSC system receiving the call transmits the call setup message to the HLR system. The HLR system determines if the call setup message includes caller ID information, and determines if the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking. Responsive to determining that there is no caller ID information in the call setup message and that the called party subscribes to anonymous call blocking, the HLR system instructs the MSC system to block the call.
US07974605B2	Personal communications processing system Systems and methods for processing personal communications wherein one embodiment comprises a communication processing system which has a data processing system that receives communications from a user. The data processing system authenticates the received communications, selects one of a plurality of actions for processing the communication item, and processes the communication item according to the selected action. The communication includes one or more communication items which may be voice data, text data, or some other form of information. The data processing system may receive communications from devices such as cellular phones and may also transmit generated results to users' phones. The processing performed by the system may, for example, include storing, forwarding or distributing communication items to multiple recipients, converting them to text, using them to generate reminders, and so on. Generated results may be transmitted to the original caller, transmitted to other recipients, stored for later access, etc.
US07974603B2	Authentication vector generating device, subscriber authentication module, mobile communication system, and authentication vector generation method To stop functions of a subscriber authentication module regardless of whether a roaming network is based on IMT-2000 or GSM.HLR of a mobile communication network based on IMT-2000 has a stop information addition part instructing a RAND field of an authentication vector used for authentication of USIM to cause part or all of functions in the subscriber authentication module to stop. The USIM mounted in a mobile terminal has a function stop part executing to cause part or all of functions of the subscriber authentication module to stop, an identification part that refers to information identifying stop information contained in received data and transmits the stop information to a function stop part, and an operation part for performing a predetermined operation using the received data.
US07974598B2	Methods and apparatus for calibrating received signal strength indicators This disclosure discloses methods and apparatus for calibrating received signal strength indicators.
US07974596B2	Power control scheme for a power amplifier In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a power level of a power amplifier coupled to a transceiver during a current burst of a radio communication and providing the detected power level from the power amplifier to the transceiver and controlling a power level of the power amplifier during a next burst based on the detected power level of the current burst.
US07974595B2	Methodology for assessing degradation due to radio frequency excitation of transistors One embodiment relates to an on-chip power amplifier (PA) test circuit. In one embodiment, a PA test circuit comprises a controllable oscillator (CO) configured to generate a radio frequency (RF) signal, a parallel resonant circuit tuned to the radio frequency, a pre-power amplifier (PPA) coupled to the CO and the parallel resonant circuit, the PPA configured to amplify and drive the RF signal from an output of the PPA into a load. The test circuit may further comprise a first transmission gate configured to couple the RF signal from the CO to an input of the PPA. One testing methodology for a PA test circuit comprises stressing the PPA with an RF signal, measuring a characteristic of the PPA, determining stress degradation from the characteristic measurements, and repeating the stressing and characteristic measurements until a maximum stress degradation is achieved or a maximum stress has been applied.
US07974593B2	Apparatus and method for calibration of gain and/or phase imbalance and/or DC offset in a communication system An example of a radio frequency (RF) transmitter system for communication may include a transmit pre-distortion module configured to provide a second transmit calibration signal during a transmit calibration mode based on a first transmit calibration signal and one or more transmit calibration adjustment signals. The one or more transmit calibration adjustment signals may include an offset parameter associated with DC offset and an imbalance parameter associated with at least one of gain and phase imbalances. The system may include a transmit channel frequency converter coupled to the transmit pre-distortion module. The transmit channel frequency converter may be configured to provide a fourth transmit calibration signal during the transmit calibration mode based on a third transmit calibration signal and a transmit reference signal.
US07974591B2	Modified preamble for programmable transmitter A programmable transmitter generates a frame preamble to train a receiver with respect to a communication link format that corresponds to a transmission mode wherein the transmission mode may comprise transmitting the communication link over one or more antennas. Generally, the invention includes generating a preamble with an arrangement that depends upon whether a Greenfield (high data rate) or mixed mode transmission is to occur and that depends upon a number of spatial streams that are to be generated. One format for high data rate transmission includes a short training sequence, a long training sequence and a signal field. The mixed mode transmission further includes a legacy prefix.
US07974588B2	Transceiver A disclosed transceiver includes a case; a transceiver module housed in the case and configured to send and receive a signal; and a battery holder configured to hold a battery supplying electric power to the transceiver module. In the disclosed transceiver, the battery holder is formed using a part of the case and is disposed alongside the transceiver module so as not to overlap the transceiver module.
US07974583B2	Real-time formation of optimal power spectral density masks A technique for real-time formation of optimal power spectral density masks is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for real-time formation of optimal power spectral density masks. The method may comprise sensing line conditions in a communication medium, wherein the communication medium is capable of carrying signals in a plurality of tones. The method may also comprise determining, in real-time, one or more power spectral density masks that substantially optimize transmissions of the signals in the plurality of tones. The method may further comprise transmitting the signals in the plurality of tones based on the one or more power spectral masks.
US07974581B2	Transmitter A transmitter suppresses a peak level of a multi-carrier signal produced by synthesizing a plurality of carrier signals. Specifically, a peak level suppression signal for a multi-carrier signal is generated. The generated peak level suppression signal is adjusted in accordance with the levels of respective carriers constituting the multi-carrier signal. And, the adjusted peak level suppression signal for each carrier is subtracted from an input signal, thereby generating a multi-carrier signal whose peak level is suppressed.
US07974578B2	Baseband controller in a micronetwork A baseband controller includes a microsequencer with special hardware resources circuitry and a configuration that supports real-time micronetwork functionality for an upper limit of slave devices. The microsequencer includes a correlator that may also be used as an accumulator, wherein the topology provides that the correlator can communicate with an arithmetic logic unit that correspondingly enables the correlator to act as an accumulator. The microsequencer also includes a plurality of clocks and timers for facilitating micronetwork timing functionality, and at registers for temporarily storing computational data, where each of the storage registers have different sizes for accommodating different-sized packets of computational data.
US07974576B2	Combined open and closed loop power control in a communications satellite In a telecommunication network where a wireless path is provided between a transmitter and a receiver via a satellite relay forming a multi-hop relayed signal path, a method and system are provided for furnishing adequate signal at a user terminal, which may be in motion, along the propagation path, the method including an open loop component that uses measurements of fading in a received signal at a first terminal to adjust transmit power from the first terminal and further includes a closed loop component that uses measurements of fading in the received signal at a second terminal along with an acknowledgement message and power correction.
US07974575B2	Methods of reducing interference including applying weights to provide correction signals and related systems Methods of reducing interference in a satellite communications system may include receiving a plurality of feeder link signals and time aligning the plurality of feeder link signals to provide time aligned feeder link signals. At least two of the time aligned feeder link signals may be combined to provide reduced interference of at least one of the feeder link signals. Related systems are also discussed.
US07974574B2	Base station initiated proximity service discovery and connection establishment The normal roles of wireless stations and wireless access points in initiating the establishment of wireless connections may be reversed without the need for changes in the network interfaces for either the station or access point device. This capability may be used to allow wireless devices acting as access points, but on which service clients operate, to initiate the establishment of a connection with a station, on which a wireless service provider operates. Discovery of services between wireless devices can be provided prior to establishing a connection between the devices. A service client device providing access point functionality may broadcast an invitation for service advertisements and then receive service advertisements from relevant service providers acting as wireless stations. An information element may be included as part of periodically broadcast administrative messages to wirelessly convey an invitation for service advertisements. In response to a service advertisement, the access point may send to the wireless station an invitation to connect, prompting the wireless station to begin to establish a connection according to a wireless communication protocol.
US07974569B2	Method and apparatus for customizing lesson plans Computer method and apparatus enable customization of lesson plans per student. The invention method and apparatus include a curriculum data store holding a plurality of curriculum records, a student record data store and a processor routine coupled to the student record data store and the curriculum data store. Each curriculum record indicates a respective teaching activity and implementation details of the activity as part of a lesson plan. There are different activities for different domains. The processor routine enables, for a given student, educator-user selection of a curriculum record with its respective activity, as a function of assessed skill level in a subject domain and/or learning profile of the student. The processor routine generates a custom lesson plan, for the given student, that includes the activity of the user-selected curriculum record. The processor routine may suspend or otherwise hold the custom lesson plan pending supervisory review at various times.
US07974567B2	Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same An image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same to improve a transferring path of a document to prevent curl from being generated in the document and to prevent interference between a document having both surfaces scanned and a previously discharged document. The image reading apparatus includes a scan path having one end connected to a document supplying unit and the other end connected to a document discharging unit, a scan unit to read information recorded on a document passing through the scan path, a two-sided document branch path to branch from the scan path so that the document whose first surface is scanned by the scan unit passes through the two-sided document branch path before the document is reversed for a two-side scanning process, and a two-sided document transferring path having one end connected to the two-sided document branch path and other end connected to the scan path. A two-sided document guide is provided between the document supplying unit and the document discharging unit in a vertical direction to guide the document discharged from the two-sided document branch path.
US07974566B2	Image-forming apparatus having apparatus for preventing accumulation of waste toner in waste toner container and method thereof An image forming apparatus including: a toner cartridge to store toner; a developer to develop an image on a printing medium using the toner from the toner cartridge; and a waste toner container to store waste toner removed from the developer, wherein the waste toner container includes: a first transporting unit provided near a waste toner inlet; and a second transporting unit provided at a point where the waste toner transported by the first transporting unit falls to transport the waste toner to a farthest point from the waste toner inlet.
US07974565B2	Cleaning device for image forming apparatus and process cartridge provided therewith The present invention relates to a cleaning device that allows the obtaining of a high level of removal performance while reducing wear between a plate-shaped elastic member and a cleaning-targeted surface moving member, while also being able to stably maintain the contact status between the surface moving member and the plate-shaped elastic member, and an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge provided therewith. A plate holder retains a blade via warping restriction means, a bearing and a support shaft engage at an engaging portion with a degree of freedom due to the presence of a gap therebetween, the plate holder is able to be displaced relative to a frame of the device body, the support shaft is arranged on the device body in the direction of surface movement of a photosensitive element downstream a normal line of the surface of the photosensitive element at a portion contacted by the blade, and a foreign object infiltration prevention member is provided on the bearing or the support shaft of the engaging portion to prevent entry of foreign objects into the gap.
US07974562B2	Fixing device and image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device in which a width of a slide member is larger than a width of a pressurizing belt while both ends of the slide member are positioned outside of both ends of the pressurizing belt. The above-structured slide member makes it possible to prevent lubricant on the slide member from leaking out of the ends of the slide member and coming around the inner surface of the slide member, and thereby to prevent a pressing member beneath the slide member from swelling, resulting in avoidance of wrinkle generation on recording materials.
US07974559B2	Direct marking apparatus for selectively providing powdered toner patches A marking apparatus including a traveling wave grid toner transport circuit structure for transporting powdered toner along a transport surface, and electric field concentrating elements for selectively enabling toner patches to be projected to an output medium by a projecting electric field.
US07974558B2	Toner cartridge locking apparatus, image forming apparatus having the same, toner cartridge, and mounting and dismounting method for a toner cartridge The present general inventive concept relates to a toner cartridge locking apparatus, which includes a rotation handle rotatably disposed at a first end of a toner tank, and having a locking blade formed at an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a hooking portion disposed at a developing unit to which the toner tank is mounted, wherein when the rotation handle is rotated in a predetermined angle, the locking blade of the rotation handle is inserted into the hooking portion.
US07974556B2	Development device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus A development device includes a screw conveyer to convey powder contained in a development casing in a direction along a shaft of the screw conveyer, a bearing in which the screw conveyer is inserted, a cylindrical member provided around the screw conveyer and disposed between the screw conveyer and the bearing, the cylindrical member including a flange portion that projects from the cylindrical member toward an outside diameter of the shaft of the screw conveyer, and a powder pressure disperser to reduce pressure of the powder transported by the screw conveyer provided upstream from the flange portion in a direction in which the screw conveyer conveys the toner, the powder pressure disperser provided around and extending outward in directions perpendicular to the shaft of the screw conveyer and having an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the flange portion.
US07974553B2	Image forming apparatus with opening and closing assembly and gears movable therewith An image forming apparatus has an apparatus main assembly; an image forming unit; a fixing unit which has a pressure applying mechanism and a cam member; an opening and closing member which is attached to the apparatus main assembly to be capable of being opened and closed; a first gear which is provided at the apparatus main assembly; a second gear which is provided at the fixing unit; and a connection gear which connects the first gear and the second gear. The connection gear is configured to be detachable from between the first gear and the second gear and to be attachable being engaged with both the first gear and the second gear only in a case that the first gear and the second gear are respectively at a predetermined phase.
US07974546B2	Systems and methods for outputting finished medium in an image forming device A system and method for outputting finished image receiving medium in an image forming device are provided. The systems and methods include receiving an image forming operation in an image forming device. The image forming operation is evaluated to determine a number of pages required. Image receiving medium information relevant to an image receiving medium available to the image forming device may be accessed. Stacking thickness may be estimated based on the determined page count and the image receiving medium information. The image forming operation is processed based on the estimated stacking thickness. Processing may include comparing the estimated stacking thickness to an available stacker space and determining, from amongst a plurality of available stackers, a target stacker to deliver finished image receiving media to based on the results of the comparison.
US07974544B2	Electrophotography apparatus having edge detection of toner patch and exposure control An electrophotography apparatus prevents the edge effect without causing the blurring or loss of a single-dot image or a single-dot-width line. Based on a measurement of a testing patch, two templates with different sizes are generated. Image data to be printed is subjected to template matching using the templates to obtain a difference region as an image edge region of the image data where, when the image data is developed, the amount of attached toner is increased. The exposure amount for the image edge region is controlled based on a measurement of the amounts of attached toner in edge portions of the testing patch so that the difference in the attached toner amounts are minimized.
US07974539B2	Bi-directional optical module Provided is a bi-directional optical module including: a transmission optical element including an SOA (semiconductor optical amplifier) aligned on an optical axis of an LD (laser diode) formed on a substrate; and a reception optical element comprising a PD (photodiode) including a light receiving surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the LD of the transmission optical element.
US07974538B2	Transaction for transceiver firmware download An environment that facilitates the purchasing and updating of specific operational features in an optical transceiver (or optical transmitter or optical receiver). The environment includes a host computing system (hereinafter referred to as the “host”), a network, a remote computing site, and an optical transceiver having a system memory and at least one processor. The host determines that microcode that governs the behavior of an optical transceiver is desired to be purchased. A request to purchase the microcode is sent over the network from the host to the remote computing site. The remote computing site responds to this request by providing the host information by which the purchased microcode may be accessed. The host may then access the microcode. Finally, the host provides the microcode to the optical transceiver memory where it may later be executed by the processor.
US07974537B2	Intelligent pluggable transceiver stick capable of diagnostic monitoring and optical network management An integrated optical transceiver includes an optical subassembly that produces a first electrical signal in response to a first optical signal comprising reception signal data and to emit a second optical signal comprising transmission signal data in response to a second electrical signal. A data processing unit can extract the reception signal data from the first electrical signal and produce the second electrical signal in response to a third electrical signal comprising the transmission signal data. The data processing unit can perform system-layer functions. A data path interface can send the reception data to a host device and receive the third electrical signal comprising the transmission data from the host device. A management unit can control the data processing unit to perform the system-layer functions. A control path interface communicates with the management unit and the host device.
US07974536B2	System and method for pre-configuring and authenticating data communication links An electronic device includes a data processor and data communication mechanism for: (a) transmitting, via an optical link, configuration and authentication requests/information for a second data communication link to an external device; and (b) transmitting other content data via the separate, second data communication link that is configured using the configuration data transmitted on the optical link. Data communication on the optical link is provided via modulated optical pulses from an illumination light source of the electronic device. The light source is selectively utilized for illuminating a component in the electronic device and for transmitting configuration/authentication data via optical pulses. An optical receiver also receives optically transmitted configuration/acknowledgement data from the external device.
US07974532B2	System and method for bandwidth management in ethernet-based fiber optic TDMA networks A system and method for management of bandwidth in a fiber optic, ethernet-based, TDMA communications system. A request/grant process is used to control the use of upstream bandwidth. A sense of time must therefore be shared by a headend and remote end-user devices. The invention provides for a gigabit media-independent interface in a media access controller to detect start-of-frame delimiters in incoming data. This allows for synchronization of a headend and end-user devices. The invention also allows for phase locking a transmit bit rate, at a headend, to the headend's clock. Transmitted data can the be used downstream to derive a local clock. Synchronization can also be maintained by the use of synchronization bytes in MPEG frames and/or variable length frames. Efficient bandwidth usage can also be facilitated by the use of maximum data units in allocating bandwidth in unsolicited grants, and by allowing flexible fragmentation and/or prioritization of internet protocol (IP) packets.
US07974531B2	System and method for generating a visual representation of a wavelength division multiplexing optical network and nodes thereof Systems for, and methods of, generating a visual representation of a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical network and nodes thereof. In one embodiment, a system for generating a visual representation of multiple nodes of a WDM optical network includes: (1) a connectivity, pass-through and error identifier configured to identify connectivity and any pass-throughs and termination errors with respect to at least some nodes of the WDM optical network and (2) a connectivity, pass-through and error displayer coupled to the connectivity, pass-through and error identifier and configured to generate the visual representation that indicates the connectivity and the any pass-throughs and termination errors.
US07974530B2	Diaphragm control apparatus of interchangeable lens camera A diaphragm control apparatus is provided in a camera body, in which a controller drives a stepping motor to move the slider away from an origin position, thereafter drives the stepping motor in the opposite direction toward the origin position, and thereafter detects the slider position after holding the stepping motor for a first waiting time upon a distance from the slider to the origin position becoming less than slider-moving distance for one step of the stepping motor. The controller causes the stepping motor to enter a free state upon a lapse of the first waiting time and detects the slider position upon a lapse of a second waiting time to set an initial excitation pattern from a difference between the slider position detected during the first waiting time and the slider position detected in the free state thereof and from the moving distance of the slider.
US07974527B1	Hot liquid dispenser Hot liquid dispenser includes a housing including first and second liquid-retaining chambers, the first chamber being accessible to enable liquid to be placed therein and the second chamber being situated within a closed interior space of the housing. A heating system heats liquid in the first chamber without directly heating liquid in the second chamber. A conduit system allows only a one-way flow of liquid from the first to the second chamber and also prevents formation of a fluid connection between liquid in the first and second chambers. The dispenser includes a dispensing system having an outlet from which liquid placed into the first chamber is dispensed without continuous fluid movement of the liquid from the first chamber through the second chamber to the outlet such that liquid is retained in the second chamber without a fluid connection to the first chamber and without flowing toward the outlet.
US07974526B2	Outdoor heater An electric radiant heater has a proximity sensor capable of detecting the presence of an object proximate the top surface of the heater's housing. The heater also has a temperature sensor capable of sensing ambient temperature proximate the top surface of the heater's housing. A microcontroller is coupled to the proximity and temperature sensors. Upon the detection of an object atop the heater's housing, the microcontroller determines if the temperature sensor's output is indicative of the presence of ice or snow. If so, a heating element of the heater is allowed to remain in operation. Otherwise, the detected object is considered to be potentially combustible material, and the heating element is switched off by the microcontroller.
US07974523B2	Optimal buffering and scheduling strategy for smooth reverse in a DVD player or the like The optimal buffering strategy of the present invention allows for full smooth reverse functionality in an MPEG-type stream player, while reducing the buffering requirements. Furthermore, the buffering strategy drastically reduces the required number of passes through the video data unit by optimal scheduling of picture decodes. A video data unit buffering strategy for smooth reverse includes the following operations. First, a video data unit is scanned before decoding any pictures within the video data unit. Positions of each picture are then marked out in the video data unit. Next, the entire video data unit is decoded, except the open GOP pictures which need a reference picture from an adjacent video data unit. The open GOP pictures are then copied to the end of the current video data unit in the buffer, and the new video data unit continues to be fetched.
US07974521B2	Moving image coding method, moving image coding device, moving image recording method, recording medium, moving image playback method, moving image playback device, and moving image playback system A moving image coding method that can prevent playback discontinuity without an increase in processing load during playback is provided.The moving image coding method codes a video stream that includes a first moving image and a second moving image to be overlaid on the first moving image. The moving image coding method includes: a step of determining a continuous playback section that is a group of partial sections and is subject to continuous playback, in the video stream (S5301 to S5303); a step of coding the first and second moving images in the partial sections constituting the continuous playback section, under a constraint that prevents a threshold from being changed in the continuous playback section, the threshold being used for a transparency process by a luminance key in the overlaying (S5304); and a step of generating management information including flag information which indicates that the threshold is fixed in the continuous playback section (S5305).
US07974517B2	Determination of decoding information Systems, methods, and computer program products are described to determine and present proper decoding information to ensure correct decoding in digital video recording applications, and in other applications. For example, decoding and display of certain video units in a compressed bitstream may require the correct header information corresponding to the video unit to be also presented to a decoder along with the video unit. Since, however, the location of the corresponding header information in the compressed bitstream may not be adjacent to the video unit, the described header locating systems, methods, and computer program products may be used not only to index the header information in a bitstream, but also to determine when and what header information needs to be presented to the decoder.
US07974505B2	Method for fabricating selectively coupled optical waveguides on a substrate A method for fabricating selectively coupled optical waveguides on a substrate is disclosed. Initially, a first layer of waveguide material is deposited on a substrate. The first layer of waveguide material is then etched to form multiple level one waveguides and fill shapes. A dielectric layer is deposited on top of the level one waveguides and fill shapes. The surface profile of the dielectric layer deposition tracks the pattern density of the fill shapes. After the surface of the dielectric layer has been polished, a second layer of waveguide material is deposited on the substrate. At least one optically coupled waveguide structure, which is formed by a first level one waveguide and a first level two waveguide, is located adjacent to at least one non-optically coupled waveguide structure, which is formed by a second level one waveguide and a second level two waveguide.
US07974493B2	Personalizing a video Processes and apparatus for personalizing video through partial image replacement are disclosed. Personalization may include partial or full replacement of the image of an actor, an object or both. Personalization may also include insertion or replacement of an object, and full or partial replacement of the background and/or sound track. A video preparation process may be used to create a library of personalization-ready videos.
US07974491B2	Block noise removal device A block noise removal device calculates a block boundary correction value which indicates a correction amount for a pixel sample value immediately before a block boundary position and a correction amount for a pixel sample value immediately after the block boundary position for each block boundary position in a pixel sample value sequence. The block noise removal device obtains the block boundary correction value based on at least two consecutive pixel sample values immediately before the block boundary position and at least two consecutive pixel sample values immediately after the block boundary position. The block noise removal device generates a block noise correction signal representing a correction amount for the pixel sample values corresponding to respective pixels in the pixel block by performing interpolation computations based on the block boundary correction value found for each two adjacent block boundary positions.
US07974490B2	Apparatus and method to improve clarity of image Disclosed are an apparatus and method to improve clarity of images, which can prevent the degradation of the clarity of a display unit caused by deterioration of a contrast characteristic. The apparatus includes: an artifact reducing unit determining a representative color of one of the images and moving a color of an edge as the determined representative color; a filter extracting a high frequency component of the image; and a sharpness enhancement unit improving the clarity of the image having the color of the edge moved and the filtered high frequency component.
US07974486B2	Plug-in architecture for exporting digital images A method and apparatus for allowing applications to access edited image data from an image editing application are disclosed herein. When the user desires to export edited images, the user causes the image editing application to display a plug-in user interface (UI). The plug-in UI may allow the user to enter exporting parameters, although this is not required. After the user selects an “export” button in the plug-in UI, the image editing application confirms with the plug-in on an image-by-image basis which of the images should be exported. The image editing application then generates an export version of the image. If necessary, the image editing application applies image adjustments to the master image to generate the export version. The image editing application then makes the export version available to the plug-in.
US07974485B1	Split-frame post-processing in a programmable video pipeline Split-frame post-processing techniques are used in a programmable video post processing engine. A frame of video data is divided into a processing region and a control region that contain either different portions of the frame or copies of a portion of the frame. Post-processing operations are performed for the processing region but not for the control region. The processing and control regions are then displayed simultaneously on the same display device (e.g., side by side), facilitating visual comparisons of images with and without post-processing.
US07974484B2	JBIG coding and decoding system A Joint Bi-level Image Group (JBIG) coding and decoding system, which provides a series of fully serial and parallel computational combinations in arithmetic coding and decoding to thereby reduce the complexity of JBIG arithmetic encoder and decoder and increase the processing speed. The JBIG coding system receives pixels and contexts of an image datastream and performs an adaptive arithmetic coding on the pixels in accordance with a pre-stored table and a probability prediction table for further performing a non-distortion compression on the image datastream. The JBIG decoding system receives data and contexts of a compressed datastream and performs an adaptive arithmetic decoding on the data of the compressed datastream in accordance with the pre-stored table and the probability prediction table to thereby obtain an image datastream.
US07974482B2	Image distribution apparatus, communication terminal apparatus, and control method thereof An image distribution apparatus divides image data of a single frame into a plurality of blocks, orthogonally transforms the blocks and calculates transformation coefficients, quantizes the calculated transformation coefficients, codes the quantized transformation coefficients, and distributes the coded image data. The image distribution apparatus acquires the quantized transformation coefficients, stores the acquired transformation coefficients in a storage unit, calculates differences between the transformation coefficients of a first frame and the transformation coefficients of a second frame stored in the storage unit in a unit of block, counts blocks whose difference values calculated above are equal to or greater than a predetermined value as changing blocks of the first frame, and determines that the first frame has changed when the counted number of blocks is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
US07974477B2	Apparatus and method for reversible data hiding for JPEG images Embodiments of the invention are directed toward reversible/invertible and lossless, image data hiding that can imperceptibly hide data into digital images and can reconstruct the original image without any distortion after the hidden data have been extracted in various digital image formats including, but not limited to Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). In particular, embodiments of the invention provide a lossless data hiding technique for JPEG images based on histogram pairs. that embeds data into the JPEG quantized 8×8 block DCT coefficients and achieves good performance in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) versus payload through manipulating histogram pairs with optimum threshold and optimum region of the JPEG DCT coefficients. Furthermore, the invented technology is expected to be able to apply to the I-frame of Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) video for various applications including annotation, authentication, and forensics.
US07974474B2	Method for matching images, image matching device, image data output apparatus, and recording medium An image matching device includes a section calculates feature points on an input document image, a section that calculates features of the input document image in accordance with a relative position between the calculated feature points, and sections for comparing the calculated features of the input document image with features of a reference document image to determine whether the input document image is similar to the reference document image. When it is determined that the input and reference documents are similar, a document discrimination section determines a position of an image on the input document and similar to the reference document image, in accordance with the positions of the coordinates of the feature points on the input document and on the reference document.
US07974471B2	Method of generating a labeled image and image processing system with pixel blocks To identify pixels constituting image elements for generating a labeled image in which pixels are labeled with identification information, a pixel block including four pixels adjacent to one another in two dimensions is inputted as a unit from data including pixels that form an image. All of the on-pixels that are subject for grouping, included in the pixel block are labeled with the same identifier. Since the on-pixels that are included in a pixel block are consecutively connected, such pixels can be labeled with the same identifier without having to calculate whether such pixels are connected.

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