| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08025492B2 |
Scroll machine
A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, and a seal assembly. The shell may define a first discharge passage. The compression mechanism may be supported within the shell and may include first and second scroll members. The first scroll member may include a second discharge passage. The seal assembly may extend between the first scroll member and the shell and may form a sealed discharge path between the first and second discharge passages. The seal assembly may include a first seal member axially displaceable relative to the shell and the first scroll member. The first seal member may axially abut the first scroll member when in a first position and may be free from axial contact with the first scroll member when in a second position. The seal assembly may maintain the sealed discharge path when the first seal member is in the first position. |
| US08025489B2 |
Portable, remote electromagnetic power system
A portable electromagnetic power system used as a remote alternate power source includes a water tank having an oil reservoir mounted on top of the tank with four cylinders extending through the tank and the two outer cylinders denoted the pressure cylinders and the two inner cylinders serving as accumulators with electromagnets mounted at the ends of each pressure cylinder for reciprocating an internal floating piston and each inner cylinder having a permanent magnet mounted at one end for actuating a magnetized floating piston disposed therein and each magnetized floating piston dividing the inner cylinder into an air chamber portion and a fluid chamber portion with the oil reservoir and the cylinders all in fluid flow registration with each other and the inner cylinders connected to a working pressure line that connects to a device, such as a hydraulic motor, so that the outer cylinder develop working pressure concomitant with the flow of oil therein that is directed to the inner (accumulator) cylinders for providing working pressure to power a device such as a hydraulic motor. |
| US08025484B2 |
Fan rotor assembly
A fan rotor assembly has an inner rotor, an outer rotor, a central retainer and a central shaft. The inner rotor has multiple first blades. The outer rotor is stacked on the inner rotor and has multiple second blades. The central retainer is mounted through the inner and outer retainers. The central shaft is mounted in the central retainer under the inner rotor. The fan rotor assembly with first and second blades provides excellent airflow. |
| US08025482B1 |
Turbine blade with dual serpentine cooling
A turbine rotor blade with a low cooling flow serpentine circuit to provides cooling for the airfoil. The circuit includes a three pass aft flowing serpentine circuit that begins at the airfoil mid-chord region and connects to a series of multiple impingement cooling holes formed within the trailing edge region. A double pass forward flowing serpentine circuit then connects with the triple pass aft flowing serpentine circuit to provide cooling for the leading edge region and is connected to a showerhead arrangement for discharging film cooling air. A blade tip cooling channel connects with the last leg of the double pass forward flowing serpentine to form a 6-pass serpentine flow cooling circuit for the entire blade. Since only the leading edge serpentine channel discharges film cooling air, the serpentine circuit can make use of low cooling flow to provide cooling for the entire blade. |
| US08025481B2 |
Kit for decorating ceiling fan blades
A kit for decorating ceiling fan blades is provided. The kit includes a plurality of fan blade covers adapted to readily conform to the shape of a ceiling fan blade. The covers are embellished with interchangeable decorative images or themes selectable by user. |
| US08025478B2 |
Centrifugal pump
An impeller plate of an impeller of a centrifugal pump, particularly a channel impeller pump, for pumping liquids with solid or gaseous admixtures, is provided with at least one wide vane that is displaced toward the impeller drive by a distance D so that the impeller chamber is enlarged by a rearward portion thereof. In addition, the impeller comprises at least one auxiliary vane having a center width at between 25%-75% of the width of the wide vane. This arrangement improves particularly the gas transporting ability of the pump. |
| US08025475B2 |
Wafer transfer apparatus, wafer transfer method and storage medium
One sensor constituted of a light emission element and a light-receiving element is provided in a path through which a wafer is transferred. The sensor is positioned so that the wafer passes through an area between the light emission element and the light-receiving element. Coordinates of the center of the wafer are calculated based on encoder values obtained when the wafer starts passing through the sensor and when the wafer completes passing through the sensor, position data of wafer transfer arm corresponding to the encoder value, and the diameter of the wafer; and thereby the amount of positional deviation of the center of the wafer from a reference position is calculated. |
| US08025472B2 |
Catalyst loading system
Particulate filling devices and methods are disclosed that use a loading system generally including a loading cart, a drive system, and a line assembly. The drive system generally includes a motor, a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a spool, a plurality of cable partitions, and a controller. Each line assembly generally includes cable sections, swivel connectors, one or more spring blocks and a weight. |
| US08025465B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool and cutting method using the same
A cutting tool comprises: a first cutting insert having a first side surface for interconnecting a first upper surface and a first lower surface, a first cutting edge located at the intersection between the first upper surface and the first side surface, and a first groove section located in the first side surface and extending to the first upper surface so as to divide the first cutting edge; a second cutting insert having a second upper surface, a second side surface, a second cutting edge located at the intersection between the second upper surface and the second side surface, and a cutting edge reinforcing section located on the second upper surface at an end thereof which is positioned on the second cutting edge side; and a holder for mounting thereto the first cutting insert and the second cutting insert. The first cutting insert and the second cutting insert are mounted to the holder in such a manner that the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge are located on the outer peripheral side of the holder, that the first lower surface and the second upper surface are in proximity to each other, and that the rotation trajectories of the cutting edge reinforcing section and the first groove section are partially superposed on each other. |
| US08025464B2 |
Severing device with controlled triggering
Device for severing parts of a concrete work, comprising a container in which an over-pressure is generated by a gas produced by a chemical reaction between a chemical compound and an aqueous solution after a predetermined delay. The container includes the aqueous solution and is attached to a case comprising a first recess for storing the chemical compound. A burst disk is arranged between the first recess and the container for ensuring a total sealing between the chemical compound and the aqueous solution. The case includes a second recess enclosing an electronic trigger, an actuator being controlled by the trigger to cause bursting of the burst disk after a predetermined delay, causing said chemical reaction inside the container. |
| US08025463B2 |
Offshore foundation system with integral elements for preloading and extracting
The present invention describes an offshore foundation system (10,10a,10b) that is operable for preloading after self-weight installation on a seabed without relying on additional or external ballasts. The foundation system (10,10a,10b) is also operable for extraction by reversing the process of preload operation. In one embodiment, the foundation system (10) comprises a reaction base (20) and suction compartment (60). In another, the foundation system (10a,10b) comprises a plurality of units of reaction base (20) and suction compartments (60), with the units being connected by bridging structures (21). In yet another, the foundation system comprises a reaction base (20) and a plurality of suction compartments (60). A closed-top of the suction compartment (60) projects above the reaction base (20) so that, in use, there is a gap h between a top of a soil plug inside a suction compartment (60) and its closed-top. |
| US08025452B2 |
Print medium supplying device and image forming apparatus having the same
A print medium supplying device, includes a frame, a mounting plate to mount a print medium, an elevating unit to move upward and downward the mounting plate within the frame, and an elastic unit which comprises an installation unit disposed to one of the frame and the mounting plate, a coupling unit coupled to an other of the frame and the mounting plate, and a spring unit provided between the installation unit and the coupling unit to elastically weaken a falling motion of the mounting plate. |
| US08025442B2 |
Apparatus and method for presenting information on transparent resealable storage bags
An apparatus and method for presenting information on transparent resealable storage bags. Embodiments allow for the presentation of graphic images such as numbers, letters, cartoon characters (such as Disney® characters, e.g., Mickey Mouse®), colors, animals, dinosaurs, flowers, trains, cars, planes, hearts, marketing logos, puzzles (including puzzles that are complete when the sides of the bag are next to one another and incomplete when the sides of the bag are separated) or any other information such as instructional information such as questions and answers or information that changes color based on temperature. |
| US08025436B2 |
Whisk
A whisk comprising: a whisk handle, a bushing fixedly attached to the whisk head end of the whisk handle; at least two generally spiral grooves located on the interior surface; a bushing fixedly attached to whisk head end of the whisk handle; an extension member in rotatable and slideable communication with the whisk handle and the bushing, at least two engagement members extending orthogonally from the extension member and slideably engage with one of the grooves; a spring rod, with a whisk head end and a cap end, located within the extension member; an integral cap located on the cap end of the spring rod; a compression spring, in slideable communication with the spring rod, the whisk head end of the compression head pushing against the whisk head base, the cap end of the compression spring pushing against the integral cap. |
| US08025433B2 |
Stroller light
A stroller light that can be easily attached to any standard baby stroller. The stroller light is comprised of a hollow housing that holds a battery pack, electric circuit, and on-off switch. A plurality of LEDs are mounted through apertures on the front and sides of the housing and can sequentially turn on and off. A hollow flag pole can be attached to the housing and wires run from the housing, through the flag pole interior to an electroluminescent wire that is sewn onto the perimeter of the flag and to an amiable light that can be used to help navigate during the evening hours. A photovoltaic solar cell is attached to the outside of the housing and can charge the battery pack during daylight hours. |
| US08025428B2 |
Assembly of light emitting diodes for lighting applications
An assembly of light emitting diodes for a streetlight or the likes comprises a first board having a first matrix of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted thereon defining a first light projection plane and at least another board having a second matrix of LEDs mounted thereon defining a second light projection plane. The other boards are mounted to the first board so as to define an angle therebetween. The LEDs can be mounted to the boards so as to independently define and angle therewith. They can also be oriented towards privileged directions. The present assembly allows providing a more uniform light distribution. |
| US08025425B2 |
Beaconless adaptive optics system
An improved beaconless adaptive optics system and process. A target is illuminated with a high energy laser beam of a directed energy laser. Wave front measurements are made of high energy laser beam reflections from the target. These wave front measurements are analyzed by a high speed processor to determine both high frequency phase components and low frequency phase components in the wave front data. (Applicants' experiments have shown that there is a direct correlation between beam spot size on the target and the phase variance of the reflected laser beam. The correlation is: the greater the phase variance the smaller the beam spot size.) Applicants have developed a technique for providing special control algorithms that provide very high speed control of the elements of a deformable mirror using this phase variance as a feedback parameter. Applicants have also developed algorithms to correct a limited number of Zernike modes associated with the wave front control. |
| US08025421B2 |
Light emitting diode lamp
An LED lamp includes a base, a bracket, a knob pivotably interconnecting the base and the bracket, and a reflector facing the base. The bracket includes two perpendicular arms on which multiple first LED modules and second LED modules are mounted. The first LED modules emit warm light, and the second LED modules emit cold light. The first LED modules and the second LED modules are selective to lighten by manipulating a button attached to the base. |
| US08025414B2 |
Projector, projected image adjustment method, and program for projecting an image while correcting the shape of the image
A projector includes a projection section which projects a calibration image onto a projection target through a projection panel, a shape determination section which determines a shape of the projection target, a correction target area setting section which sets a correction target area, an aspect ratio calculation section which calculates an aspect ratio of the correction target area, a determination section which determines whether or not a value which indicates a difference between the aspect ratio of the correction target area and a reference aspect ratio satisfies a set condition, and an image generation section which generates an image having the shape of the correction target area on the projection panel when the set condition is satisfied, and generates an image having the reference aspect ratio on the projection panel when the set condition is not satisfied. |
| US08025412B2 |
Pump unit and projector using same
A pump unit includes a pump body for discharging compressed air, a communication pipe including an elastic material and having one end fitted into a discharge port, and a pump fixture for fixing part of the communication pipe except for the one end fitted into the discharge port. The pump body is fixed only by the pump fixture. |
| US08025411B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and projector using the same
A liquid crystal panel includes a liquid crystal display element, a micro-lens array, an adjustable lens array, and a lens control unit electrically connected to the adjustable lens array. The liquid crystal display element has a light input surface and a light output surface opposite to the light input surface. The micro-lens array has a plurality of micro-lenses disposed on the light input surface of the liquid crystal display element). The adjustable lens array has a plurality of adjustable lenses disposed on the light output surface of the liquid crystal display element. The lens control unit is capable of controlling focal lengths of the plurality of adjustable lenses. |
| US08025405B2 |
Eye tracking illumination
The invention relates to automatic eye tracking, wherein at least one imaging device (150) registers sequential image data (DEYE) representing at least one eye (181; 182) of a subject (180). A processing unit (170) receives the image data (DEYE), and based thereon, produces a position estimate of the at least one eye (181; 182). The processing unit (170) also produces a control signal (DILL)>which is received by at least one light source (140). The at least one light source (140), in turn, emits at least one light beam (L) being variable, such that a spatial location of an illumination area (AILL) towards which at least one light beam (L) is directed depends on the characteristics of the control signal (CILL). Specifically, the processing unit (170) produces the control signal (CILL) so that the illumination area (AILL) includes a position estimate of the at least one eye (181; 182). |
| US08025402B2 |
Ophthalmic photographing apparatus
To provide an ophthalmic photographing apparatus capable of checking a measurement (photographing) position of a tomographic (cross-sectional) image of a fundus on a front (surface) image of the fundus.The ophthalmic photographing apparatus has a first optical system for obtaining a tomographic image of a fundus by optical coherence tomography using low coherent light, a second optical system for obtaining a visible front image of the fundus, a third optical system for obtaining an infrared front image of the fundus, a monitor, setting means which sets a line for obtaining a two-dimensional tomographic image of the fundus on the infrared front image displayed on the monitor, and control means which establishes a positional correspondence between the infrared front image on which the line is set and the visible front image, and displays a line on the visible front image displayed on the monitor. |
| US08025400B2 |
Pupilometer for pupil center drift and pupil size measurements at differing viewing distances
The present invention generally provides improved devices, systems, and methods for measuring characteristics of at least one eye, and particularly for measuring the physiological changes in eyes under different viewing conditions. An exemplary embodiment provides a pupilometer which measures any changes in location of a pupil center with changes in viewing distances. As the eye often moves significantly during viewing, the pupil center location will often be measured relative to a convenient reference of the eye such as an outer iris boundary. Pupil size may also be recorded, and the measurements from both eyes of a patient may be taken simultaneously. Exemplary embodiments may be configured so as to allow the vergence angle between the eyes to vary with differing viewing distances, regardless of whether one or both eyes are being measured. |
| US08025397B2 |
Retainers
Safety equipment includes both a securing apparatus for glasses or eyewear and having incorporated therein hearing protection devices. In particular, the hearing protection devices and the way in which they are connected may vary in numerous ways to provide flexible, simple, and convenient safety equipment. |
| US08025396B1 |
Magnetic eyewear latch mechanism
The present eyewear includes a pair of lenses, a pair of releasable connectors connected to respective inner ends of the lenses, a pair of temples pivotally connected to respective outer ends of the lenses and a rigid strap connected between rear ends of the temples. The strap is generally U-shaped having substantially parallel legs connected to an arc-shaped base, the substantially parallel legs being connected to rear ends of the temples and when worn, the arc-shaped base extends along the back of a user's head. A tab is permanently secured to one of the inner ends of the lenses or frames and upon joining the releasable connectors, extends to the other of the inner ends of the lenses or frames in order to stabilize the releasable connectors. |
| US08025395B2 |
Industrial safety goggles with frame for ophthalmic micas and impact protection mica
The invention relates to industrial safety goggles provided with permanent ophthalmic micas having a full impact protection mica positioned thereon, wherein said impact protection mica is made from polycarbonate, provides protection against ultraviolet rays and can be removed, thereby enabling the frames to be used as ophthalmic glasses. Said goggles include a ventilation area and the ophthalmic micas have an improved visual field owing to the design of the frame to which they are mounted and fixed using angular incisions in the frame. The frame is provided with an open space at both eyes between the mica and the end of the rim, which provides ventilation and prevents the fogging of the graduated micas. The sidepieces of the goggles are designed to curve at the ends thereof, so that the goggles can be put in place without the user having to remove his/her industrial safety helmet. In addition, said sidepieces are provided with removable pad which are press-fitted and which are joined by a cord that enables the goggles to be hung around the neck when not in use. Said cord takes the form of a resistance cord that can break should the goggles be impeded by any object that could cause an accident. |
| US08025394B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes a recording head that records an image on a recording medium, and a conveyor having an adhesive area and a charged area, that is charged by a charging unit. The adhesive area and the charged area are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor and convey the recording medium supported on the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor in a conveying direction. A medium feeder supplies the recording medium to the conveyor. |
| US08025392B2 |
Recording apparatus having a movable blocking plate for trapping foreign substances
A recording apparatus with a conveying mechanism and a blocking member are described. The blocking member reduces foreign substances from soiling a unit or member located adjacent to or below the conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism may be moved to a position permitting access to remove paper jams while the blocking member is located to permit the conveying mechanism to move to the position while continuing to reduce foreign substances from soiling the unit or member. |
| US08025391B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
There is disclosed an inkjet recording apparatus including a feeding device, a medium supply device, a remover, and an inkjet head. The feeding device includes a plurality of belt rollers and an endless feeder belt wound around the belt rollers. An outer circumferential surface of the feeder belt functions as a feeding surface on which a recording medium is held while the recording medium is fed. The medium supply device makes the recording medium held on a downward-facing surface of the feeder belt with a recording surface of the recording medium facing downward. The downward-facing surface is a portion of the feeding surface which faces downward. The remover removes foreign matter on the recording surface of the recording medium as being held on the downward-facing surface. The inkjet head has a nozzle from which a droplet of ink is ejected onto the recording surface of the recording medium as being held on an upward-facing surface of the feeder belt. The upward-facing surface is a portion of the feeding surface which faces upward. |
| US08025386B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus having: a recording head including a nozzle row jetting ultraviolet curable ink on a substrate; and an LED light source including a plurality of LEDs disposed in the direction of the nozzle row, being electrically series-connected, and irradiating an ultraviolet light on ink having been jetted onto the substrate, wherein a total illuminance of two adjacent LEDs of the LED light source on a surface of the substrate is larger than an illuminance required for curing of the ink at an entire area of a section between each two adjacent LEDs, and a maximum of the total illuminance is set to be illuminance less than two times of a minimum of the total illuminance in the section between each two adjacent LEDs. |
| US08025380B2 |
Pagewidth inkjet printer cartridge with a refill port
A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a body configured for user insertion in, and removal from, a cradle of the inkjet printer; a pagewidth printhead incorporated with the body, the pagewidth printhead having an array of nozzles for ejecting printing fluids onto a media substrate; a flexible membrane attached within the body and defining a plurality of pockets each serving as a printing fluid reservoir, each pocket of the flexible membrane being adapted to expand and contract with a volume of printing fluid stored therein; a cover molding for covering the body and sealing the flexible membrane within the body; and a refill port provided on the cover molding and having a plurality of inlets each respectively in fluid communication with one of the pockets, the refill port being configured to removably receive therein a refill cartridge. |
| US08025371B1 |
System and method for creating liquid droplet impact forced collapse of laser nanoparticle nucleated cavities
A device, method and system for causing a controlled collapse of cavities formed within liquid droplets wherein a pressurized jet comprising a liquid and nanoparticle material produces droplets from the breakup of the jet stream. The liquid droplets may be irradiated with energy to produce and expand cavities formed within the droplets by irradiation of the nanoparticles contained within the droplets or alternatively, a volatile fluid with or without a metal nanoparticle may form the cavity. The droplets are collided with a target to collapse the cavities within the droplets. The irradiating (if provided) and colliding are timed to enhance implosion energy resulting from the cavities' collapse. The implosion energy and the fuel in the cavity may be used to activate and sustain a fusion reaction or from any other purposes. |
| US08025366B2 |
Inkjet printhead with nozzle layer defining etchant holes
An inkjet printhead for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining an ink supply channel therethrough; side wall portions extending away from a surface of the wafer substrate; a nozzle layer supported on the side wall portions and extending parallel to the surface of the wafer substrate, the nozzle layer and the side wall portions defining an array of nozzle chambers, the nozzle layer defining ink ejection ports and etchant holes, the etchant holes being of sufficient diameter to retain ink in the nozzle chamber by surface tension; and a plurality of thermal actuators cantilevered on the wafer substrate, each thermal actuator being respectively positioned in a nozzle chambers to partition the nozzle chamber. A portion of each thermal actuator facing away from a respective ink ejection port is hydrophobic to facilitate the forming of an air bubble between the thermal actuator and the wafer substrate. |
| US08025362B2 |
Liquid discharge method, liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge head is arranged in a manner that in the cross-section of a discharge port in a liquid discharge direction, the discharge port includes at least one projection that is convex inside the discharge port; a first area, for holding a liquid surface connecting a pillar-shaped liquid that is elongated outside the discharge port; and second areas where a fluid resistance is lower than that in the first area so as to pull the liquid in the discharge port in a direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. The first area is formed in the direction in which the projection is convex, and the second areas are formed on both sides of the projection. |
| US08025357B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and ejecting head maintenance method
A method for maintaining a fluid ejecting apparatus including an ejecting head that has an ejecting surface in which a plurality of ejecting ports that eject fluid are formed, and a maintenance portion that performs maintenance processing to recover the ejection of fluid from the ejecting ports and that has a cap member and a wiping member. The method includes performing capping processing to put the cap member on the ejecting surface and to suck, and then wiping processing to wipe the ejecting surface with the wiping member, and performing the capping processing again and then waiting a predetermined time without performing the wiping processing. |
| US08025352B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method
An ink jet printing apparatus is provided which is capable of producing an image with a good balance between image quality and printing speed, without unduly shortening a longevity of a print head, even when an odd-numbered-pass bidirectional printing is performed. To this end, during a bidirectional multi-pass printing with a relatively small number of passes, a stepping mask is used to eliminate image problems caused by a difference in print permitted ratio between forward scan and backward scan. During a bidirectional multi-pass printing with a relatively large number of passes, a flat mask is used to give priority to suppressing density unevenness resulting from nozzle characteristic variations. As a result, the printing apparatus as a whole can produce an image with a good balance between image quality and printing speed, without unduly shortening a longevity of the print head. |
| US08025351B2 |
Recording apparatus having carriage guide members for maintainig parallelism between a recording head and recording medium
A recording apparatus includes guide rails that each control the posture of a carriage at an arbitrary recording position by being in contact with the carriage. The guide rails are disposed on respective sides of a guide shaft in a direction in which a recording medium is conveyed. The length of a gap between the recording medium and the carriage is selectable between a case where the carriage is in contact with one of the guide rails and a case where the carriage is in contact with the other guide rail. Such a configuration provides a compact and low-cost recording apparatus capable of performing recording on recording media having various thicknesses by appropriately adjusting the gap between the carriage and any of the recording medium while maintaining the parallelism therebetween. |
| US08025342B2 |
Close proximity grinder
A close proximity pavement grinder is utilized for grinding close to a raised structure such as a lower surface of curbs close to the curb wall. The grinding apparatus utilizes a wide grinding head with grinding blades mounted along the length of an arbor to grind the lower surface of the curb in a single pass. The grinder includes a narrow bearing and support at the outer end of the arbor and is driven at the inner end so that the grinding may be conducted within close proximity of the curb wall. The grinder has a pivoting grinding head that can be locked at various angles relative to the grinder to match the relative angles between the pavement and the lower surface of the curb. |
| US08025338B2 |
Adjustable head restraint system for an automotive vehicle seat
A support structure of a head restraint system for an automotive vehicle seat includes an actuator configured to be actuated by an occupant. A locking arrangement is disposable within a back of the vehicle seat and is configured to selectively secure the support structure relative to the back of the vehicle seat. At least a portion of the locking arrangement is operatively associated with the actuator. |
| US08025336B2 |
Dental chair
A dental chair for supporting a patient during examination and the performance of procedures on the patient includes a patient support having a seat and a back, a base adapted to engage a floor surface, and a lift arm. The lift arm has a first end pivotally coupled to support structure at a first, terminal end of the base for rotation about a pivot axis defined by the support structure. A second end of the lift arm is coupled to the patient support. |
| US08025331B2 |
Roof assembly for a storage container
A roof assembly is provided for a storage container having two opposing side walls that together define a length of the storage container. The roof assembly includes a plurality of roof panels arranged atop and between the two opposing side walls along the length of the storage container in side-by-side relationship. Each of the plurality of roof panels has opposite sides and opposite ends. Each of the opposite ends of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be secured to a top of a corresponding one of the two opposing side walls of the storage container. Each of the opposite sides of each of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be attached to the side of an adjacent one of the plurality of roof panels. |
| US08025329B1 |
Collapsible airfoil for trucks and trailers
The purpose of the device is to minimize drag and turbulence otherwise occurring at the rear of a semi trailer, in order to reduced the consumption of fuel by a semi tractor. This is accomplished using directionally flexible sheets of composite material, which create contours that taper towards a terminating edge to form a teardrop shape, as established by panels attached to the top and bottom of either door. Along the trailing edge of the main body, another vertical panel known as a wake separator maintains separation between confliction columns of air. An additional wake separator attached to the bottom of the device performs a similar function, and will facilitate collapse in the event of a collision. |
| US08025325B1 |
All terrain retrieval vehicle for medical emergencies
A vehicle for fighting fires, retrieving hazardous materials, performing rescues and providing emergency medical services in remote areas comprises an all terrain vehicle suitably equipped for the task it is intended to carry out. As a vehicle for retrieving hazardous materials, it is equipped with a crane (202) to lift a container (204) of waste onto its deck (206). For emergency medical services and searches and rescues, it has a full length protective wire mesh (252) over driver and occupants and a stretcher (254) elevated on cabinetry (258) so that the stretcher extends over the seat back to fit within the confines of the mesh. |
| US08025321B2 |
Device for actuating a lock integrated in a door, hatch, or similar, especially in a vehicle
A device for actuating a lock mounted in a door includes a handle with a bearing extension at one end, which can be installed from the exterior of the door in a bracket mounted in the interior of the door. A two-part electrical control unit has one control unit located in the handle and a second control unit in the vehicle. Electrical wiring with two sections, which are connected to each other by an electrical coupling part and a mating coupling part, extends between the two parts of the control unit. A receptacle for the electrical coupling part is provided in the bearing extension of the handle. The mating coupling part at the end of one section of wiring projects out through the opening in the exterior panel of the door and is fitted into the coupling part of the handle before the handle is installed. When the handle is to be installed, a common structural unit is available, composed of the handle, the coupling part, and the mating coupling part. When the handle is actuated as intended after installation, its pivot axis serves simultaneously as the axis of rotation for the coupling part and the mating coupling part, which are connected to each other. |
| US08025313B2 |
Suspension subframe structure of vehicle
Disclosed is a suspension subframe structure of a vehicle, which is capable of improving the overall rigidity of a suspension subframe to effectively receive input loads from suspension arms, while reducing the overall weight of the suspension subframe. The suspension subframe structure for supporting a plurality of suspension arms 14, 16 of a multi-link suspension system comprises first and second lateral members 20, 22 each extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, a pair of longitudinal members each extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and right and left inclined members 28 each having one end which is located on the side of a respective one of right and left ends of the first lateral member and provided with an upper-arm support portion and a lower-arm support portion, wherein each of the right and left inclined members extends obliquely relative to the lateral direction in top plan view to connect the upper-arm support portion and the lower-arm support portion with a laterally intermediate portion of the second lateral member. |
| US08025312B1 |
Agricultural header transport kit
An agricultural header assembly broadly includes a header and a header transport assembly. The header is disposed in a transport orientation when a rigid beam thereof is out of vertical alignment with the header center of gravity. The transport assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced apart wheels shiftably connected to the rigid beam for movement between a transport position and a field position. The first and second pairs of wheels define respective first and second midpoints therebetween when in the transport position. The first and second midpoints are each disposed in general vertical alignment with the header center of gravity when the header is in the transport orientation to substantially balance the header on the transport assembly. |
| US08025311B2 |
Air-bag
An air-bag comprising: a circumferential wall including facing wall portions which define a free inflation portion in which a distance between the facing wall portions is not controlled and a distance controlled portion in which a distance between the facing wall portions is controlled; and a tether including two edges on each of which a seam margin is provided, both seam margins has a linear stitch which joins the seam margin with the corresponding facing wall portion and controls a distance between the facing wall portions of the distance controlled portion, and at least one of the seam margins has a curved stitch which is continued from an end of the liner stitch and provided at least at one end of the seam margin. The curved stitch forms a gradually expanding portion between the free inflation portion and the distance controlled portion, which gradually expands in an outward direction perpendicular to the facing wall portions. |
| US08025310B2 |
Airbag module
An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant. |
| US08025309B2 |
Curtain airbag
An airbag module for use in a vehicle includes a gas generator and a side airbag coupled to the gas generator and configured to deploy upon receiving gas from the gas generator. The side airbag includes a main body extending along a ceiling of the vehicle configured to restrain a head of a vehicle occupant when the airbag is deployed and an extended portion extending from the main body in a downwards direction and configured to restrain at least a portion of a torso of the vehicle occupant when the airbag is deployed. The extended portion is at least partially tucked into the main body and the airbag is folded in a Z pattern and rolled when the airbag is installed. The tuck of the extended portion and the folds of the main body control the deployment angle of the main body and extended portion. |
| US08025308B2 |
Curtain airbag
A curtain airbag assembly comprises an inflatable curtain airbag configured to prevent egress of an occupant out of a window during a collision or rollover event. When the curtain airbag is inflated, a bottom edge of the curtain airbag extends below a window sill in a vehicle. A distance the inflated curtain airbag extends below the window sill is greater than a radius of curvature of the inflated curtain airbag. |
| US08025304B2 |
Drive mechanisms for human-powered machines
An improved power transfer mechanism for use on a human-powered machine, adapted to be drivingly connected to a power take-off device of said machines, includes: a housing adapted in use, to be disposed within a frame of said human-powered machine; at least one crankshaft adapted to be disposed within said housing; respective left-side and right-side crank arms each adapted to be drivingly associated with an end of said at least one crankshaft; and drive transfer means adapted to co-operate with said at least one crankshaft and each associated crank arm, the arrangement being such that a first member of the group comprising and left-side and right-side crank arms and said power take-off device is adapted to be attached to said at least one crankshaft, such that each of the second and third of said members is adapted to be rotatable relative to said first of said members, and each other, only to a limited and controlled degree, whilst not be movable axially or in a longitudinal direction relative to said at least one crankshaft. |
| US08025298B2 |
Sideways-moving ice skate
An ice skate whose blade is disposed at an angle not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boot. The blade may be fixed in this position, or it may be switchable between the nonparallel orientation of the present invention and the parallel orientation typical of traditional ice skates. A pair of sideways-moving skates may be propelled by moving them in an oscillating motion. |
| US08025297B2 |
Bellows with alternating layers of high and low compliance material for dynamic applications
A bellows has a generally tubular elongated bellows body. The bellows body is defined by a wall generally enclosing a volume. The wall has a generally cylindrical inner surface and a generally cylindrical outer surface. The bellows body is formed by alternating layers of low compliance material and high compliance material. The cross sectional shape and dimension of the bellows body are generally constant between the first and second ends. |
| US08025294B2 |
Card shuffler with card rank and value reading capability
A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing or arranging system for the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. An automatic card shuffler includes a microprocessor with memory. An automated calibration system is provided that calibrates the precise position of the card supporting platform on the elevator so that precise insertion of cards can be performed during card handling procedures. |
| US08025293B1 |
Air hockey table
Air hockey tables are disclosed herein. An embodiment of an air hockey table comprises a playing surface bounded by at least three sides; a plurality of air paths extending through the playing surface, wherein air is emittable by the plurality of air paths, and wherein a puck is at least partially floatable on air that is emittable by the plurality of air paths; and at least one opening proximate each of three of the sides, the openings being sized to receive the puck. |
| US08025292B2 |
Transport apparatus and recording apparatus
A transport apparatus includes: a transport roller unit that includes a drive transport roller and a driven transport roller to transport a transported medium to a downstream side of a transport direction; a driven roller holder that rotatably holds the driven transport roller; a support member that supports the driven roller holder and allows it to swing; a load applying resilient member that applies a load to the driven transport roller by being resiliently deformed in a direction along which the driven transport roller approaches the drive transport roller; and an engaging member that is provided separately from the support member to bear the load by engaging with the load applying resilient member. |
| US08025290B2 |
Image forming device and a combination of a fixing device and a sheet jamming determination device
An image forming device including a pair of fixing rollers, a sheet guide unit displaceable to one of first and second positions, a position detector detecting a position of the sheet guide unit, first and second sheet sensors respectively detecting the sheet at a first fixed position upstream of the fixing rollers and at a second fixed position downstream of the fixing rollers, and a control unit including a determination unit and a determination part. The determination unit includes a retrieving part that retrieves first and second threshold time periods when the position detector detects the first and second positions, respectively. The determination part determines whether a first or second time period starting from detecting by the first sheet sensor and ending when detecting by the second sheet sensor are within the first and second threshold time periods, respectively, when the position detector detects the first and second positions, respectively. |
| US08025289B2 |
Recording apparatus performing skew correction
A recording apparatus is capable of reliably correcting skew feeding of a recording sheet in an arrangement for conveying the recording sheet absorbed by a belt surface. The recording apparatus includes: a driving roller for driving the conveying belt wound around the driving roller and electrically charging the conveying belt by application of a voltage; and a pinching roller abutting against the driving roller via the conveying belt. A pinching section, which is formed by the driving roller and the pinching roller, corrects skew feeding of the recording sheet fed from the paper feed section and thereafter the voltage is applied to the driving roller to electrically charge the conveying belt. |
| US08025288B2 |
Conveying device and image forming apparatus
A conveying device that conveys a recording medium includes an aligning member into which the leading edge of a recording medium bumps and a control unit that changes conveyance speed of the recording medium moving on a conveying path to bump into the aligning member. |
| US08025286B2 |
Document feeder flag assembly
An improved document feeder flag assembly is disclosed. The improved document feeder flag assembly allows single handed, on the fly loading of a document sorter. A method for loading a document sorting machine with a single hand, while the method of operating the machine is also disclosed. The document feeder flag assembly includes a baseplate and a pivot post attached to the baseplate. Further, the assembly includes a flag arm having a first side and a second side, the first side of the flag arm is attached to the pivot post. There is also a feeder flag having a first side and a second side, the first side of the feeder flag being attached to a second side of the flag arm. The document feeder flag assembly also includes a resistance device attached between the feeder flag and the flag arm. |
| US08025281B2 |
Sheet post-finishing apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
In a sheet post-finishing apparatus, a stapling device conducts a saddle stitching process on a bundle of sheets, based on an instruction signal; a sheet guide member, mounted on the stapling device, faces a surface of a sheet to be stacked on a sheet stacking section; a stapling device moving section allows the stapling device to move along a line dividing the sheet into two equal portions, perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction; and a control section controls the stapling device to stand by above a lateral center of the sheet to be conveyed to the stapling device, while the sheets are stacked as the bundle of sheets, and after the bundle of sheets is formed, the control section controls the stapling device to sequentially move to predetermined plural positions, whereby said control section sends the instruction signal to the stapling device which was stopped at the predetermined positions. |
| US08025276B2 |
Mandrel to facilitate thin sheet fabrication
A mandrel 1 includes a top support 10, a first edge support 20, a bottom support 30, and a second edge support 40. The top support and first edge support make-up a first support section. The bottom support and second edge support make-up a second support section. The first support section and the second support section are disposed relative to one another so as to form an outer circumference. A jack 50 is coupled to the first and second support sections and is configured to move the first and second support sections relative to one another so as to adjust the outer circumference of the mandrel. A locking element 60 removably is coupled to the first and second support sections to selectively prevent relative movement between the first and second support sections. |
| US08025275B2 |
Single hand operated ratchet clamp
A single hand operated ratchet clamp comprises a finger ring lever and a typical ratchet clamp having a slide rail, a sliding arm, a fixed arm, and a lever element with pressure plate. The finger ring lever is pivoted to the free end of the lever element so that the ratchet clamp can be operated with one hand only. |
| US08025274B2 |
Insert bearing part, elastomeric insert bearing and shock strut bearing assembly
In an insert bearing part for combining with another insert bearing part structured the same or similar to form an elastomeric insert bearing there is provided a surrounding outer shell featuring a radial portion and an axial portion, an elastomeric body surrounded by the outer shell and a rigid core with an axial throughway for securing the insert bearing, said core protruding axially beyond the axial portion such that when locating the insert bearing part on the other insert bearing part structured the same or similar, the insert bearing parts contact each other substantially at the radial level of the core in forming an axial spacing between opposing axial portions of the insert bearing parts so that the elastomeric body is compressed by the insert bearing parts being brought together. |
| US08025273B2 |
Liquid-filled anti-vibration mounting device
In a liquid-filled anti-vibration mounting device suitable such as for an engine mount, an accommodation room containing a rubber movable plate is formed inside a partition member partitioning a liquid chamber into a pressure receiving chamber and a balancing chamber. The partition member includes a pair of division walls, one adjoining the pressure receiving chamber and the other adjoining the balancing chamber. Each division wall is formed with a plurality of communication holes. The communication holes are arranged to undulate at least a portion of the movable plate towards the peripheral edge thereof at specified circumferential intervals or greater by the action of the liquid pressure through the communication holes. The movable plate thus deformed, particularly its portion towards the peripheral edge, has a small area to come into contact with the division walls at a time, which effectively disperses and lessens a shock due to contact. |
| US08025272B2 |
Air spring and damper unit having a pilot-controlled main valve
An air spring and damper unit for vehicles has, as operating spaces, at least two pressure spaces filled with compressed air and connected to one another via flow channels. The pressure spaces have movable walls in the form of rolling bellows or folding bellows, wherein a pilot-controlled main valve which can be loaded with a control pressure on the low-pressure side is configured at least in one flow direction in a first flow channel. |
| US08025268B2 |
Manual valve
A manual valve comprises a valve element, a rod connected to the valve element, and a knob for moving the rod by screw feeding in an opening/closing direction with respect to the valve element. The valve element is moved by rotation of the knob through the rod. The rod includes an external thread portion on an outer periphery thereof and is not connected to the knob and is held against rotation. Further, the manual valve includes a cylindrical sliding nut rotatably held by a body and formed with an internal thread portion to be engaged with the external thread portion of the rod on its inner periphery and a clip fixed to the knob to be elastically deformably engaged with the sliding nut but disengaged when a larger torque than the predetermined value is applied. |
| US08025264B2 |
Display support device
A display support device is provided, which is disposed at a rear surface of a display, such that the display is able to be suspended on a main support bracket arranged at a wall. The support bracket disclosed in the present invention is provided with one more hooks, for connecting the support bracket to the support bracket body. Furthermore, a positioning bar having a fastening function is pivoted on the support bracket body, so as to fasten the support bracket to a contact surface of the main support bracket by means of the positioning bar after being connected to the main support bracket, such that the main support bracket can be more firmly positioned, thus preventing the support bracket from releasing from the main support bracket due to vibration, and improving the fastness and safety in use. |
| US08025261B2 |
Combination stand and jack for wire spools
A stand used for supporting spools of wire and the like includes a cam which is operable to increase the length of a leg to thereby raise the spool of wire off of the ground. The stand is adjustable to allow its use with different sizes of spools of wire. The stand allows a single person to raise a spool of wire weighing thousands of pounds off of the ground and support the same to allow the spool to rotate freely upon an axle. |
| US08025260B2 |
Sample device with turntable
A sample device to be inserted inside an external tube, having a substantially circular cross-section, may carry a substantially circular plate as part of a turntable to be rotated within the external tube around two substantially orthogonal axes. An embodiment of the sample device may include two substantially coaxial tubes, with the turntable being supported by the outer tube, and two meshing gears, with the first gear being connected to the inner tube and the second gear being connected to the turntable. Another embodiment may include a special cable guide being connected with its first end with the turntable and its second end, being substantially perpendicular to the first end, with the supporting means, with the inner tube, the outer tube and/or the cable guide being connected with a driving unit. Preferably, the surface of the plate to be rotated within the external tube is maximized. |
| US08025258B2 |
Electrical wire bracket device
An electrical wire bracket including a body having an open loop and at least one mounting foot coupled to the body. The bracket also includes at least one hole through the at least one mounting foot for securing the bracket to a mounting surface. A user can pull electrical wire through the open loop of the body and then allow the body to support the electrical wire. |
| US08025255B2 |
Aircraft piloting method and device for picking up a vertical profile of a flight plan
An aircraft piloting method and device for picking up a vertical profile of a flight plan. The device combines a manual piloting device that enables a pilot to control the start of the picking-up of a vertical profile and an automatic piloting device for automatically ending the vertical profile picking-up and following the vertical profile. |
| US08025251B2 |
Reinforcing bar binding machine, wire reel, wire, and method of determining kind of wire
A wire reel containing portion 3 of a reinforcing bar binding machine 1 is provided with a rotation detecting lever 8 and a photosensor 7. When a wire reel is rotated in starting to bind a wire, rotation thereof is detected by the rotation detecting lever switched ON/OFF by a projected portion formed at a side face of the wire reel, the photosensor detects a reflection mark of the wire reel to determine a kind of the wire from a number of the marks, and a twist torque or the like is controlled. Wire information is detected not in an initializing operation (in setting wire) of rotating the wire reel at low speed but in a binding operation of rotating at high speed and therefore, an amount of swinging the rotation detecting lever is large and wire information can firmly be detected. |
| US08025249B2 |
Bi-directional trimmer head spool with curved trimmer line guide
In an embodiment, a spool for a trimmer head has a structure for guiding the trimmer line around a region for a driveshaft. In an embodiment, a component (e.g., a turn knob or a stop) is attached to the spool so that after determining the orientation in which to install the spool, the user is unlikely to install the spool in another orientation, even though the spool is invertible. In an embodiment, the turn knob also includes a structure that allows the turn knob to be used as a tool (e.g., as a wrench or screw driver) that facilitates disassembling the trimmer head. |
| US08025246B1 |
Combined mailbox shredder apparatus
The combined shredder mailbox apparatus provides a single case having a mailbox with downwardly pivoted door positioned above a drawer. The shredder is disposed within the case between the mailbox and the drawer. The apparatus thereby allows a user to shred unwanted mail items rather than carry them elsewhere for disposal. Typical electrical plug, the solar panel and battery, or both can power the apparatus. The heavy duty shredder can shred up to 10 folded sheets or paper at once. The shredder can also shred credit cards and the like and compact discs. |
| US08025245B2 |
Material spreader with integrated wetting system
A material spreader having a hopper for containing material and a liquid tank containing liquid adjacent the hopper. The liquid tank has a passage extending from the hopper through the tank with a discharge opening. An auger extends through the hopper and passage for conveying material to the outlet for delivery to a spinner for distributing the material. At least one nozzle is mounted in the passage for spraying liquid onto the material as it is being conveyed through the passage. |
| US08025241B2 |
Hollow sleeper
In the case of a hollow sleeper (1) for adjusting devices of switch blades of railway points, movable common crossings or cable crossings in any desired sections of track and points, formed as an upwardly open hollow sleeper profile with a planar sleeper underside (2), for fitting in a track skeleton, wherein the cross-sectional width and height are made to match a normal concrete, wooden or steel sleeper, the positional stability on ballast can be improved if the sleeper underside (2) of the hollow sleeper (1) is formed with at least one sunken, downwardly open chamber (5). |
| US08025239B2 |
Multiple image security features for identification documents and methods of making same
An identification document manufacturing method makes an identification document with an optically variable security feature by forming a lens structure in the document's lamination layer along with image information. The method provides image information arranged to include at least two different images. The method uses pressure to form a lens profile in a laminate, including combining the laminate with ink representing the image information to form the document. The document is formed together with the laminate and ink such that the lens profile enables display of the at least two different images when the document is viewed at different predetermined angles. An information bearing document comprises a core layer, an image layer depicting at least two different images, and a laminate layer. The laminate layer is pressed on the core layer such that it forms a lens profile that enables display of the at least two different images when the document is viewed at different predetermined angles. |
| US08025235B2 |
Progressively degrading synthetic markers
There is described a synthetic marker encoding data, the synthetic marker comprising an information payload represented by bits encoded along a spectrum, each of the bits having a priority level assigned thereto ranging from high to low, bits having lower priority levels being encoded along an end of the spectrum which is successively lost with progressively degrading marker viewing conditions compared to bits having higher priority levels. |
| US08025231B2 |
Tag reader
A hand held electronic detector is provided for detecting the presence/absence and/or nature of a mark on an article (not shown) such as a security mark. The article may comprise a product, such as for example a pack of cigarettes. The detector comprises a case or body of strong rigid plastics material. The case comprises front and rear parts and which are connected together by concealed hinges, at their lower edges, so that the parts and can move hingedly between a closed configuration and a fully open configuration, in which the front and rear parts are angularly spaced by approximately 180°. There is a further defined intermediate open configuration in which the front and rear parts and are angularly spaced by approximately 90° . . . . When opening the case from the closed position the hinges ‘lock’ when the front and rear parts reach this intermediate position. The hinges will only ‘unlock’, so that the case can be opened further or closed, if sufficient force is applied. Relative movement of the case parts and to the fully open configuration shown in FIG. 2 is limited by hinges. In an open configuration the detector presents an article-locating station comprising a mounting surface for receiving an article, and alignment means, located on the mounting surface, which in this case is a marked line on the mounting surface with which the security mark should be aligned. |
| US08025230B2 |
System and method for prioritizing visually aimed threats for laser-based countermeasure engagement
The present invention increases the survivability of a helicopter by prioritizing a threat engagement sequence for a laser-based countermeasure system based on the determined relative lethality of each detected visually trained threat (e.g., small arms fire). The system and method defines a plurality of threat effectiveness merit factors, or lethality factors, that are determinable from available helicopter navigation and sensor data, to quantify the danger associated with each detected threat. The system and method then combines the defined lethality factors using a mathematical function, such as a merit function, to numerically quantify the level of threat posed by each threat. The calculated threat values for each of the detected threats are compared to prioritize the threats for engagement by a laser-based countermeasure system, such as a Visual Acquisition Disrupter (VAD) system. |
| US08025226B1 |
Enhanced vehicle identification card
A vehicle identification card is provided to an insured that includes proof of automotive insurance information and charge account information. The card may include an insurance policy covering the insured's vehicle, the VIN number of the vehicle, and other information about the vehicle such as the vehicle's make and model. The card may include account information that allows the card to be used like a credit card. The card may further include means for wirelessly updating information and providing a display to the user, which includes, but is not limited to, a housing, a memory module, a processor, one or more displays, and a power source. |
| US08025225B2 |
Merchandise registration processing system
When obtaining an ID code from a user who holds out an arm to a corresponding merchandise in a noncontact manner, respective information terminal devices accept a registration input of the corresponding merchandise. When accepting the registration input of the corresponding merchandise, registration merchandise information including obtained user identification information and merchandise identification information for identifying the merchandise corresponding to the information terminal device is transmitted to a server device. The server device stores and manages merchandise sales information for the respective ID codes from the registration merchandise information received from the respective information terminal devices. When the ID code is input from a settlement device, the merchandise sales information corresponding to the ID code is transmitted to the settlement device. The settlement device performs the settlement processing based on the merchandise sales information received from the server device. |
| US08025220B2 |
Cardholder localization based on transaction data
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for cardholder localization based on transaction data. In general, a determination of one or more possible base locations of a cardholder of a payment card may be initiated. Transactions of the cardholder may be associated with merchant customer base location profiles, where each of the merchant customer base location profiles models a distribution of base locations of customers with which a merchant has had a transaction. The one or more possible cardholder base locations may be derived from the merchant customer base location profiles. The one or more possible cardholder base locations may be used to determine a home or office location of a cardholder where such information is not otherwise available, to determine whether a cardholder has moved from a stated address, to determine if a cardholder has multiple residences, to detect fraud, and the like. |
| US08025216B2 |
System and method for checkless cash advance settlement
A method for conducting a checkless cash advance settlement is provided, including the following steps: (1) a customer initiates a Debit or Credit POS transaction via a gaming machine; (2) the customer receives authorization or denial; (3) the customer provides his identification and the credit/debit card to a cashier/attendant at the gaming station; (4) the cashier or attendant validates the customer's identity, retrieves the transaction information, and completes the cash advance application; (5) the application prints a non-negotiable instrument, such as a transaction receipt; (6) the customer signs the receipt confirming the transaction with a physical receipt or electronic capture; (7) the receipt image is stored electronically for subsequent transmittal to a central server; (8) the transaction information, including the receipt image if applicable, is recorded on the central server; and (9) the central server generates an ACH file and electronically transmits the ACH file to the casino's designated financial institution. |
| US08025214B1 |
Cash handling device having integrated controller
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes an integrated controller located within the cash recycler. The integrated controller provides enhanced security and compatibility in cash recycler or other currency handling devices. For example, by using an integrated controller that is pre-configured according to the components of the cash handling device, no additional configuration may be needed and compatibility issues may be reduced or eliminated altogether. In addition, the controller may include a user interface, such as a touch-sensitive display, for receiving user input regarding cash transactions at the cash handling device. |
| US08025213B2 |
Automatic settlement of user account with creditor from transaction kiosk
A transaction kiosk collects cash from a user and then electronically negotiates with the user's creditor to settle a balance on an account with the creditor. The bank recognizes the cash deposited in the transaction kiosk by the user as security for the settlement amount. The cash deposited in the transaction kiosk is considered a cash asset owned by the bank and available to satisfy depositor claims. A transaction processor brokers the transaction between the user of the transaction kiosk, the surety bank, and the creditor. |
| US08025211B2 |
Systems and methods of production, distribution, logistics, and printing of tickets
Systems and methods for the production, distribution, logistics and printing of lottery tickets are disclosed. A central server provides a ticket combination and identifying variable data in response to a request from a computing system terminal. The terminal receives combination and variable data and issues commands for the printing of the same on a plurality of tickets. The tickets comprise a substratum capable of being printed upon at high speeds and colors and images. The printing may be performed at a point of sale. Prior to printing, the plurality of tickets may be imprinted with information related to marketing and appearance. Additionally, prior to the printing, the plurality of tickets do not have a combination or identifying variable data serving to identify the plurality of tickets. |
| US08025208B2 |
Bulk container for liquid and semi-liquid fluid
A bulk container for storing, shipping and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid fluids comprises a bin having a sidewall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The sidewall comprises a plurality of interconnected sidewall panels extending at an angle with respect to one another. A lid is covering the open top of the bin and having a discharge opening therethrough adjacent one side edge thereof. A fluid-containing bag is supported in the bin and a discharge valve is on an upper end of the bag where the discharge valve is positioned to extend through the discharge opening. Valve support means in an upper end of the bin for supporting and holding the discharge valve in position to extend through the discharge opening, the valve support means having a valve support opening therethrough with an elongate generally keyhole shape that is wide at one end and narrow at the other end, the narrow end being aligned with the discharge opening through the lid, the discharge valve being received through the narrow end of the valve support opening, and locking means engaged with the discharge valve to hold it in the narrow end of the valve support opening. |
| US08025207B1 |
Material-saving pizza box
A pizza box and blank having a unique cover-locking structure comprising (a) a tab extending from a front end edge of a panel of a side wall assembly and (b) a tab engaging edge disposed in or on a cover assembly. A main advantage is a cover-locking structure that provides ease of use and secure cover closure, along with possible material savings. |
| US08025206B2 |
Bulk container for liquid and semi-liquid fluid
A bulk container for fluid materials comprises a bin having a plurality of interconnected sidewall panels, a closed bottom, and an open top. A rim around the top of the bin defines a downwardly facing shoulder. A lid covers the open top and has elongated depending skirt panels extending downwardly past the shoulder. A clamping band is tightened around the lid skirt below the shoulder to secure the lid to the bin. Notches in an outer surface of the rim receive bendable locking strips on the lid skirt to lock the lid in position on the bin, and locking tongues on a first skirt panel are engageable in respective locking slots in an adjacent second skirt panel to hold the skirt panels in their operative downwardly folded positions. A tray and liner insert may be positioned in the bin, and a fluid-containing bag may be placed in the liner. |
| US08025205B2 |
Electronic component mounting method
By an electronic component mounting method for electrically connecting bumps to board electrodes, in a contact process for placing a thermosetting resin in a liquid glob state on the board surface and bringing the lower surface of the electronic component into contact with the thermosetting resin, the bumps are pressurized against the electrodes in positional alignment in a liquid glob distribution state where one portion of the liquid glob is arranged inside an electronic component mounting region and a remaining portion greater in liquid measure than the one portion is arranged outside the electronic component mounting region. The thermosetting resin enters into a gap between the electronic component and the board by capillarity in a thermocompression bonding process. This prevents voids occurring in the sealing resin, reinforces bonded portions of bumps and electrodes with thermally cured thermosetting resin, thereby preventing bonded portion breakage due to thermal stress generated during cooling. |
| US08025202B2 |
Method for manufacturing sealed battery
A sealed battery includes an ultrasonic fusion process whereby layers of a positive electrode substrate exposed portion are ultrasonically fused to form a positive electrode fused portion at the positive electrode substrate exposed portion, and layers of a negative electrode substrate exposed portion are ultrasonically fused to form a negative electrode fused portion at the negative electrode substrate exposed portion; and an electrode body formation process whereby a high-energy beam is directed at the positive electrode fused portion to weld a positive electrode collector to the positive electrode fused portion, and a high-energy beam is directed at the negative electrode fused portion to weld a negative electrode collector to the negative electrode fused portion, thus forming an electrode body in which a positive electrode collector is welded to one end of the electrode group and a negative electrode collector is welded to the other end. |
| US08025200B2 |
Friction stir welding machine and friction stir welding tool
A friction stir welding machine is provided that is adapted to perform solid phase welding on a welding portion of materials to be welded, by pressing a welding tool against the welding portion of the materials to be welded while rotating the welding tool, and forcing the welding tool to be advanced into a softened portion which is softened by a frictional heat while stirring the softened portion, wherein a coating made of aluminum nitride is formed on at least a region of the welding tool to be in contact with the materials to be welded. |
| US08025198B2 |
Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same
A surgical instrument for creating an anastomosis includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing and a fastener support member extending distally from the housing. The fastener support member is configured and dimensioned to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The instrument further includes a tissue retaining mechanism which is selectively movable from a first position relative to the fastener support member to a second position in closer proximity with the fastener support member such that tissue disposed adjacent to the fastener support member is retained thereagainst. Upon actuation of the handle, a fastener firing mechanism simultaneously deforms the plurality of surgical fasteners to complete the anastomosis. |
| US08025193B1 |
Rifle holder device
A rifle holder device for supporting a rifle in a position that is easy to grab for taking a shot is described. The holder device lets a hunter or shooting enthusiast carry a rifle with its weight supported on either his right or left hip. Rifles are rather heavy weapons. Should the hunter or shooting enthusiast carry one in his hands or arms for an extended period of time, his muscles can get fatigued. This makes it more difficult to get off an accurate shot in a timely manner. However, the present holder device puts most of the rifle's weight on the hunter's hip, thereby freeing his hands and arms from having to carry the rifle until it's time to take a shoot. Further, the present holder device is adjustable for carrying rifles of many different sizes. |
| US08025190B2 |
Upgraded ironing machine for ironing trousers
Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing trousers, comprising a supporting structure (2) of at least two substantially vertical pressing plates (3), arranged so they are facing each other and moving from a home configuration, wherein the pressing plates are substantially a long way from each other, and a working configuration wherein the pressing plates are substantially close together, at least one ironing plate (4) substantially vertical and interposable between the pressing plates in the working configuration, at least one supporting element of at least one pair of trousers positionable with the legs laid respectively on the opposite sides of the ironing plate and automated positioning means of the trousers with respect to the ironing plate. |
| US08025188B2 |
Powder feed system
A fine powder is reliably dispensed from a hopper into containers on a moving conveyor belt with the assistance of a powder feed system. The hopper serves as a powder inlet that dispenses by gravity into a feed chamber that is form fitted to the sweep of a relatively slow rotating feed wheel with two spaced sets of pins. A relatively fast rotating agitator is located below the feed wheel which has a series of agitating blades that rotate between the span of the feed wheel pins, the blades in at least one embodiment resemble a J-shape. The agitator is located directly above a rotary trap chamber wheel, which has recesses that take doses of powder and dispense them into awaiting containers moving on a conveyor belt below. |
| US08025187B2 |
In-store combined sample dispenser and merchandising product display
A combined sample dispenser and merchandising unit product display and related method is provided herein. Included is an elongate tray having a first end and a second end, an upper compartment with open roof for standing a plurality of merchandising unit products each containing a flowable substance, and a lower compartment arranged directly below the upper compartment. A sample dispenser is provided which includes a dispensing unit arranged against the first end of the tray and a reservoir holding sampling amounts of the flowable substance, communicating with the dispensing unit and arranged within the lower compartment. |
| US08025182B2 |
Gas cartridge
Fuel gas or some other kind of fluid is stored in a collapsible metallic bag that is attached to a valve and is stored inside a rigid outer container. Between the rigid outer container and the collapsible bag is a space or volume filled with compression gas during use which puts a collapsing pressure evenly upon the bag. In order to reduce bag failures, the outer surface of the collapsible bag has a series of projected streak portions that project outwardly from the vertical length of the collapsing in several locations that prevent the bag from expanding to fill the entire space between the rigid outer container and the bag. These projected streaks form recessed portions in the bag's surface which facilitates the bag collapsing in those predetermined locations evenly which in turn reduces the collapsible bag's failure rate from breaking during operation. |
| US08025179B2 |
Circumferential sleeve for holding a food container upright
One aspect of the present invention discloses a circumferential sleeve made from a single pre-cut blank with no additional material (other than adhesive) added to the blank. The circumferential sleeve has a strip that protrudes from the sleeve and one end of the strip is contiguous to a first portion sleeve such as the bottom edge and the other end of the strip is attached to a portion of the sleeve, such as the rear panel. The strip can be arcuate or L-shaped and permits a food container to stand upright. |
| US08025178B2 |
Drinking vessel
According to the invention a drinking vessel (10) comprises a generally cylindrical container (11) adapted to contain liquid and a generally cylindrical lid (12) adapted to close the container. The lid comprises a generally cylindrical outer member (20), a generally cylindrical inner member (22) located within the outer member so as to define a generally cylindrical aperture (50) between the outer surface of the inner member and the inner surface of the outer member, and a generally cylindrical sealing element (21) located in the aperture. The sealing element normally forms a seal between the outer surface of the inner member and the inner surface of the outer member but is deformable by suction at the end of the aperture remote from the container so as to cause liquid within the container to flow, from the end of the aperture adjacent to the container, out through the aperture under the action of the suction. |
| US08025173B2 |
Collapsible canister liner for medical fluid collection
A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse. |
| US08025171B2 |
Fuel tin
The invention relates to a fuel paste tin, comprising a dished tin body (1) and a sealing lid (3), fixed to the tin body (1) with two pre-scored lines (6), along which a partial lid section (7) may be removed from the sealing lid (3) by breaking a material connection to generate a precisely defined opening (4, 10, 11) in the sealing lid (3). The invention permits the production of fuel paste tins with may be employed directly as paste burners with a desired burn capacity and burn duration, which are economic to produce and cause little litter. |
| US08025170B1 |
Can cap covering
The present invention is a cap covering for a punch-key tab rotably attached to the top of a preformed can, wherein the punch-key tab is to be utilized by a person to punch out a prepared flap seal in the can top along a predefined scored boundary. The cap covering includes an attachable and detachable hollow casing which can be fitted on-demand onto the handle of a punch-key tab.The invention will distinguish individual ownership among identical cans of beverage; will serve as a closure to aid in keeping the carbonation (if any) in the beverage; will aid in maintaining the beverage at the desired drinking temperature; and will act in minimizing spillage, keep bugs and debris out, and in keeping the beverage in an unadulterated state. |
| US08025167B2 |
Crane control, crane and method
The present invention shows a crane control of a crane which includes at least one cable for lifting a load, wherein at least one sensor unit is provided for determining a cable angle relative to the direction of gravitational force. Furthermore, there is shown a crane control for driving the positioners of a crane which includes at least one first and one second strand of cables for lifting the load, with a load oscillation damping for damping spherical pendular oscillations of the load, wherein first and second sensor units are provided, which are associated to the first and second strands of cables, in order to determine the respective cable angles and/or cable angular velocities, and the load oscillation damping includes a control in which the cable angles and/or cable angular velocities determined by the first and second sensor units are considered. Furthermore, a corresponding crane and a method are shown. |
| US08025163B2 |
Wall mounted shelving
A wall mounted shelving unit comprises a pair of shelf supporting wall mounting brackets, each including an upright rear segment and an upright front segment with horizontal crosspieces extending between and connected to the rear and front segments of each bracket. Each crosspiece includes a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending loops or a pair of spaced apart downward extending troughs, and a rear segment of each bracket includes loops for attachment to a wall. Wire shelves rest on the crosspieces, and the upwardly extending loops engage wires on the shelves to prevent relative movement between the shelves and the brackets. Alternatively, the shelf includes downwardly extending shelf trusses that rest in the troughs of the crosspieces. |
| US08025161B2 |
Laminated glass rack, and/or method of making and/or shipping laminated glass panels using the same
Certain example embodiments relate to glass racks that are suitable for both autoclaving and shipping. In certain example embodiments, a glass rack may include a metal base having a grooved bottom connected thereto and a metal upright support substantially parallel to the base. The upright support may include a plurality of fingers covered in a protective material (e.g., rubber tubing) that extend therefrom. The spaces between the fingers may correspond with grooves of the grooved bottom, thereby cooperating to accommodate a plurality of panels (e.g., assemblies prior to autoclaving, laminated glass panels formed by autoclaving, etc.). The grooved bottom may be connected to the base so as to allow for expansion and/or contraction of the metal base relative to the grooved bottom. The rack, as a whole, may be capable of withstanding the temperature and pressure conditions of an autoclave, while also providing sufficient protection for the panels during shipping. |
| US08025159B2 |
Agent for increasing rejection with a permeable membrane, process for increasing the rejection, permeable membrane and process for water treatment
An agent for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises an ionic macromolecule having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 or greater; a process for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises treating a permeable membrane with the agent; a permeable membrane which is treated in accordance with the process; and a process for water treatment which comprises using the permeable membrane are disclosed. By using the above agent, an increased rejection of inorganic electrolytes and organic compounds soluble in water can be maintained for a long time easily and safely at the location of the use of the membrane without extreme decrease in the flux of permeation in the membrane separation using a selective permeable membrane such as a nano filtration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane. |
| US08025158B2 |
High molecular weight poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and process therefor
A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes. |
| US08025157B2 |
Power recovery system
A power recovery system is used for reducing the total energy consumption in a process such as an industrial treating process or a fluid refining process including the delivery of a fluid under a high pressure. The power recovery system includes a high-pressure pump for pressuring raw water, a reverse osmosis membrane cartridge for treating high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump with a reverse osmosis membrane to produce treated water, a positive-displacement piston pump for pressuring raw water under the pressure of concentrated water which is discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane cartridge without being treated by the reverse osmosis membrane, and a power recovery pump turbine for boosting the pressurized raw water discharged from the positive-displacement piston pump and adding the boosted water to the high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump. The power recovery pump turbine is actuated by pressurized water generated in the power recovery system. |
| US08025154B2 |
Screen panel fastener and fastening arrangement
The invention provides a fastener (10) for a screen panel (20), the fastener including a base section (12) at least two outer engagement means (14) extending from opposite side zones of the base section, the two outer engagement means at least partially opposing one another; and at least one inner engagement means (16) located between the outer engagement means; the inner and outer engagement means including retaining formations (14.2, 16.2) adapted to engage a complementary receiving formation in a screen panel (20) in a snap fit configuration. |
| US08025152B2 |
Sieve apparatus and method for use of same
An apparatus and a method of screening a material containing a solid and fluid where the material is placed on an upper side of a screen element and the material is at least being acted on by vibrations produced by at least one acoustic sound source. The at least one acoustic sound source is arranged to transmit pressure waves to at least a portion of an underside of the screen element. |
| US08025148B2 |
Stackable roll containers
A stackable roll container, in particular, for transporting foods, cosmetic articles, or other articles in large bundles. The stackable roll container includes a preferably rectangular bottom component, with transport rollers mounted on the underside. The stackable roll container also includes two attachment walls located opposite each other on opposite lateral sides of the bottom component. Each attachment wall extends upwardly from an upper side of the bottom component and has a respective rear vertical end brace which is offset from a vertical base plane of the respective attachment wall. Each attachment wall also includes a lower horizontal base brace adjoining the respective rear vertical end brace for that attachment wall. |
| US08025146B2 |
Cooleebob compliant upright drink insulator attachment
Improvements in a compliant upright drink insulator attachment device that is works with a standard drink insulator. The attachment device uses two parts where one part mates with the second part to slip through a standard insulated drink holder. These insulated drink holders are commonly called coolies or koozies and are manufactured with a central hole to allow for draining. A clip connects a compliant cord to one or both of the two parts. The compliant cord is configured as a coiled cord. A weight is connected to the free end of the compliant cord to keep the insulated drink holder in an upright orientation in the water. The compliant cord allows the weight to move semi independent from the insulated drink holder, and further allows the weight to be stored within the insulated drink holder for storage when it is not being used. |
| US08025142B2 |
Apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading head
An apparatus and method of transporting food products (10) to a loading station (12) having a cooling conveyor (14) that selectively drops food product into a distributor (34). The distributor (34) separates product into at least two lanes (48, 50) and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor (46) monitors and counts product in each lane (48, 50) and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter (70, 80) transfers product from a loading conveyor (68) to a buffer conveyor (72). The buffer conveyor (72) transfers product to a main conveyor (76) which transfers product to a loading head (84). |
| US08025140B2 |
Material processing apparatus comprising a conveyor
A material processing apparatus comprises a conveyor that is rotatable in vertical direction around a horizontal axis that is situated in an element rotatable in horizontal direction relative to the apparatus. The element is articulated to the apparatus at a main point of articulation, and at a point remote from the main point of articulation, articulated to a variable length element which in turn is articulated to the apparatus, and the element is connected to an actuator causing the horizontal rotational movement of the element together with the conveyor, defined by said main point of articulation. |
| US08025139B2 |
Clutch
A clutch having high engaging force and featuring of smooth operation, wherein clutch weights that are biased by return elements are subject to thrusting force caused by constraint sections of a main driving plate that receive and convert torque from an engine into the pressing action against engaging slots defined in the clutch weights so as to gain enhanced engaging force even when the minor difference or error existing on the response time of the clutch weight or the strength of the return elements and also provides anti-reversal function to reduced the oscillation and let the power output more smooth and more stable. Accordingly, slippage of clutch and wear of the clutch wear pad are both reduced and temperature rise of the wear pad is also reduced. |
| US08025138B2 |
Multi-plate clutch system
A multi-plate clutch system includes an outer clutch member having a plurality of first clutch plates thereon, a central spool having a plurality of second clutch plates thereon interspaced with the first clutch plates. The clutch system also includes a cam mechanism including a protruding cam and a recessed cam. The protruding cam and the recessed cam respectively include first inclined faces and second inclined faces, which are inclined in the same direction with respect to the circumferential direction. The protruding cam is thus brought into a point contact with the recessed cam during clutch engagement. As such, the multi-plate clutch system can maintain constant variable characteristics of the clutch capacity even when there is a variation in processing accuracy at the time of the production. |
| US08025136B2 |
Torque converter damper flange with turbine centering feature
A torque converter including a turbine, an output shaft, and a damper having at least one cover plate radially fixed to the turbine, a flange driven by the damper and non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, the flange having an axially extending surface centering the cover plate. |
| US08025135B1 |
Hydraulic damping device for drawer
A hydraulic damping device for drawer includes a cylinder holding a hydraulic fluid, a piston rod moving in and out of the cylinder and having a pin at one end inside the cylinder, a rigid valve block affixed to the inner end of the pin of the piston rod and having equiangularly spaced through holes, a retainer affixed to the outer end of the pin of the piston rod, a piston coupled to the pin of the piston rod and movable along the pin between the rigid valve block and the retainer and having a plurality of axially extending through holes, a number of the through holes of the piston being respectively aimed at the through holes of the rigid valve block for allowing the hydraulic fluid to pass through the piston in one direction at a high speed during outward stroke of the piston rod and to pass through the piston in the other direction at a low speed during inward stroke of the piston and a plurality of spring strips for stopping against the rigid valve block, and a shock absorbing device that buffers the impact of the rigid valve block when the piston rod is extended out of the cylinder. |
| US08025133B2 |
Strut swedge tooling
A railroad freight car brake beam strut assembly including an elongated strut having first and second joined walls. Each wall of the strut defines a bore opening to a hollow center portion and to an exterior of the strut. The bores defined by the walls on the strut accommodate a brake lever pivot pin extending through strut thereby connecting the brake lever to the strut and so as to allow pivoting of the brake lever. Each bore defined by the walls of the strut has a closed marginal edge. One brake pin bushing is accommodated in each bore defined by the strut so as to journal a lengthwise portion of the brake lever pivot pin. The closed marginal edge of each strut bore arranged in juxtaposed relation relative to the end of the brake pin bushing disposed a farthest distance from the axis of the strut defines a plurality of radially spaced stops formed as an integral part of the strut for inhibiting inadvertent axial displacement of the bushings away from the longitudinal axis of and relative to the strut thereby fixing the pivot axis of said brake lever relative to the strut. A method of manufacturing a railroad freight car brake beam strut assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08025132B2 |
System and method for removing brake dust and other pollutants
Systems and methods for capturing pollutants from braking mechanisms are provided. The systems can include a housing partially surrounding at least a portion of a vehicle brake assembly and disposed to receive brake dust from the brake assembly and a collector disposed to capture the brake dust received in said housing. A method can include providing the a providing a housing partially surrounding at least a portion of a vehicle brake assembly and disposed to receive brake dust from the brake assembly and a collector disposed to capture the brake dust received in said housing, creating a first air flow using the forward motion of the vehicle to move the pollutants from said housing to said collector, and capturing the brake dust in said collector. |
| US08025131B1 |
Eddy current braking system for trolley zip line cable with a stationary conductor
A trolley magnetic braking system having a brake block assembly engagable by a trolley, a substantially stationary conductor that is pitch adjustable and a carrier having magnetic members that are driven along the conductive member for braking a trolley. Providing a pitch adjustable conductor allows for modification of how much of the conductor interfaces with the magnets and therein varying the amount of eddy current applied in the braking apparatus. |
| US08025130B2 |
Roller disk brake for a winch
A power device includes a motor, a drive shaft, and a roller brake system including a cam mechanism. The motor may put out a driving torque in a first and a second rotary direction. The cam mechanism includes first and second cam members. The first cam member may be in a driven engagement with the motor and the second cam member may be slidably engaged with the first cam member and coupled to the drive shaft. The first cam member includes a circumferentially disposed ramped surface having a stop member at a first end thereof. The said second cam member is axially and rotatably fixed with the drive shaft and includes an axially extending protrusion disposed about a circumference thereof and slidably engaged with the ramped surface. |
| US08025128B2 |
Ball screw lubricative sealing device
The invention provides a ball screw lubricative sealing device having a simplified lubrication mechanism. It is attachable to an installed standard ball screw nut, capable of retaining larger amount of lubricant and long supply of lubricant to the contacting screw parts, and further includes a sealing function. It includes: generally cylindrical case members having attachment part to be attached to both ends of a screw nut, respectively; plural thin seal plates made of lubricating oil impregnated felt-like fiber material which is a three-dimensionally crosslinked plastic fiber and resilient rubber members, and having a hole each and fitted inside said case member in such a state that they circumferentially overlap with each other, the hole having a shape corresponding to a lateral cross-sectional shape of a screw groove of ball screw shaft; and a plastic wiper fitted with a space from the thin seal plates inside each of the case member. |
| US08025127B2 |
Telescopic table board positioned with resilient pin
A telescopic table board positioned with a resilient pin is provided, which is characterized by the following features: The telescopic table board includes a left table board and a right table board slidely nested with each other; as for the left table board and the right table board, one of them is fixedly provided with a rack, while the other with a corresponding seat bore, in which is a resilient pin positioned, which is mainly composed of a positioning fastener and a spring; the positioning fastener is provided at the head with a tooth head engaged with the corresponding rack, extends at the tail through the seat bore, and is provided at the tail end with a handle; and the spring is sleeved onto the positioning fastener, and functions between the positioning fastener and the seat bore, thus constituting the resilient-pin type telescopic positioning mechanism between the left table board and the right table board. The present utility model endows the operation table board or gangplank with the telescopic function, thus enhancing versatility and satisfying different requirements for length of the table board (gangplank) on various application occasions. |
| US08025124B2 |
Broadband passive distributed tuned vibration and acoustic absorber for modally dense structures
A passive distributed vibration absorber that utilizes multiple discrete mass elements and a viscoelastic layer and that effectively attenuates vibration in modally dense structures excited by a broadband input noise excitation. and is tunable to multiple natural frequencies in such modally dense vibrating structures including low frequencies. |
| US08025123B2 |
Muffler structure for vehicle
The invention obtains a muffler structure for a vehicle which can suppress an emission sound. In a muffler shell for a muffler for a vehicle, there are formed a peripheral joint in which an upper shell and a lower shell corresponding to a plurality of shell structure portions are joined in respective peripheral joint flanges and, and an inter-isolation chamber joint in which the upper shell and the lower shell are joined in inter-isolation chamber joint flanges and in such a manner as to partition a space positioned in an inner side of the peripheral joint into a plurality of isolation chambers and arranged in parallel in a gas flow direction. |
| US08025117B2 |
Power axle for a commercial vehicle
A power axle for assisting an automotive vehicle in ascending and descending steep slopes and grades includes an electromagnetic motor mounted to one floating axle of the vehicle, a junction box mounted to and electrically connected to the electromagnetic motor, a DC/AC power inverter mounted to the cab interposed between and for electrically interconnecting the vehicle's battery to the electromagnetic motor for powering the motor from the battery and control switches mounted on the dashboard and which include an on/off switch and a speed control dial for regulating and controlling the interaction and engagement of the electromagnetic motor with the floating axle of the vehicle. |
| US08025108B2 |
Subterranean methods of processing hydrocarbon fluid-containing deposits and hydrocarbon recovery arrangements for recovering hydrocarbon-containing fluid from hydrocarbon-containing deposits
A subterranean method of processing a hydrocarbon fluid-containing deposit includes, from a subterranean room, providing a borehole into a deposit containing formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon. The borehole has a first end at a wall of the subterranean room, and a second end remote from the subterranean room and received within the deposit. The first end is elevationally lower than the second end. A string of pipe is provided within the borehole from the subterranean room. A cuttings removal fluid is injected from the string of pipe into the borehole and against a wall of the borehole in underbalanced pressure conditions. One of drilling, reaming, or jetting is conducted within the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid. Formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon is flowed from the deposit into the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid. The injected cuttings removal fluid and the formation fluid within the borehole are flowed at least in part by gravity downhole externally of the string of pipe in underbalanced pressure conditions within the borehole and into the subterranean room. Other implementations and aspects are contemplated. |
| US08025106B2 |
Method for tightening a screw connection and screw driving tool
Disclosed is a method for screwing in and tightening a screw connection (1) to a predetermined tightened level (2), especially a predetermined torque level (2) or a predetermined pretension level, with the aid of a hand-held screwing tool (3) comprising a regulated drive unit (4) and/or control functionality, particularly an electric nut runner (3). A tightening phase (B-C-D), during which the screw head rests against the supporting surface (6) of the screw connection (1), starts following a screwing phase (A). In order to improve said method, the speed (N) of the screwing tool (3) is increased to an output speed (7) for the tightening phase (B-C-D) within an acceleration time (8) in the tightening phase (B-C-D) and is lowered within a delay time (9) prior to or until reaching the predetermined tightened level (2). The combined acceleration time (8) and delay time (9) represents the predominant part of the entire tightening phase (B-C-D), especially in relation to the traveled angle of twist (W) of the screw connection (1), the acceleration time (8) being shorter than the delay time (9). |
| US08025105B2 |
Downhole tool retrieval and setting system
Apparatuses and methods for retrieving a downhole tool from a wellbore are provided. The method includes running a retrieval tool into a wellbore on a conveyance. The retrieval tool configured to automatically manipulate into an engagement position with the downhole tool. Engaging the downhole tool with the retrieval tool and removing the downhole tool from the wellbore. |
| US08025104B2 |
Method and apparatus for delayed flow or pressure change in wells
Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well. |
| US08025102B2 |
Wellbore delivery apparatus
An apparatus for delivering a material into a wellbore comprises a body adapted to be translated along a conduit within a wellbore, with a cavity formed in the body for containing a material to be delivered. The body defines an outlet adapted to be selectively opened to permit the material to be released from the cavity at the required location within the wellbore. In one arrangement the material includes swellable particles which expand upon contact with an activator. |
| US08025098B2 |
Processing hydrocarbons
Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions. |
| US08025094B2 |
Yttria-based refractory composition
Method for producing a mold for use in casting reactive metals comprising preparing a slurry of a yttria-based refractory composition and a binder, and using said slurry as a mold facecoat by applying said slurry onto a surface of a mold pattern, wherein said yttria-based refractory composition is obtainable by (a) mixing particles of a yttria-based ceramic material and a fluorine containing dopant, and (b) heating the resulting mixture to effect fluorine-doping of said yttria-based ceramic material. |
| US08025092B2 |
Process and related plant for producing steel strips with solution of continuity
A process for the manufacturing of steel strips with solution of continuity is described, comprising a continuous casting step for thin stabs with a high “mass flow”, a shearing step and subsequent heating in furnace, followed by a multiple stand rolling step, wherein the average temperature of the product at the inlet of the rolling is higher than the surface temperature, which is equal to at least 1100° C., lower than that measured in the inner central area by about 100° C. A plant is also described for the accomplishment of such process, wherein at the inlet of a furnace (25; 35), possibly of the induction type, combined with a temperature maintaining tunnel (36) a shear (3) is provided for, cutting into pieces (24; 34) a slab (22; 32) coming from continuous casting (21; 31), wherein the distance between the outlet of said continuous casting and the inlet into the finishing rolling mill (29; 39) is not greater than 100 m. |
| US08025089B2 |
Mechanism for untangling window cords
A lifting system for a window covering has a movable shaft disposed within a cradle that is held within a head rail. The movable shaft has an end portion and a lift cord wrapping portion. A lift cord is connected to the movable shaft. A transition member is disposed between the end portion and the lift cord wrapping portion. The transition member acts as a ramp to facilitate migration of the lift cord to the lift cord wrapping portion once bird nesting has occurred. |
| US08025087B2 |
Ultrasonic vibration welder
The present invention solves the problem that a connecting portion between a horn and a vibration transmission rod has a tendency to get damaged and the problem associated with the structure in which a chip is attached to an end of the vibration transmission rod, which occur with the known ultrasonic vibration welder. A vibration transmission rod has an end surface serving as a vibration-and-pressure application surface, and a polygonal cross section. The vibration transmission rod is disposed at an end of a horn in such a manner that they vibrate together. The vibration transmission rod and a mass are formed separately. The mass applies pressure to a projection formed at a nodal point of the vibration transmission rod. |
| US08025079B2 |
Clean out tube check valve
Disclosed is a check valve for preventing liquid from entering an attached tube. The check valve includes a cylindrical housing having an inner surface and a removable plug that is at least partially within the housing. The plus has a side wall with at least part of the sidewall sloping in an inwardly direction from a top surface to a bottom surface towards a central axis. The side wall is operable to contact the inner surface of the housing and form a seal, thereby preventing liquid from passing through the housing, the housing being fixedly attached to an inner surface of a tube. |
| US08025078B2 |
Vehicle mountable arm for valve operating machine
A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable in a plane parallel to the ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine. |
| US08025077B2 |
Mechanical fuse to seal pipes upon unintended rupture
The present invention relates to a mechanical fuse to seal pipes upon unintended rupture. When a pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure in a pipe is below a pressure threshold, a first spring retains a flap in a first position allowing gaseous fuel to flow from a first portion to a second portion and when the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is not below the pressure threshold the flap moves to a second position preventing the gaseous fuel from flowing from the first portion to the second portion. |
| US08025071B2 |
Bases and braces for support poles, such as poles for pavilions and umbrellas
Bases are disclosed that comprise a projecting portion designed to receive over it the hollow end of a pole or other elongate member, which may form part of a structure such as a pavilion or umbrella. The projecting portion of the base comprises wedges that move in response to the end of the pole moving over the projecting portion and in so moving, the wedges increase the effective cross section of the projecting portion to engage the inner surface of the end of the pole and to thereby stabilize the structure on a support surface, such as the ground. Braces are also disclosed that pull together adjacent poles of a pavilion to make the structure more rigid. |
| US08025069B2 |
Semiconductor wafer treating apparatus
A semiconductor wafer treating apparatus comprising a housing, holding means rotatably disposed within the housing, rotating means for rotating the holding means, and cleaning means for cleaning a semiconductor wafer held on the holding means. Irradiation means for irradiating the semiconductor wafer held on the holding means with short wavelength ultraviolet radiation is further disposed in the semiconductor wafer treating apparatus. |
| US08025068B2 |
Flossing and oral hygiene tool
A detachable device for improved dental hygiene supports and tensions dental floss above and beyond the bristles of the tooth brush so that flossing can occur using the bristle end of the tooth brush and avoid having the bristles interfere with the flossing process. In preferred embodiments the device is mechanically coupled to a sonic toothbrush to transmit sonic energy to the floss for improved cleaning. In other embodiments the device includes a tongue cleaning implement. |
| US08025064B2 |
Methods for attenuating pressure waves in a patient's eye
Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient, comprising providing a compressible attenuation device that is moveable from a first, introduction configuration to a second, implanted configuration. The attenuation device is introduced into a treatment site. In one embodiment, the treatment site is a patient's eye. The volume of the attenuation devices changes in response to pressure changes in the treatment site and attenuates pressure changes in the eye. |
| US08025063B2 |
System and method for treatment of upper airway disorders
The present invention provides a system for treating a mammalian patient having obstructive sleep disordered breathing, e.g., sleep apnea. The system has a set of appliances including a first appliance being adapted to displace a mandible of the patient by a first predetermined geometry relative to a maxilla of the patient. The set also includes at least a second appliance adapted to displace the mandible of the patient by a second predetermined geometry relative to the maxilla of the patient. In a specific embodiment, the first predetermined geometry is substantially different from the second predetermined geometry. Preferably, either one of the first appliance or at least the second appliance is worn by the patient based upon a predetermined treatment plan that includes one or more provisions for wearing at least the first and the second appliances. |
| US08025061B2 |
Condom packaging
Condom packaging comprises one or more substantially rectangular pieces of packaging material, each piece of packaging material comprising a central portion and edge portions, the edge portions being separated from the central portion by perforated areas configured to allow the edge portions to be removed, and an expansion member adjacent to or within the condom flange. The one or more pieces of packaging material surround substantially all or all of the condom, and the packaging material, when sealed with the condom inside, includes two substantially flat portions having side edges. The condom flange is attached to the packaging material and squeezing the side edges of the packaging material causes the packaging material and an open end of the condom to form a substantially cylindrical cross section, the expansion member providing rigidity and being configured to aid in formation of the substantially cylindrical cross section. |
| US08025059B2 |
Respiratory device comprising a double lumen endotracheal tube
Device for ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube featuring a connecting piece at the end distal to the patient into which the two lumina of the endotracheal tube are extended, separated within the connecting piece by an axial partition wall, a connector with two nozzles leading to a joint connecting section and separated from each other by another partition wall, the connector being attachable to the connecting piece in a way that brings the partition wall and the other partition wall into a sealing contact, a ventilator and at least one tube connected to a nozzle of the connector at one end and to the ventilator at the other. |
| US08025058B2 |
Variable CPAP respiratory interface
The present disclosure relates generally connectors for interconnecting a conduit of a fluid pressure device to an interface configured to deliver a fluid of the fluid pressure device to a patient. A connector includes a body portion configured for fluid connection to the conduit of the fluid pressure device; and a first branch and a second branch each extending from and fluidly connected to the body portion, wherein each branch is configured for fluid connection to the interface. A concavity is formed at an interface between each of the body portions, the first branch and the second branch. |
| US08025057B2 |
Ergonomic and adjustable respiratory mask assembly with headgear assembly
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame. |
| US08025055B1 |
CPAP enclosure for the treatment of breathing disorders
A CPAP enclosure used in the treatment of breathing disorder comprises a base connected to a bed, a canopy connected to the base, and a sealing member that connects the canopy to the base. The sealing member forms a substantially airtight seal such that the canopy and the base form a substantially airtight enclosure around at least a portion of the bed. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) compressor connects to the enclosure via flexible tubing, and generates a continuous positive airway pressure within the enclosure to treat a patient. A blender blends one or more compressed gasses with the compressed air from the CPAP compressor for delivery to the enclosure. |
| US08025053B1 |
Pressure regulator assembly
A pressure demand regulator assembly for use with a breathing apparatus having a valve assembly that includes an inlet for connection to a source of breathing gas, an outlet for connection to a facepiece to provide breathing gas to the user and an actuator for controlling the flow of breathing gas between the inlet and the outlet in response to the user's respiration. The regulator assembly further includes a flexible elastomeric diaphragm in operative connection with the actuator. The diaphragm is exposed to ambient pressure on a first side thereof and exposed to a positive pressure within the facepiece on a second side thereof. The regulator assembly also includes an impermeable and flexible shield that seals the first side of the diaphragm from certain toxic substances in the ambient atmosphere while allowing the first side of the diaphragm to experience ambient pressure, such that the flexible shield moves along with the diaphragm during respiration without dampening the movement of the diaphragm during respiration of the user. |
| US08025051B2 |
Delivery device
A delivery device for administering particulate medicaments, such as dry powder. The delivery device comprises a body and a flow path comprising a chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the stream of air. The chamber is rotatable in relation to the body. Dislodging means are arranged in contact with the inner surface of the chamber. The dislodging means and the chamber are relatively rotatable in relation to one another, such that the inside of the chamber is cleaned by the dislodging means when the dislodging means and the chamber are rotated in relation to one another. |
| US08025047B2 |
Collapsible locking slingshot
The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation. |
| US08025044B1 |
Fuel savings device and methods of making the same
An apparatus for enhancing fuel mileage of internal combustion engine consists of a tube inserted into a fuel line between a fuel storage tank and the engine, the tube having a plurality of electrodes protruding into a fuel passage within the tube. The electrodes are provided with an electrical charge for imparting electrical charges to liquid fuel molecules flowing through the fuel passage of the tube. |
| US08025041B2 |
Method of removing the fuel contained in the lubricating oil of an internal-combustion engine and engine using same
The present invention relates to a method removing the fuel contained in the lubricating oil of an internal-combustion engine comprising an engine block with an air intake circuit for a fuel mixture, a burnt gas exhaust circuit, an oil sump and means for pumping the oil contained in the sump. According to the invention, the method consists in removing, after pumping the oil, the fuel diluted in the oil by heating intermittently the oil for a time ranging from 1/100 second to 10 second, in order to obtain vaporization of the fuel diluted in the oil. |
| US08025040B1 |
Plasma ignition system
To provide a plasma ignition system that can prevent damage on an internal combustion engine due to erroneous ejection of a plasma jet, and further, even when the required voltage of an ignition plug becomes lower, can prevent erroneous ignition by the charged voltage of a PJ capacitor. A plasma power supply circuit of the plasma ignition system includes a voltage-limiting circuit having a first set voltage having an absolute value lower relative to the discharge voltage of the ignition coil, and a second set voltage having an absolute value higher relative to the discharge voltage of the ignition coil, and the first set voltage and the second set voltage are selectively switched according to an operation condition of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08025036B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving rotation member, a driven rotation member, an advance angle chamber displacing a rotation phase of the driven rotation member relative to the driving rotation member in an advance angle direction, a retard angle chamber displacing the relative rotation phase in a retard angle direction, an advance angle oil passage, a retard angle oil passage, an oil pump, a passage switching valve switching a position between first and second positions, and a drain mechanism provided between the passage switching valve and at least one of the advance angle chamber and the retard angle chamber to accelerate discharge of the hydraulic fluid from one of the advance angle chamber and the retard angle chamber when the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the other of the advance angle chamber and the retard angle chamber. |
| US08025035B2 |
Mechanical variable camshaft timing device
A device for selectively changing phase relationship between first and second rotating shafts in an internal combustion engine where the first shaft is secured for rotation with a worm carrier assembly and the second shaft is secured for rotation with a worm gear includes first and second worms disposed for rotation within the worm carrier assembly and having torsional preloads with opposite hands of rotation and meshing with the worm gear. An actuator turns the first and second worms in a first direction to advance rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft and turns the first and second worms in a second direction to retard rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. |
| US08025031B1 |
Aquarium snail collection system
An aquarium snail collection system and method, including a collector that is void of any enclosing structure and having a base and a substantially continuous and substantially permeable sidewall that extends upwardly from a central portion of the base to define an interior bait cavity. An upper portion of the sidewall is left open to permit easy access to the bait cavity and also to provide a structure that does not trap air that might cause the collector to float upwardly from the substrate. |
| US08025030B1 |
Bird feeder apparatus
A bird feeder designed for overhead positioning is provided having a dispensing component which protectively holds and controllably dispenses particulate bird feed, and a refilling component liftable by an elongated staff and configured to add bird feed to the dispensing component. |
| US08025026B2 |
Installation for spraying a multi-component coating material
An installation for spraying a multi-component coating material composed of at least one robot having a moving portion carrying at least one electrostatic sprayer, the coating material having an electrically-conductive component together with at least one second component that is electrically insulating or poorly conductive. The installation further includes a main tank fitted with a unit for making a temporary connection with a circuit for dispensing the first component, and being raised to a high voltage when the connection unit not connected, and a feed circuit for continuously feeding the at least one second component. The main tank and the at least one second component feed circuit are carried by the moving portion of the robot and connected to feed the sprayer. |
| US08025019B1 |
Buoyant bumper apparatus for absorbing water vessel impact against pilings
A bumper apparatus includes a roller rack and rack fasteners for mounting the roller rack vertically along a dock structure; a bumper assembly having a buoyant structure having sufficient buoyancy to cause the bumper assembly to rise and fall with the water surface and thus with the tide and with any adjacent water vessel; and a rack engaging structure slidably interconnecting the roller rack and the bumper assembly so that the bumper assembly is slidable vertically relative to the roller rack. The roller rack preferably includes a spaced apart upright pair of opposing first and second mounting rails; and a longitudinal series of substantially horizontal cylindrical rollers mounted on individual roller axles extending between and connected to the first and second mounting rails so that the rollers protrude forwardly from the mounting rails. |
| US08025015B1 |
Vehicle workstation
A vehicle workstation for mounting laptop computers and other equipment inside a vehicle that is easily attached to and removed from the vehicle and prevents vehicle vibrations and jolts from being transmitted to the equipment. |
| US08025011B1 |
Stun grenade
A stun grenade includes a housing having at least a portion that is not opaque; a light output section disposed in the housing, the light output section comprising a pyrotechnic material; a fuze coupled to the housing, the fuze including a time delay column inserted into the housing; and a noise output section comprising a lower portion of the time delay column and a pyrotechnic material disposed in the lower portion of the time delay column. The light output section and the noise output section are initiated at different times. |
| US08025005B2 |
System and method for protecting vehicle occupants
The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants. |
| US08025003B1 |
Fluted firearm barrel
A firearm barrel having barrel flutes on the outer surface of the barrel where the barrel flutes are undercut relative to an outward radial vector from the center of the barrel at an arcuate radial distance that exceeds the arcuate radial distance of an undercut produced by a straight walled flute cutter such that the barrel flutes are hyper-undercut. |
| US08024996B2 |
Power wrench
The invention relates to a hydraulic power wrench comprising a ratchet lever (16) driven by a hydraulic cylinder. According to the invention, said power wrench is provided with a friction brake (20) which operates continuously between the housing (10) and the output shaft (14). In this way, reversed rotations of the output shaft following the individual working strokes are avoided. |
| US08024995B2 |
Systems and methods of a power tool system with interchangeable functional attachments powered by a direct rotational drive
In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base. |
| US08024992B2 |
Height adjustment device for saddles or handlebars
A bicycle saddle and handlebar height adjustment device comprising a tubular element (5) provided with means (2) for its connection to said saddle (3) and presenting a portion (4) to cooperate with a support element (6, 7) for said tubular element, said support element being associated with locking means (8) for said first tubular element which maintain the tubular element (5) in a determined position relative to the support element (6, 7), in which alignment means (16) are present between said support element (6, 7) and said tubular element (5) to maintain a determined angular position between the tubular element (5) and the support element (6, 7), said locking means (8) comprising a threaded (132A) ring (132) rotatably fixed to one from among the support element (6, 7) and the tubular element (5), the other from among the support element (6, 7) and the tubular element (5) presenting a thread (5A) cooperating with the thread (132A) of said ring (132). rotation of said ring (132) causing continuous movement of one element relative to the other. |
| US08024991B2 |
Actuator for seat adjusting devices
An actuator, especially for seat adjusting devices with at least one electrical engine having subordinated reduction gear and a disconnecting device for manual operation. The generic actuator is provided with a disconnecting device that can be used in all operating processes in a large number of different applications and that guarantees reliable functioning of the disconnecting device without being over-dimensioned and thus uneconomical. The disconnecting device has a coupling insertion spring which determines the release force of the disconnecting device and a reset spring is provided which resets an actuating device. |
| US08024988B2 |
Drive unit for a motor vehicle
A drive unit for a motor vehicle, comprising an engine, a transmission or gearbox, a clutch aggregate for transmitting torque, the clutch aggregate including at least two friction clutches that are assigned to an input shaft of the transmission or gearbox, wherein at least one of the at least two friction clutches features an energy accumulator operatively arranged to generate a lock-up force required for torque transmission through the clutch aggregate, and a control unit operatively arranged to control an automatic activation of the at least two friction clutches and the transmission or gearbox, wherein in the event of a malfunction of the activation of the friction clutch, the stored energy in the accumulator creates an interruption of torque transmission within a section of the drive unit connected downstream of the clutch aggregate. |
| US08024986B2 |
Environmental sensing unit
A duct mounted environmental sensing unit includes a plurality of sensors for detecting respective parameters of a fluid in a duct. The sensing unit enables at least three sensors to make contact with the fluid through a single insertion point in the duct. |
| US08024981B2 |
Device for test loading
The present invention provides a device for test loading a fuselage barrel, in particular in the aviation and aerospace industry. The device comprises a first and a second pressure bulkhead for sealing the fuselage barrel at the end faces thereof in a pressure-tight manner. The device further comprises a support device which may be coupled to the first pressure bulkhead, on the one hand, and to the second pressure bulkhead, on the other hand, extending through the fuselage barrel. Moreover, the device comprises a loading device which may be coupled to the support device, on the one hand, and to a portion of the fuselage barrel, on the other hand, for introducing loads into the fuselage barrel. The resulting advantage is that gravitational force and/or acceleration forces acting on the masses arranged in the fuselage barrel, for example cargo, in particular during the flight phase may be simulated by means of components which are exclusively arranged within the fuselage barrel, which is pressurized during the test. Thus a provision of through-holes in the fuselage skin for passing through hydraulic cylinders and the sealing of said holes relative to the fuselage skin, as in the device known to the applicant, are avoided. |
| US08024975B2 |
Ultrasonic testing method and ultrasonic testing device using this
An ultrasonic wave is sent from a transmission element to a test element to produce a plate wave in the test element, and the plate wave propagating through the test element is received by a reception element to thereby test the test element on the propagation route of the plate wave. The other probe that is the other reception element or transmission element is disposed between the transmission element and the reception element. A probe holding mechanism that has support legs contacting the surface of the test element and keeps constant an angle of the other probe with respect to the surface of the test element is allowed to support the other probe. And, the other probe is allowed to cross over in non-contact the propagation route of the plate wave extending from the transmission element to the reception element by means of support legs. |
| US08024970B2 |
Passive humidity sensors and methods for temperature adjusted humidity sensing
A humidity sensor having temperature sensing includes a substrate and a RLC (damped resonant) circuit formed in or on the substrate. The RLC circuit comprises a capacitor having a first and a second electrically conductive plate and a moisture sensitive dielectric interposed between the first and second plate. An RL network comprising an inductor and a resistor is coupled to the capacitor and comprises a high relative temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) portion formed from a first material which is coupled to a low relative TCR portion formed from a second material different from the first material. The RLC circuit can be a series RLC circuit. In another embodiment, the RLC circuit can comprises a parallel RLC circuit. |
| US08024962B2 |
Flow-through apparatus for testing particle laden fluids and methods of making and using same
A method of determining one or more bulk rheological properties of a particle laden fluid comprising providing a system comprising a vessel, a pump coupled to the vessel, and a flow-through apparatus coupled to the pump and the vessel, wherein the flow-through apparatus comprises a flow chamber, a bob rotatably disposed within the chamber, wherein the bob comprises an outer geometry adapted for continuous laminar flow in an axial direction, and a gap between the chamber and the bob, pumping the particle laden fluid into the flow-through apparatus, shearing the particle laden fluid within the gap of the flow-through apparatus, and collecting data from the bob and observing the particle laden fluid to determine one or more bulk rheological properties of the particle laden fluid. |
| US08024961B2 |
Simultaneous normal and radial liquid permeameter
A permeameter including a fluid control chamber, a permeability specimen area, and a first outlet from the specimen area measuring fluid as a function of a normal permeability of at least one specimen in the specimen area and a second outlet from the specimen area receiving and measuring further fluid as a function of a radial permeability of the at least one specimen in the specimen area. |
| US08024957B2 |
Downhole load cell
A downhole load cell calibrated for enhanced accuracy. The load cell may be a dry load cell calibrated by storage of pre-determined temperature and pressure data relative to the load cell based on known loads applied thereto. Thus, surface equipment employed with the load cell may include a computer program that takes advantage of the stored pre-determined information. The computer program may then be employed for calibration of downhole load cell data based on readings from the load cell along with downhole temperature and pressure information. |
| US08024950B2 |
Vertical air compliant hemming head
A hemming apparatus is provided for use with a robot in performing a hemming operation. The hemming apparatus comprises a support housing which mounts to a machine and has a pressurizable interior chamber having forward and rearward portions. A slide member includes a piston which is disposed in the chamber, and a plunger extends outwardly from the piston. Means are provided for attaching the housing to a nose having a central passageway. A bearing shaft is disposed within the central passageway, and means are provided for connecting the bearing shaft to the plunger. A hem roller is attached at the end of the bearing shaft. The rearward and forward portions of the chamber are connectible to a source of fluid pressure such that adjusting the chamber pressures moves the piston, thereby causing the bearing shaft to drive the hem roller into engagement with a work piece. |
| US08024949B2 |
Apparatus for decelerating and temporarily accumulating hot rolled product
An apparatus is disclosed for decelerating and temporarily accumulating a hot rolled product moving longitudinally along a first axis at a first velocity V1. The apparatus comprises a curved guide with an entry end aligned with the first axis to receive the product, and with an exit end spaced radially from the first axis and orientated to deliver the product in an exit direction transverse to the first axis. The curved guide is rotatable about the first axis in a direction opposite to the exit direction of the product and at a speed at which its exit end has a second velocity V2 lower than V1 and such that the product is delivered from the exit end as a helical formation of rings and at a third velocity V3 equal to V1−V2. A cylindrical drum is arranged to axially receive the helical formation of rings and to rotate about the first axis in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the curved guide and at a speed such that the product is unwound from the drum at the third velocity V3. A receiver moves to and fro along a path parallel to the first axis to receive the product being unwound from the drum. A shroud is configured to partially encircle the drum, and rotatable interior rollers are circumferentially spaced around the interior of the shroud. The interior rollers are spaced radially from the surface of the drum and extend in parallel relationship with the first axis. |
| US08024947B2 |
Front-loading washing machine having liquid distributing paddles
A washing machine paddle includes a plurality of intake openings for collecting liquid at the bottom and rear of a drum of a front loading washing machine. Discharge openings are located on the paddle toward the front of the drum for discharging liquid therethrough. A baffle arrangement in the paddle directs the liquid collected from the intake openings to the discharge openings upon rotation of the drum to place the paddle into a top location. A drum arrangement and washing machine includes at least one such paddle mounted thereon. |
| US08024944B2 |
Threadless nut
A glassware forming machine baffle arm assembly that includes a quick-connect/disconnect arrangement mounting a baffle manifold on a baffle arm. The arrangement includes a baffle arm having an aperture, and a baffle manifold having a segment extending through said aperture and permitting rotation of said baffle manifold with respect to said baffle arm. The arrangement also includes a threadless nut, and a bayonet connection between said threadless nut and said baffle manifold segment. |
| US08024943B2 |
Method of dividing glass into separate pieces with the aid of a cutting liquid and improved cutting liquid for said method
The method of dividing a glass substrate into separate pieces includes producing a crack along a dividing line on the substrate and acting on the crack with an aqueous cutting liquid during or immediately after producing the crack. The aqueous cutting liquid used in the method has a special composition that reduces the breaking forces applied to the glass substrate in order to divide it. The aqueous liquid contains an ionic organic compound, which has a cation with a positively charged nitrogen atom and a hydroxyl anion. Quaternary ammonium hydroxide compounds are especially preferred as the ionic organic compound. |
| US08024934B2 |
System and method for attenuating combustion oscillations in a gas turbine engine
A system and method for modifying the supply of fuel to injectors to attenuate combustion oscillations in a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may comprise a combustor, a plurality of injectors and a manifold. The plurality of injectors may be operable to provide fuel to the combustor. The manifold may be configured to supply fuel to all of the plurality of injectors or to only a portion of the plurality of injectors in reaction to a determination of an existence of combustion oscillations. |
| US08024932B1 |
System and method for a combustor nozzle
A nozzle includes a center body and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. The nozzle further includes a bimetallic guide between the center body and the shroud. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a working fluid through a nozzle, injecting the fuel into the nozzle, and mixing the fuel with the working fluid to create a fuel and working fluid mixture. The method further includes swirling the fuel and working fluid mixture, sensing flame holding in the nozzle, and reducing the swirl in the fuel and working fluid mixture. |
| US08024925B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for controlling a desired torque output
Apparatus, system, and method for controlling a desired torque output on a hydromechanical transmission. Controlling torque output of a hydromechanical transmission provides improved operator feel and control. A control module determines a desired torque output and determines a pressure necessary to influence the displacement of the variable displacement pump to output the desired torque output. A pressure-controlling valve applies that amount of pressure to an actuator, which moves in response thereto, to change the displacement of the variable displacement pump. When the motor speed changes, the control module adjusts the pressure applied to the actuator to provide the desired torque output. |
| US08024917B2 |
Multi-functional power supply for a hall thruster
A multi-functional power supply system for a Hall thruster including a thruster assembly for providing a plasma discharge and a cathode assembly for providing electrons. The cathode assembly includes an emitter, a keeper with a current limiting device, and a heater. A magnetic field source is operatively associated with the cathode assembly for generating a magnetic field to control the discharge. A plasma discharge circuit creates a plasma and accelerates the plasma to produce thrust. A power supply is connected to the keeper and the plasma discharge circuit and is connected to the heater through a switching device responsive to a predetermined condition for interrupting the power to the heater and simultaneously enabling the power supply to deliver power to the keeper and the plasma discharge circuit to initiate production of thrust. |
| US08024914B2 |
Drag-type cotton harvester operated by an independent driving unit
A drag-type cotton harvester operated by an independent driving unit, which comprises a stripper-type cotton picker platform having a series of fingers that are aligned parallel to the forward direction of the machine, wherein the front ends of the fingers are close to ground level and the back ends thereof are ramped in an upward direction; a cleaning apparatus that receives the picked cotton from the picker platform, which cleaning apparatus comprises a set of rotary dentate cylinders that engage the cotton and remove the heavy masses or impurities therefrom, while a rotary brush that is disposed tangential to the dentate cylinders disengages the clean cotton from the aforementioned fingers; and a trailer that receives the clean cotton from the cleaning apparatus, then stores it and transports it. |
| US08024913B2 |
Prepared medication bagging system and method
An apparatus for sealing prepared medications in enclosures includes a tubular sleeve having an open first end, an open second end, and an outer surface. The first end includes at least one first locking member for securely attaching the tubular sleeve to another member. The apparatus also includes a length of a flexible packaging sleeve that is open at one end and has an open interior space. The packaging sleeve is disposed about the outer surface of the tubular sleeve in a compressed form. The open end of the sleeve is sealingly attached to the first end of the tubular sleeve. A tensioner device is disposed about an outer surface of the packaging sleeve and includes a first section that couples the first end of the packaging sleeve to the tubular sleeve and at least two elongated tensioner arms that extend along a length of the tubular sleeve. The compressed packaging sleeve is disposed underneath the tensioner arms such that the tensioner arms apply tension to the packaging sleeve and control the unfurling thereof from the tubular sleeve. The open first end of the tubular sleeve is in communication with the open interior space of the packaging sleeve. |
| US08024912B2 |
Methods for preserving pallet units of fresh perishables in modified atmosphere containing bags
Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure. |
| US08024907B2 |
Insulated panels
A panel comprising: a frame member (70) defining a periphery of said panel; a first wall (77) retained by the frame (70) and a second wall (79) opposing said first wall (77) and together with the first wall (77) defining an internal space (73, 74) of the panel; the panel further comprising at least one intermediate wall (78) disposed in said internal space intermediate the first (77) and second walls (79) and which creates a first space (73) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said first wall (77) and a second space (74) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said second wall (79); characterized in that the frame includes respective abutment surfaces (80, 81, 82) which receive and retain respective first, second and intermediate walls wherein; the intermediate wall (78) insulates said first wall (77) from said second wall (79). |
| US08024904B2 |
Panel and fastening system for such panel
The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7). A hook connection (8) can be established by means of one of the hook elements (6, 7) of the new panel (2) and a hook element (6, 7) of a panel (3) that is already installed in second line by swiveling down the new panel (2). Every hook connection (8) is associated with an additional locking element (13, 22, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 40, 46) that prevents, in the hooked state of two panels (2, 3, 10), the book connection (8) from being released in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the installed panels (2, 3 10). |
| US08024899B2 |
Apparatus and systems of interior window framing
An interior window framing system comprising a standardized frame having predetermined dimensions proportionate to a standard window. |
| US08024898B2 |
Universal fenestration cap system and method
In an exemplary embodiment, a window sill comprises a structural base having a first side and a second side, a fenestration cap attached to the structural base, a window frame mounted on the fenestration cap and finish elements applied to the structural base and adjacent to the fenestration cap. The window frame may be removed from the fenestration cap without disturbing the finish elements. Alternatively, a method of installing a window in a window opening comprises providing a window opening and preparing the window opening for receiving a fenestration cap, installing a fenestration cap by placement within and attachment to the window opening in a primary step, and installing a window within the window opening by placement within and attachment to the fenestration cap in a secondary step. |
| US08024896B2 |
Anchor recess former
A device that attaches to the rebar used to manufacture a concrete item and is left in place as the wet concrete is placed within the form for the concrete item and allowed to cure. The device is a hollow, walled, generally cup- or half disc-shaped structure having an outer forming wall and a hollow interior. The device may be a unitary or two part construction having an upper section, a lower section, upper rebar braces, lower rebar braces, and anchor holes. Anchor holes extend through the anchor recess former providing for a passage from the hollow interior to the outside. Upon the curing of the concrete, the present invention becomes an integral part of the concrete item, creating a uniform recess and exposing an anchor that can be used to lift the concrete item. |
| US08024895B2 |
Device for raising and lowering a lighting mast
An arrangement for the raising and lowering of a mast, which includes an upper mast portion and base, which upper mast portion is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis, located in the base of the mast is described. The arrangement includes (i) docking device for restraining the upper mast portion against rotation; (ii) attachment device for attaching a drive device for driving the docking device between a first engaged configuration wherein the upper mast portion is restrained against rotation and a second disengaged configuration wherein the upper mast portion is free to rotate and (iii) locking device selectable via an intermediate unlocked configuration between a first locked configuration wherein the docking device is engaged and a second unlocked configuration wherein the docking device is disengaged and is characterized in that the locking means is controllable remotely to allow automatic operation of the raising and lowering sequence. |
| US08024894B1 |
Structural vented roof deck enclosure system
A structural support member for use in a roof deck system that is supported on an upper surface of a roof deck support structure. The primary embodiment comprises a substantially vertical outer segment, a substantially horizontal lower segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal upper segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal intermediate segment connected to the outer segment between the upper and lower segments, and a substantially vertical inner segment connected to the intermediate segment and the lower segment. The lower segment is secured to the upper surface of the support structure and supports a metal deck. The upper, intermediate, and outer segments form a C-shaped cavity for receiving the end of a barrier material, such as insulation or concrete, which is supported on the metal deck. The lower, intermediate, inner, and outer segments form an elongated channel that preferably has a plurality of vent holes therethrough. |
| US08024889B2 |
Pest control method and apparatus
An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser (20) removably adjacent to a capsule (25) via an extension (120); whereby said releaser (20) and said capsule (25) are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state (180), then the releaser (20) separates from the capsule (25) but is still connected via said extension (120) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to move away from said capsule (25) into an attachment state (200). A method of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch, comprising: positioning a releaser (20) to a first end (122) of an extension (120); positioning a capsule (110) to a second end (124) of an extension (120); positioning the releaser (20) adjacent to the capsule (110) so that the member (10) is in a deployable state (180); projecting the member (10) in its deployable state (180) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to separate from said capsule (110) and form an attachment state (200). |
| US08024866B2 |
Height recording system comprising a telescopic rule with two ends cooperating with an optical beam scanning in a horizontal plane
A height recording system includes a telescopic rule formed from a head and a telescopic assembly used to vary a distance between one support end forming a base for the telescopic assembly and an upper end supporting the head. The height recording system comprises: a measurement system that measures the distance; a receiver including photosensitive cell(s) to detect an optical beam output from a laser system; a module starts or validates a height measurement by the measurement system starting the measurement or the validation in response to the module receiving a determined signal from the receiver; the determined signal being representative of the laser beam being detected by one of the photosensitive cells. |
| US08024864B2 |
Ratcheting cutting tool for plastic pipes
A ratcheting cutting tool for plastic pipes having first and second, elongated rigid members pivotally mounted to each other. Each rigid member has a handle and the first rigid member additionally has an anvil at an end opposite from its handle. A spring-biased, knife blade member with a cutting edge and with a plurality of ratchet teeth is pivotally mounted to the first member. The tool further includes drive and catch pawls pivotally mounted to the respective rigid members. In operation, the handles of the rigid members can be repeatedly squeezed together to progressively move the cutting edge of the knife blade member in a step-by-step manner toward the anvil to cut through a plastic pipe positioned therebetween. A manually operated release mechanism is also disclosed wherein both the drive and catch pawls can be moved in one motion to release positions spaced from engagement with the ratchet teeth to permit the spring-biased knife blade member to be automatically returned to its open position after each cut. |
| US08024863B2 |
Conforming wet shaving razor
A wet shaving razor comprising a cartridge having a length wherein the cartridge comprises an upper frame comprising 1) a blade frame, 2) a shaving blade joined to the blade frame where the blade extends lengthwise along the cartridge, 3) an upper face that surrounds the blade, and 4) one or more serially arranged rear spring elements, each element having a proximate and distal end such that said proximate end is joined adjacent a top edge of the upper face and wherein said distal end is joined to a catch plate; a sub-frame upon which said upper frame is resiliently mounted at its bottom edge near a front edge of said sub-frame wherein said sub-frame further comprises front spring elements; and a catch plate that causes the rear spring elements to foldably engage with a rear edge of said sub-frame to provide removably secured rear spring elements; and wherein the front spring elements and rear spring elements oppose local deformation of the cartridge under shaving forces encountered during shaving. |
| US08024861B2 |
External stroke/flow setting method for fuel injectors
A method for externally adjusting the axial length of a solenoid actuated fuel injector includes the step of externally forming a helical scribe mark in a housing component, thereby changing the axial length of the injector. By adjusting the length of the helical scribe mark and the depth of the scribe mark, and by measuring the stroke or the flow rate of the injector, the stroke or the flow rate of injector may be set precisely. The external adjustment of the length of the housing component may be made in cartridge form as well as in final assembly form of the fuel injector complementing the manufacturing process versatility. |
| US08024860B2 |
Methods for manufacturing an ink cartridge
A method for manufacturing an ink cartridge includes the step of connecting a film or a pair of films to a frame. The films and the frame define an ink chamber therein, and the ink cartridge includes the films and the frame. The method also includes the step of positioning a patterned member adjacent to the films. The patterned member includes a first pattern, and the first pattern includes a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion. Moreover, the method includes the step of forming a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern on the films by generating a pressure differential between a pressure inside the ink chamber and a pressure outside the ink chamber, in which the pressure differential draws the films into contact with the first pattern. |
| US08024859B1 |
Oil pump anti-wear plate for transfer case and method of use
A replacement oil pump plate for attachment to an original equipment manufacture oil pump within a transfer case for elimination of mechanical wear by replacing the abrasive aluminum tabs formed on the oil pump with low-friction plastic tabs is disclosed. The present plastic tab design redistributes the surface-to-surface contact between the magnesium transfer case and the aluminum pump tabs away from the original wear points so that any necessary weld repairs to the transfer case will not be disturbed. The present replacement pump plate is provided in a kit format including a pump plate, machine screws, plastic tabs, and installation instructions. The present invention also describes a method of installing the pump plate kit on the original equipment manufacture oil pump subassembly. |
| US08024852B1 |
Bar mounted tool adaptor
A tool mount assembly includes drop down connections to aid in mounting of a tool to a moving base and a fail-safe tool mounting system for preventing installation of a tool in an undesired or incorrect manner. A plurality of tool mount rails are received within mounts and are uniquely tailored to assure proper placement of tools such as grippers or vacuum cups at desired locations specific to the application requirements. |
| US08024851B2 |
Method of producing a radially expandable prosthesis
A method for producing a radially expandable prosthesis by cutting a pattern in a tubular member, which member has an outer diameter at least as great as the expanded diameter of the prosthesis. |
| US08024849B2 |
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher of the present invention includes a container housing a fire inhibiting material which may automatically discharge its fire inhibiting contents in response to a fire. In one exemplary embodiment, the fire inhibiting material is pressurized within the container and the container is structured and arranged to discharge its fire inhibiting contents in a predetermined direction. Also, a method is provided for constructing a container for holding fire inhibiting contents under pressure and a method and apparatus for effectively and efficiently filling and pressurizing the container with fire inhibiting material, forming a container structured and arranged to expel the fire inhibiting material contained therein in a predefined direction in response to a fire. |
| US08024848B2 |
Double-action clinching method
Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s). |
| US08024844B2 |
Clip
A clip is easily usable even by a visually handicapped person and a presbyope. The clip has bend sections, rectilinear sections, and a connection section. The bend sections can be located at positions close to each other with a spacing equal to or less than the diameter of the wire material of the clip held between them. The rectilinear sections are bent upward and some are in contact with each other. |
| US08024842B2 |
Hinge and collapsible device utilizing the same
A hinge includes a shaft sleeve, a shaft, and a spring. The shaft sleeve includes a shaft tube, and the shaft includes a fixing rod rotationally received in the shaft tube. The spring is received between the shaft and the shaft tube for guiding lubricant to lubricate the shaft and the shaft tube. The fixing rod is rotatably passed through the spring, and capable of rotating relative to the shaft tube. |
| US08024841B2 |
Hinge
A hinge includes a bracket, a shaft rotatably received in the bracket, a engaging member, a pressing member, and a driving member. The bracket includes a casing portion defining a receiving space therein. The receiving space includes a circular part and a slot connecting the circular part. The engaging member is received in the slot of the bracket. The engaging member includes a slope surface and a screw hole. The pressing member is received in the slot of the bracket. The pressing member includes a pressing portion pressing firmly against the shaft, and a driven portion engaged with the slope surface of the engaging member. The driving member includes a screw pole capable of screwing in the screw hole of the engaging member to move the engaging member toward the pressing member, for driving the pressing member to press firmly against the shaft. |
| US08024840B2 |
Hinge
A hinge includes a bracket, a shaft, and a first interfering member. The shaft includes a post, and a stopper protruded thereon. The post is secured to the first interfering member. The bracket defines a pivoting hole. The bracket includes a restricting block, and a second interfering member located in the pivoting hole of the bracket opposite to the restricting block. The first interfering member together with the post rotates in the pivoting hole until the restricting block resists against the stopper of the shaft to limit a rotational range of the post. The second interfering member engages with the first interfering member to improve the rotation of the post in the pivoting hole of the bracket. |
| US08024839B2 |
Indexing hinge
An indexing hinge comprises a two arm hinge half and an axle hinge half. The two arm hinge half includes two hinge arms, a projecting indexing element disposed therebetween and a first mounting element. The axle hinge half includes two axles, each extending from a toothed indexing element, and a second mounting element. When the axle hinge half is connected to the two arm hinge half by interconnecting each axle with a respective hinge arm, the projecting indexing element abuts the toothed indexing element in such a way as to prevent rotation unless an additional rotational torque is applied. An electronic equipment enclosure installation comprises an electronic equipment enclosure and an indexing hinge. |
| US08024836B2 |
Beam blade windshield wiper assembly having an airfoil
A beam blade wiper assembly including a rubber wiping element and an elongated beam having first and second longitudinal ends. The wiper assembly also includes an airfoil having an attachment portion and an upper portion extending between first and second distal ends. The attachment portion includes a flat rib and a pair of legs adapted to operatively engage the rubber wiping element. The upper portion includes a solid base having a leading edge that extends from the base toward the wiping element. The base and the rib define a space that receives the elongated beam. The base and the elongated beam define a cavity that provides flexibility between the upper portion and the attachment portion during wiper operation. The upper portion further includes a spoiler that extends from the base in a manner opposite to the leading edge. |
| US08024832B1 |
Aquarium cleaning device with debris collecting net
An aquarium cleaning device structured for use with glass or plastic aquarium walls, enabling a dislodging and freeing of debris from the walls, while also simultaneously enabling a collecting of dislodged and freed debris for subsequent removal. The cleaning device includes a frame providable of a rigid, possibly closed, and flattened loop, and a netting material, each of which are preferably sandwiched between two scrubbing pads. An elongated handle portion is fixable to the rigid loop and scrubbing pads, and arranged for secure grasping by a user such that aquarium wall cleaning activities may be conducted. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims. |
| US08024830B2 |
Inflatable bed having a built-in electric air pump unit for inflating a mattress assembly
An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly having at least one air chamber, and an electric air pump unit disposed on the bedstead assembly. The air pump unit includes a centrifugal pump device for performing initial inflation of the air chamber, a diaphragm pump device for performing subsequent inflation of the air chamber, and a control valve operable to allow for and interrupt fluid communication between the centrifugal pump device and the air chamber. |
| US08024829B2 |
Weight activated restraining pillow
Weight restraining pillow has a filled outer perimeter area encompassing a central sling area. The sling is defined in part by two generally parallel outer seams adjacent the outer perimeter, and an inner seam located between the outer seams which help hold the fill of the perimeter in place. When a weighted object is placed on the sling, the perimeter is drawn inward toward the object placed therein. |
| US08024828B2 |
Air cell
An object of the present invention is to provide an air cell which is capable of detecting that the upper end side and the lower end side of the air bag are nearer than a predetermined distance. This air cell has an air bag, a base member to which the lower end portion of the air bag is attached, an air chamber AR configured by the air bag and the upper surface of the base member, a thin film portion which forms the bottom surface of the air chamber and capable of deforming elastically in the up-and-down direction, an extending member configured to extend upwardly from the upper surface of the thin film portion, detecting means which is provided under the thin film portion and which detects downward deformation of the thin film portion. |
| US08024825B2 |
Collapsible crib
The present invention relates to collapsible cribs. The cribs have one or more of the following characteristics: adjustable length and/or, width and/or height, lightweight, easily collapsed, very compact when collapsed and easily carried, stored and transported. Embodiments disclosed relate to pens, cribs, and play yards with and without wheels. |
| US08024824B1 |
Person lifting apparatus and method
The present disclosure provides for individuals who may otherwise have trouble lifting themselves from the floor after a fall. Using the teachings of the present disclosure, such individuals may autonomously regain their footing, without the necessity of calling paramedics or others for help. An individual may crawl onto the seat of the device and then, using either a handcrank or an electric motor, lift himself to a sitting/standing position. |
| US08024823B2 |
Water conservation system
A water conservation system comprising a reservoir for storing water; a toilet water tank for storing water, the toilet water tank is disposed below the reservoir; and a tube fluidly connecting the reservoir and the tank, wherein the tube is configured such that a first end of the tube reaches near a bottom surface of the reservoir, a second end of the tube reaches near a bottom surface of the tank, and an elevated portion with a crest that is oriented above the first end. |
| US08028340B2 |
Piracy prevention using unique module translation
A method for providing solidified software in a computing environment includes creating a new reference for a function in a function table; copying an address of the function and associating the address with the new reference; replacing the address associated with an old reference of the function with a dummy address; and substituting each old reference in normal code with the new reference, where injected code is not able to execute in the computing environment. The function table entries can be further randomized by reordering the entries, introducing intermediate mappings, or providing non-operative entries. Alternatively, all or part of the code of the function can be copied and moved to a different storage location and associated with the new reference. The copied code can be further randomized by the insertion of dummy code, utilizing reverse peephole techniques, varying the size of the copied portion, or interleaving non-operative code. |
| US08028338B1 |
Modeling goodware characteristics to reduce false positive malware signatures
A set of likelihood values associated with a set of characteristics associated with the set of goodware entities is determined. The set of characteristics is stored in association with the set of likelihood values as a model. A set of relative information gain values associated with the characteristics of the set of characteristics is generated. One or more characteristics are removed from the model responsive to the relative information gain values associated with the one or more characteristics to produce a revised model. |
| US08028335B2 |
Protected environments for protecting users against undesirable activities
Various embodiments protect against undesirable activities, in at least some embodiments, by combining the protection of a data or message filter with the user's own knowledge and judgment. In at least some embodiments, data or a message that is suspected of being associated with an undesirable activity is identified and indicia is provided to a user that the message is suspect. The data or message is presented to the user in a protected environment that allows the user to access the data or message in full fidelity, but prevents them from interacting with the data or message in a manner which would expose them to the undesirable activity. After reviewing the data or message in the protected environment, the user can decide how the message should thereafter be treated. |
| US08028334B2 |
Automated generation of configuration elements of an information technology system
A firewall rule generation method, a load balancing rule generation method, and a wrapper generation method, for an Information Technology (IT) system, associated computer program products, and an associated processes for integrating computing infrastructure. The firewall rule generation method generates firewall rules allowing data transmission between a computer and a client, and subsequently assigns the firewall rules to firewalls of the IT system. The load balancing rule generation method assigns a load balancing mechanism to a load balanced group to which execution of an application is assigned, wherein the load balanced group has servers therein. For a client and computer having a communication protocol therebetween that is not allowed by a security policy, the wrapper generation method generates a communication protocol wrapper that opens a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection between the client and the computer such that the TCP connection is allowed by the security policy. |
| US08028328B2 |
System and method for authenticating components in wireless home entertainment system
Configuration information is exchanged between a home entertainment system server and various wireless components by pushing a button on the server and a random button on a remote control device as it is pointed at the devices sought to be authenticated. |
| US08028326B2 |
Federating trust in a heterogeneous network
A check of a processing device is performed. A device may receive a network access request to access a network from a first processing device. A security check may be caused to be performed on the first processing device. Whether to grant the network access request to the first processing device is based on a result of the security check. |
| US08028324B2 |
Method for transmitting policy information between network equipment
A method for transmitting policy information between network equipment, extending protocol types of messages in layer-2, layer-3 or a higher application layer between an IP-uplink broadband user access equipment and a BRAS so as to construct a PITP to bear policy information; a PITP message includes a policy information transmission type field, an operation type field and a policy information content field, and different types of policy information are distinguished by the policy information transmission type field; transmission of the policy information is implemented through a point-to-point means or a broadcast means in layer-2, a unicast or a multicast in layer-3 or a higher application layer. The present invention implements policy information transmission, prevents account intrusions and hacker attacks, makes it convenient for the broadband user access equipment to implement dynamic QoS policy adjustment in terms of different users and makes it easy for integrated managing the online equipment. |
| US08028320B1 |
System and method for providing media to media playback device
Systems and methods for delivering media to media playback devices are provided. When a media playback device requests suspension of a media stream, the media is stored in a storage area associated with the media playback device. A media playback device can then request resumption of the media stream. The media playback device requesting resumption of the media stream can be the same or different from the device requesting suspension of the media stream. |
| US08028319B2 |
Passive video caching for edge aggregation devices
Techniques for delivering video on demand (VOD) channel content via streaming from a first edge aggregation device are provided. The first edge aggregation device receives the VOD channel content from a VOD server, and the streaming VOD channel content from the first edge aggregation device can stream down to a requestor. The streaming VOD channel content from the first edge aggregation device can also stream or up through a metro aggregation switch to a second edge aggregation device to reach the requestor. Techniques for buffering a cache of a video stream are also provided for bursting to a requestor, either after a request is made or before. |
| US08028318B2 |
Remote control unit for activating and deactivating means for payment and for displaying payment status
The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system. |
| US08028314B1 |
Audiovisual information management system
A system, may include, at least one of audio, image, and a video comprising a plurality of frames. A preferences description, describing preferences of a user with respect to the use of at least one of the audio, image, and video, where the description normally includes multiple preferences. |
| US08028310B2 |
Optical pickup and disk drive device
An optical pickup includes a moving base moved in a radial direction of a disk-like recording medium mounted on a disk table, and an objective lens drive device disposed on the base and including an objective lens. The drive device includes a fixed block fixed to the base, a movable block including the lens and a lens holder and moved in focusing and tracking directions, supporting springs connecting the fixed and movable blocks, focusing magnets moving the movable block in the focusing direction, tracking magnets moving the movable block in the tracking direction and each having two magnetized poles, focusing coils facing the focusing magnets, and tracking coils facing the tracking magnets and spaced apart in the tracking direction. The north and south poles of the tracking magnet are adjacent in the tracking direction. The boundary between the poles is formed by a line segment not being one straight line. |
| US08028307B2 |
Disk apparatus having disk conveying arms
A disk storage medium processing apparatus includes at least an apparatus body having a disk loading/unloading slot, a traverse unit which is disposed in the apparatus body to conduct at least one of recording, deletion, and reproduction of information onto or from a disk, and a clamper supporting device for supporting a clamper which clamps the disk to the traverse unit. A disk conveying device conveys the disk into the apparatus body when a part of the disk is inserted through the disk loading/unloading slot and ejects a part of the disk through the disk loading/unloading slot from the state that the disk is housed in the apparatus body. A control device controls the disk conveying device. |
| US08028304B2 |
Component integrator
Techniques allow for communication with and management of multiple external components. A component manager communicates with one or more component adapters. Each component adapter communicates with an external component and is able to call the methods, functions, procedures, and other operations of the external component. The component manager associates these external operations with local operations, such that an application may use local operation names to invoke the external operations. Furthermore, the component manager has component definitions and operation definitions that describe the component adapters and operations, including input and output parameters and the like. The component manager is able to receive a group of data including a local operation and a list of input and output parameters and determine from the foregoing information which external operation to call and which component adapter has access to the external operation. |
| US08028303B2 |
Multi-protocol object distribution
The present invention is a multi-protocol object distribution system. The multi-protocol object distribution system can include one or more remote procedure call (RPC) transport protocol stubs; and, a meta-stub configured to select individual ones of the RPC transport protocol stubs through which distributed object services can be provided to requesting clients in the object distribution system. The RPC transport protocol stubs can include both a default RPC transport stub, and at least one other RPC transport stub which the meta-stub can select based upon changing conditions in the object distribution system. Importantly, the meta-stub can automatically select the default RPC transport stub by default. |
| US08028299B2 |
Computer architecture and method of operation for multi-computer distributed processing with finalization of objects
The present invention discloses a modified computer architecture (50, 71, 72) which enables an applications program (50) to be run simultaneously on a plurality of computers (M1, . . . Mn). Shared memory at each computer is updated with amendments and/or overwrites so that all memory read requests are satisfied locally. During initial program loading (75), or similar, instructions which result in memory being re-written or manipulated are identified (92). Additional instructions are inserted (103) to cause the equivalent memory locations at all computers to be updated. In particular, the finalization of JAVA language classes and objects is disclosed (162, 163) so finalization only occurs when the last class or object present on all machines is no longer required. |
| US08028292B2 |
Processor task migration over a network in a multi-processor system
Methods and apparatus for migrating and distributing processor tasks on a plurality of multi-processing systems distributed over a network. The multi-processing system includes at least one broadband entity, each broadband entity including a plurality of processing units and synergistic processing units, as well as a shared memory. Tasks from one broadband entity are bundled, migrated and processed remotely on other broadband entities to efficiently use processing resources, and then returned to the migrating broadband entity for completion or continued processing. |
| US08028288B2 |
System and method for data synchronization for a computer architecture for broadband networks
A computer architecture and programming model for high speed processing over broadband networks are provided. The architecture employs a consistent modular structure, a common computing module and uniform software cells. The common computing module includes a control processor, a plurality of processing units, a plurality of local memories from which the processing units process programs, a direct memory access controller and a shared main memory. A synchronized system and method for the coordinated reading and writing of data to and from the shared main memory by the processing units also are provided. A processing system for processing computer tasks is also provided. A first processor is of a first processor type and a number of second processors are of a second processor type. One of the second processors manages process scheduling of computing tasks by providing tasks to at least one of the first and second processors. |
| US08028286B2 |
Methods and apparatus for scheduling threads on multicore processors under fair distribution of cache and other shared resources of the processors
A thread scheduler identifies a thread operable to be scheduled by a scheduling policy for execution on the chip multiprocessor. The thread scheduler estimates, for the thread, a performance value that is based on runtime statistics of the thread for a shared resource on the chip multiprocessor. Additionally, the thread scheduler applies the performance value to the scheduling policy in order to reallocate processor time of the thread commensurate with the performance value under fair distribution of the shared resource on the chip multiprocessor. The thread scheduler also applies the performance value to the scheduling policy in order to reallocate processor time of at least one co-executing thread to compensate for the reallocation of processor time to the thread. |
| US08028285B2 |
Heterogeneous job dashboard
This disclosure provides a system and method for summarizing jobs for a user group. In one embodiment, a job manager is operable to identify a state of a first job, the first job associated with a first job scheduler. A state of a second job is identified. The second job is associated with a second job scheduler. The first job scheduler and the second job scheduler are heterogeneous. A summary of information associated with at least the first job scheduler and the second job scheduler is determined using, at least in part, the first job state and the second job state. The summary is presented to a user though a dashboard. |
| US08028278B2 |
Method of generating and utilizing debug history
The present invention is generally directed towards providing a method, system and article of manufacture for generating and utilizing debug history to improve the debugging process. By providing facilities to store and retrieve debug history records for given events, the present invention allows developers to debug code more efficiently by allowing them to leverage information stored in a debug history repository. Further, the added functionality, related to the debug history, is available via modules that work in conjunction with existing debugger applications and is provided to users via a variety of interfaces including graphic interfaces and plug-in components. |
| US08028276B1 |
Method and system for generating a test file
A method for generating a test file, that includes parsing annotated test code written in a source language to create a data structure representation of the annotated test code, generating test code in a markup language according to a plurality of testing definitions using the data structure representation, and storing the test code in the markup language in the test file. |
| US08028274B2 |
Integrating loosely coupled tools using contracts and references
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing an integration framework that enables tools to be integrated. The integration framework enables tools participating in the framework to be encapsulated in a manner that hides their implementations, thereby preventing them from taking deep dependencies on each other. The integration framework also enables the tools participating in the framework to carry formal type definitions called service and data contracts that describe the public behaviors they offer. The integration framework also provides support for migrating integration logic from tools into pluggable commands to further reduce coupling between the tools. |
| US08028273B2 |
Program product providing a configuration specification language having clone latch support
Methods, data processing systems, and program products supporting the insertion of clone latches within a digital design are disclosed. According to one method, a parent latch within the digital design is specified in an HDL statement in one of the HDL files representing a digital design. In addition, a clone latch is specified within the digital design utilizing an HDL clone latch declaration. An HDL attribute-value pair is associated with the HDL clone latch declaration to indicate a relationship between the clone latch and the parent latch according to which the clone latch is automatically set to a same value as the parent latch when the parent latch is set. Thereafter, when a configuration compiler receives one or more design intermediate files containing the clone latch declaration, the configuration compiler creates at least one data structure in a configuration database representing the clone latch and the relationship between the clone latch and the parent latch. |
| US08028271B2 |
Patch-aware editor
A system and method for receiving an origin file corresponding to source code, modifying the source code to create a modified source code, creating a modified file corresponding to the modified source code and comparing the modified file to the origin file. A system having an editor for editing source code to create a modified source code and a patch aware editor storing an origin file corresponding to the source code and creating a modified file corresponding to the modified source code, the patch aware editor comparing the origin file to the modified file and displaying conflicts between the files. |
| US08028269B2 |
Compliance management method and system
A compliance method and system. The method includes receiving by computing system compliance data comprising a plurality of compliance rules from a plurality of different compliance domains. The plurality of compliance rules are converted from said text format to a first plurality of program objects. Attributes for the first plurality of program objects are modified. A compliance report comprising an output of the plurality of program objects is generated. An automated compliance verification software tool compares the first plurality of program objects with compliance verification data in order to verify if the first plurality of program objects is in accordance with the compliance verification data. |
| US08028268B2 |
System and method for building software package for embedded system
A method and system for building an embedded software package for a target system including creating a cross-compiling stub in the target system, wherein the stub accesses a compiling tool at a remote location, starting a software package building process at the target system, and intercepting a compiling command coming from said software package building process and forwarding the compiling commands to said remote compiling server using the cross-compiling tool stub so that a source file will be compiled by a corresponding cross-compiling tool in the remote compiling server. The method and system allow a developer of software for an embedded system be able to start a software package building process on the target system as in the native compilation situation, and have the actual compiling of the source file in the software package be performed by cross-compiling tools in another computer with high performance. |
| US08028263B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for implementing incremental placement in electronics design
Disclosed are a method, system, and computer program product for implementing incremental placement for an electronic design while predicting and minimizing a perturbation impact arising from incremental placement of electronic components. In some embodiments, an initial placement of an electronic design is identified, an abstract flow is computed, target locations of various electronic components to be placed are identified, a relative ordering of electronic components is determined, and the placement is then legalized. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the method, system, or computer program product starts with an initial placement of an electronic design and derives a legal placement by using an incremental placement technique while minimizing the perturbation impact or an total quadratic movement of instances. In some embodiments, an augmented or incremental clumping technique based data structure is utilized for rapid and substantially exact perturbation prediction of effects of local incremental placement operations. |
| US08028260B1 |
Determination of most critical timing paths in digital circuits
Methods and computer programs for determining the top most critical timing paths in an integrated circuit (IC) based on a timing graph of registers and combinational nodes in the IC are provided. One method generates the most critical path to each destination register and invokes a function to calculate the next critical path in each destination register a number of times according to the number of top most critical paths desired. The method uses recursion to calculate critical paths on the different nodes by recursively calling a function to calculate the next critical path on a fan-in node, where the fan-in node corresponds to the node which last contributed a critical path. Further, the most critical path to the node is selected in the recursive function. The critical paths are used to determine if the IC is stable under the analyzed clock frequency. |
| US08028258B1 |
Interactive graphical pin assignment
A design tool provides interactive graphical pin assignment. In one embodiment, the design tool identifies layout restrictions of a configurable processing device that includes a plurality of pins. The design tool further provides an interactive visual representation of a pin assignment that accommodates the layout restrictions and a user input. |
| US08028256B1 |
System and method for breaking a feedback loop using a voltage controlled voltage source terminated subnetwork model
A system and method is disclosed for breaking a feedback loop by replacing at least one component in the feedback loop with a model containing two physically disconnected subnetworks that have terminals that are connected to ground with voltage controlled, voltage sources (VCVSs). Dependent source parameters of the VCVSs control lateral signal transfer though the model allowing the feedback loop to be opened or closed. The model maybe used in a software simulation in which a replicate circuit is used to set and maintain a closed-loop bias on the open-loop circuit. Small-signal analysis of the equivalent open-loop circuit allows extraction of transfer functions that yield a return ratio RR(s) corresponding to the modeled component. |
| US08028252B2 |
Technique for determining mask patterns and write patterns
During a method for generating a third mask pattern to be used on a photo-mask in a photolithographic process, first features are added to a first mask pattern to produce a second mask pattern. A majority of the first features may have a size characteristic larger than a pre-determined value, and that the first features are topologically disconnected from second features in the first mask pattern that overlap third features in a target pattern. Moreover, the first features may be added at positions which are determined based on the gradient of a first cost function depending, at least in part, on the first mask pattern and the target pattern. Then, the third mask pattern may be generated based on the second mask pattern, where the photo-mask corresponds to the third mask pattern. |
| US08028251B2 |
Touch screen device and method of selecting files thereon
A touch screen device and a method of operation are provided. The device and method allow for scrolling and selection of files from a file list, and for skipping or reversing an execution order of the selected files simply by performing a drag on a touch screen. The method of selecting files on the touch screen device includes detecting a diagonal drag on a screen, selecting file(s) included within a corresponding range, and skipping file(s) within the range. The method may also include changing an execution order of the selected file(s) when a drag with a return trajectory is detected. The method may also include scrolling through the file list in accordance with a direction and speed of the drag. The device and method allows a plurality of files to be selected and skipped at a time, and a desired file to be rapidly and easily located. |
| US08028250B2 |
User interface having a carousel view for representing structured data
A carousel view is described. In an implementation, a method includes determining a number of items that are included in data. A carousel is then generated for output in a user interface. The carousel has a plurality of bins, each of which representing a corresponding one of the items. The carousel has a radius for display of each of the bins based on the determined number of items. |
| US08028249B2 |
Method and system for browsing large digital multimedia object collections
A display system and method for operating a display and a collection of digital multimedia objects are provided. A first selection set of predefined organizational metaphors is presented and a selection of a first organizational metaphor from the first selection set is received. A second selection set of predefined organizational metaphors other than the first selected organizational metaphor is presented and a selection of a second organizational metaphor from the second selection set is received. A result is presented on the display having one of at least two group icons, each group icon indicating a group of digital multimedia objects chosen from the collection according to rules associated with the selected organizational metaphors and the content of the digital multimedia objects or any metadata associated with the digital multimedia objects. Wherein the group of digital multimedia objects indicated by each group icon are chosen according to result presentation rules. |
| US08028245B2 |
Method and system for operating multiple web pages with anti-spoofing protection
Method and system for operating tabbed browsing with anti-spoofing protection. Tabbed browsing operates to detect pop-up dialogs sent from malicious web pages operating in a background browser. Keystrokes and keyboard messages are prevented from being delivered to background browsers. Unauthorized movement of background browsers are detected. URLs are inspected before being saved or restored. |
| US08028244B2 |
Status processing system, status processor, and status displaying method
A status processor is communicable with a host device via a network. The processor includes a media connecting unit, a status-reflecting filename setting unit, and a server unit. The media connecting unit is capable of connecting a storage media. The status-reflecting filename setting unit sets a status-reflecting filename corresponding to a status of the processor or the storage media. The server unit transmits data indicating an existence of the file having the status-reflecting filename to the host device. |
| US08028239B1 |
Context-based management user interface supporting extensible subtractive filtering
A management user interface can be generated at run time via subtractive extensible context-based filtering. Definitions of user interface elements can include an indication of appropriate contexts for which the user interface elements are to be shown. Context factors can include application state, external state, surface or element definitions, or some combination thereof. The context-based filtering approach allows definition of user interface elements and user interface surfaces so that appearance of additional elements in the appropriate surfaces can be accomplished without programming. For example, a user interface surface definition can specify categories of user interface elements. At run time, those user interface elements of the category can be chosen for display. When new elements relating to the category are added, the new elements appear when the surface is rendered. Other features include heterogeneous type selection and exact number homogeneous type selection. |
| US08028237B2 |
Portal-based desktop
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing a portal-based desktop. A computer-implemented method for providing access to one or more computer programs and information includes receiving a request from a client computer, the request specifying a user. The method includes identifying one or more computer programs and information to which the user has subscribed. The method includes organizing the one or more computer programs and the information according to context. The method includes defining a user interface in which the organized one or more computer programs and information. |
| US08028236B2 |
System services enhancement for displaying customized views
A method for presenting system services can include the step of establishing a multitude of system service profiles. A request for the presentation of system services can be detected. One of the system service profiles associated with the request can be determined. For example, the system service profile can be determined based at least in part upon user identity. The system service profile can also be determined based at least in part upon server identity. At least one system service can be listed in accordance with the determined system service profile. |
| US08028231B2 |
Document management system for searching scanned documents
A method for storing, organizing and providing remote electronic access to documents. A cover sheet including a standard set of identification data characterizing each document is developed and stored. A digital version of each document is created and stored by scanning each contract. Each digital version includes a scanned image and a searchable text file, wherein the text is overlaid with the image. An index of bookmarks identifying sections of the digital version of each document is generated. Selected fields of information are captured from the digital version of the document. The documents are organized and cross-referenced in a database that includes the captured information and additional information related to each document. Designated parties are alerted of critical dates associated with each document. Remote electronic access to the documents is provided over the internet. |
| US08028226B2 |
Document content analysis technology for reducing cognitive load
The present invention provides for analyzing document content for display with reduced cognitive load assists those who are blind, have low vision, or cognitive problems. This present invention also aids those who prefer to receive condensed information orally. Document content is analyzed, a set of salient words and phrases are generated from the document content and the set of salient words and phrases are read. |
| US08028225B2 |
Visual system for visualizing, navigating, and editing attribute lattices within OLAP databases
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for creating and managing a visual representation of OLAP attributes and relationships for a dimension. A visual representation is generated that contains an arrangement of shapes with connections between shapes. One or more sub-elements are contained within at least some of the shapes. Connections between the shapes represent relationships between attributes in an OLAP dimension. The containment of a respective sub-element within a respective shape represents a relationship between an attribute being represented by the respective sub-element and an attribute being represented by the respective shape. Shapes representing OLAP attributes and relationships can be programmatically grouped and ungrouped. When an attribute does not have any outgoing relationships, when an attribute only has one incoming relationship, and when the attribute is not a level in a user-defined hierarchy, a grouping process is performed to put the attribute in an expandable shape belonging to another attribute. |
| US08028224B2 |
Method and system for providing short block length low density parity check (LDPC) codes
An approach is provided for generating Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes. An LDPC encoder generates a short LDPC code by shortening longer mother codes. The short LDPC code has an outer Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) code. According to another aspect, for an LDPC code with code rate of ⅗ utilizing 8-PSK (Phase Shift Keying) modulation, an interleaver provides for interleaving bits of the output LDPC code by serially writing data associated with the LDPC code column-wise into a table and reading the data row-wise from right to left. The above approach has particular application in digital video broadcast services over satellite. |
| US08028220B2 |
Method of determining coordinate values of a position on a printed document with respect to a plurality of patterns printed on the document
A method is disclosed of determining a coordinate value of a position on a printed document having patterns printed thereon. Each pattern represents a sequence having a repeating codeword of a cyclic position code. The method includes sensing the patterns printed on the document, obtaining from each sensed pattern a sub-sequence, mapping each of the sub-sequences to a respective mapped codeword of the cyclic position code, and determining an offset indicative of the position, in the corresponding sequence, between each mapped codeword and the codeword. Also included are the steps of deriving, for each pair of the sequences, a difference between the corresponding pair of offsets, as well as deriving the coordinate value by interpreting the differences as a digit of the coordinate value, and by interpreting the differences as a marker separating the coordinate value from an adjacent coordinate value. |
| US08028216B1 |
Embedded parity coding for data storage
An encoder system includes a receive module that receives a data stream. A parity generation module generates parity bits based on the data stream and a tensor-product code. A parity insertion module combines the parity bits and the data stream to generate encoded bits. |
| US08028214B2 |
Low density parity check codes decoder and method thereof
A low density parity check codes decoder decodes an LDPC code with an arbitrary coding rate by the same configuration. The low density parity check codes decoder enables decoding of an LDPC code constituted by a base matrix of Mbmax rows and Nbmax columns and a permutation matrix as an element of the base matrix. It stores therein Mbmax×Nbmax validity/invalidity flags, shift amounts of valid permutation matrices, a permutation matrix size in a processing target code, and the number of rows of a base matrix in the processing target code, determined depending on a check matrix for the processing target LDPC code, and generates column addresses and a row address to be given to column processing calculation sections and a row processing calculation section that perform calculation in accordance with a BP algorithm by utilizing the stored information, so that it can process an LDPC code for a smaller base matrix than the aforementioned base matrix as well. |
| US08028212B2 |
Parallel scan paths with header data circuitry and header return circuitry
Testing of integrated circuits is achieved by a test architecture utilizing a scan frame input shift register, a scan frame output shift register, a test controller, and a test interface comprising a scan input, a scan clock, a test enable, and a scan output. Scan frames input to the scan frame input shift register contain a test stimulus data section and a test command section. Scan frames output from the scan frame output shift register contain a test response data section and, optionally, a section for outputting other data. The command section of the input scan frame controls the test architecture to execute a desired test operation. |
| US08028209B2 |
Scalable scan system for system-on-chip design
A method and system to facilitate a scalable scan system in the design of a system-on-chip. In one embodiment of the invention, the system-on-chip includes a controller and one or more clock gating units. The clock gating unit is added to each unique clock domain of each function or logic block in the system-on-chip. By having a controller that connects to each clock gating unit and the scan input and output signals in each logic block of the SOC, this allows a scalable scan system in the design of the SOC and allows frequent block level design changes in the SOC without extensive changes to the scan logic in one embodiment of the invention. In addition, the scalable scan system also allows at-speed scan write-through testing of a memory array that can improve the scan test coverage of the system-on-chip. |
| US08028208B2 |
Wireless radio frequency technique design and method for testing of integrated circuits and wafers
Various embodiments are described herein for an apparatus and method for the wireless testing of Integrated Circuits and wafers. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a test unit external from the wafer and at least one test circuit that is fabricated on the wafer that contains the Integrated Circuit. The test unit transmits an RF signal to power the test circuit. The test circuit, comprising configurable circuitry, performs a series of parametric tests at the normal operating frequency of the Integrated Circuit and transmits the test results to the test unit for analysis. |
| US08028205B2 |
System for providing performance testing information to users
A computer system includes server computers, application program storage modules, a communication network, client computers, a database storage module, and a test data presentation module. The database storage module stores event data. The event data logs events that occur in the server computers during performance test runs. The test runs are performed in connection with a plurality of projects. The projects are defined for performance testing the application programs. The test data presentation module generates a test data screen display for rendering by one of the client computers. The test data screen display includes a data table. The data table presents event data relating to events that occurred during test runs for two or more of the projects. |
| US08028204B2 |
Method and system for maintenance of a data-processing apparatus
A method and system for performing one or more preventative maintenance functions for a data-processing apparatus. One or more notifications regarding daily maintenance functions can be generated in the form of a reminder when the data-processing apparatus begins operation. A history of the maintenance functions performed can be stored in a memory through remote data pushes. An email alert can be generated and transmitted to a user regarding incomplete maintenance functions in order to track the maintenance activities. The data-processing apparatus can be monitored in a consolidated manner and the occurrence of fault information stored and then rapidly retrieved to provide notifications indicative of such maintenance data. |
| US08028203B2 |
Exception view with context
A method, apparatus and computer-usable medium for the graphical presentation of the contextual relationship between a reported exception and its related resources and/or contributing factors. An exception view is presented to display an abnormally operating resource and the operational state of its related resources and/or contributing factors. Contextually related processes and resources are graphically depicted in one or more hierarchy trees, topologically-oriented views, or other depictions, with the operational health or condition of each resource indicated. Fault determination and resolution of the reported exception and its related processes and resources can then be facilitated. |
| US08028198B2 |
Devices, methods, and apparatuses for detection, sensing, and reporting functionality for semiconductor memory
Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for a memory device. In one embodiment, a memory device is disclosed that may include a command error module operably coupled to a mode register, a command input, and an address input. The command error module may be configured to detect an invalid command sequence and report an error indication to an output signal. Additionally, the memory device may include a temperature sensor operably coupled to a mode register and a reference voltage. The temperature sensor may be configured to sense a device temperature and report a temperature status. Furthermore, the memory device may be incorporated into a memory module, which may be included in an electronic system. |
| US08028195B2 |
Structure for indicating status of an on-chip power supply system
A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a system for indicating status of an on-chip power supply system with multiple power supplies, having a power system status register for receiving digital compliance signals, each compliance signal associated with one of the multiple power supplies, and having an associated compliance level, wherein each digital compliance signal indicates whether its associated power supply is operating at the associated compliance level, and wherein the power system status register generates a power supply status signal based on the digital compliance signals indicating status of the digital compliance signals; and an output for outputting the power supply status signal, wherein if a power supply is operating at its associated compliance level, the power supply status signal indicates that the power supply is passing, otherwise the power supply status signal indicates that the power supply is failing. |
| US08028194B2 |
Sequencing technique to account for a clock error in a backup system
A method, apparatus, and system of a sequencing technique to account for a clock error in a storage area network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system of a backup server includes a processing module to examine a data timestamped with a sequence of characters denoting a time according to a clock source, an analysis module to determine that the data has been timestamped at an earlier time than an other data previously received, a substitution module to provide the data an incremental sequence number placed with the data using an algorithm until a new data is received that includes a future timestamp with a later timestamp than the timestamp of the other data, and a storage module to store the data. |
| US08028190B2 |
Computer system and bus control device
The bus control device includes a reset control unit which resets the input and output bus in response to receipt of reset instruction; a reset inhibition unit which inhibits a reset of the input and output bus triggered by a fault occurrence in the input and output bus; a log collection unit which collects log information of an input and output device connected to a fault occurrence section in the input and output bus triggered by the fault occurrence in the input and output bus; and an input and output interface which transfers the log information collected by the log collection unit to the processor. The reset inhibition unit cancels inhibition of the reset after the collection of the log information by the log collection unit has been completed. |
| US08028189B2 |
Recoverable machine check handling
A technique for handling hardware errors in a computing system, such as a data storage facility, while avoiding a system crash. An interface is registered with an operating system of the computing system to process hardware errors. When a hardware error is detected, the interface checks an error register to identify the adapter that likely causes the error, and quarantines, e.g., blocks off, the offending adapter from the computing system. The interface then notifies the operating system that the error has been handled, thereby causing the operating system to bypass a system crash that would otherwise occur. The interface can be provided as a kernel extension of a device driver associated with the operating system. |
| US08028186B2 |
Skew management in an interconnection system
An interconnection system is described where data lanes may be exchanged between lines at intervals along a transmission path so that the differential time delay between bits on a plurality of the lines is reduced when determined at a receiving location. The data lanes may be bound to the lines through the operation of a configurable switch, or by a configurable switch in conjunction with predetermined manufactured connections, or a combination of the techniques. The wiring of a connectorized node module, which may include a memory device, may be configured so that the differential time delay between pairs of input lines of a node, as measured at the output of a node, is reduced. |
| US08028185B2 |
Protocol for transitioning in and out of zero-power state
A processor may comprise one or more cores, where each respective core may comprise one or more state registers, and non-volatile memory configured to store microcode instructions executed by the respective processor core. The processor may further comprise a power management controller (PMC) interfacing with each respective core, and a state monitor (SM) interfacing with the PMC. The PMC may be configured to communicate with each respective core, such that microcode executed by the respective processor core may recognize when a request is made to transition the respective core to a low-power state. The microcode may communicate the request to the PMC, which may in turn determine if the request is for the respective core to transition to a zero-power state. If it is, the PMC may communicate with the SM to determine whether to transition the respective processor core to the zero-power state, and initiate transition to the zero-power state if a determination to transition to the zero-power state is made. |
| US08028183B2 |
Power cap lower bound exploration in a server environment
Disclosed is a computer implemented method, computer program product, and apparatus for determining a safe lower bound for a commonly powered data processing system. A power management module operates the data processing system using at least one nominal operating parameter during an exploration periodicity, with the at least one nominal operating parameter being clock speed. The power management module determines whether a calibration period is occurring. The power management module calibrates the data processing system up to a measurement interval duration expiration. The power management module may repeat operating the data processing system using the at least one nominal operating parameter. |
| US08028182B2 |
Dynamic CPU voltage regulator phase shedding
A voltage regulator phase shedding system includes one or more subsystems to receive a system management interrupt (SMI), gather processor utilization information, determine whether to adjust a performance state, lookup voltage regulator information for new performance state, adjust active voltage regulator phase, and adjust performance state. The voltage regulator phase shedding system can also include one or more subsystems to read a power measurement, calculate throttling requirements, determine whether to adjust a throttling, lookup voltage regulator information for new performance state capacity, adjust active voltage regulator phase, and adjust throttling. |
| US08028180B2 |
Method and system for power conservation in a hierarchical branch predictor
A method and system for power conservation in a hierarchical branch predictor system are provided. The method includes addressing multiple branch predictors, each of the branch predictors having various sizes of hierarchical storage and storing information about previously encountered branch instructions. In response to receiving a first branch prediction from one of the branch predictors, the method includes comparing the first branch prediction with previously stored branch predictions to determine the existence of a branch prediction loop, the branch prediction loop including a sequence of branch predictions that repeat as long as constituent predictions of the branches remain unchanged. Upon determining that a branch prediction loop exists, the method includes associating the branch prediction loop with the branch predictors that provided each branch prediction, and activating power saving to the branch predictors that are not associated with the branch prediction loop. |
| US08028179B2 |
Determining expected exceeding of maximum allowed power consumption of a mobile electronic device
Apparatus and method for determining an expected exceeding of a maximum allowed power consumption of a mobile electronic device is provided, wherein the method includes determining power consumption of the device in a current operating state, determining, for a first process executable by a processor of the device, process-specific power consumption of the device which would be caused by execution of the first process, determining as to whether an expected exceeding of a maximum allowed power consumption would occur for a case in which a new instance of the first executable process would be executed, which is currently not executed, and that possible present instances of the first executable process, which are currently executed, are continued to be executed, and if it has been determined that an expected exceeding of a maximum allowed power consumption would occur, outputting information about the expected exceeding of the maximum allowed power consumption. |
| US08028176B2 |
System and method for modeling a power over ethernet component in a computing device platform using a common information model
A system and method for modeling a power over Ethernet component using a common information model. With the profiling of components based on the common information model, a remote agent can query status/capabilities or configure a power over Ethernet component based on messaging that is consistent with a power over Ethernet common information model schema. |
| US08028170B2 |
Method of authenticating print media using a mobile telephone
A method of using a mobile telephone to authenticate a print medium, the mobile telephone being configured for printing on print media predetermined as authentic. The print media has coded data in the form of a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion encoding a signature fragment. The mobile telephone has a printhead, a processing means, a print path extending past the printhead and a sensor adjacent the print path. The method comprising steps of using the sensor to sense the coded data provided on a surface of the substrate whilst the print medium is moving along the print path, using the processing means to interpret the plurality of coded data portions and determine the signature fragments from each of the coded data portions, determining a signature from the signature fragments, using the signature to assess the print medium authenticity, and using the printhead to print onto the print medium in the event that it is authentic. |
| US08028169B2 |
Electronic document management program, electronic document management system and electronic document management method
It is possible to control electronic documents for partial disclosures and non-disclosures and prove to the third party that information other than non-disclosure part thereof has not been altered and the originality of decrypted information is assured. There is provided a section that controls electronic information for partial disclosures and non-disclosures according to conditions and situations such as viewers, systems and time and also a technological concept for proving to the third party that information other than non-disclosure part thereof has not been altered and the originality of decrypted information is assured, while controlling electronic information for partial disclosures and non-disclosures, by generating partial signature information (to be referred to as piat signature information in the embodiment of this invention which is described hereinafter) apart from the text of electronic information, dividing it for holding and separating the function and the role of electronic information and those of partial signature information (verifying information). |
| US08028166B2 |
Versatile secure and non-secure messaging
A messaging system and method are associated with a first device. The messaging system includes a plurality of credentials and a plurality of authorities. Each authority associates at least one of a plurality of protocol operations with at least one of the plurality of credentials. The messaging system is adapted to receive an initiating message from a second device, which identifies at least one of the authorities, and responsively implements a security protocol for further messages between the first and second devices in accordance with the identified authority. |
| US08028163B2 |
Method of digitally signing data and a data repository storing digitally signed data
A hierarchical digital signature method is provided by which different levels of data elements of a data entry are processed in turn to derive function values (for example hash function values) for data elements in the level which are to form part of the digital signature. All function values for one level are combined in a further function to provide an additional function value, and the additional function value is used in the processing of data elements in the next level nearer to the root. This provides a digital signature which can use only selected data elements of a data entry, and which is not sensitive to the ordering of the data entry structure. |
| US08028160B1 |
Data link layer switch with protection against internet protocol spoofing attacks
A data link layer switch having an associated method and computer program comprises a processor; a plurality of ports to exchange packets of data with a network; a memory to store a switch table; and a packet processor to transfer the packets of data between the ports according to the switch table, the packet processor comprising a classifier to send copies of selected ones of the packets of data to the processor; wherein the processor determines whether an attack upon the data link layer switch has occurred based on the copies of the selected ones of the packets. |
| US08028155B1 |
Initiating an operating system boot from firmware
A computer system firmware stores an operating system boot loader along with accompanying firmware boot driver and a service option ROM. A firmware boot enables the computer system to initiate an operating system boot without necessarily utilizing a hard drive or other peripheral. The service option ROM is installed, indicating to the firmware that a firmware boot is available. When selected the firmware boot copies the operating system boot loader from firmware to main memory and then initiates the operating system boot loader. |
| US08028152B2 |
Hierarchical multi-threading processor for executing virtual threads in a time-multiplexed fashion
A hierarchical microprocessor. An embodiment of a hierarchical microprocessor includes a plurality of first-level instruction pipeline elements; a plurality of execution clusters, where each execution cluster is operatively coupled with each of the first-level instruction pipeline elements. Each execution cluster includes a plurality of second-level instruction pipeline elements, where each of the second-level instruction pipeline elements corresponds with a respective first-level instruction pipeline element, and one or more instruction execution units operatively coupled with each of the second-level instruction pipeline elements, where the microprocessor is configured to execute multiple execution threads using the plurality of first-level instruction pipeline elements and the plurality of execution clusters. |
| US08028151B2 |
Performance of an in-order processor by no longer requiring a uniform completion point across different execution pipelines
A method, system and processor for improving the performance of an in-order processor. A processor may include an execution unit with an execution pipeline that includes a backup pipeline and a regular pipeline. The backup pipeline may store a copy of the instructions issued to the regular pipeline. The execution pipeline may include logic for allowing instructions to flow from the backup pipeline to the regular pipeline following the flushing of the instructions younger than the exception detected in the regular pipeline. By maintaining a backup copy of the instructions issued to the regular pipeline, instructions may not need to be flushed from separate execution pipelines and re-fetched. As a result, one may complete the results of the execution units to the architected state out of order thereby allowing the completion point to vary among the different execution pipelines. |
| US08028150B2 |
Runtime instruction decoding modification in a multi-processing array
A method and system for decoding and modifying processor instructions in runtime according to certain rules in order to separately control processing elements embedded within a multi-processor array using a single instruction. The present invention allows multiple processing elements and/or execution units in a multi-processor array to perform different operations, based upon a variable or variables such as their location in the multi-processor array, while accepting a single instruction as an input. |
| US08028149B2 |
Method of reading the memory plane of a contactless tag
A method of reading a group of memory words from an integrated circuit memory of a contactless tag, comprising the sending by a remote interrogation unit to the contactless tag of a specific command for reading the group of memory words from a given start address, the initialization of an address counter for the contactless tag to the value of the given start address, and the sending by the contactless tag of the memory word at the start address, as well as an iterative process comprising in succession a first step of sending by the remote interrogation unit to the contactless tag of an incrementation marker recognizable by the contactless tag, a second step of incrementation of the address counter for the contactless tag in response to the incrementation marker, and a third step of sending by the contactless tag to the remote interrogation unit of a data frame comprising the memory word stored in the memory at the address pointed at by the current value of the address counter. |
| US08028148B2 |
Safe and efficient allocation of memory
Aspects of the present invention are directed at centrally managing the allocation of memory to executable images in a way that inhibits malware from identifying the location of the executable image. Moreover, performance improvements are implemented over traditional systems that enable relative addressed instruction to be resolved at runtime. In this regard, a method is provided that identifies a randomized location to load the executable image into a memory address space. Then, data that may be used to resolve the relative addressed instruction is loaded and maintained in memory. At runtime when pages that store relative addressed instructions are accessed, an arithmetic operation is performed to resolve the relative addressed instruction. As a result, only those relative addressed instructions on pages accessed during program execution are resolved. |
| US08028146B2 |
Management of temporary and permanent areas in nonvolatile memories of a storage system
The temporary area capacity required to be secured with respect to the whole permanent area is calculated in accordance with the capacity and access frequency of a host computer data permanent area of a disk device contained in the storage system and a disk device of an external storage device that is managed by a storage virtualization function of this storage system. The nonvolatile memory is defined as the temporary area and is used to temporarily store host computer data when a data I/O from the host computer is processed. The required capacity of the temporary area is re-calculated in accordance with an event such as a configuration change in the external storage system. |
| US08028137B2 |
System and method of selective data mirroring in a data storage device
Systems and methods of selective data mirroring are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a device is disclosed that includes a data storage medium and a controller operably coupled to the data storage medium. The controller configured to selectively enable a data mirroring function to copy data in a first data storage location of the data storage medium to one or more second data storage locations of the data storage medium when the one or more second data storage locations do not have valid primary data stored to them. |
| US08028135B1 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining compliant storage
According to an embodiment of the invention, a storage server is mirrored onto a mirroring server. The mirroring server maintains point-in-time images of data stored on the storage server. The point-in-time images have a retention period. During the retention period, the point-in-time images must be maintained to comply with 17 C.F.R. 240.17a-4 (the “Rule”). When a command to delete a point-in-time image is issued, the file system of the mirroring server references a table including a list of point-in-time images and their retention dates. If the current date is greater than the retention date, the point-in-time image is deleted. If the current date is less than the retention date, the point-in-time image cannot be deleted. |
| US08028134B2 |
System and method of imaging a memory module while in functional operation
A memory module (e.g. a hard drive, an optical drive, a flash drive, etc.) associated with a computer system may be imaged without substantial interruption to the operation of the overall system. The imaging may include applying an image to the memory module while execution of one or more operations and/or algorithms that require at least intermittent access to information stored initially in the memory module is ongoing. This may enable a system associated with the memory module to continue with normal, or substantially normal, operation while the image is being applied to the memory module. The image applied to the memory module may, for example, update the system, restore the system to a previous state (e.g., to its state at a previous point in time), or otherwise modify the system with which it is associated. |
| US08028133B2 |
Globally incremented variable or clock based methods and apparatus to implement parallel transactions
The present disclosure describes a unique way for each of multiple processes to operate in parallel and use the same shared data without causing corruption to the shared data. For example, during a commit phase, a corresponding transaction can attempt to increment a globally accessible version information variable and store a current value of the globally accessible version information variable for updating version information associated with modified data regardless of whether an associated attempt by the corresponding transaction to modify the globally accessible version information variable was successful. As an alternative mode, a corresponding transaction can merely read and store a current value of the globally accessible version information variable without attempting to update the globally accessible version information variable before such use. In yet another application, a parallel processing environment implements a combination of both aforementioned modes depending on a self-abort rate of the transaction. |
| US08028132B2 |
Collision handling apparatus and method
The present invention relates to mechanisms for handling and detecting collisions between threads (5, 6, 7) that execute computer program instructions out of program order. According to an embodiment of the present invention each of a plurality of threads (5, 6, 7) are associated with a respective data structure (9, 10, 11) comprising a number of bits (12) that correspond to memory elements (m0, m1, m2, mn) of a shared memory (4). When a thread accesses a memory element in the shared memory, it sets a bit in its associated data structure, which bit corresponds to the accessed memory element. This indicates that the memory element has been accessed by the thread. Collision detection may be carried out after the thread has finished executing by means of comparing the data structure of the thread with the data structures of other threads on which the thread may depend. |
| US08028128B2 |
Method for increasing cache directory associativity classes in a system with a register space memory
In a method of managing a cache directory in a memory system, an original system address is presented to the cache directory when corresponding associativity data is allocated to an associativity class in the cache directory. The original system address is normalized by removing address space corresponding to a memory hole, thereby generating a normalized address. The normalized address is stored in the cache directory. The normalized address is de-normalized, thereby generating a de-normalized address, when the associativity data is cast out of the cache directory to make room for new associativity data. The de-normalized address is sent to the memory system for coherency management. |
| US08028122B2 |
Methods and systems for classifying storage systems using fixed static-IP addresses
A storage system for exchanging data with a host system, the storage system including a plurality of storage devices, each of the storage devices including: a non-volatile memory, wherein a fixed static-IP address resides in the non-volatile memory, the fixed static-IP address being common to two or more of the plurality of storage devices, and the fixed static-IP address providing enablement of a storage-device functionality of the storage device; a physical interface for operationally connecting the storage device with the host system; and a memory controller for: controlling the respective non-volatile memory; and exchanging data, using a communication protocol, via the respective fixed static-IP address. For at least one of the storage devices, the respective fixed static-IP address may be pre-loaded into the respective non-volatile memory during manufacture, or installed in the respective non-volatile memory after manufacture. |
| US08028120B2 |
System with flash memory device and data recovery method thereof
A method is for recovering a block mapping table in a system including a flash memory device, where the block mapping table utilizes address mapping in accordance with a wear-leveling scheme. The method includes reading block arrangement information from the flash memory device for the wear-leveling scheme, restoring the block mapping table with reference to allocation block information included in the block arrangement information and scanning address allocation information included in spare regions of erased blocks of the flash memory device with reference to erased block information included in the block arrangement information and updating the block mapping table in accordance with the scanned address allocation information. |
| US08028118B2 |
Using an index value located on a page table to index page attributes
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for increasing the number of page attributes specified by a page table while minimizing an increase in size of the page table. According to embodiments of the invention, attribute index bits may be included within a page table and may be used to determine page attributes stored within an attribute index. Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide a plurality of new page attributes. |
| US08028116B2 |
Data transfer apparatus and data transfer method
A data transfer apparatus for transferring data between a system bus and a local bus at a high speed is provided. A bus bridge 101 is connected between a system bus 132 and a local bus 137. Data transferred between a CPU 133, an I/O device 136 and a main memory 135 on the system bus 132 are retained in an associative memory 106 via an associative memory control unit 105. When an access to this data from an I/O device 138 on the local bus 137 is generated, the data are transferred from the associative memory 106 to the I/O device 138. Thus, when a data transfer request from the I/O device 138 to the main memory 135 is generated, no bus cycle is generated on the system bus 132 as long as this data are retained in the associative memory 106. Consequently, the data can be transferred at a high speed. |
| US08028111B2 |
Radio communication apparatus, communication control method, and computer-readable program
A radio communication apparatus configured to perform radio communication according to a first radio communication protocol includes an identification information memory unit configured to store first identification information identifying a host apparatus and second identification information identifying the host apparatus based on a second radio communication protocol, the first and second identification information being associated with each other; an identification information reception unit; an identification information acquisition unit; and a connection request transmission unit. |
| US08028109B2 |
Hard disk drive integrated circuit with integrated gigabit ethernet interface module
An IC for a HDD including first and second processors, a HDC module, and a wireline network interface module. The first processor performs processing related to storing data on the HDD. The second processor performs processing related to communication of the HDD via the network interface module. The HDC module controls operation of the HDD. The network interface module includes a medium access control (MAC) module that communicates with the second processor and a physical layer module (PHY) that communicates with the MAC module and an output. The PHY includes first, second, third, and fourth transceivers each communicating with the output. The first processor and the HDC module process packets communicated via the network interface module using a hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP), a peer-to-peer sharing protocol, and an Internet protocol-based small computer system interface standard (iSCSI). The network interface module uses power received from Ethernet to power the HDD. |
| US08028107B2 |
Apparatus and method for serial to parallel in an I/O circuit
A serial to parallel I/O circuit apparatus includes M sequential logic circuits and each of them includes a first D-type flip-flop for receiving one bit of input data, and the output of each the first D-type flip-flop connects to the input of a first D-type flip-flop of a next stage. A second D-type flip-flop receives one bit of enable control signal, and the output of each of the second D-type flip-flops connects to the input of a second D-type flip-flop of a next stage. A multiplexer contains two input terminals and an enable control signal receiving terminal, wherein one input terminal is used to receive the input data received by the first D-type flip-flop, and the enable control signal receiving terminal receives the enable control signal received by the second D-type flip-flop. A D-type latch outputs the data, and the output data is fed back to another input terminal of the multiplexer so as to be selected as a data output when a next set of data are input. |
| US08028105B2 |
System and method for virtual adapter resource allocation matrix that defines the amount of resources of a physical I/O adapter
A method, computer program product, and distributed data processing system that enables host software or firmware to allocate virtual resources to one or more system images from a single physical I/O adapter, such as a PCI, PCI-X, or PCI-E adapter, is provided. Adapter resource groups are assigned to respective system images. An adapter resource group is exclusively available to the system image to which the adapter resource group assignment was made. Assignment of adapter resource groups may be made per a relative resource assignment or an absolute resource assignment. In another embodiment, adapter resource groups are assigned to system images on a first come, first served basis. |
| US08028097B2 |
System and method for synchronizing audio-visual devices on a power line communications (PLC) network
A method and apparatus for synchronizing streaming media devices within a PLC network. Output synchronization errors exceeding ˜30 ms become noticeable when multiple streaming media devices are outputting an audio stream. The present invention provides a system and method for isochronously sending periodic reference clocks from a master device to client devices coupled to the PLC network. The client devices set their clocks based on the reference clock. In addition the clients adjust their system clock time base in response to the average divergence of the system clock with the reference clock, or a count of the number of clocks between beacon frames. In this way the client clock is adjusted to closely track the server clock so that synchronization is maintained between each of the devices. Streaming audio shared between servers and client devices is thus output across the network with high fidelity due to the accurate synchronization. |
| US08028094B2 |
USB video card and dongle device with video encoding and methods for use therewith
A universal serial bus (USB) dongle device includes a USB interface for receiving a video signal in a first format and for sending a processed video signal in a second format wherein the first format differs from the second format. An encoding module generates the processed video signal based on the video signal. In a further embodiment, A video card includes a video receiver for receiving a video signal in a first format, based on a selection command. An encoding module generates a processed video signal in a second format based on the video signal, wherein the first format differs from the second format. A USB interface transfers the processed video signal to the host device, receives the selection command from the host device and receives a power signal from the host device to power the video receiver and the encoding module. |
| US08028093B2 |
Media processing system supporting adaptive digital media parameters based on end-user viewing capabilities
Systems and methods that adapt media content are described. In one embodiment, a system may include, for example, a first communications device and a second communications device. The first communications device may be disposed in a first location and may be operatively coupled to a network. The second communications device may be disposed in a second location and may be operatively coupled to the network. The second communications device may receive a device profile relating to the first communications device, adapt media content based upon the device profile of the first communications device, and send the adapted media content to the first communications device. |
| US08028090B2 |
Request routing utilizing client location information
A system, method, and computer-readable medium for request routing based on client location information are provided. A content delivery network service provider receives a DNS query from a client computing device. The DNS query corresponds to a resource identifier for requested content from the client computing device. The content delivery network service provider transmits an alternative resource identifier in response to the client computing device DNS query. The alternative resource identifier is selected as a function of client location information. The client location information is obtained from information corresponding to a mapping of at least partial IP addresses to known locations. The client computing device then issues a second DNS query to the same content delivery network service provider. The content delivery network service provider can then either resolve the second DNS query with an IP address of a cache component or transmit another alternative resource identifier that will resolve to the content delivery network service provider. The process can repeat with the content delivery network service provider's network until a DNS server resolves a DNS query from the client computing device. |
| US08028088B2 |
System and method for service assurance in IP networks
A system and method for providing service assurance in a data network is provided. Resource control points are positioned throughout a data network, such as an IP data network. The resource control points obtain network topology information and correlates that information with information associated with a particular service session. The resource control points utilize the correlated information to generate quality service records and to provide status information regarding the network topology and particular sessions. The information collected by the resource control points may also be utilized to provide reports regarding resource management for services within the data network, the path used by the session across the data network, fault information for the session in the context of the network topology and congestion information as concerns the resources in the data network used by the session. |
| US08028087B2 |
System and method for message processing and routing
A message routing system that allows applications at either end of the system to run as-is without modification. The system functions in a multithreaded environment and is capable of handling complex routing rules and message transformation. It is also capable of learning and executing new routing rules and message transformations in formats previously unrecognized by the system. The system enables precise and reliable logging of messages throughout processing and supports publication of enterprise-wide broadcast messages. The system further preferably employs cooperating inbound and outbound transport processes for consuming, routing, processing, safely storing and publishing messages in batches of logical units of work to ensure that the logical units of work are not lost in system transactions. The system also preferably utilizes a replay server for preserving and replaying messages that might otherwise fail to reach their intended destinations. |
| US08028083B2 |
Method and system for remote activation and management of personal security devices
The present invention provides a method for activating and/or managing at least one Personal Security Device PSD (2040) with at least a first Remote Computer System (2050) over a first network (2045) using at least one Client (2010) as a host to said at least one PSD (2040), said method comprising the steps of: a) establishing at least one communications pipe (2075) over said first network (2045) between said at least one PSD (2040) and said at least first Remote Computer System (2050), b) retrieving proprietary information (I) by said at least first Remote Computer System (2050) from a remote storage location (2165), c) transmitting said proprietary information (I) from said at least first Remote Computer System (2050) said at least one PSD (2040) through said at least one communications pipe (2075), and d) storing and/or processing said proprietary information (I) in said at least one PSD (2040). |
| US08028082B2 |
Location based multicast policies
Disclosed herein in an example embodiment is a multicast policy infrastructure that allows administrators to integrate location awareness for a particular multicast stream when it is being forwarded to an intended user. The infrastructure provides more flexibility by allowing multicast call admission control, access control, and other multicast policies to be based on the location or conditions where the host/user is receiving the multicast stream. A multicast policy can also provide additional mechanisms such as transcoding services, compression services, etc. based on the host/user location. As will be demonstrated in example embodiments herein, location awareness can include connectivity media (wired or wireless), physical location of user, and/or signal strength (and/or effective bandwidth). |
| US08028081B2 |
System and method for adaptive segment prefetching of streaming media
Systems and methods are provided for obtaining look-ahead segments for a streaming media item during playback such that the viewer can easily skip to the look-ahead segments without experiencing any substantial interruption or delay in playback. In general, a streaming media source begins streaming a media item to a streaming media client for playback. In one embodiment, the streaming media client selects one or more segments of the media item as one or more look-ahead segments to prefetch from the streaming media source. Then, while the media item is being streamed to the streaming media client for playback, the streaming media client prefetches the one or more look-ahead segments of the media item from the streaming media source. The look-ahead segments are thereafter utilized to enable the viewer to skip ahead in playback without experiencing a substantial interruption or delay in playback. |
| US08028078B2 |
Communications system including protocol interface device providing enhanced operating protocol selection features and related methods
A communications system may include data storage devices each using at least one of a plurality of different operating protocols. Further, at least one of the data storage devices may operate using multiple operating protocols. The system may also include mobile wireless communications devices for accessing the at least one data storage device, and each may use at least one of the plurality of operating protocols. Moreover, the system may further include a protocol interface device. The protocol interface device may include a front-end proxy module for communicating with the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices using respective operating protocols. The protocol interface may also include a protocol engine module for communicating with the data storage devices using respective operating protocols. The protocol engine module may also select a desired operating protocol for communicating with the at least one data storage device from the multiple operating protocols. |
| US08028074B2 |
Obtaining information associated with established sessions
A user agent (UA) is provided. The UA comprises a processor configured to send a message specifying a subset of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Dialog-Info Event package that is to be returned to the UA. A method for a user agent (UA) to manage notifications related to session events is also provided. The method includes sending a message specifying a subset of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Dialog-Info Event package state information that is to be returned to the UA. The method also provides for receiving the subset of the SIP Dialog-Info Event package state information. |
| US08028073B2 |
Mobile meeting and collaboration
A method for coordinating the remote participation of a client device in a meeting within a network comprising the client device and one or more nodes, the meeting involving a multimedia presentation. According to one embodiment, the method includes receiving an invitation for the client device to participate in the meeting, where a user will participate in the meeting using the client device. Temporal information for the meeting is stored. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not to notify the user of the meeting based on the stored temporal information or other information. In the event that the user should be notified, it is determined when to notify the user of the meeting based on the stored temporal information. One or more messages about the meeting are sent for the meeting. In one embodiment, the one or more messages about the meeting includes a reminder to join the meeting. In another embodiment, the one or more messages about the meeting includes an instruction which causes the client device to connect to the meeting without user action. |
| US08028069B2 |
Structure for securing leased resources on a computer
A design structure embodied in a machine readable storage medium for designing, manufacturing, and/or testing a design is for securing of leased resources on a computer. The design structure includes a computer for securing resources may comprise at least one processor, a plurality of resources, wherein each resource is associated with configuration data and a programmable logic device connected to each of the plurality of resources. The programmable logic device may be configured for determining whether a resource is leased, reading un-encoded configuration data from a resource, and sending the configuration data to a first unit, if the resource is not leased. The programmable logic device may further be configured for reading encoded configuration data from a resource, decoding the configuration data, sending the configuration data that was decoded to a first unit, and logging use of the resource by the first unit, if the resource is leased. |
| US08028067B2 |
Methods of operating a portable communications device with enhanced security
Methods of operating a portable communications device so as to provide communications security and user identification and authentication. In one embodiment, the method comprises placing the device in communication with an untrusted network, and using its security apparatus for creating associations with one or more security devices on the network. Traffic between the associated devices may be encrypted and protected for e.g., data confidentiality and integrity protection. In one variant, the security apparatus comprises a software entity disposed at least partly within the software stack of a host, and a removable security card. The portable device may be untrusted (e.g., have an untrusted operating system) and also be physically unsecure. |
| US08028062B1 |
Non-disruptive data mobility using virtual storage area networks with split-path virtualization
A system creates a storage area network (SAN) centric storage virtualization layer in front of storage devices. The system allows data mobility and migration without disruption to the one or more host servers attached to the SAN. Specifically, the host servers are not disrupted when switching I/Os between physical and virtual storage, for example, by taking advantage of WWPN spoofing and Fibre Channel VSAN technology. The use of VSANs effectively allow multiple virtual directors and/or switches to be created within a physical director and/or switches, each with their own separate name server, thereby providing complete isolation from one another. The host-storage pathing information is unchanged as the original physical storage port's WWPNs are spoofed by the virtual storage port. The result is two identical WWPNs within the SAN which is normally disallowed; however, by separating the physical port WWPN into one VSAN and the virtual port WWPN into another, the restriction may be circumvented. |
| US08028057B2 |
Computer-implemented method for facilitating ancillary use of a wireless service device for excess transmission bandwidth
A computer-implemented method for facilitating ancillary use of a wireless service device is provided. A multiplicity of wireless service devices interoperable on a service network are discovered. A primary function performable by a subscriber and an ancillary function performable by a non-subscriber through use of each device through arrangement with the service network and based on availability of capacity for excess transmission bandwidth are determined. The devices that includes an available capacity to perform the ancillary function over the service network are identified. The ancillary function is performed using independent processing at least one of the devices. The ancillary function is also performed using distributed processing in conjunction with at least one other of the devices through the combination, modification and integration of data from the two or more such devices. The subscribers are compensated with payment in exchange for the performance of the ancillary function on their respective device. |
| US08028054B1 |
System and method for coordinated bringup of a storage appliance in a cluster configuration
A system and method for coordinated bringup of a storage appliance in a storage appliance cluster. The repaired storage appliance, during its initialization, sets a variety of state values in a predetermined memory location comprising a state data structure, which is detected by a remote direct memory access read operation by the surviving storage appliance. By the use of the RDMA operations, the repaired storage appliance and surviving storage appliance coordinate the bringup and giveback of data servicing functionality. |
| US08028047B2 |
Communication device and method for determining function unit of communication device to be compatible with a computer
A communication device is capable of communicating with a computer, and includes a function unit, a storage unit, a determining module, and a sending module. The storage unit stores a driver of the function unit therein, and the driver is capable of making the function unit compatible with the computer after installed to the computer. The determining module is capable of determining the function unit to be compatible with the computer. The sending module is capable of sending the driver to the computer when the function unit is determined by the determining module. |
| US08028037B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing bookmark information for content stored in a networked media server
A method and apparatus for managing bookmark information of a media server through a network based on the UPnP AV standard is disclosed. If a request for bookmarking a content item is made, a bookmark item is created and the created bookmark item is linked to the content item by adding the ID of the created bookmark item to the property information of the content item and recording the ID of the content item to be bookmarked in the created bookmark item. |
| US08028035B2 |
Shared resource support for internet protocols
Creating a unique identification for each stack in partitions of a host data computer such that a plurality of partitions may share a single adapter card during an Input/Output operation wherein the adapter card is exchanging data between the host and a Local Area Network. The adapter card includes a unique identifier pool for maintaining values of unique identifiers which are available for identifying the stacks. A deleted unique identifier for a stack may be reused by newly created stacks and may be reassigned to a recreated stack, if still available, when the stack had previously been deleted by the operating system, but is then recreated. |
| US08028033B2 |
E-mail synchronization between heterogeneous mail servers
A method or system for synchronizing e-mail messages for a user, particularly for POP3 protocols. E-mail messages addressed to the user are received at an e-mail control at a local server, from an external e-mail server. The e-mail control stores each e-mail message in a consolidated e-mail storage at the local server. The e-mail control stores a message identifier for each e-mail message, in a message identifier storage at the local server. It is determined whether an e-mail message in the consolidated e-mail storage has been deleted from the external e-mail server, and if so, then the e-mail message is deleted from the consolidated e-mail storage.The invention provides for forward and/or reverse synchronization of e-mail messages. Optionally, the step of determining includes comparing message identifiers in the message identifier storage to message identifiers in e-mail received from the external e-mail server. Alternatively, the step of determining includes comparing the message identifiers of e-mail on the external e-mail server to the message identifiers in the message identifier storage, or, comparing the message identifiers in the message identifier storage to the message identifiers of e-mail in the consolidated e-mail storage. |
| US08028032B2 |
Email messages
The described implementations relate to email messages. One technique detects a link to a web-site in an email message. The technique causes content from the web-site to be visualized on a common display area with the email message for a recipient of the email message. |
| US08028031B2 |
Determining email filtering type based on sender classification
Determining email filtering type based on sender classification. Incoming email is accessed and a sender of the incoming email is identified. The reputation of the sender of the incoming email is determined. An email sender classification is made based on the reputation of the sender. A determination of the type of filtering operations to be performed by an email filter on the email is made based on the classification. The parameters of the type of filtering operations to be performed are determined. The parameters of the type of filtering operations to be performed are provided to the email filter. |
| US08028010B2 |
Adjusting log size in a static logical volume
A method, system, and program for adjusting the size of a file system and an inline file system log housed in a static logical volume. A computer system includes a logical volume allocated between an file system and its inline file system log. A request is received to adjust the inline log from a current size to a new size while maintaining the size of the logical volume. Storage space is then allocated from within the logical volume to the inline log according to the storage requirement for the new size. Allocating storage space may require decreasing or increasing the amount of storage formerly allocated to the inline log. Then, the inline log is reformatted to the allocated storage space, such that the storage allocated to the inline log for a file system is adjusted while the size of the logical volume housing the inline log and file system remains static. |
| US08028009B1 |
Incremental garbage collection of data in a secondary storage
A method and apparatus for different embodiments of incremental garbage collection of data in a secondary storage. In one embodiment, a method comprises locating blocks of data in a log that are referenced and within a range at a tail of the log. The method also includes copying the blocks of data that are referenced and within the range to an unallocated segment of the log. |
| US08028008B2 |
System and method for optimizing write barrier in garbage collection
A system and associated method for optimizing a write barrier in garbage collection. The method marks a bit in a bitmap corresponding to a slot when the slot content is modified to refer to a new object. The method also logs the address of the slot when the object referred by the slot is updated. The method pops the address of the slot to clean from the log and clears the bit corresponding to the slot in the bitmap and when the object referred to by the slot is not already marked, marking said object and pushing its address to the mark stack. When the slot is located within an active object range, the method puts the address of the slot in a deferred log for a later processing. |
| US08028005B2 |
System and method for enabling access to a data source through a graphical interface
A system for interfacing with a data source through a graphical interface. The system comprises a data view definitions to enable data display and manipulation for the data source. A user environment index represents descriptive information about a user who is accessing a data view. An access origin index represents a location within the graphical interface from where a request was made to open a data view. A data set index represents a data set requested for a data view. An indexing engine is configured to generate an appropriate data view based on a relationship between the requested data set from the data set index, and an access location within the graphical interface from where the data view was requested as selected through the access origin index, and the descriptive information about a user as selected through the user environment index. |
| US08028002B2 |
Naming service implementation in a clustered environment
A method and system for providing naming operations. Contexts are created and organized hierarchically under an initial context. The hierarchy is retained in a non-persistent storage medium. The objects and contexts created as a result of various naming operations are removed from the naming system responsive to a reboot of a server. In one embodiment, the entire naming hierarchy is represented in nested hash tables with a nesting level of only two. |
| US08027992B2 |
Build automation and verification for modular servers
A system and method for managing and verifying the installation of software on a modular information handling system includes a bar file database and an installation management module. The bar file database stores bar files. The bar files each are related to a component of a modular information handling system. The installation management module is able to receive a bar file and communicate with the bar file database to identify and access each bar file associated with the modular information handling system. |
| US08027988B1 |
Category suggestions relating to a search
A system determines categories for business listings identified in a list of search results and assigns scores to the categories. The system presents one or more high scoring ones of the categories as one or more category suggestions relating to the list of search results. |
| US08027987B2 |
Electronic device having a handwriting input function, and non-transitory medium storing a control program therefor
In a state where the entry word “account” retrieved from a dictionary and its explanatory information have been displayed, when the entry memo “Test point to notice” is input in handwritten characters at a handwriting input unit, the entry memo is caused to correspond to the retrieved entry word “account” and then registered. When the desired entry memo “Test point to notice” is selected from a list of the registered entry memos, the entry word “account” caused to correspond to the entry memo and its explanatory information are displayed immediately. Accordingly, as with a paper dictionary, an entry memo in which handwritten characters have been written as needed is related to the desired entry word and its explanatory information. Using the entry memo data as if it were a sticky note enables the desired entry word to be displayed easily and quickly. |
| US08027986B2 |
Indication-dependent control elements
A method is disclosed for controlling the display of activation elements for tools for editing medical data on a user interface in a computer-based, medico-technical system. In at least one embodiment, the activation elements are displayed in an activation element area, divided into various segments, of the user interface on the basis of the medical context. The doctor is thus able to select the tools clearly on a task- or indication-specific basis without an image data area of the user interface being concealed by the activation elements. |
| US08027979B2 |
Document summarization
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with automatically summarizing a document are described. One method embodiment includes computing term scores for members of a set of terms in a document to be summarized and computing sentence scores for sentences in a set of sentences in the document. The method embodiment also includes computing a set of entries for a term-sentence matrix that relates terms to sentences. The method embodiment also includes computing a dominant topic for the document and simultaneously ranking the set of terms and the set of sentences based on the dominant topic. The method embodiment provides a summarization item(s) selected from the set of terms and/or the set of sentences. |
| US08027973B2 |
Searching questions based on topic and focus
A method and system for determining the relevance of questions to a queried question based on topics and focuses of the questions is provided. A question search system provides a collection of questions with topics and focuses. Upon receiving a queried question, the question search system identifies a queried topic and queried focus of the queried question. The question search system generates a score indicating the relevance of a question of the collection to the queried question based on a language model of the topic of the question and a language model of the focus of the question. |
| US08027970B1 |
Query translation for searching complex structures of objects
Searching stored content is disclosed. A first mapping is created from an object to one or more stored relational database tables. A second mapping is created from the object to an indexer schema. One or both of the following is done: 1) using the first mapping to translate a search request expressed in an abstract query language to a first query language associated with the relational database; and 2) using the second mapping to translate the search request to a second query language associated with the indexer schema. |
| US08027968B2 |
Data storage method and related device for an electronic device
In order to prevent memory cells from being damaged, the present invention provides a data storage method for an electronic device including dividing a first section of a memory of the electronic device into N blocks, wherein the N blocks is a sequence of blocks from the first block to the Nth block and each block is assigned an index value, rewriting the index value corresponding to the nth block according to index values of the N blocks, and storing an input data in the nth block, wherein N is an integer greater than 1, and 1≦n≦N. |
| US08027964B2 |
Personalized query completion suggestion
Search query processing includes receiving a search query input string from a user of a mobile device and comparing the search query input to a personalized dictionary of the mobile device, determining a suggested completion for each match in the comparison, and providing the suggested completion to the user for selection. The user can select the suggested modification, if desired, and the completed query can be submitted to a search facility. Personalized dictionaries can be generated from analysis of previously submitted search queries. The analyzed search queries may have been submitted by the user, as well as by other users with similar interests. The analysis of search queries may categorize users into clusters or groups of persons having similar interests. |
| US08027962B2 |
Techniques for asynchronous command interface for scalable and active data warehousing
Techniques for asynchronous command processing within a parallel processing environment are provided. A command is raised or received within a parallel processing data warehousing environment. A job or a component of the job is dynamically monitored, controlled, or modified in response to the real-time processing of the command. The job is actively processing within the parallel processing data warehousing environment when the command is received and processed against the job or the component of the job. |
| US08027961B2 |
System and method for composite record keys ordered in a flat key space for a distributed database
An improved system and method for composite record keys ordered in a flat key space for a distributed database is provided. A data schema may be created that defines a composite record key for data records in a canonical form. Composite record keys may then be constructed in canonical form defined by the data schema for each data record in data tables of a distributed database. An ordered index of composite record keys may then be built by inserting the composite record keys in canonical form into the index in sorted order. The index of composite record keys ordered in a flat key space for a distributed database may then be used for efficiently comparing or sorting distributed data records in the distributed database. The composite record keys ordered in a flat key space may be compared or sorted without referencing the data schema of the composite record keys. |
| US08027959B2 |
Information processor arrangement
Irregular links and relationships in a data set may relate to fraudulent actions or identify deception or risk assessment or knowledge generation but may be identified by simple superficially unlinked actions. Thus, for example a claimant may claim through an address using one telephone number but contact the insurer for that claim using a different telephone number. By pooling all the information received, including all telephone numbers, unusual or irregular or fraudulent leads can be identified by establishing telephone numbers or other gateway cluster nodes for each dataset such that supposedly unrelated claims can be matched and therefore be more closely scrutinized. The information processor arrangement may create a cascade of clusters for an as presented data set which can be configured through cluster nodes to allow better identification of suspect activity or for better analysis profiling. |
| US08027952B2 |
System and article of manufacture for mirroring data at storage locations
Provided is a system and article of manufacture for mirroring data. A mirror policy indicating volumes in a first storage system is processed to mirror to volumes in a second storage system and volumes in the second storage system to mirror to volumes in a third storage system. The third storage system is at a first geographical location remote with respect to a second geographical location including the first and second storage systems. A command is transmitted to cause the copying of updates to the volumes in the first storage system to corresponding volumes in the second storage system indicated in the mirror policy. Upon an occurrence of an event, the causing the suspension of the copying of updates to the volumes in the first storage system indicated in the mirroring policy to the volumes in the second storage system. During the suspension of the copying of volumes between the first and second storage systems, causing the copying of updates to the volumes in the second storage system indicated in the mirroring policy to the volumes in the third storage system indicated in the mirroring policy. |
| US08027951B2 |
Predictive algorithm for load balancing data transfers across components
A system, backup components and computer program product are provided to improve the efficiency of the transmission of consistency groups across multiple storage components by ensuring that volume transactions are evenly allocated among backup components. Each volume is initially assigned to a specified backup component. Once a color period begins, volume transactions are transmitted to the assigned backup component. Each backup component accumulates data transfer information for its assigned volumes throughout at least a portion of the color period and calculates a new volume assignment for the next color period. Before the start of the next color period, a captain storage controller transmits any new assignments to the backup components. During a next color period, the process is repeated using the new assignments. |
| US08027950B1 |
Electronic file creation and management systems and methods
A method of file management in an electronic processing system includes defining in the electronic system an electronic file of a selected file type and at least one electronic sub-folder within the electronic file for storing information of a corresponding information type. Roles are defined in the electronic processing system for participants creating and utilizing the electronic file, including a role for an information collector. The information collector is electronically tasked to collect information of the information type, which is uploaded and selectively stored in the sub-folder in the electronic file. Selected participants are allowed to access the electronic file as defined by the corresponding role. |
| US08027943B2 |
Systems and methods for observing responses to invitations by users in a web-based social network
A system and method for selecting a subset of keywords from a set of master keywords found in user profiles in a social network is disclosed. The method includes selecting a first and second group of user profiles including one or more keywords and computing the number of occurrences of each of the master keywords in the first and second group of profiles. A value may be computed for each of the master keywords based on a comparison of the number of occurrences in the first group of profiles and the number of occurrences in the second group of profiles. The computed value may be used for selecting the subset of keywords from the master keywords and/or ranking the master keywords. |
| US08027940B2 |
Classification of images as advertisement images or non-advertisement images
An advertisement image classification system trains a binary classifier to classify images as advertisement images or non-advertisement images and then uses the binary classifier to classify images of web pages as advertisement images or non-advertisement images. During a training phase, the classification system generates training data of feature vectors representing the images and labels indicating whether an image is an advertisement image or a non-advertisement image. The classification system trains a binary classifier to classify images using training data. During a classification phase, the classification system inputs a web page with an image and generates a feature vector for the image. The classification system then applies the trained binary classifier to the feature vector to generate a score indicating whether the image is an advertisement image or a non-advertisement image. |
| US08027938B1 |
Discriminative training in machine learning
Systems, methods, and apparatuses including computer program products for machine learning are provided. A method is provided that includes distributing a parameterized model to each worker of a hierarchy of workers, the parameterized model including a plurality of feature functions and corresponding model parameters, processing a portion of training data at each worker of the plurality of workers according to the parameterized model to calculate updates to model parameters, for each worker at a lowest level of the hierarchy of workers, sending the calculated updates to a next higher level worker, for each other worker in the hierarchy of workers, combining updates of the respective worker with updates received from one or more lower level workers, collecting all updates from the workers at a master to generate real updates to the model parameters, and generating an updated model using the real updates to the model parameters. |
| US08027932B2 |
Systems and methods for modification of service status of geographical delivery areas for common carriers
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for modifying the status for one or more carrier services based on one or more geographical delivery areas. Such embodiments provide an interface module executed by a processor to modify data indicating the status for the one or more carrier services in response to obtaining data indicating the one or more carrier services to be modified, a beginning date for which the status of the one or more carrier services is to be modified, an ending date for which the status will return to its pre-existing state prior to being modified, one or more geographical delivery areas in which the status is to be modified, and a modification for the one or more carrier services. |
| US08027931B2 |
Automated friend finder
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatically connecting individuals. A private profile of an individual may be automatically generated. The private profile of the individual may be automatically compared with private profiles of a set of individuals such that one or more of the set of individuals are identified as matches for the individual, wherein the private profile of the individual includes private data and each of the private profiles of the set of individuals includes private data. The private profile of the individual is not publicly available to other individuals that have access to a public profile of the individual. The individual may be automatically notified that the individual has been matched with the one or more individuals, thereby enabling the individual to initiate communication with the one or more individuals. The similarities between the private profile of the individual and the private profiles of the one or more individuals are not revealed to the individual or the one or more individuals. |
| US08027928B1 |
Dynamic selection of deposit clearing methods based on business rules
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of dynamically selecting deposit clearing methods based on business rules. As described in this disclosure, a financial institution receives checks drawn on other financial institutions as customer deposits. When the financial institution receives a check, the financial institution automatically applies one or more customizable business rules to identify a method to clear the check. The financial institution then uses the identified method to clear the check. |
| US08027924B2 |
Playback apparatus, playback authorization server, program, and system integrated circuit
A playback apparatus judges whether a region code assigned to a BD-ROM matches a region code assigned to the playback apparatus. When the judgment result is in the affirmative, the playback apparatus plays back the content recorded on the optical disc. When the judgment result is in the negative, the playback apparatus does not play back the content, except when an exceptional playback is authorized. The exceptional playback is authorized when a combination of the content identifier of the content to be played back and the apparatus region code satisfies a predetermined condition defined by an owner of the rights of the content. |
| US08027920B1 |
Value transaction systems
A transaction system comprises a plurality of transaction units each for performing a respective type of transaction. The units are interconnected via a serial link, and there is a common controller which has respective protected memory areas storing Java code for controlling the respective units. |
| US08027918B2 |
Micro-payment system architecture
A micro-payment system has buyers, sellers, and a broker. The buyers establish accounts with the broker and provide payment information allowing the broker to invoice the buyers. The sellers establish accounts with the brokers and specify terms for accessing items, including electronic content, available from the sellers. The sellers also provide payment information that allows the broker to credit the sellers for sales of the items. The broker aggregates the buyers' micro-payment purchases and invoices the buyers. The broker also aggregates the sellers' micro-payment sales and credits the sellers. |
| US08027917B2 |
Method for facilitating financial and non financial transactions between customers, retailers and suppliers
A new medium of tender employs both a primary barcode and a merchant specific extension barcode that are both associated with specific consumers. The system operates within preexisting merchant platforms and links merchant systems, POS systems, inventory systems, SKU systems, barcode readers and a server switch. The system allows the ready linking and access of consumer transaction related information including purchase history, credit information, merchandise details and similar information. It further allows for the ready remittance of payment via the ACH network through the eCache computer network or other funding networks based on criteria established by the merchant itself. It further facilitates the administration of consumer rewards or loyalty programs and also facilitates consignment arrangements between suppliers and merchants. |
| US08027913B1 |
Process and device for conducting electronic transactions
A process and a device for conducting electronic transactions provides a more effective and efficient way to make a payment over the Internet. This process and device could be used to pay, for example, a Police Administration Ticket or Police Administration Citation via the Internet. |
| US08027912B1 |
System and method for merchant risk management
Systems and methods for quantifying and managing financial risks related to a processing agent or transaction acquiror's relationship to a merchant are described. Factor analysis may be utilized to determine one or more principal components from data associated with merchant credit transactions, and such principal components may be utilized in the calculation of cumulative distribution functions and the generation of probability values, which may be averaged and compared with predetermined thresholds to provide a quantitative basis for determining whether a risk management event related to one or more particular merchants should be triggered. Net estimated forward-looking liabilities for particular merchants and groups of merchants may be quantitatively assessed and acted upon. |
| US08027910B2 |
System and method for displaying highest and lowest traded prices of tradable objects
A client terminal displays on a graphical interface a first indicator of a price associated with a lowest traded price of a tradable object during a predetermined period of time, a second indicator of a price associated with a highest traded price of the tradable object during the predetermined period of time, along with at least one quantity indicator associated with at least one order to buy/order the tradable object. The first indicator, the second indicator, and the at least one quantity indicator are displayed in relation to a static axis of price, and the client terminal dynamically updates the first and second indicator to new lowest and highest traded prices based on market updates received from an exchange. |
| US08027908B2 |
System and method for chart based order entry
Systems and methods for chart-based order entry are described. According to one example method a chart is used to display historical market data corresponding to a tradeable object. An order entry interface is displayed in relation to the chart. The order entry interface includes a plurality of price objects for selecting price levels to be used for trade orders to buy or sell the tradeable object. According to one example method, the price levels corresponding to the price objects depend on a location of the interface in relation to the chart, and as the interface is moved in relation to the chart, the price levels are automatically updated. Upon selection of the price level on the interface, a trade order to buy or sell is submitted to a matching engine at an electronic exchange. |
| US08027906B2 |
Portrayal of human information visualization
An apparatus and method for displaying viewer reactions to a display object. The display object is divided into a plurality of spatial regions, viewer reactions are collected to an exposure to the display object and correlated with the spatial regions, and the display object is displayed with an aspect of the display of each spatial region being a function of the viewer reactions for the region. |
| US08027902B2 |
System and method for managing relationships between brokers and traders using a messaging format
According to one embodiment, a method of managing messages in a trading network is provided. A set of user relationships between a first user and one or more second users authorized to act on behalf of the first user is stored. A trading message regarding a trading order submitted on behalf of the first user is received from a trading system. The trading message is communicated to the first user. Each of the second users is identifying from the set of user relationships. For each of the identified second users, a carrier message is generated that includes the trading message and routing information associated with that second user. For each of the identified second users, the respective carrier message is communicated toward a user application associated with that second user based at least on the routing information included in the respective carrier message. |
| US08027897B2 |
System and method for optimizing financial performance generated by marketing investments under budget constraints
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for optimizing financial performance. Time series data describing the financial performance generated by corresponding marketing investments is provided to configure an econometric model. Linear coefficients of the econometric model are adjusted in accordance with the qualitative factors received as inputs from experts. The econometric model is transformed into an aggregated non-linear econometric model that includes non-linear factors that cause the financial performance to change at a varying rate as a function of the marketing investments. An allocation of the marketing investments generated by the aggregated non-linear econometric model is adjusted by applying an optimization algorithm to provide an optimized financial performance. |
| US08027896B2 |
System and method for automated documentation for solicited trades
A system and method are provided that allow for automated documentation of all advice interactions between broker representatives on one end and clients, or prospective clients, on the other. This is accomplished by providing a computer system for storing appropriate data for each advice interaction with a client. The advice interaction data can be used to assess compliance with existing regulations, as well as for analytical and training purposes. |
| US08027893B1 |
News induced automated electronic securities transactions
News information is received. It is determined if the news information contains a reference to a company. It is further determined if the news information matches criteria associated with the company. Securities are automatically trade upon determining that said news information contains a reference to the company and determining that said news information matches criteria associated with the company. |
| US08027892B2 |
System and method for automating invoice processing with positive confirmation
An invoice processing system includes a requisition and catalog server (referred to as a Req/Cat Web, or RCW, server), a procurement services system (SAP), and a requester terminal (browser). ReqCat Web allows requesters to input requirements (requisitions) which ReqCat then passes to SAP, which creates purchase orders, sends them to vendors for fulfillment, receives the vendors invoices, and prepares the payments. Commodities may be designated as either receivable or non-receivable, and this designation is stored in ReqCat web and passed to SAP on inbound requisitions. Payments on invoices received for non-receivable items are approved via a positive confirmation process, and payments on invoices received for receivable items are approved via a negative confirmation process. Positive acceptance of an invoice by a requester of commodities triggers automatic generation of a goods received (move) ticket. |
| US08027891B2 |
Interactive online spending analysis tool
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to interactively displaying account activity. An analysis of financial transactions associated with a financial unit can be performed by a spending analysis tool, which can display the analysis via a website. The analysis can include, for example, a spending analysis and a budget analysis. The financial transactions are associated with merchants. At least one of the financial transactions is associated with first merchant, a first merchant category, and a member of the financial unit. The spending analysis tool changes the merchant category associated with the at least one of the financial transactions to another merchant category based on a selection of a user. |
| US08027886B2 |
Program product for purchase order processing
A method of electronic purchase order processing includes receiving an electronic purchase order, applying at least one rule to the electronic purchase order to determine whether the electronic purchase order should be accepted or rejected, and providing the acceptance or rejection of the electronic purchase order. |
| US08027884B2 |
Contextual presentation on electronic catalog pages of information reflective of prior orders
An electronic catalog system, which may be implemented as a web site or another type of interactive system, presents context-sensitive information to customers reflective of their prior orders. In one embodiment, when a customer requests an item detail page for a particular item, the system may supplement the item detail page with information reflective of one or more related orders previously placed by the customer. This information may include, for example, an indication that the customer previously ordered this item or a related item, and may include information, such as status information, regarding such previously placed order(s). If the customer previously ordered a related item, the information provided on the item detail page may include an indication of whether the previously ordered item is compatible or interoperable with the item being viewed. |
| US08027881B2 |
Custom messaging gift card system
The present invention includes a gift card custom messaging system for creating gift card accounts on a database that includes custom messages created by the purchaser for display on receipts of purchase transactions made by the gift card recipient to convey custom messaging information that can include a greeting, celebratory phrase or a commercial message that can include company logos and electronically sounds and animations and also includes the monetary balance remaining on the gift card to allow the recipient to more easily track the balance. The present invention further includes a variety of gift card formats and receipt display methods that allow various methods of delivery to and use by the recipient. |
| US08027878B2 |
Method and apparatus to compensate demand partners in a pay-per-call performance based advertising system
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method and apparatus to track demand partners in a pay-per call performance based advertising system. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus include assigning at least one telephonic reference to an advertiser, the reference is to be included in an advertisement on a media channel of a demand partner. The advertiser is assessed a charge based at least in part on telephonic connections to the advertiser via the telephonic reference. The demand partner tracked with a predefined tracking model based at least in part on activity related to the telephonic reference. |
| US08027874B2 |
System and method for delivering customized advertisements within interactive communication systems
The present invention is a system and method for delivering customized electronic advertisements in an interactive communication system. The customized advertisements are selected based on consumer profiles. and are then integrated with offerings maintained by different content providers. The preferred interactive communication system interconnects multiple consumer computers, multiple content provider computers and multiple Internet provider computers with an advertisement provider computer. Whenever a consumer directs one of the consumer computers to access an offering existing in one of the content provider computers, an advertising request is sent to the advertisement provider computer. Upon receiving the advertising request, the advertising provider computer generates a custom advertisement based on the consumer's profile. The custom advertisement is then combined with the offering from the content provider computer and displayed to the consumer. The advertisement provider computer also credits a consumer account, a content provider account and an internet provider account each time a consumer views a custom advertisement. Furthermore, the advertisement provider computer tracks consumer responses to the customized advertisements. |
| US08027873B2 |
Travel reward accrual
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving an indication that a passenger is boarding a carrier for a first segment of a travel itinerary, determining an amount of travel reward points to associate with the first segment, and outputting, at a time substantially concurrent with the boarding of the carrier for the first segment, the amount of the travel reward points to a travel reward system so that the travel reward points are available for redemption by the passenger on a second segment of the travel itinerary. |
| US08027869B2 |
Method and system for monitoring achievement and attainment and calculating compensation via time-based organization hierarchies
A method, system, and article of manufacture for defining and managing instances of time-based organization hierarchies, and for monitoring achievement and attainment, and calculating compensation for individuals and/or groups within instances of the time-based organization hierarchies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a user may define and/or manage one or more instances of the time-based organization hierarchy via a user interface generated on a client. Moreover, and in response to a sales data input corresponding to a transaction, an achievement and attainment monitoring process may then be executed to accumulate transaction data in one or more achievement containers, and to compile achievement containers from a specified attainment period to calculate a user's attainment. In addition, an embodiment also provides for implementation of a compensation calculation process that may utilize the transaction data accumulated in the achievement containers to calculate an individual's compensation for a specified compensation period. |
| US08027867B2 |
System and method for decision of publishing literary work based on reviewer's satisfaction demographic factors
A system, method, and business model by which literary works are posted for review on publicly accessible networks such as the internet where reader input is used to identify the works likely to succeed in the marketplace, Authors/writers submit works for electronic review. Reader demographics (where possible) and reader evaluations of works are recorded and used to rank submitted works. Top ranked works receive additional reviews until a “market significant” level is reached. All authors are provided feedback and ranking statistics on their works. Top ranked authors are allowed to market their works using the branding of the business or publicly accessible network (e.g., internet site branding). Publishers, agents, and other media representatives are provided access to top ranked authors/writers, their works, work-specific statistics and overall market statistics. This invention may be characterized as a reader-based, electronic, editorial marketplace for literary works, providing services across the publishing industry and other media industries. |
| US08027857B2 |
Rough-cut manufacturing operations for use in planning
An electronic data structure, tangibly embodied in an electronic information carrier, models a manufacturing process, and a computer-implemented method that generates and that uses the data structure. The data structure includes a header structure comprising planned time duration information for a defined manufacturing operation of the manufacturing process. The data structure also includes a resource capacity requirement structure linked to the header structure. The resource capacity requirement structure includes, firstly, planned resource capacity requirement information for a defined resource used in the manufacturing operation, and secondly, planned time refinement information that defines, within the header time duration information, a further refined timeframe during which the defined resource is estimated to be consumed. |
| US08027853B1 |
Systems and methods for self-service vehicle risk adjustment
A user may be identified and authenticated to an institution system and may adjust the annual miles driven estimate for their vehicle. The annual miles driven estimate is used in the determination of the premium for the vehicle insurance for the vehicle. The premium for the vehicle insurance may be revised based on the adjustment by the user to the annual miles driven estimate. In an implementation, the user may reduce the annual miles driven estimate to zero to indicate that they are not driving the vehicle. The user may keep some elements of the vehicle insurance coverage and the vehicle insurance policy may remain active although the annual miles driven estimate is zero. |
| US08027851B1 |
Personalizing eligibility and benefits responses based on user profiles
An eligibility and benefits (EB) personalization engine, metadata storage and a portal Web page are set up on a server. EB personalization profiles are set up and stored in metadata storage that specify, according to useful descriptors, personalized information that identifies the EB data of insurance companies that is relevant to particular health care providers. An EB filtering rules database is created to store the filtering rules of multiple insurance companies, where the rules are categorized by the same descriptors used in the EB personalization profiles. After receiving a provider's specific request for an insurance company's EB data for a patient's treatment, the EB personalization engine receives the full collection of EB data from the insurance company, uses the provider's EB profile and the EB filtering rules to select the correct EB data for the provider, and sends the provider that selected data. |
| US08027848B2 |
Context managing mobile computing framework for enterprise application
A framework for handheld computing devices comprises a user interface controlling the display, selection and launching of program modules, controls patient context within the program modules, and provides for messaging and sharing of databases between and among program modules. Databases are shared between the program modules by the publishing of XML and metadata identifying the structure of the databases. |
| US08027847B1 |
System and method of refilling a prescription
A system and method of refilling a prescription which uses a pharmacy kiosk. One embodiment of the system includes a touch screen located at a pharmacy, an input device in the touch screen or card reader for recording identification information from a customer, a barcode reader located at the pharmacy for reading a barcode containing prescription information from a previous transaction, a card reader or cash acceptor or check reader located at the pharmacy for receiving payment from the customer, and a computer located at the pharmacy for displaying a prompt to enter the identification information and scan the barcode using the touch screen, for recording the prescription information using the barcode reader, for determining corresponding price information for a refill of the prescription, and for processing payment for the refill from the customer. |
| US08027845B2 |
Business enablement method and system
A business enablement method and system. The method includes identifying and retrieving business management data associated with the business. The business management data is mapped to a structure comprised by a business management model. The business management data is categorized into a standard informational structure. An intranet viewable interactive model of the business management data is generated. The business management data is mapped to key result areas of the business. The business management data is integrated with business computing systems. The business computing systems receive reports comprising the business management data mapped to the key result areas of business. The reports are reviewed to determine a status of the business management data. The business management data is improved and displayed. |
| US08027844B2 |
System and method for processing mail
A method and system for processing postage payments is described. In one configuration a digital pen is utilized to provide an indication of authorization for payment of postage, while the rest of the mail handling is done using existing technology independent of the digital pen infrastructure. |
| US08027843B2 |
On-demand supplemental diagnostic and service resource planning for mobile systems
Enhanced diagnostic service is provided by determining availability of and downloading a supplemental diagnostic function to isolate a failure according to a service signal from a mobile system; coalescing offers for a repair service according to results of the execution of the downloaded diagnostic function; presenting the offers to an operator of the mobile system; executing the diagnostic function by an on-demand computing system wherein transactions provided by the diagnostic function are automatically shared by simultaneously serving multiple customers; differentiating and recording each customer's usage of the diagnostic functions according to one or more parameters included in the transactions, the parameters uniquely identifying each customer and a type of transaction conducted for that customer; and, responsive to a number of simultaneous transactions to any one server exceeding a performance limit of a given server, automatically accessing one or more additional servers to increase capacity and to share workload. |
| US08027842B2 |
Service for providing speaker voice metrics
A method of providing voice metrics over an established telephone call between a user and a subscriber can include receiving voice information from the user over the call and determining biometric information from the voice information for the user. The method further can include encoding the biometric metric information and sending the biometric information to the subscriber over the call. |
| US08027837B2 |
Using non-speech sounds during text-to-speech synthesis
Systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are described for producing text-to-speech synthesis with non-speech sounds. In general, some of the pauses or silences that would otherwise be generated in synthesized speech are instead synthesized as non-speech sounds such as breaths. Non-speech sounds can be identified from pre-recorded speech that can include meta-data such as the grammatical and phrasal structure of words and sounds that precede and succeed non-speech sounds. A non-speech sound can be selected for use in synthesized speech based on the words, punctuation, grammatical and phrasal structure of text from which the speech is being synthesized, or other characteristics. |
| US08027836B2 |
Phonetic decoding and concatentive speech synthesis
A speech processing system includes a multiplexer that receives speech data input as part of a conversation turn in a conversation session between two or more users where one user is a speaker and each of the other users is a listener in each conversation turn. A speech recognizing engine converts the speech data to an input string of acoustic data while a speech modifier forms an output string based on the input string by changing an item of acoustic data according to a rule. The system also includes a phoneme speech engine for converting the first output string of acoustic data including modified and unmodified data to speech data for output via the multiplexer to listeners during the conversation turn. |
| US08027835B2 |
Speech processing apparatus having a speech synthesis unit that performs speech synthesis while selectively changing recorded-speech-playback and text-to-speech and method
A speech processing apparatus which can playback a sentence using recorded-speech-playback or text-to-speech is provided. It is determined whether each of a plurality of words or phrases constituting a sentence is a word or phrase to be played back by recorded-speech-playback or a word or phrase to be played back by text-to-speech. When each of the plurality of words or phrases is to be played back in a first sequence using the determined synthesis method, it is selected whether to playback each of the plurality of words or phrases in the first sequence or a sequence different from the first sequence, based on the number of times of reversing playback using recorded-speech-playback and playback using text-to-speech. Each of the plurality of words or phrases is played back in the selected sequence using the selected synthesis method. |
| US08027834B2 |
Technique for training a phonetic decision tree with limited phonetic exceptional terms
The present invention discloses a method for training an exception-limited phonetic decision tree. An initial subset of data can be selected and used for creating an initial phonetic decision tree. Additional terms can then be incorporated into the subset. The enlarged subset can be used to evaluate the phonetic decision tree with the results being categorized as either correctly or incorrectly phonetized. An exception-limited phonetic tree can be generated from the set of correctly phonetized terms. If the termination conditions for the method have been determined to be unsatisfactorily met, then steps of the method can be repeated. |
| US08027833B2 |
System for suppressing passing tire hiss
A voice enhancement logic improves the perceptual quality of a processed voice. The voice enhancement system includes a passing tire hiss noise detector and a passing tire hiss noise attenuator. The passing tire hiss noise detector detects a passing tire hiss noise by modeling the passing tire hiss. The passing tire hiss noise attenuator dampens the passing tire hiss noise to improve the intelligibility of a speech signal. |
| US08027832B2 |
Efficient language identification
A system and methods of language identification of natural language text are presented. The system includes stored expected character counts and variances for a list of characters found in a natural language. Expected character counts and variances are stored for multiple languages to be considered during language identification. At run-time, one or more languages are identified for a text sample based on comparing actual and expected character counts. The present methods can be combined with upstream analyzing of Unicode ranges for characters in the text sample to limit the number of languages considered. Further, n-gram methods can be used in downstream processing to select the most probable language from among the languages identified by the present system and methods. |
| US08027830B2 |
Method and device for a source language to be understood by a listener mastering a target language
The invention concerns a method for source language comprehension designed for a listener mastering a target language, which consists in causing the listener to listen to a statement, consisting of a series of several contents, in the source language and in displaying simultaneously with the listening of the statement a succession of notations marking the succession of contents in the source language, showing a notation marking a content only as from the time when it is being heard and showing, a series of inscriptions in the target language which corresponds to the full statement. The method is characterized in that it consists in showing the whole series of inscriptions before the beginning of the statement. |
| US08027824B2 |
Protein switches incorporating cytochrome C3 in monolayers and method for producing same
A biomolecular electronic switch includes a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, a programmable monolayer of either cytochrome c or cytochrome c3 or bovine serum hormone sandwiched between the first and second electrical contacts and a substrate. These switches have high current-carrying capacities and are very fast. It appears that these protein materials can be either metals or semiconductors. Because of the high conductivity and tiny size, these globular proteins can be used to develop cost-effective, miniaturized FEDs, molecular diodes and rectifiers for nanocomputer chips. |
| US08027817B2 |
Simulation management within a grid infrastructure
A solution for managing a set of simulations within a grid infrastructure is provided. In particular, a solution is provided in which distinct simulations (e.g., virtual worlds, distributed simulations, and/or the like) and/or simulation instances (e.g., virtual world instances) can be concurrently managed in a single grid infrastructure. |
| US08027816B2 |
Frequency response optimisation of a movement simulator by adaptive sinusoidal reference tracking
The control device of a movement simulator, between its input formed of a control signal and its output formed of a measured magnitude among its speed, its position and its acceleration, by a transfer function B(z−1)/A(z−1) includes a corrector synthesized from the modelling of the movement simulator and equivalent to a RST controller. The controller includes a reference input, a retro-action input whereon is applied the measured magnitude and an output producing the control signal. The transfer function between the reference input of the controller and the measured magnitude is H(z−1)/W(z−1). The device has a reference filter whose input is a sinusoidal reference signal c(t) at a frequency wc and applying at output a filtered reference signal on the reference input of the controller. The reference filter has a transfer function Rr(z−1)/Fr(z−1), whose denominator and numerator are adapted to ensure, for the frequency wc, effective tracking by the movement simulator of the sinusoidal reference. |
| US08027810B2 |
Ad hoc sensor networks
A plurality of mobile sensor devices each periodically measure a property of their environment, and determine the rate of change in that property. Neighboring devices also co-operate to determine the values of the property being measured by each other. If the property is invariant both over time and over a number of neighboring devices, their periodicity of measurement-taking is reduced to conserve power for more significant measurement events. The devices may co-operate to relay their measurements to a data collection point. Each device determines the level of data traffic being carried by one or more neighboring devices, identifies the device that is carrying the least traffic, and puts itself under the control of that device. Any device that determines that it is carrying less such traffic than any of its neighbor assumes control of the data sensing rate for itself and those neighbor, and transmits control data to the said other devices to co-ordinate their data collection rates and stagger their data collection times. |
| US08027807B2 |
DSL diagnosis expert system and method
The present invention relates to diagnostic analysis of DSL circuits. In particular, it relates to methods and devices that use a rule base and automated test initiation, with excellent reduction in test technician involvement in trouble shooting, reduced truck rolls and more accurate identification of probably causes of customer complaints. |
| US08027806B2 |
Method and system for computer-assisted test construction performing specification matching during test item selection
A method and system for constructing a test using a computer system that performs specification matching during the test creation process is disclosed. A test developer determines one or more test item databases from which to select test items. The test item databases are organized based on psychometric and/or content specifications. The developer can examine the textual passages, artwork or statistical information pertaining to a test item before selecting it by clicking on a designation of the test item in a database. The developer can then add the test item to a list of test items for the test. The test development system updates pre-designated psychometric and content specification information as the developer adds each test item to the test. The test developer can use the specification information to determine whether to add to, subtract from, or modify the list of test items selected for the test. |
| US08027803B2 |
Traveling direction measuring apparatus and traveling direction measuring method
The present invention relates to a traveling direction measuring apparatus usable as a pedestrian navigation system in locations where it is difficult to obtain high positioning accuracy such as inside buildings or around multistory buildings where a GPS cannot be used. An acceleration detecting section (1) detects 3-axes acceleration of the traveling direction measuring apparatus, which varies with the walking of the pedestrian. An acceleration data acquiring section (2) obtains 3-axes acceleration data repeatedly by the number of prescribed times or more, said 3-axes acceleration data varies with the walking of the pedestrian. A first gravity acceleration calculating section (3) calculates, when the pedestrian is walking with holding the traveling direction measuring apparatus in a generally fixed attitude, gravity acceleration by averaging acceleration data sets during several steps obtained by the acceleration data acquiring section (2). A first moving direction estimating section (4) estimates the moving direction of the pedestrian from frequency components corresponding to the duration of one step of the acceleration data sets projected on a plane perpendicular to the gravity acceleration calculated by the first gravity acceleration calculating section (3). |
| US08027802B1 |
Method and apparatus for verifying two dimensional mark quality
A method and system for applying a two dimensional mark on a first surface of a component and assessing mark quality, the method comprising the steps of positioning a component with a first surface at a first station, applying a two dimensional mark to the first surface at the first station wherein the applied mark is intended to codify a first information subset, obtaining an image of the applied two dimensional mark at the first station, performing a mark quality assessment on the obtained image and performing a secondary function as a result of the mark quality assessment. |
| US08027797B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining a switching history time constant in an integrated circuit device
Techniques for inline measurement of a switching history time constant in an integrated circuit device are provided. A series of pulses is launched into a first stage of a delay chain comprising a plurality of delay stages connected in series and having a length greater than a decay length of at least an initial one of the series of pulses, such that the at least initial one of the series of pulses does not appear at a second stage of the delay chain. An amount of time between the launching of the initial one of the series of pulses and the appearance of at least one of the series of pulses at the second stage of the delay chain is determined. The switching history time constant is calculated as a function of a number of stages traversed by the at least one pulse, the determined amount of time, and the decay length of the at least initial one of the series of pulses based at least in part on a switching history of the integrated circuit device. |
| US08027795B2 |
Load model generation for estimating a load value from a base load value in a system
A method and system for establishing a load model (120) that utilizes a measurement from a second monitor (140) to estimate a value taken by a first monitor (150). A base load value associated with a load (160) is collected. The load model (120) is applied to the base load value, yielding an estimated load value. The estimated load value is representative of at least one measured load value for the load (160). |
| US08027790B2 |
Interpretation and mapping of electromagnetic survey data
A structured computer-implemented method (1000) based on graphical user interfaces for interpretation and mapping of data from a controlled-source electromagnetic survey, featuring capability to store electromagnetic data in layers (1004), each layer having the same internal structure for ease of comparison, editing, display and other manipulation by an assortment of software tools (1005) useful to an interpreter. Thus, different layers might contain actual data (1001) from different surveys and simulated results (1002) based on different resistivity models or inversion results (1003), all pertaining to the same subterranean survey region. |
| US08027789B2 |
Wireless locating and monitoring system
A wireless tracking device located in a vehicle, the device including a positioning system to periodically determine a location of the device, a processor connected to the positioning system to receive a vehicle sensor input indicating the vehicle status, a scanner to scan for an available wireless area network access point, and a wireless radio connected to the processor to transmit data to the available wireless area network access point. |
| US08027786B2 |
Method and apparatus for editing electronic flight plans
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing a flight plan for an aircraft. A set of projected flight plan parameters are displayed associated with a waypoint presented on a display of an aircraft data processing system. User input is received to form a set of actual flight plan parameters. A set of variances between the set of projected flight plan parameters and the set of actual flight plan parameters is displayed on a map in association with the waypoint. |
| US08027785B2 |
Homing display system and method
A relative positioning system enabling a user to return to a starting position or some other point on the user's path. The system may include an array of accelerometers. The output from the accelerometers may be integrated to quantify movement of the array. The various movements of the array may be reconstructed to determine a net two or three dimensional translation. The current location of the array may be compared to a reference point to derive at trajectory directing the user to the reference point, such as an originating point. The trajectory may be continuously or periodically updated. Applications may include various displays presenting images, numbers, pointers, paths, vectors, or data by digital screens, watch faces, or other devices integrated with or remote from the processor calculating the vector back to the point of origin. |
| US08027779B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine having lambda control
When the lambda controller is active (LAM ACT), in the cold operating state (STATE COLD) and in the presence of a predefined first condition, a present cold adaptation value (AD COLD AV) is determined and the present cold adaptation value (AD COLD AV) is assigned a valid cold adaptation value (AD COLD VLD). When the lambda controller is active (LAM ACT), in the warm operating state (STATE WARM) and in the presence of a predefined second condition, a present warm adaptation value (AD WARM AV) is determined and assigned a valid warm adaptation value (AD WARM VLD). In addition, the valid cold adaptation value (AD COLD VLD) is adapted in the presence of a predefined third condition as a function of a difference (AD WARM DELTA) between the valid warm adaptation value (AD WARM VLD) and the present warm adaptation value (AD WARM AV). |
| US08027778B2 |
Torque delivery
A system for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders with electronically actuated valves (EVA) is presented. The system is designed to improve the torque delivery of an EVA engine that operates a portion of cylinders in an HCCI combustion mode. |
| US08027772B2 |
Power transmission gearbox presenting a modifiable speed of rotation at its outlet, and a corresponding method of operation
A power transmission gearbox for rotorcraft for transmitting rotary movement from at least two engine members to a main shaft, wherein the gearbox presents at least two transmission systems for imparting rotary movement to the main shaft, each of the transmission systems including: an inlet shaft designed to be driven in rotation by an engine member; at least two reduction stages presenting different reduction ratios; a first gearwheel connected to the inlet shaft via a declutchable freewheel, the gearwheel meshing with a first toothed wheel secured to an intermediate shaft defining at least a first reduction stage; a second gearwheel connected to the inlet shaft via a simple freewheel, the second gearwheel meshing with a second toothed wheel secured to the intermediate shaft defining the second reduction stage; a main freewheel mounted on the intermediate shaft to rotate a complementary toothed wheel secured to the main shaft; and a clutch mechanism for the declutchable freewheel. |
| US08027770B2 |
System for selective treatment of plants in a row
A system for selective treatment of plants arranged in rows extending along a first direction includes a camera arranged along the first direction over a row of plants and a set of treatment units arranged at a first distance behind the camera along the first direction and over the row of plants. The camera is configured to move along the first direction while obtaining images of a target area that includes one or more plants that are to be treated. The set of treatment units is also configured to move along the first direction behind the camera while maintaining the first distance. The system generates a map of digitized unitary spots covering the target area based on the obtained images, and then sends the generated map to a computing unit, where a plant treatment application adds spot-specific plant treatment instructions to the generated map. The system synchronizes the set of treatment units to treat each of the unitary spots in the target area according to the spot-specific plant treatment instructions at the time when the set of treatment units is positioned over each of the unitary spots. The set of treatment units includes a plurality of individually controllable treatment units arranged consecutively along the first direction. Each individually controllable treatment unit consecutively applies a fraction of the entire spot-specific plant treatment instructions to each unitary spot in the target area until the entire spot-specific plant treatment instructions for each unitary spot are fulfilled. |
| US08027752B2 |
Network for changing resource consumption in an appliance
A network includes a smart coupler having a processor, a memory with software, and a power source to energize the processor and the memory, and an appliance configured to perform an operation on a physical article. The appliance is one that consumes at least some of a resource in performing the operation. The network also includes a source of information about the resource. The smart coupler is in communication with the appliance and the source, and the processor and memory operate to request a change to the operation of the appliance in response to a resource parameter or a request communicated by the source. |
| US08027751B2 |
Fluid delivery system
A fluid delivery system for delivering a metered dose of fluid from a supply tank (28) to a downstream chamber or vessel (10), comprises a pump apparatus (20) comprising a pump plunger (32) which is operable to perform a pumping stroke under the control of an electromagnetic actuator (36), including a solenoid (36a), to effect delivery of the fluid and a control unit (24) for supplying an input signal (58) to the solenoid (36a) to initiate a current flow to the solenoid (36a) and thereby initiate movement of the pump plunger (32). An electronic device (54) provides an output signal to indicate that movement of the pump plunger has stopped at the end of the pumping stroke, and a timer determines a time difference between the input signal (58) being supplied to the solenoid (36a) and the output signal being output by the electronic device (54). A processor (26) compares the time difference with a predetermined time difference and determines, as a result of the comparison, whether or not the pump plunger (32) has performed a valid pumping stroke in which an intended volume of fluid is displaced. |
| US08027750B2 |
Robot control apparatus
A robot control apparatus (3) for controlling tasks to be executed by a plurality of robots which are capable of moving. The robot control apparatus (3) includes: a battery level determination device (330) which determines a battery level of each robot from a predetermined plurality of battery levels based on a remaining amount of charge in a battery of each robot; a task manager (340) which sets a task executive plan to be executed by each robot for the plurality of robots and rearranges the task executive plan for one or more tasks registered in the task executive plan in accordance with a process predetermined for each battery level; an executive instruction generator (350) which generates executive instructions requesting the robots to execute the tasks that are set in the task executive plans; and a transmitter which transmits the executive instructions to the robots. |
| US08027747B2 |
Method for register correction of a processing machine, and a processing machine
A method for the register correction of a processing machine for processing a continuous material, in particular a shaftless printing press, with which the continuous material is processed by at least two processing units with at least one compensator for adjusting the length of the continuous material in the continuous material section being provided upstream of each of the at least two processing units. In order to adjust the register of a first processing unit, the length of the continuous material of the continuous material section upstream of the first processing unit is adjusted by the compensator provided in this first continuous material section. To adjust the register of the first processing unit, the length of the continuous material of the continuous material section upstream of a second processing unit is also adjusted by the compensator provided in this second continuous material section. A related processing machine carries out the inventive method. |
| US08027737B2 |
Lead extension with input capabilities
A lead extension useful in deep brain stimulation treatment includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end receives a stimulation signal from a generator. A lead interface is disposed at the distal end to send the stimulation signal to a brain stimulation lead. The lead extension also includes a sensor interface disposed at the distal end to receive an input signal from a sensor that is detached from the stimulation lead and send the input signal to the generator. |
| US08027721B2 |
Balanced charge waveform for transcutaneous pacing
External pacemaker systems and methods deliver pacing waveforms that minimize hydrolysis of the electrode gel. Compensating pulses are interleaved with the pacing pulses, with a polarity and duration that balance the net charge at the electrode locations. The compensating pulses are preferably rectangular for continuous pacing, and decay individually for on-demand pacing. |
| US08027718B2 |
Regional anesthetic
A method and apparatus are disclosed for anesthetizing a region of a patient's body. The method includes identifying a target nerve which, upon activation, anesthetizes a region of a patient's body including a surgical site. The target nerve is located and an active site of a nerve blocking apparatus is placed in proximity to the nerve. The nerve blocking apparatus is activated to block neural propagation along the nerve. The activation of the nerve blocking apparatus is maintained during a surgical procedure at the surgical site. |
| US08027717B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring the sedation level of a sedated patient
A method and an apparatus for monitoring the sedation level of a sedated patient during anaesthesia, in particular during a pre-surgical phase. The method comprises the steps of providing a skin conductance signal measured at an area of the patient's skin, calculating a derivative signal of said conductance signal with respect to time, and establishing said sedation level based on said derivative signal. |
| US08027716B2 |
System and methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments
The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system. |
| US08027715B2 |
Non-linear correlation models for internal target movement
A method and apparatus to track non-linear internal target movement based on movement of an external marker. |
| US08027712B2 |
Elongated markers for soft tissue volume identification
The present invention is related to an interstitial marker for localizing an organ, tumor or tumor bed within a mammalian body wherein said marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous intervening length, at least a portion of the intervening length of said marker being visible under at least one imaging modality and having a flexibility such that said marker follows movements and changes of shape of said organ, tumor or tumor bed. |
| US08027709B2 |
Radiation probe and detecting tooth decay
A probe assembly for examining a sample, the assembly including a probe, a fiber optic cable for communicating signals to and/or from the probe, an emitter for emitting radiation to irradiate the sample and an electro-magnetic radiation detector for detecting radiation which is transmitted or reflected from the sample. The emitter includes a frequency conversion member which emits radiation in response to being irradiated with input radiation which has a different frequency to that of the emitted radiation. At least one of the emitter or detector is located in the probe. The probe is particularly for use as an endoscope or for imaging teeth. The invention also extends to a method of imaging teeth, and apparatus for imaging diseased teeth, for example, teeth with caries or suffering from periodontal disease. |
| US08027707B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing standby power consumption of a handheld communication system
A method for managing operation of a device is disclosed and may include performing the following using one or more processors and/or circuits in a handheld multistandard communication system, the one or more processors and/or circuits comprising a control device and one or more other devices: receiving from the control device, one or more power setting signals indicative of a desired power level setting. The handheld multistandard communication system may operate utilizing a NORMAL power level setting or a standby setting. The standby setting may include a LOW power level setting and a sleep mode setting. One or more corresponding power adjustment signals may be generated based on the received one or more power setting signals. Power supplied to the control device and/or the one or more other devices may be adjusted based on the generated one or more corresponding power adjustment signals. |
| US08027702B2 |
Combined omni- and directional- communications in high-frequency wireless networks
In a wireless communication network, specific portions of the communication may combine directional transmission with omnidirectional reception. In particular, sector-level directional transmission may be established through sector sweeps, followed by antenna training for more directionality. In some embodiments, collisions during the exchange may be reduced by having different network devices use different sub-channels or different time slots. In some embodiments, each network may restrict its network communications to a single sub-channel that is different than the sub-channels used by adjacent networks. |
| US08027701B2 |
Mobile phone for checking the presence of an integrated circuit card
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile phone including: a first timer configured to output a first time out signal representing that a first processing is to be executed by starting a system when a first given time period has elapsed; a starting unit configured to start the system; a second timer configured to determine whether time out is brought about when the system is started from a sleeping state without determining whether the time out is brought about when the system is sleeping and output a second time out signal representing that a second processing is to be executed when it is determined that a second given time period has elapsed from a time counting start time point when the system is activated; and a second processing unit configured to execute the second processing when the second time out signal is received. |
| US08027698B2 |
Communication method
For lack of a unique, specific and detailed specification for information on status of a mobile station to be notified by a mobile station to a fixed station, an operation may be varied from one mobile station to another in a communication system, thereby posing a problem for an efficient uplink scheduling. A communication method includes a transmission process multiplexing a transport channel for transmitting data from a high-order layer on a physical data channel and transmitting the multiplexed result to the fixed station, a status notification process notifying status information containing information on a transmission power headroom used for scheduling, and a transmission control process receiving the scheduling result and controlling the transmission process. The status information notification process includes notifying an index attached to each predetermined transmission power headroom level classified between upper and lower limit values of the transmission power headroom as the status information. |
| US08027696B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating channel resources in a wireless communication system
Disclosed is a method for dynamically allocating channel resources in a wireless communication system. A request for a channel resource by a new talkgroup call is received. Whether the new talkgroup call is associated to an associated communication based upon an operational relationship of the new talkgroup call to the associated communication is determined. The channel resource for the new talkgroup call based upon the operational relationship is allocated. |
| US08027695B2 |
Method and system for the prevention of unwanted wireless telecommunications
A method and system for filtering unwanted wireless telecommunications includes structure and steps/function for monitoring traffic associated with roaming subscribers, the traffic being carried via inter-network Internet Protocol links. Structure and steps/function are also provided for intercepting a send-routing-information message from an originating node within the traffic, and initiating a response to the originating node so as to direct the originating node to send a short message service (SMS) or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) associated with the send-routing-information message to a SPAM-filter via an SMS or MMS delivery message. Structure and steps/function are further provided for receiving the SMS or MMS at the SPAM-filter, and determining, at the SPAM-filter, whether the SMS or MMS constitutes an unwanted message. Also, structure and steps/function are provided for invoking an action for managing the SMS based on results of the determining process. |
| US08027691B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing position profiles in mobile value-added services
A method and apparatus for providing position profiles in mobile value added services is disclosed. Users define, manage and use position profiles with mobile value-added services and utilize the personal position profile in context sensitive value-added services. The method includes defining at least one location profile associated with a user of a mobile terminal and storing the at least one location profile remote from the mobile terminal. A system for providing location profiles includes a mapping service provider, a node in a wireless network for providing location services to a user of a mobile terminal and an interface between the server and the mapping service provider, where the user defines at least one location profile and causes the at least one location profile to be stored at the node. |
| US08027687B2 |
Method of determining an access mode of cell in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system and UE providing wireless communication services, and a method of determining the operation mode of a base station, that is, the connection mode (access mode) of a cell, based on which UE's connection is allowed by a base station in an evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) that has evolved from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, and it may be an object of the present invention to provide a process of determining the connection mode of a cell by checking the existence of a subscriber group identity if it is determined that the connection mode of a cell is not allowed for one or more UEs belonging to a particular subscriber group. |
| US08027683B2 |
Handover between radio networks
A communication system comprises a first radio network supporting a first air interface standard and a second radio network supporting a second air interface standard. The second radio network comprises a network interface 401 which receives a handover request message from the first radio network to hand over a remote station 101 to the second network. A handover preference processor 405 receives a handover preference message including a preference indication for a radio network for the remote station. A load processor 409 determines a load indication for the second radio network and a load threshold processor 407 determines a handover load threshold for the remote station in response to the preference indication. A handover evaluation processor 403 determines whether to accept the handover in response to a comparison of the load indication and the handover load threshold. |
| US08027677B2 |
Automatic network selection methods and apparatus using a steered PLMN
Methods and apparatus for automatically selecting a wireless communication network by user equipment using a “steered” PLMN are disclosed. A home network identification, a list of prioritized roaming network identifications, and a steered network identification are stored in memory (e.g. a SIM or USIM) of the user equipment. In an automatic network selection procedure, a scanning operation is performed to receive one or more network identifications corresponding to one or more available wireless communication networks in a coverage area. The user equipment attempts to select a wireless communication network in the coverage area by comparing the received network identifications from the scanning operation with the steered network identification. If a match between a received network identification and the steered network identification is identified, a wireless communication network corresponding to the received network identification that matches the steered network identification is selected and registered with by the user equipment. This procedure is performed in lieu of use of the list of prioritized roaming network identifications of the user equipment. By setting the steered network identification via an over-the-air programming procedure when necessary (e.g. on a per region basis), a home network operator may “steer” user equipment to any desired network immediately and efficiently. |
| US08027676B2 |
Radio network controller and radio communications method
A radio network controller can set up a connection with a mobile station located in a specific cell under control of the radio network controller. The radio network controller includes a connection setup request transmitter configured to transmit a connection setup request for request to set up the connection to the mobile station located in the specific cell; and a judger configured to judge whether or not to need to acquire information of the mobile station located in the specific cell. The connection setup request transmitter is configured to transmit the connection setup request to the mobile station located in the specific cell, when the judger judges to need to acquire the information of the mobile station. |
| US08027675B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling registration of mobile identification number of mobile communication terminals
An apparatus and method for controlling registration of a mobile identification number (MIN) of a mobile communication terminal. A memory stores a table in which MIN groups uniquely assigned to common carriers are stored, and a MIN of a mobile communication terminal. An input device inputs a MIN to be stored in the memory. If the MIN stored in the memory is a default MIN, a controller replaces the MIN stored in the memory with the MIN input from the input device. If the MIN stored in the memory is not the default MIN and the input MIN belongs to a MIN group assigned to a common carrier corresponding to the stored MIN, the controller replaces the stored MIN with the input MIN. |
| US08027674B2 |
Method and system for improved beacon acquisition performance with time slot and antenna sector reuse
A wireless multi-cell communication system, such as a time division duplex (TDD) system, includes at least one wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and a plurality of base stations which broadcast beacon signals into a plurality of sectors of a cell of the system. Beacon channel acquisition performance is enhanced by reducing beacon channel mutual interference. Each of the base stations broadcasts a beacon signal into at least one of the cell sectors in a first time slot and to at least another one of the cell sectors in a second time slot different from the first time slot. The WTRU determines, at a particular position, which one of the beacon signals has the best signal quality, acquires the one beacon signal and establishes communications via the base station that generated the one beacon signal having the best signal quality. |
| US08027672B2 |
System and method for dynamically configuring wireless network geographic coverage or service levels
A system and a method for facilitating communication between a remote station and a service network are disclosed. A remote station is associated with a first communicator configured to communicate over a first communication network and a second communicator configured to communicate over a second communication network. A communication controller associated with the remote station and coupled with the first communicator and the second communicator is operable to transmit a first set of signals using the first communicator a second set of signals using the second communicator. A mobile network access point is directable to within a communication range of the second communicator of the remote station when the remote station is outside of an existing communication range of the second communication network and the first set of signals includes a resource request for the second communication network. |
| US08027669B2 |
Optimized transmission of text sample format description for streaming timed text
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting formatted text from a streaming server 100 to a mobile client 101 using an RTP protocol in a mobile communication system. The formatted text comprises at least one text sample having an associated text sample format description. Further; the present invention relates to the streaming server 100 transmitting the formatted text, the mobile client 101 receiving a streamed formatted text and to a streaming system. To reduce the transmission overhead of conventional systems when transmitting streamed text in a wireless communication system, such as UMTS, using RTP, the streaming server 100 transmits only text sample format descriptions that are not already provided for a earlier text samples to the mobile client 101 when processing a text sample to be transmitted. The server maintains information on the text sample format descriptions transferred to the client in order to determine which of the text sample format descriptions have already been provided. |
| US08027665B2 |
System and method for protecting data in a synchronized environment
A system includes a mobile device providing a plurality of applications and an agent providing first and second authentication procedures for authenticating a user of the mobile device to first and second applications running on the mobile device. A first application is enabled by authenticating a user through a first authentication procedure, and a second application is enabled by authenticating a user through a second authentication procedure. The agent authenticates the user to the first application following the first authentication procedure, and the agent authenticates the user to the second application following the second authentication procedure. |
| US08027662B1 |
Parental monitoring via cell phones with media capture and location reporting
A method for obtaining media at a first communications device (e.g., that of a parent) from a wireless communications device (e.g., one being used by a child), includes steps of receiving a message from the first device at the wireless communications device, the message causing the wireless communications device to display a prompt for the user to capture media (e.g., photo, voice sample, or biometrical sample) with the device, obtaining current location information for the wireless communications device; and automatically transmitting the media from the second device to the first device along with the current location information. |
| US08027661B2 |
Traffic shaping of cellular service consumption through modification of consumer behavior encouraged by cell-based pricing advantages
Changes in wireless service user behavior are encouraged and produced to shape utilization patterns among cells within a rate plan region by using shaping rules which define potential discounts from a standard charge rate under certain cell-specific utilization conditions, analyzing the shaping rules and utilization statistics of a cell upon service initiation, generating a discount from the standard rate for underutilized cells. The user is notified of these discount opportunities using text messages, icons, or other means. Over time, the users learn that at certain places and times, significant discounts are offered, and thus changes their behavior to take advantage of those discounts, thereby shaping traffic in a manner desired by the service provider. |
| US08027660B2 |
Architecture for managing prepaid wireless communications services
The present invention is directed to a system and method for managing a prepaid wireless account for voice and data communications services. According to one embodiment the communications system, having a prepaid architecture for managing a plurality of prepaid wireless accounts for communication services, wherein each prepaid account is associated with a prepaid subscriber comprises a wireless network including a mobile switch, in communication with a wireless device, the wireless device for remotely managing at least one of the prepaid accounts. The communications system also comprises a wide area network including a prepaid account database for storing records assigned to subscribers of prepaid communications services; a prepaid application module for initializing and updating the prepaid accounts; a credit card transaction server, coupled to a credit card database, for checking available credit; and a prepaid server coupled to the prepaid account database and the prepaid application module. The communications system also includes a gateway in communication with the mobile switch of the wireless network and in communication with the wide area network. |
| US08027655B2 |
Receiver apparatus and method for tracking and rejecting transmit signal in wireless communication system
A receiver apparatus for tracking and rejecting a Transmit (Tx) signal in a wireless communication system and an operation method thereof are provided. The receiver apparatus includes a controller for receiving channel frequency information of the Tx signal and for controlling an operation for tracking and rejecting a frequency of the Tx signal; a phase locked loop for generating an oscillation frequency by generating a control voltage according to the channel frequency information of the Tx signal under the control of the controller and for filtering a signal corresponding to the oscillation frequency among signals input to a low noise amplifier; and the low noise amplifier for amplifying power while minimizing noise of a signal filtered by the phase locked loop. |
| US08027654B2 |
Digital broadcasting receiving apparatus
When a power source of a digital broadcasting receiving apparatus is turned on, a microprocessor executes reading of a Read Data with specifying a Read Slave Address which is set by applying a prescribed electrical potential to an Address Select (AS) terminal, if the microprocessor confirms that an A/D converter (ADC) bit which is contained in the Read Data from a Mixer Oscillator PLL (MOP) IC is a ADC bit which is set by applying a prescribed electrical potential to an ADC terminal, the microprocessor transmits a tuning data of a format which corresponds to the MOP IC in which target channel is specified with specifying a Write Slave Address which is set by applying a prescribed electrical potential to the AS terminal. |
| US08027653B2 |
Signal receiving apparatus and control method thereof
A signal receiving apparatus includes: a tuning unit which has at least one tuner; a communication unit which communicates at least one external device; and a controller which divides an entire channel frequency band to be assigned to the tuning unit and a tunable device, and controls the tuning unit and the communication unit to tune the assigned channel frequency bands if the tunable device is present among the external devices. |
| US08027652B2 |
Radio front end
A radio front end utilizes at least one band pass filter to pass only the appropriate frequency band. Once the desired frequency band has been isolated it is converted to a digital format in an analog to digital converter and a digital signal processing device interprets the signal. |
| US08027647B2 |
Broadcasting receiving apparatus and method thereof
Provided are a broadcasting receiving apparatus and a broadcasting receiving method using the same. The broadcasting receiving apparatus including: a low noise amplifying unit low-noise-amplifying an RF signal received from an antenna; an RF attenuating unit attenuating the received RF signal to output the attenuated RF signal; a supply unit supplying a DC voltage to the low noise amplifying unit; and a control unit controlling an output of the DC voltage depending on a change of an electric field strength of the received signal. |
| US08027642B2 |
Transmission canceller for wireless local area network
A frequency translating repeater (200) for use in a wireless local area network includes a cancellation unit. Canceller (402) is controlled by control (401) to provide an injection signal for canceling leakage in a receive signal path. Reference coupler (403) provides a reference signal from the transmit signal, injection coupler (404) injects a correction signal, and sample coupler (405) provides a sample for feedback. A processor (510) receives the sample signal through a detector (415). Although the present invention is intended for a frequency translating repeater, it has broad applications in radio transceivers in general. One specific application is with frequency division duplex (FDD) handsets or base stations utilizing CDMA technologies such as W-CDMA and IS-2000 or 1XEV-DV/DO. |
| US08027640B2 |
Acoustic suppression using ancillary RF link
Methods and systems are described in which the feedback between a transmitter and collocated receiver is reduced so that the overall feedback loop gain is less than 0 dB. Audio is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver through a primary RF link while RSSI or TOA information to determine the separation between the end devices is exchanged using an ancillary RF link. The total loop gain is calculated using the gain of each end device and the separation. If the distance is less than a threshold distance, the gain of one or more components in the transmitter and/or receiver is reduced. |
| US08027632B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for selectively preventing data transfer from a medical device
Systems and methods provide for the selective prevention of data transfer from a medical device to allow the patient to have privacy when desired. These systems and methods provide medical devices that can be instructed in various ways to stop recording data and/or transmitting data to external devices and systems. These systems and methods also provide external repeater devices that can also be instructed in various ways to stop recording data being received, stop forwarding data that is being or has already been received, and/or to stop soliciting data from the medical device. These systems and methods also provide for a blocking device that may be separate from the medical device and repeater to provide instruction to the medical device and/or repeater to prevent data transfer such as by stopping the recording or transmission of data. Further, the blocking device may be alternatively configured to provide a jamming signal to prevent data transmissions from being successfully communicated between the medical device and the repeater. |
| US08027631B2 |
Song practice support device
A technique of enabling a singer to auditorily recognize how to change the way of singing is provided. The CPU (11) of a karaoke device (1) associates model voice data stored in a model voice data storage area (14c) with inputted learner voice data in a time axis direction. Then the CPU (11) shifts the pitch of the learner voice data so that it may coincide with the corresponding pitch of the model voice data according to the result of the association, compresses or extends the section (mora) of the learner voice data in the time axis direction so that the section length of the learner voice data coincides with the corresponding section length of the model voice data, and outputs the resultant learner voice data to a voice processing section (18). The voice processing section (18) converts the learner voice data supplied from the CPU (11) into an analog signal and generates the sound from a loudspeaker (19). |
| US08027628B2 |
Cleaning device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A blade, including: a cut surface provided by obliquely cutting a part of a tip surface to set an angle forming a tip ridge portion of the blade as an obtuse angle, wherein the tip ridge portion is configured to be pressed to a surface to be cleaned. |
| US08027621B2 |
Developer supply case and image forming apparatus
A developer supply case which is detachably attachable to an inserted portion of an image forming apparatus body includes a case body which stores a developer in its inside; an engaging portion which causes an inserting load W when engaged with an engaged portion provided in the image forming apparatus at completion of insertion of the developer supply case into the inserted portion; and a load causing portion which is provided so as to abut part of the inserted portion in insertion of the developer supply case into the inserted portion and causes an inserting load P1 before the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion, wherein the inserting load W and the inserting load P1 satisfy the following relation: P1≧W. |
| US08027615B2 |
Tandem photosensitive-member unit having grip part
An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame. |
| US08027614B2 |
Image forming apparatus including separation member for separating photosensitive member from endless belt
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photosensitive members, an endless belt, and a separation mechanism. The photosensitive members are arranged in parallel with and spaced from one another and correspond to respective colors. The plurality of photosensitive members includes a first photosensitive member and at least one second photosensitive member. Each of the photosensitive members has a first end portion and second end portion that is opposite to the first end portion in a longitudinal direction of each of the photosensitive members. The endless belt contacts the photosensitive members. The separation mechanism is configured to swing the second photosensitive member around the first end portion of the second photosensitive member as a fulcrum between a contact position at which the second photosensitive member contacts the endless belt and a separated position at which the second photosensitive member is separated from the endless belt. |
| US08027611B2 |
Detachable holding portions in an image forming apparatus
There is provided an image forming apparatus including: an image carrier carrying an image; a charging roll charging the image carrier; a cleaning member configured to be brought into contact with the charging roll for cleaning the charging roll; a first holding portion detachably provided in an apparatus main body for holding the image carrier; and a second holding portion provided within the apparatus main body independently from the first holding portion, for holding the cleaning member. |
| US08027610B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for printing without a margin
An image forming apparatus according to this invention which allows double-sided printing can reduce the toner consumption amount by decreasing the size of a developer image on the second page as compared with the size of a developer image printed on the first page in margin-less printing. To accomplish this, the image forming apparatus includes a setting unit adapted to set, when images are to be formed on both surfaces of a printing material without margin, a size of a developer image on a second page of the printing material smaller than a size of a developer image on a first page of the printing material. |
| US08027607B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus, in the case where image forming is performed on a recording medium whose size covers a position of a second temperature detection element perpendicularly disposed to the recording medium conveyance direction, when the detected temperature rises to a predetermined temperature during execution of the first power supply control, a first power supply control is switched to a second power supply control. In the case where image forming is performed on a recording medium whose size does not cover a position of the second temperature detection element, when the detected temperature rises to a predetermined temperature during execution of the first power supply control, a conveyance control portion executes a control for extending the conveyance interval of the recording medium. Thus, an unduly large temperature rise in the non-sheet passing portion is prevented, and a good quality image can be provided without glossy unevenness in one sheet. |
| US08027606B2 |
Image forming apparatus with condition setting for manual duplex mode
Provided is an image forming apparatus including an image forming section forming images on image forming faces of a recording medium, a condition setting section individually setting an operating condition of the image forming section for forming the image on a first image forming face of a recording medium and another operating condition of the image forming section for forming the image on a second image forming face of the recording medium opposite to the first image forming face in the manual duplex mode, and a control section controlling the image forming section on the basis of each operating condition set by the condition setting section. |
| US08027601B2 |
Fixing device usable with an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing roller to fix a toner on a recording medium; a heater to heat the fixing roller; an alternating current (AC) power source to generate an AC electric power such that the heater heats the fixing roller according to the AC electric power; a unit interposed between the heater and the AC power source to selectively supply the AC electric power from the AC power source to the heater so as to control the heater to heat the fixing roller; a relay including a first relay contact point disposed on a first AC power supply line between the AC power source and the unit and a relay coil to open and close the first relay contact point; the relay selectively supplying the AC electric power from AC power source to the heater and the power control switch; a direct current (DC) power supplier to supply a DC power to the relay coil; and a thermoswitch interposed on a DC power supply line between the DC power supplier and the relay coil to control the supply of the AC electric power from the AC power source to the heater and the unit according to an temperature of the fixing roller. |
| US08027598B2 |
Image forming method with renewal of toner residual amount
When copying control (copying/printing job) is finished, the main CPU checks whether the scanner control is being executed in the scanner portion. If the scanner control is not being executed, the main CPU checks whether there is any scanner control executing request. If there is no scanner control executing request, the main CPU locks a scanner control resource, reads out a count value of a toner residual amount stored in a non-volatile RAM, renews the control information of EEPROM of the toner cartridge through an interface, releases the lock of the scanner control resource and finishes the copying operation. |
| US08027595B2 |
Method and apparatus to store information on amount of toner used, and image forming device using the same
A method and apparatus to store information on an amount of toner used. The method includes determining whether a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM) memory to store information on an amount of used toner is included in a cartridge of an image forming device; storing the information on the amount of used toner in a non-volatile memory of the image forming device when the CRUM memory is not included in the cartridge of the image forming device; and storing the information on the amount of used toner in the CRUM memory when the CRUM memory is included in the cartridge. |
| US08027593B2 |
Slow chirp compensation for enhanced signal bandwidth and transmission performances in directly modulated lasers
The frequency chirp modulation response of a directly modulated laser is described using a small signal model that depends on slow chirp amplitude s and slow chirp time constant τs. The small signal model can be used to derive an inverse response for designing slow chirp compensation means. Slow chirp compensation means include electrical compensation, optical compensation, or both. Slow chirp electrical compensation can be implemented with an LR filter or other RF circuit coupled to a direct modulation source (e.g., a laser driver) and the directly modulated laser. Slow chirp optical compensation can be implemented with an optical spectrum reshaper having a rounded top and relatively large slope (e.g., 1.5-3 dB/GHz). The inverse response can be designed to under-compensate, to produce a flat response, or to over-compensate. |
| US08027584B2 |
Sensing a disturbance
The present invention relates to a system for sensing of a disturbance on an optical link. Data traffic from an optical source with a short coherence length is transmitted along the link to a receiver station on one or more of a plurality of time-division-multiplexed channels. One of the channels is used to transmit encoded phase information relating to the phase characteristics of the optical source output. At the receiver station, the actual phase characteristics of the arriving light from the optical source is compared with the encoded phase information. Since a physical disturbance of the link is likely to alter the actual phase characteristics of the arriving light but not the encoded phase information, it is possible to determine if a physical disturbance has occurred. The system can conveniently be used to monitor an optical link carrying communications traffic. |
| US08027577B2 |
Camera
A camera comprising a location sensor, a first recorder, a first calculator, and a first motor, is provided. The location sensor detects the present location of the camera. The first recorder records a past location. The past location is a location where an image was photographed at a previous point in time. The first calculator compares the present location of the camera with the past location. The first calculator calculates a first difference between the present location of the camera and the past location. The first monitor displays the calculated first difference. |
| US08027575B2 |
Heater contact assembly for volatile liquid dispenser
Disclosed herein are heaters for dispensing volatile air treatment chemicals. Semi-circular electrical contacts are provided in a ring-type heater, and alignment and anchoring features are provided to facilitate use of a spring to accommodate thermal expansion. |
| US08027572B2 |
Dialysis machine having multiple line voltage heater
A dialysis machine having a multiple line voltage heater includes first and second heater elements, first and second switching devices connected electrically to the first and second heating elements, first and second power lines, and a control element configured to provide a first switching device state in which power at a first voltage is supplied via the first and second power lines to both first and second heater elements via both first and second switching devices and a second switching device state in which power at a second voltage is supplied via the first and second power lines to the first heater element only via the first switching device. |
| US08027570B2 |
Disk unit-integrated display and disk unit-integrated television
A disk unit-integrated display capable of increase in conveyance efficiency and reduce in conveyance cost of a disk unit, a holding member and a first circuit board unitized with each other can be obtained. This disk unit-integrated display includes the disk unit having a drive portion, the holding member for supporting the disk unit, the first circuit board arranged between the disk unit and the holding member and having an opening at a position corresponding to the drive portion of the disk unit. |
| US08027568B1 |
System capable of playing a seamless version from within a motion picture
A method of selecting video segments and programs from a program database (“programbase”), such as may be constructed from a collection of news, educational programs, and motion pictures, in which available segments of programs are assigned descriptors responsive to subject matter (e.g. news), content levels (e.g. “Highlight”, “Summary”, “Condensed”, and “Detailed”), and levels of explicitness (e.g. “None”, “Implied”, “Explicit”, and “Graphic”) in each of a range of content categories (e.g. “Inclusion”, and “Violence”), according to the content of the segments of the program. The programbase being accessible by a plurality of video retrievers, and the selection of video segments and programs being responsive to the subject matter preferences and content preferences of a video retriever. |
| US08027566B2 |
Recording medium, reproduction device, recording method, and reproduction method
A BD-ROM playback apparatus for selecting and playing back one among text subtitle streams together with a moving picture. PSR 48-61 store Decode Capability flags whose set values indicate, for each language, whether or not a decode capability is present. Procedure executing unit 20 judges whether each text subtitle stream can be displayed, by referring to each set value of flags. Stream selection unit 17 selects a text subtitle stream judged as being able to be decoded. Here, the decode capability for a language being present indicates presence of rendering capability for converting character codes of the language into bitmaps, and support capability for supporting properties of the language. The b16 to b23 in PSR 30 includes a permission flag indicating whether stream selection unit 17 is permitted to select an unsupported language for which rendering capability is present but not support capability. |
| US08027564B2 |
Recording medium, method and apparatus for providing management information
A recording medium, method and apparatus for providing management information are provided. According to an embodiment, the method includes grouping data of a digital stream into a plurality of object units, and grouping one or more object units into an object; and creating management information for accessing the data, the management information including map information and indication information, wherein the map information includes an object unit index table associated with the object units, and the object unit index table includes object unit information associated with the object units, and wherein the indication information indicates whether the data of the digital stream are grouped into the object units on a basis of a predetermined time period or an entry point information included in the digital stream. |
| US08027554B2 |
Thermo-optic phase shifter and method for manufacturing same
The thermo-optic phase shifter (200) according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes: a substrate (201); a sacrificial layer (202) formed above the substrate (201); a first cladding layer (203) formed above the sacrificial layer (202) and having a film density higher than that of the sacrificial layer (202); an optical waveguide core (204) formed above the first cladding layer (203); a second cladding layer (205) provided over the first cladding layer (203) to cover the optical waveguide core (204); a heat-generating heater (206) provided to a region of the second cladding layer (205) directly above the optical waveguide core (204); and a groove (207) formed in a side face region of the optical waveguide core (204) and extending from the surface of the second cladding layer (205) to the surface of the substrate (201). |
| US08027553B2 |
Connected body and optical transceiver module
An optical element amounted structure includes an optical element having an electrode such as a bump formed on a surface thereof, and a substrate having an electrode that is joined to the optical element formed on the surface. The structure of the electrode of the substrate has a substantially ring configuration or a substantially ring configuration a part of which is notched, and the optical element and the substrate are joined to each other in a configuration where a joining material such as a bump is inserted into an opening portion. |
| US08027551B2 |
Reconfigurable image processor and the application architecture thereof
A reconfigurable image processor for image processing includes an arithmetic module, a first memory unit, a bus control module and a connecting module. By setting different configurations or configuring connections among arithmetic units via the connecting module, the operations of arithmetic units are reconfigured to include different functions. The present invention provides an application architecture including a sensor module, a display module, a second memory unit and a reconfigurable image processor. |
| US08027549B2 |
System and method for searching a multimedia database using a pictorial language
A system and method for searching multimedia databases using a pictorial language, input via an iconic interface and making use of trained ontologies, i.e., trained data models. An iconic graphic user interface (GUI) allows a user to specify a pictorial query that may include one or more one or more key-images and optional text input. Similarities between the query key-images and images in a multimedia database based on a pictorial edit distance are used to select the images that are the closest match to the query. The result images are returned to the user in order of their relevance to the query. |
| US08027547B2 |
Method and computer program product for compressing and decompressing imagery data
Techniques are provided for compressing and decompressing image data which may reduce the distortion that may otherwise be created by the compression of data values representative of null posts, overlays or other features that differ from the underlying image. In compression, at least one coefficient generated by a forward wavelet transform may be replaced with respective replacement coefficients. The transformed image data is then subjected to an inverse wavelet transform to generate modified image data in which the data values which differ from the underlying image have been replaced by interpolated or extrapolated values. The modified image data may be compressed in accordance with wavelet-based image compression. Alternatively, wavelet image compression may be applied directly to the coefficients resulting from the modified forward wavelet transform. In decompression, the compressed image data may be decompressed and data values representative of null posts or other features may be replaced with their original values. |
| US08027543B2 |
Method and system for searching a database of graphical data
A method and system for searching a database of graphical data are described. Embodiments of the invention use accelerated image-comparing techniques based on an adaptation of the Levenshtein algorithm for matching or searching one-dimensional data strings for use with recognizing pre-selected targets in graphical contents of 2D images. |
| US08027542B2 |
High speed video action recognition and localization
An apparatus for detecting an action in a test video. In an illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a first mechanism for receiving a query for a particular action via a query video. A second mechanism employs motion vectors associated with the test video to compute one or more motion-similarity values. The one or more motion-similarity values represent motion similarity between a first group of pixels in a first frame of a query video and a second group of pixels in a second frame of the test video based on the motion vectors. A third mechanism uses the one or more similarity values to search for the particular action or similar action in the test video. In a more specific embodiment, another mechanism aggregates the similarity values over a predetermined number of frames to facilitate estimating where the particular action or version thereof occurs or is likely to occur in the test video. |
| US08027539B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining an orientation of a document including Korean characters
A method and apparatus for determining an orientation of a document including Korean text are presented. A binarized pixel image is created from the document image. Contiguous pixels are grouped and labeled using a bounding box. A spanning stroke may be detected from a group of the contiguous pixels. The orientation of the document is determined by comparing counts associated with spanning strokes in the left, right, top, and bottom halves of the bounding boxes. |
| US08027536B2 |
System and method for image fog scene detection
The subject application is directed to a system and method for image fog scene detection. Electronic image data is first received and divided into image regions, with each region consisting of a plurality of pixels. Next, a comparison matrix is generated corresponding to each image region based upon a comparison of minimum intensity values associated with corresponding pixels to a threshold value. An entry of at least one of the comparison matrices is then tested for a preselected value. The received electronic image data is then identified as inclusive of a fog scene based upon the output of the test on the entry of the comparison matrix. Based upon the identification, fog scene detection data representing an identified fog scene is then generated. |
| US08027535B2 |
Image processing method and image processing apparatus
This invention relates to an image processing method and image processing apparatus for improving the image quality of the boundary part of an image cutout or deletion area. According to this method, an area specified by a user as a cutout or deletion target area is slightly reduced or enlarged to eliminate an undesirable background area. In image cutout, the cutout image side is shaded off. In image deletion, the background image side is shaded off. This increases the image quality at the joint between the boundary part of the cutout image and an image to be composited. The image quality between the remaining background image and the deletion part also improves. |
| US08027534B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus comprising: background generation means for generating, on each of corresponding pixel positions of more than one input image, a pixel value involved in a predetermined distribution among pixel values of the input images as a background pixel value in the pixel position; degree-of-difference generation means for generating, on each of the pixel positions, a degree-of-difference indicating a degree to which each input image pixel value has a difference from the background pixel value; and output image generation means for generating, on each of the pixel positions, an output image pixel value by reflecting the input image pixel values depending on the degree-of-difference. |
| US08027528B2 |
Method for calculating height of chuck top and program storage medium for storing same method
A method is for calculating a height of a chuck top. A height of the top surface of the chuck top which corresponds to an arbitrary position specified on the XY coordinate plane by a computer is calculated in each of the four quadrants based on a coordinate transformation formulas. The method includes setting, by using the computer, a conical model in which two adjacent points other than the center point of the chuck top which correspond to the specified coordinates in a predetermined quadrant of the XY coordinate plane are obtained on a circumference having the center point of the chuck top as the origin and specifying an arbitrary point in the predetermined quadrant by using the computer and calculating a height of the arbitrary point of the chuck top based on the conical model, the coordinate transformation formulas and the specified coordinates. |
| US08027523B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a face detector detecting face images from still-image frames successively extracted from a moving-image stream in accordance with image information items regarding the still-image frames, a face-feature-value calculation unit calculating face feature values of the face images in accordance with image information items regarding the face images, an identity determination unit determining whether a first face image in a current frame and a second face image in a previous frame represent an identical person in accordance with at least face feature values of the first and second face images, and a merging processor which stores one of the first and second face images when the first face image and the second face image represent an identical person, and which stores the first and second face images when the first face image and the second face image do not represent an identical person. |
| US08027522B2 |
Image recognition system and recognition method thereof and program
A task is to correctly classify an input image regardless of a fluctuation in illumination and a state of occlusion of the input image.Input image sub-region extraction means 2 extracts a sub-region of the input image. Inter-pattern distance calculation means 3 calculates an inter-pattern distance between this sub-region and a sub-region of a registration image pre-filed in dictionary filing means 5 for each sub-region. Region distance value integration means 10 integrates the inter-pattern distances obtained for each sub-region. This is conducted for the registration image of each category. Identification means 4 finds a minimum value out of its integrated inter-pattern distances, and in the event that its minimum value is smaller than a threshold, outputs a category having its minimum distance as a recognition result. |
| US08027521B1 |
Method and system for robust human gender recognition using facial feature localization
The present invention is a method and system to provide a face-based automatic gender recognition system that utilizes localized facial features and hairstyles of humans. Given a human face detected from a face detector, it is accurately localized to facilitate the facial/hair feature detection and localization. Facial features are more finely localized using the geometrically distributed learning machines. Then the position, size, and appearance information of the facial features are extracted. The facial feature localization essentially decouples geometric and appearance information about facial features, so that a more explicit comparison can be made at the recognition stage. The hairstyle features that possess useful gender information are also extracted based on the hair region segmented, using the color discriminant analysis and the estimated geometry of the face. The gender-sensitive feature vector, made up from the extracted facial and hairstyle features, is fed to the gender recognition machines that have been trained using the same kind of gender-sensitive feature vectors of gallery images. |
| US08027519B2 |
Imaging module for biometrics authentication, biometrics authentication apparatus and prism
An imaging module for biometrics authentication comprises: a light source irradiating a living body with light capable of passing through the living body; a prism having an incidence surface including an incidence area for taking in light emerging from the living body, two or more reflecting surfaces for reflecting the light taken in through the incidence area, and an outlet surface for outputting the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces; and a camera module including a lens for focusing the light emerging from the outlet surface of the prism and an image pickup device for converting the light focused thereon by the lens into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal. |
| US08027516B2 |
Image forming apparatus including position detector
An image forming apparatus includes a movable member that moves cyclically in synchronization with an image forming process and a position detector. The position detector includes a scale, an image sensor, a signal processor, and a position computing unit. The scale is attached to the movable member and includes a plurality of optical marks formed in line at a substantially constant interval. The image sensor captures data relating to at least one optical mark at a time. The signal processor computes a coordinate of the optical mark with respect to a reference position. The position computing unit computes a distance traveled by the optical mark based on a number of the optical marks that pass the reference position and the coordinate of the optical mark with respect to the reference position. |
| US08027515B2 |
System and method for real-time calculating location
Provided is a system and method for providing location information of robot in real time using an artificial mark. The system includes: an image processing module for obtaining an image signal by photographing artificial marks installed at a predetermined space with a space coordinate and detecting an image coordinate of artificial mark from the obtaining the image signal; a location calculating module for calculating a current location by comparing the image coordinate of detected artificial mark and a pre-stored space coordinate of artificial mark; and an artificial mark identifying module for updating current location information by selectively using one of an artificial mark tracing process and an image coordinate estimating process. |