Document Document Title
US08066402B2 LED lamps including LED work lights
Work light has LEDs that may require heatsink. Desired radiation pattern achieved by using optical components designed to produce beam or LEDs may have beams in different directions. Radiation pattern of LEDs may be changed by refractive-reflective optics or by convex lenses. Convex lenses may be hemispheres, other planoconvex shapes, concavo-convex shapes, or other shapes. Curved surfaces on any lenses may be spherical or aspheric. Ballast to operate the LEDs from line voltage AC or low voltage DC. Work light may contain batteries. The work light may be mounted on a stand. May have accessory mount. May have charging station. May have a paging transmitter to activate a paging receiver in work light. May have openings for heat transfer from heatsink to ambient air external to light.
US08066401B2 Light retainer assembly
Light emitting devices having unitary and simplified construction for securing a lighting assembly within the device, and ease of replacement of the light emitting element of the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly is mounted within the light emitting device though use of a fastener.
US08066399B2 Solar energy street lamp structure with adjustable angle
A solar energy street lamp structure with an adjustable angle is provided. The solar energy street lamp structure includes a lamp holder, a lighting unit, a photovoltaic panel, an electric power storage portion, and an actuation portion. A frame and a holder of the lamp holder are movably coupled by pivot units. The electric power storage portion is placed inside the lamp holder. An actuation unit of the actuation portion is connected between the frame and the holder for adjusting an angle between the frame and the holder such that the lighting unit and the photovoltaic panel, both disposed on the holder, are adjustable synchronously. The photovoltaic panel and the lighting unit are rotatable according to an incident angle of sunlight by adjusting the holder. Thus, the solar energy street lamp structure generates power at enhanced efficiency and can emit light in various directions so as to have wide applicability.
US08066393B2 Liquid crystal display device
In a backlight which arranges light emitting diodes on a side surface of a light guide plate, irregularities of radiation light from the backlight can be decreased. In a liquid crystal display device having a backlight which radiates light to a liquid crystal panel, LEDs which constitute a light emitting element are mounted on a light guide plate formed on the backlight, and teardrop-shaped lenses are formed on a light radiation surface of the light guide plate. By changing the advancing directions of lights radiated from the light emitting element using the teardrop-shaped lenses, it is possible to decrease irregularities of a planar light source by scattering the radiation lights from the light guide plate.
US08066380B2 Projector-type image display apparatus
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a projector which includes several optical elements, reflective devices and beam splitters, arranged to reduce back reflection effects. At least one exemplary embodiment includes a mirror, two beam splitters, three reflection devices, and two optical elements affecting polarization of incident light upon the optical elements.
US08066379B2 Internal projection system for projecting coherent light imagery onto a three-dimensional surface
A projection system that projects coherent light rays from a coherent light (e.g., laser) source onto an inner reflective surface of a three-dimensional viewing space is disclosed. A relatively compact and low-power laser light image can thereby be formed and seen by an observer from inside the viewing space. Raster scanning or simultaneous projection onto large solid angles of said viewing space are possible. Useful and entertaining information can also be displayed, optionally as dynamic and moving images, onto the projection screen as well.
US08066376B2 Dynamic shape discrimination vision test
A vision testing system and method to assess vision function. In one embodiment, the vision testing system comprises: (1) a display; (2) a computer coupled to the display and configured to provide dynamic images, each including a substantially constant fixed point of fixation; and (3) a human input device coupled to the computer, wherein responses from a test subject are fed back to the computer to assess the test subject's vision function.
US08066374B2 Optical system for a fundus camera
The invention is directed to an optical system for a fundus camera for reflection-free opthalmoscopy having a beam path with refractive and reflective optical elements which are used substantially in common for illumination and observation or recording. An imaging mirror system substantially comprising a plurality of reflecting optical elements in the form of mirrors and is provided for illuminating and imaging the fundus. At least one optical element, for example, mirror, is formed as a freeform mirror with an imaging, reflecting freeform surface. The optical elements are arranged in a housing in a precisely defined position and attitude relative to one another in such a way that an imaging of the reflecting surfaces of the optical elements on the image of the imaged retina is prevented within a wide diopter range of the patient's eye to be examined.
US08066369B2 Eyeglass dispensing method
A method of making corrective eyeglasses is disclosed. One embodiment is a method of making corrective eyeglasses. The method includes obtaining vision parameters of a patient's eyes, obtaining an eyeglass frame comprising at least one mounted optical element, and programming the optical element to define a pattern of refraction that is associated with the vision parameters.
US08066367B2 Drop coating apparatus
A droplet applying apparatus includes a base having a mounting surface on which a substrate is to be mounted, an arm part which is fitted to the base so as to be movable relative to the base in an arrow A direction, and a plurality of droplet ejecting sections which are fitted to the arm part so as to be movable in an arrow B direction and which eject droplets to the substrate mounted on the mounting surface. The droplet ejecting sections are fitted on a fitting surface of a first beam member of the arm part as well as on a fitting surface of a second beam member of the arm part.
US08066366B2 Release agent applicator for imaging members in solid ink jet imaging systems
A release agent applicator applies release agent to an imaging drum and absorbs release agent metered from the drum to extend the operational life of an image drum maintenance unit. The applicator includes a reservoir for storing release agent, the reservoir having a plurality of perforations for enabling release agent to seep from the reservoir, a containment membrane for wicking release agent from the perforations of the reservoir, and a delivery layer for delivering release agent from the containment membrane to an imaging drum, the delivery layer having pores in a range of about 50 μm to about 200 μm.
US08066362B2 Liquid discharging head and liquid discharging apparatus having grooved surface from ink inlet to ink outlet
A liquid discharging head includes a head chip including a plurality of energy generating elements configured to discharge liquid and liquid chambers provided around the corresponding energy generating elements, and a common passage member configured to define a common passage communicating with all the liquid chambers in the head chip. the liquid is discharged from the liquid chambers by driving the energy generating elements so as to apply a discharging force to the liquid. The common passage member includes an inlet through which the liquid is supplied to the common passage, and an outlet through which the liquid is ejected from the common passage. The common passage includes a ceiling surface having a groove extending from the inlet toward the outlet.
US08066361B2 Liquid delivery system and manufacturing method for the same
The liquid delivery system includes a liquid receptacle (1) installable on the liquid jetting device, a liquid supply device (900), and a liquid flow passage member (910). The liquid receptacle (1) has a liquid storage chamber for storing liquid, an air flow passage connecting the liquid storage chamber to the outside air, a liquid delivery port for delivering the liquid to the liquid jetting device, an intermediate flow passage leading from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid delivery port, and a sensor disposed in the intermediate flow passage to sense whether the liquid is present or not. The liquid storage chamber includes a top storage chamber that is located at an uppermost position in the liquid storage chamber. The intermediate flow passage has a buffer chamber disposed downstream of the sensor, at a location adjacent to the top storage chamber. The liquid flow passage member (910) is connected to the top storage chamber, and a communication hole is formed in a wall that lies between the top storage chamber and the buffer chamber.
US08066360B2 Fluid cartridge for a fluid supply system
A fluid cartridge for a printing device includes a housing having a base and a first and second chamber. A wall extends outwardly from and substantially normal to the base and is configured to separate the housing, thereby forming the first and second chambers. An air/ink exchange port is defined in a bottom portion of the wall and adjacent to the base. A longitudinal air flow-restricting member is disposed adjacent the air/ink exchange port and on the base, and extends outwardly predetermined distance into one of the first or second chambers.
US08066359B2 Ink supply system with float valve chamber
An ink supply system for supplying ink to an inkjet printhead at a predetermined hydrostatic pressure, the ink supply system comprising: a pressure-regulating chamber having an outlet port connected to an ink inlet of the printhead, the chamber comprising a float valve configured for maintaining a predetermined level of ink in the chamber, the level of ink controlling the hydrostatic pressure; and an ink reservoir connected to an inlet port of the pressure-regulating chamber, the ink reservoir being positioned above the predetermined level of ink.
US08066356B2 Thermal inkjet print head
A thermal inkjet printhead is provided including a substrate, and a chamber layer, which is stacked on the substrate. The chamber layer includes an ink chamber that is filled with ink supplied from an ink feed hole. The printhead includes a heater inside the ink chamber that heats the ink, an island, which is formed on the substrate at an ink inlet port of the ink chamber, and a nozzle layer, which is stacked on the chamber layer, including a nozzle for ejecting the ink. The walls of the ink chamber and the island that face each other are symmetrical with respect to the center of the nozzle.
US08066355B2 Compact nozzle assembly of an inkjet printhead
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. The nozzle assembly covers an area of less than 20,000 square microns.
US08066354B2 Printhead cartridge for a pagewidth printer having a number of ink supply bags
A cartridge for a pagewidth inkjet printer has a body configured to fit in a cradle of the inkjet printer. A printhead capper is mounted on the body, the capper and the body defining a print media feed path along which print media is fed. A printhead is housed in the body to print on the print media. An ink distribution support mounts the printhead to the body and distributes ink to the printhead. An ink supply is arranged in the body for supplying the printhead with ink via the ink distribution support.
US08066350B2 Ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink-jet recording apparatus including: a cartridge mount; a recording head; an ink passage; an ink discharger; and a controller. An ink cartridge that stores ink is to be replaceably mounted on the cartridge mount. The recording head ejects the ink toward a recording medium. Through the ink passage, the ink is supplied from the cartridge mount to the recording head. The ink discharger discharges the ink. The controller includes a cartridge judgment section and a discharger control section. The cartridge judgment section judges whether the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge mount is a subject cartridge that satisfies a predetermined condition or not. The discharger control section controls the ink discharger to discharge at least the ink in the ink passage when the cartridge judgment section has judged that the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge mount is the subject cartridge.
US08066347B2 Recording element substrate, recording head, and ink jet recording apparatus having the recording head
Measurement accuracy in temperature of a substrate for an ink jet head is improved. A substrate for an ink jet head includes diode sensors and aluminum sensors and as plural kinds of substrate temperature sensing elements, each of which has an output voltage property different from each other. The diode sensors and have a property that the output voltage thereof decreases as temperature increases when a constant current is applied to the corresponding sensor. The aluminum sensors and have a property that the output voltage thereof increases as temperature increases when the constant current is applied to the corresponding sensor.
US08066341B2 Item of furniture
A piece of furniture including a body and at least one flap that can be upwardly displaced by means of at least one actuating arm which is joined to the flap in an articulated manner and can preferably be pivoted about a horizontal axis. At least one actuating arm is subjected to the action of a spring device, and at least one electric drive acts on at least one actuating arm. A coupling device acts between the electric drive and the actuating arm, said coupling device having a free wheel for freely displacing the actuating arm into an open position and/or a closed position, in at least one rotary direction over a defined angular region.
US08066340B2 Organizer/storage system that mounts on top of a computer workstation
An organizer/storage system that mounts on top of a computer workstation for storage of office supplies, devices, or files that makes efficient use of the available space above, or on one or both sides of the computer workstation. The organizer/storage system includes a top platform and side panels, and may include back and bottom panels with interlocking closure systems, and slide-in shelves with optional drawers. Optional cutouts in the side panels allow airflow to cool the computer, and optional cutouts in the back panels permit connection of conduit or electrical wires. When adaptive fasteners are used for attachment to the computer workstation, the height of the organizer/storage system may be adjusted. Exterior side shelves may be attached to one or both of the side panels to permit storage of a greater variety of objects. The organizer/storage system may be made from a single sheet of suitable material.
US08066337B2 Wheel supporting system
An outer ring shaft portion which is extended integrally from an end face of an outer ring of a constant velocity joint is fittingly inserted into an inside hole in a hub shaft of a wheel hub, so that the wheel hub and the constant velocity joint are coupled to each other. Internal splines and external splines are formed on an inner circumferential surface of the inside hole in the hub shaft and an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring shaft portion in such a manner as to mesh with each other. Side face splines are formed on end face of the hub shaft and an end face of the outer ring of the constant velocity joint. The wheel hub and the constant velocity joint are connected together in such a manner that torque can be transmitted therebetween.
US08066333B2 Vehicle with interchangeable truck bed
A vehicle for use with a plurality of interchangeable truck beds, i.e., functional units. The vehicle includes a chassis and an engine and cab mounted on the chassis. The chassis extends rearwardly from the cab from a first location to a second location at the rear end of the chassis. A first mounting interface is disposed near the first location and a second mounting interface is disposed near the second location. The mounting interfaces each include a substantially horizontal support surface and a guide member. The interchangeable truck beds include mounting structures that are secured to the mounting interfaces on the chassis. The guide members on the mounting interfaces are used to properly position the mounting structures on the chassis. The truck bed may be a dump truck bed that includes a hydraulic ram having a base structure that is secured to the first mounting interface and a hinge structure that is secured to the second mounting interface.
US08066331B2 Headrest mechanism for continuous adjustment and method of assembly thereof
A continuously adjustable headrest mechanism 10 for a vehicle seat 12 and method of assembly thereof. The mechanism 10 includes in one aspect a pair of posts 17 that extends from vehicle seat 12. A pad 14 is moveably attached to each post 17. Positioned at least partially within the pad 14 is a locking subassembly 16 that has a disengaged and an engaged configuration that permits continuous adjustment of the pad 14 in relation to the post 17.
US08066329B2 Car seat head rest with built-in screen
A car seat head rest, which is adapted for mounting on a car seat having two spaced apart retention slots, includes a head pillow, a display screen supported at the rear side of the head pillow, and an adjustable mounting arrangement including a length-adjustable sliding guider longitudinally supported within the interior cavity of the head pillow, a supporting frame having two overlapped sliding panels and two supporting arms downwardly and parallelly extended from the sliding panels respectively through the bottom side of the head pillow to define an engaging distance between the two supporting arms, and an adjuster provided at the sliding guider to control a length of the sliding guider so as to selectively adjust the engaging distance of the supporting arms for slidably engaging with the two retention slots respectively so as to securely support the head pillow on the car seat.
US08066324B2 Reduced power heat mat
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seating surface, wherein the seating surface defines a plurality of temperature controlled zones. At least one electrically actuated heating/cooling source provides one of heating and cooling to the plurality of zones. A controller individually controls electrical power supplied from the source to each zone and is operative to reduce power consumption in one zone relative to another zone in accordance with a predetermined profile designed to limit the overall power consumption of the assembly.
US08066323B2 Method and apparatus for sitting
An apparatus for sitting is provided including a semi-flexible fulcrum band having an inner surface, the inner surface integrally including at least one penetration member, wherein the semi-flexible fulcrum band is configured to hold together a plurality of leg members having different varieties, permitting the plurality of leg members to spread above and below the fulcrum band into a supporting position. The apparatus further includes a flexible seat portion containing a plurality of pockets, each pocket configured to receive an upper end of one of the plurality of leg members when the plurality of leg members are in the supporting position, whereby the flexible seat portion is adapted for supporting a person sitting on said flexible seat portion. Finally, the at least one penetration members is configured to penetrate at least one of the plurality of leg members when the person sits in the flexible seat portion.
US08066322B2 Vehicle body structure
A bulkhead and a bulkhead are provided in a rocker so that a portion of the rocker, which portion is subject to bending due to buckling, is positioned between the bulkheads. If the portion of the rocker is bent due to buckling, for example, at the time of vehicle collision, a bulkhead is caught between the bulkheads, and absorbs a load applied to the bulkheads. In this way, when the rocker is deformed, the load is absorbed by the bulkhead.
US08066319B2 Vehicle emergency egress assembly
A vehicle emergency egress system includes a transparent armor assembly disposable in a vehicle window frame, the transparent armor assembly including at least one transparent armor pane, and interiorly accessible release means, the release means being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of at least the one of the transparent armor panes, such release permitting shifting a respective one of the at least one transparent armor panes from the transparent armor assembly to define an egress portal. A method of forming a vehicle emergency egress system is further included.
US08066315B2 All terrain vehicle
An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, a front upper cover, a meter unit and a cover. The front upper cover is connected to an upper portion of the front panel and extends forward in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The meter unit includes a display. The meter unit is disposed on the front panel such that the display is viewable from the seat. The meter unit is positioned in a transversely center portion of the vehicle. The cover extends from the front upper cover to the front panel so as to cover at least an upper portion of the meter unit. The cover is disposed in a higher position than an upper surface of the front panel in the transverse direction of the vehicle.
US08066310B2 Animal waste removal device
A device capable of procuring one or more objects from a surface, particularly the removal of pet waste from the ground or another surface. The device can allow a person to remove waste while standing or sitting in a comfortable position, thereby reducing or eliminating strain or injury. The device can be used with one hand and with minimal effort.
US08066306B1 Label sheet with wristband
A printable form comprising a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to a surface of the printable face ply. In at least one embodiment the wristband may be detached from the surface of the printable face ply and secured to around a body part for use in identification. In at least one embodiment the printable face ply comprises one or more labels that may be detached therefrom and applied to the wristband.
US08066305B2 Adjustable fender
An adjustable fender vehicle has an upper wall with inner and outer side walls. The inner side wall includes an elongated longitudinal clamping edge and an interior wall depends from the underside of upper wall between the inner and outer walls. The interior wall has an elongated longitudinal opening in registry with the elongated longitudinal clamping edge in the inner side wall for receiving a fastener for adjustable mounting of the fender to a vehicle. The inner side wall includes an elongated longitudinal opening in registry with the elongated longitudinal opening in the interior wall and the elongated longitudinal clamping edge is formed in the elongated longitudinal opening in the inner side wall. The elongated longitudinal opening is configured to receive a mounting arm that is adapted to extend through the elongated longitudinal opening to the interior wall. Fasteners on the mounting arm clamp the fender to the mounting arm.
US08066303B2 Vehicle occupant restraint system
A vehicle occupant restraint system includes: a lap belt that restrains a hip of a seated occupant; a shoulder belt that has a lower end portion coupled to a middle portion of the lap belt in a seat width direction and that is used to restrain an upper body of the seated occupant; a lap belt tensioner that applies tension to the lap belt; and a shoulder belt tensioner that applies tension to the shoulder belt. When a vehicle collision is predicted or detected, the lap belt tensioner is activated before the shoulder belt tensioner is activated.
US08066300B2 Foldable pushcart and foldable baby carriage
A baby carriage includes: a pair of front legs; a pair of connecting members; a pair of guide sleeves respectively fixed to intermediate regions of the pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs having their upper ends pivotally connected to the connecting members, respectively; a pair of push bars slidably held by the pair of connecting members and the pair of guide sleeves, respectively; a pair of slide members provided slidably on upper regions of the pair of rear legs, respectively; a back cross member having its upper end pivotally connected to the pair of slide members and its lower end pivotally connected to respective lower regions of the pair of rear legs; and a bottom cross member having its front end pivotally connected to respective lower ends of the pair of push bars, and its rear end pivotally connected to respective intermediate regions of the pair of rear legs.
US08066299B2 Trailer hitching and tracking steering
Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.
US08066297B2 Bicycle rear suspension linkage
A bicycle comprising a front triangle and a rear wheel having a rear wheel axis, a rear wheel suspension system further comprising a link further comprising a first pivotal axis for connection to said front triangle and a second pivotal axis for connection to a rear wheel swingarm, wherein the distance from said second pivotal axis to a first vertical plane decreases during a first portion of suspension compression and increases during a second portion of suspension compression; and wherein said first vertical plane is defined as a plane which is perpendicular to the ground and offset in the direction of the rear wheel with respect to the first and second pivotal axis. During the first portion of suspension compression and during the second portion of suspension compression the front triangle remains stationary with respect to the first vertical plane.
US08066295B1 Composite bicycle frame with improved structure, geometry, seat attachment and fork
An improved all composite bicycle frame has three integral mating portions for the main triangle, asymmetric bottom bracket, improved composite layup, wall thickness, and tube geometry providing lighter weight and increased strength in an economical manner, an improved telescoping seat attachment fitting an integral seat mast and a fork having improved strength, weight and performance properties.
US08066294B2 Portable jogging tricycle
A portable jogging tricycle includes a main frame, a handle base, a rear wheel support frame connected to opposite sides of the handle base, two front wheel support frames and two foldable frames attached between the handle base and the front wheel support frame. The foldable frame includes a plurality of scissor lifts and is used for folding the two front wheel support frames close to the handle base. The main frame includes a plurality of pivoted arms for folding the main frame together to fold in the handle base and the rear wheel support frame.
US08066293B2 Assembly of bicycle components in mutual rotation and bicycle comprising such an assembly
The invention relates to an assembly (1) of bicycle components in mutual rotation, like for example a bottom bracket assembly. The assembly of the present invention comprises a support element (15), a rotary element (5) rotatably coupled with the support element (15) and at least one bearing (20) arranged between the support element (15) and the rotary element (5). The bearing (20) comprises at least one bearing element (30, 40) firmly coupled with one from the support element (15) and the rotary element (5). The bearing element (30, 40) and the element (5, 15) with which it is firmly associated have, at respective mutually coupled interface surfaces (36, 38, 42, 44), a standard reduction potential difference lower than or equal to 0.3 V, in absolute value.
US08066290B2 Chuck
A chuck includes a hollow cylindrical sleeve (3) having at least two, opposite, rotation transmitting strip-shaped webs (4a, 4b) projecting radially inward, and at least one locking member (2) radially displaceable through a radial opening formed in the receiving sleeve, with the receiving side end of the rotation transmitting webs (4a, 4b) being spaced from a receiving side edge of the radial opening (6) by a distance (X) 1.5 times greater than the guide diameter (D) of the receiving sleeve (3).
US08066286B2 Method of sealing a gap using multistage brush seal
The invention relates to a multistage brush seal of a steam turbine that comprises several brushes which in turn comprise several bristles. A plurality of brushes are arranged next to each other and are configured different from each other with regard to the length of the bristles, or to the bristle thicknesses, or to the bristle rigidities, or to the lay angle of the bristles, or to the height of a first guard ring in front of or behind the brush seal in the flow direction, which delimits this brush seal, or to a gap between the bristles and an opposing surface.
US08066279B2 Sheet conveyance apparatus
A sheet conveyance apparatus capable of detecting a sheet end portion in a short time period even if sheets are conveyed at a narrow interval and at high speed, thus making it possible to expedite the start timing of a subsequent sheet alignment operation. In accordance with results of detection by lateral registration detection sensors performed when a sheet reaches a lateral registration detection sensor unit, the sensor unit is moved in a width direction for sheet end detection. Based on a moving distance of the sensor unit from a standby position to a position where the sheet end is detected, a shift amount to be shifted the sheet in the width direction, i.e., a lateral registration error, is computed.
US08066277B2 Image forming apparatus with width reguating member
The present invention provides a sheet feeder apparatus in which a regulating member can securely be fixed without generating lateral slip of a sheet and an image forming apparatus. The regulating member regulates a sheet position in a width direction, and a fixing portion fixes the regulating member to a position according to a sheet size. The fixing portion includes plural rack gears which are provided in a surface opposite a surface abutting on the sheet of the regulating member; plural relay gears which engage the plural rack gears; a rotating shaft on which the plural relay gears are provided; and a lock mechanism which regulates rotation of the rotating shaft when the regulating member is moved away from the regulated sheet, the lock mechanism permitting the rotation of the rotating shaft when the regulating member is moved in a direction in which the regulating member contacts the regulated sheet.
US08066270B2 Flexible jaw vise accessory for irregular objects
A vise jaw accessory that attaches to a conventional vise having a unique means of mounting above the vise, using a set of accessory jaw brackets, front and rear, with special mounting provisions for each, capable of supporting and positioning a set of accessory jaws that hold and stabilize a wide variety of irregularly shaped objects by means of opposing arrays of spring-loaded pins capable of individual deflection. The jaws are designed to be interchangeable to accommodate work types ranging from delicate to heavy-duty, as well as flat faces or other jaw face types.
US08066269B2 Clamp locking mechanism in device for welding plastic tubes
A device for welding plastic tubes includes a laterally movable tube holder having tube holding areas and a laterally fixed tube holder having tube holding areas. Each tube holder includes clamping structure for clamping each tube placed in the respective tube holder areas and for creating a fluid free area. A spring mechanism urges the laterally movable tube holder toward the laterally fixed tube holder to maintain the clamp faces flush against each other. A clamp locking mechanism is provided to supplement the action of the spring mechanism by maintaining the clamp faces flush against each other during the loading of the tubes.
US08066265B2 Gas suspension member and method
A gas suspension member includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes an end wall and a side wall that at least partially form an inner chamber. An opening is formed through the end wall. A connector fitting is embedded within a cover wall that extends across the opening. The end wall has a first flexural stiffness and the cover wall has a second flexural stiffness that is greater than the first flexural stiffness of the end wall. A gas suspension assembly includes a first spring device used in combination with the gas suspension member. A method of forming a gas suspension member is also disclosed.
US08066263B1 Rotary disk humidifier
A rotary disk humidifier of the type that has multiple parallel spaced disks rotatably mounted in a water reservoir in a housing with controls for maintaining the water level in the housing to obtain an optimum wetted disk area above the water level exposed to air flow to achieve optimum humidification. At one theoretical extreme, the water level is at or above the center of rotation of disks decreasing the area of the disks exposed to free air flow through the housing. At the other theoretical extreme with the water level just at or slightly above the outer diameter of the disks, there is a grossly insufficient wetted area of the disk to approach the optimum area. Between those extremes there is a mathematical optimal range of the ratio inner wetted diameter of the disk Ri to the outside wetted diameter of the disk Ro (or the average outer diameter of the disk—the disk may not be circular) of about 0.30.
US08066262B1 Powered canister opener
A device for opening a cylindrically bilateral filter canister, such as that houses the M98 chemical, biological, radiological filter for storage and transport. The filter canister is sealed with an epoxy-covered pull-cord that ends in an eye-loop. The device is disposed on a platform for the opening operation. The device includes a frame, first and second rollers, and a winch. The frame includes first and second support members. The first support member engages the platform and supports the second support member. The first and second rollers are disposed parallel to the platform to support the canister along its periphery. The winch includes a drum and a motor and is disposed on the frame. The drum engages the eye-loop. The motor turns said drum to receive the pull-cord from the canister.
US08066260B1 Cable pulling system
A cable pulling system comprising a lower pulley assembly, an intermediate pulley assembly, and an upper pulley assembly. The system allows for a cable to be pulled through a range of angle and elevation without damage to the cable.
US08066254B2 Mold for producing silica crucible
In a mold for use in the production of a silica crucible, a cylindrical rim member is engagedly supported through hooks to an inner side of an upper opening portion of the mold corresponding to an upper part of a silica crucible and an outer diameter of the rim member is smaller than an inner diameter of the mold but larger than an inner diameter of the silica crucible.
US08066253B2 Formation of foamed resin article
An embedment member of a foamed resin article such as a seat pad formed in a mold. The mold is provided with engaging projections and a pocket portion formed in or on an inner surface of a core thereof. A surface of the embedment member is positioned to face the core and the surface is superposed onto the surface of the core such that the projections enter into large opening portions. Then, the embedment member is slid in such a manner as to introduce the projections into narrow portions and wide portions, thereby retaining the embedment member to the core. In this state, an end portion of the embedment member is fitted into the pocket portion. To release the foamed resin article from the mold, the foamed resin article is slid in a direction opposite to the direction of the aforementioned sliding.
US08066250B2 Mounting clip with improved noise vibration and harshness damping
A clip assembly for attaching two component assemblies while reducing NVH characteristics comprising a first clip portion; a second clip portion; and a middle clip portion that connectively spans between the first clip portion and the second clip portion; wherein the middle clip portion comprises a material that absorbs at least a portion of vibration energy that may be caused by one or both of the two component assemblies.
US08066245B2 Stability support TV anti-tip device
A support device for a flat appliance is disclosed. The support device includes a mounting plate having at least one hole defined therein. The mounting plate is adapted for attachment to a side of the flat appliance with a fastener extending through the at least one hole and into at least one corresponding receiving hole in the flat appliance. The device further includes a mounting bracket that is adapted for attachment to a stand structure. The device also includes a brace disposed between the mounting plate and the mounting bracket. The at least one hole in the mounting plate is adapted for accommodating the receiving hole of a variety of different flat appliances.
US08066244B2 Lifting platform with microadjustment mechanisms
A lifting platform with microadjustment mechanisms comprises plural microadjustment mechanisms. The microadjustment mechanisms can cooperate with adjustment pieces to adjust the level degree of the lifting platform, and the relative distance between each two microadjustment mechanisms can be adjusted by moving the support portions of the respective microadjustment mechanisms within the displacement clearance defined between the holding grooves of the lifting platform and the adjustment discs. By such arrangements, the microadjustment time can be relatively reduced.
US08066238B1 Suction cup
Provided is a suction cup including a cover, a shell, a suction mouth and an operating mechanism. The cover forms an opening. The shell is fixedly mounted on the cover. The suction mouth is fixedly mounted below the cover. The operating mechanism is pivotally mounted to the shell and includes a pivot body. The pivot body disposes a hand lever. An axle sleeve is fixedly mounted to the pivot body and disposes a pulling portion. The axle sleeve passes through a through hole of the suction mouth, and the pulling portion is against an upper inner surface of the through hole. By rotating the hand lever, the operating mechanism can upwardly pull the handle to raise the center of the suction mouth for rarefying air and making the suction cup be stably fixed on a plane. The suction cup has a simple structure and is convenient to be used.
US08066232B2 Flat-screen monitor support
A flat-screen monitor support comprises a body having means for attachment of a monitor thereto and a locking means operable to lock against a support post extending through the body and through the locking means. The locking means supports the body to prevent the body from sliding down the post under the weight of a monitor attached to the body. The body is rotatable relative to the locking means about an axis of a support post extending through the body and locking means, when the locking mechanism is locked to the support post. In addition, a support base for securing a flat-screen monitor support to a table surface, comprising a support post having a support plate secured to one end thereof, a seat cup to sit on a table surface and receive therein the support plate with the support post upstanding from the table surface, and a clamp bracket to sit on the support plate with a tightening means positionable against an underside of a table surface, to clamp the support plate, seat cup and table top together. Once secured to a table top, the support plate is rotatable relative to the seat cup and the clamp member to enable a user to position a flat-screen monitor relative to the support base.
US08066227B2 Deployable structures having collapsible structural members
Deployable structures are disclosed having collapsible structural members that include a stowed configuration with a volume smaller than the expanded configuration. Such structures can include and/or be used for litters, bridges, support structures, solar arrays, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more slit-tube longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.
US08066226B2 Inertial propulsion device to move an object up and down
Disclosed herein are two separate processes that do not require a propellant and do not produce an equal and opposite reaction against any external form of matter in the Local Inertial Reference Frame and do not violate Newton's Laws in the Universal Reference Frame. The first process produces horizontal motion, relies on the earth's gravitational field as an external force, and has been successfully tested. The second process produces vertical motion and relies only on the aether. It has been successfully tested considering the effect of the earth's gravity. Due to the law of conservation of angular momentum, the first process is considered by some to not be possible, but with the proper use of an external field (for example, gravity) and the phenomenon of precession, it is clearly possible. A clear distinction is made between a simple rotor and a gyroscope which is a far more complex device.
US08066224B2 Deceleration platform
A platform for the aerial delivery of payloads into aquatic environments has a staged v cross-section formed by two walls extending from an end part. The portions of the two walls adjacent to the end part diverge from it at an angle θ and, together with the end part, form the tip of the platform. The remaining portions of the two walls, remote from the end part, form the body of the platform, and diverge at an angle φ that is greater than the angle θ. When the platform is deployed onto the surface of a fluid, it initially experiences a period of low deceleration as the tip penetrates the surface, followed by a period of higher deceleration, as the body contacts the surface.
US08066222B2 Energy absorbing impact band
An energy absorbing system may include a structure formed of an inner face sheet and an outer face sheet and having a core positioned therebetween. The structure may have a leading edge. An impact member formed of a plastically deformable material may be positioned with the inner face sheet within an area of the leading edge. The impact member may absorb energy from an impact of a projectile with the leading edge and redistributing the energy of the impact to the structure.
US08066218B2 Anti-missile defense suite
A system and method for an aircraft (10) that provides an IR decoy (12) for an incoming missile (18) to track instead of an engine (14) of the aircraft (10) is disclosed. The IR decoy (12) is deployed during or just after take off, and prior to landing to provide a signature (16) for any incoming missile (18). The IR decoy (12) provides a heat source (16) that has a higher radiant intensity than the hottest heat source on the aircraft (10), which is typically the engine (14), thereby providing a more attractive heat source for the missile (18). In another embodiment, a warning system (20) for an aircraft (10) detects an incoming missile (18), and deploys IR decoy (12) and creates an engine mask (22) by injecting an additive into the exhaust stream of the engine (14), thereby obscuring the radiation emanating from the engine (14).
US08066215B2 Roller press with annular disc
A roller press (1) is described for grinding particulate material such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and similar materials, the roller press having two oppositely rotating rollers (2, 3) with one roller being movably supported relative to the other roller and with the rollers (2, 3) forming between them a roller gap (4). A co-rotating annular disc is attached to one of the rollers (2), which subject to actuation by a number of springs (7), is movable in the direction of the roller axis and which, in the area around the roller gap (4,) extends over the end surface (3a) of the other roller. The annular disc is divided into a number of ring sectors (5) over its circumference, each individually biased by springs towards the end surface (3a) of the other roller (3). Hence, it is possible to maintain the grinding bed thickness at the ends of the rollers, thereby attaining a uniform pressure distribution across the rollers, as well as uniform grinding efficiency and uniform wear on the rollers.
US08066213B2 Replaceable tooth mount rotor system for waste fragmenting machines
Advantageously, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system that allows easy replacement of one or more worn rotor teeth and/or rotor tooth mount(s) mounted on a waste fragmenting machine. The present invention may further provide a system that allows minimization of stress during fragmentation on the attachment mechanisms between the mount and the rotor.
US08066211B2 Closed-circuit grinding plant having sifter and fine material settling device
A closed-circuit grinding plant for grinding coarse material into a fine material, in particular for generating cement raw meal and/or cement from cement clinker, the plant having at least two roller presses disposed about a central riser shaft which pneumatically transports the fine material or pulverizing the coarse material, at least two sifters for separating the fine material generated during the pulverization from still existing coarse material, and at least two fine material settling devices for settling the fine material from the sifting air of the sifters.
US08066206B1 Backpack feeder
A portable game feeder backpack that is worn by the user to spread feed for wild game or other granular material, e.g. seed, grain, or fertilizer. The invention provides a bucket mounted on a tubular frame. A funnel and a downspout direct granular material to a motorized spreader plate mounted below the bucket. A handheld switch remotely activates the motor. The device is worn as a backpack and has two removable padded shoulder straps. A detachable bracket allows the device to be attached to the rear structure on a vehicle, e.g. an all terrain vehicle or pickup. The device also can be used as a swiveling hunting seat having a padded cover on the lid of the bucket. The lid draining accumulated water to protect interior contents. Motor control is easily interchangeable among pushbutton, remote and timer control.
US08066205B2 Pressure-siphon switch for pneumatic spray gun
An apparatus for use with a paint container includes a nozzle and a housing. The nozzle receives paint from the container. The housing has a handle, an air inlet, and an air flow path configured to direct air from the inlet into the container. A valve body opens and closes the air flow path into the container upon moving back and forth between open and closed positions. The valve body moves between those positions by rotating about an axis without moving along the axis.
US08066203B2 Multifunction shower head
A switching device of a multifunctional shower head is integrated into the cavity of the shower head, which mainly includes a switching button, a radius bar, a swing arm, a coupled gear, a shaft for the coupled gear, a division gear, and a shaft for the division gear; wherein one end of said radius bar extends out of the shower head via a through-hole to fix with a switching button, and the end has a pivot pin; one end of said swing arm is fixed onto the shaft of the coupled gear, while a slot guide is disposed on the other end for connecting with said pivot pin of said radius bar; said gearing coupled and division gears are located in the cavity of the shower head via their shaft respectively; said division gear closing on the outlet of the main body has several dividing holes coordinating to the outlet of the main body.
US08066202B2 Fluid jetting apparatus
Disclosed therein is a fluid jetting apparatus. The fluid jetting apparatus includes: a nozzle having a jetting hole adapted to jet a fluid; a nozzle opening and closing part adapted to open and close the jetting hole; at least one elastic fluid-storing part adapted to store the fluid therein and connected with the nozzle at a portion thereof in such a way as to jet the fluid by its elasticity through the jetting hole, the elastic fluid-storing part increasing elasticity accumulated by receiving the external force; and a pressurizing part adapted to increase elasticity accumulated in the elastic fluid-storing part by applying the force to the elastic fluid-storing part. The fluid jetting apparatus is applied to various devices, such as a sprayer, an atomizer, an oral cleaner, and so on, for jetting materials of a liquid, gas or gel type to thereby jet the fluid with a strong jetting force in a convenient manipulation.
US08066200B2 Hollow structural members, a rail system and methods of manufacturing
The invention is hollow structural members, a rail system based thereon and method of manufacturing such hollow structural members. Embodiments of the structural members may be hollow triangular prism-shaped with a cross-section that is triangular, isosceles, hexagonal or otherwise. Embodiments of rail systems based on hollow structural members are also disclosed. Embodiments of the rail systems disclosed herein may also include reaction assemblies for local dissipation of stresses due to thermal expansion of track materials.
US08066198B2 Valve apparatus for regulating a heat exchange liquid
A valve apparatus can be used to select between a cold or a hot coolant for heat exchange, this selection depending on whether an attached heat exchanger is to operate as a cooler or a heater. The apparatus includes a valve housing with first and second chambers formed therein, first inlet and outlet ports for flow of a primary liquid into and out of the first chamber and further ports for flow of coolant at different temperatures through the second chamber. A linear actuator in the housing has a body containing wax and a plastic piston that is movable to an extended position by expansion of the wax. The actuator body is located in the first chamber so the temperature of the wax is dependent on the liquid's temperature in the first chamber. An end portion of the actuator adjacent to the second chamber is made of plastic. A valve mechanism for controlling coolant flow is operably connected to the piston and located in the second chamber. This mechanism includes a spool movable by the actuator.
US08066194B2 System and method for managing information
A system and method for managing a complex information process. The system includes an interface for allowing a user to manipulate identifiers indicative of respective information processes to create a user-defined process order; and a processor responsive to the interface for compiling the information processes in accordance with the user-defined process order to define a complex information process. The method includes the steps of manipulating identifiers indicative of respective information processes to create a user-defined process order; and compiling the information processes in accordance with the user-defined process order to define a complex information process.
US08066191B1 Cards and assemblies with user interfaces
Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.
US08066189B2 Code symbol reading apparatus
A case has a front surface facing an image sensing area, a concave formed on the front surface, and an opening on the bottom of the concave. The case accommodates an area image sensor to image-sense the image sensing area through the opening, and an illumination device to illuminate the entire image sensing area. There are provided a photoelectric converting unit converting an output of the area image sensor into an electric image signal, and an output unit outputs an image signal converted by the photoelectric converting unit to an image processing device. The case also accommodates a lens to form an image of the image sensing area on the area image sensor with a depth of field so as to the image processing device obtain a resolution to enable analysis of a code symbol included in the image signal. A lens side limit position of the depth of field corresponds with the position of the front surface of the case.
US08066186B2 Confidentiality packaging system
A packaging system uses marked, specially designed packaging to enable confidential purchasing of consumer goods. Products having a first configuration normally labeled for sale are convertible into a second configuration which conceals the identity of the goods, other than perhaps having a confidentiality brand. The confidentiality package is bar-coded for price and purchase scanning but does not identify the type of good(s) being purchased either at the cash register or on the customer's receipt. The confidentially packaged items, which could be marketed under a YOURS CONFIDENTIALLY brand name, for instance, are primarily sold at a retail location immediately next to a normally marked, identical (except for the outer packaging shell) item, and have a brief description of what the item is directly under it (Tampons for example) located in the shelf strip next to the re-order shelf tag.
US08066179B2 Livestock breeding and management system
A method and system for livestock breeding and management for use with a herd where each female animal carries a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system comprises a herd management system and one or more breeding activity monitors to be carried by each male animal. Each breeding activity monitor is adapted to detect when the male animal is mounting a female animal based on the body position of the male animal, read identification data from the RFID tag carried by the mounted female animal, and generate breeding activity data including the identification data of the mounted female animal, mounting male animal and timing data for each mounting for output to the herd management system. The herd management system is adapted to process breeding activity data output from the breeding activity monitors to generate herd management data.
US08066177B2 Receptacles, such as boxes, and packaging arrangements which include such receptacles
A receptacle includes a first panel, a second panel opposite the first panel, and a third panel contiguous with the first and second panels on different sides. An opening is formed between a first side of the first panel and a second side of the second panel. A lid covers the opening. A first portion of the lid is contiguous with the first side of the first panel and with a second portion of the lid that folds into an interior of the receptacle. One of the first and second panels has a perforation extending from a first end of the second side of the one of the first and second panels to a second end of the second side of the one of the first and second panels. A portion of the perforation is positioned away from the second side of the one of the first and second panels.
US08066166B2 Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip
A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of the surgical instrument, e.g., to the cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.
US08066165B2 Fastener driving tool
A clearance is set between a nail feeder and an outer profile portion so that the nail feeder can turn. A pin as a first restriction member that inhibits movement of the nail feeder to an ejection portion by engaging with the nail feeder and can release the engagement with the rotation of the nail feeder is provided to the outer profile portion. The position at which the nail feeder and a spring engage is set in deviation from the position at which the nail feeder and the pin engage, in a reciprocating direction of the nail feeder and in a vertical direction.
US08066161B2 Hands-free lifting and carrying apparatus
A hands-free rescue/carrying apparatus includes at least one body-worn garment having a front facing side and a rear facing side, and at least one adjustable lift mechanism attached to the at least one body-worn garment. The at least one lift mechanism is attachable to an article to be supported and is designed to provide a substantial mechanical advantage as to the weight of the article, when employed. Advantageously, the garment having the at least one lift mechanism permits selective dynamic lift capability of the article to which it is attached and secured in a substantially hands-free manner.
US08066158B2 Closure for a container
A closure for a container is disclosed having a body portion, a top portion, and a plurality of sealing rings. The body portion has an open bottom formed of a skirt and an end wall defining an opening. The top portion has a flap that is movable from a closed position where the opening is covered to an open position where the opening is at least partially uncovered to allow for matter to be dispensed. The plurality of sealing rings are within the skirt beneath the end wall and comprise (1) a first ring with a sealing surface provided a first radial distance from the skirt and a first axial distance from the end wall and (2) a second ring with a sealing surface provided a second radial distance from the skirt and a second axial distance from the end wall. The first radial distance is different than the second radial distance and the first axial distance is different than the second axial distance. The sealing surface of the first ring is configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle having a first diameter and the planar sealing surface of the second ring is configured to fit over a mouth of a receptacle having a second diameter.
US08066153B2 Device for dispensing a fluid product
A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (R) of variable working volume comprising a sealing slide-cylinder (100) and a follower piston (2) that is in sliding sealing contact in said cylinder; dispenser means (3) that are suitable for putting the fluid stored in the reservoir under pressure in such a manner as to drive a fraction of the fluid through a dispenser orifice (37), and under suction in such a manner as to move the follower piston in the direction that decreases the working volume of the reservoir; and non-return means that are suitable for preventing any substantial movement of the follower piston in the direction that increases the working volume of the reservoir; in which device the non-return means include at least one chamber (C) of variable volume that is filled with fluid from the reservoir during the suction stage.
US08066151B2 Measuring fluid dispenser
A measuring fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured quantities has a user input device for generating at least one user input signal. A flow regulator provides a known fluid output flow rate by regulating fluid flow between an input port and an output port of the regulator. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals, wherein a first electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow permissive state, and a second electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow restrictive (i.e. interrupting) state. The first electronic valve has a first valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and also has a first valve output in fluid communication with a fluid output port. A processing unit is communicable with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal, and is also in electronic communication with the first electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first electronic valve.
US08066150B2 Dispensing canister for delivery of solid medications
The apparatus and process of the present invention provides for the automated, singulated dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication in predetermined quantities. The apparatus of the invention is a canister which houses a screw having a channel of a certain width and depth that corresponds to the dimensions of a particular pill type. The screw is removably mounted to a cradle and the screw and cradle combination is positioned within the canister so that it is generally parallel to the base of the canister. By virtue of being removably mounted, screws having channels of various dimensions, corresponding to a particular pill to be dispensed, can be substituted into the cradle within canister. A removable shelf is mounted to at least one interior side of the cradle and is positioned near the proximal end of the screw and cradle combination.
US08066148B2 Portable holder for beverage containers
A portable holder for beverage containers includes a basket suspended from a first movable position piece. The first movable position piece is rotatably connected to a first plate. The first plate is connected to a second plate. The second plate may be attached to a hanging member for suspending the portable holder for beverage containers. The second plate may be attached to a strap for securing the second plate to a stationary object or a moving vehicle. The portable holder for beverage containers may be configured to fold into a smaller size for storage when not in use.
US08066145B1 Food serving unit
The invention is a device that is designed to keep foods placed within it cold and the bugs away. The invention has a tub made out of a double layer of plastic. The tub has a drain in the bottom so water from melting ice can be drained off. The double walled construction is design to allow the tub to sit on a flat surface but still allow liquid to be removed by the drain. The tub also contains indentions in the bottom for the placement of the top tubes of a stand. On top of the tub is placed a covering that makes a quarter circle and covers the top. The covering is attached to the tub and stays in place when the tub is in use. The covering can be rotated for use.
US08066144B2 Waste can
A waste can comprises a receptacle having a rim with at least one bag lock located on the rim. The bag lock has a first portion defining a cavity and a second portion movable with respect to the first portion between a first position where it is locked to the first portion and a second position where it is spaced from the first portion. The second portion locks a trash bag in the cavity when in the first position.
US08066134B2 Reinforced metal casting
A metal fitting finding particular application as a corner fitting for an ISO freight container. The corner fitting is preferably cuboidal and comprises walls formed from a first material that define an internal cavity. At least one support member is encapsulated within the walls and is formed from a different material to that of the walls and comprises a greater yield strength. A reinforced corner fitting is therefore provided comprising enhanced load bearing capacity.
US08066132B2 Water bottle system for use in a dental operatory
A water bottle adapter (6) fits securely onto a water bottle (1) which is used to isolate the water within the bottle from a common water supply. The adapter (6) is fastened to a mating device by means of a threaded neck (7). The neck (7) includes two longitudinal tensioning ribs (37) that promote a retaining function between the neck (7) and any device that has been affixed to the neck (7). A pressure relief valve (13) having a valve stem (14) is formed within the lid (8) of the adapter (6) to permit the escape of air from the bottle (1) when in use. A series of ribs (19) is formed within a bore containing the valve stem (14) to dampen noise produced by the operation of the valve (13).
US08066130B2 Storage system
In one aspect, a storage system includes a base comprising a bottom channel, a top channel and a protrusion therebetween, at least one arm having an upturned tab and a rearwardly extending tab, wherein the upturned tab is configured to engage the top channel and the rearwardly extending tab is configured to engage a bottom surface of the protrusion and further wherein the bottom channel is adapted to receive a second arm under the first arm. In another aspect, a storage system may be mountable to a friable substrate and include a base having a plurality of holes for accepting a plurality of drywall fasteners; a plurality of self-drilling drywall fasteners having a crest diameter of at least about ¼ inch; a plurality of arms operatively connected to said base; a shelf; and at least one hook or bin operatively connected to the base at the lower channel.
US08066126B2 Screening arrangement
A screening arrangement in a vibrating screen for screening of material, such as crushed stone, gravel or the like. The screening arrangement is a cross-tensioned or longitudinally tensioned screening media including elements arranged on top of the screening media for stirring or mixing the screened material, the stirring elements being raised portions, which are arranged transversely to the travel direction of the screened material.
US08066123B2 Lockable and compartmentalized package
An exemplary lockable package holds a sliding element within a lockable sleeve. The sleeve comprises a base and a top. The base includes a release button defined by a release surround and a hinge that connects the release button to the base. The release button also includes a free end. Pushing inwardly on the release button urges the free end inwardly to disengage a locked sliding element. The sliding element comprises a sliding base, a sliding top, and an article cover that spans the primary containers. For example, the primary containers are pouches that hold consumable articles, such as vitamins, or personal care articles, such as contact lenses.
US08066120B2 Sachet constructions
The present invention relates to an improved child resistant sachet construction, suitable for holding a medicinal product, especially a flavored product. The sachet is a three seal sachet, or stick pack, made from a laminate sheet, the sachet having a fin seal along a longitudinal axis and transverse fin seals at each end. The laminate sheet is tough enough to resist tearing unless a notch is provided with which to initiate a tear. A fold line extends across a corner of the sachet and through the fin seal, a notch extending through the sachet in a transverse seal area and perpendicular to the fold line such that when the sachet is folded a cut is revealed that allows the user to initiate a tear across the pack opening up a pouring spout for dispensing the medicinal product. In an alternative aspect of the invention the laminate sheet is provided with an acrylonitrile methyl acrylate copolymer resin on the sheet face which forms the inside of the sachet. This layer provides improved retention of flavor while still allowing the sachet to be readily torn once a tear has been initiated.
US08066112B2 Connector device for trough pans on mining equipment trough pan and assembly component for the same
A connector device for connecting an attachment part, in particular a plough guide part, to a lateral element of a trough pan of a mining device, comprising first fittings arranged on the lateral element, comprising counter fittings arranged on the attachment part and detachably connectable to the fittings, and comprising at least one retaining piece, which in the closing position prevents detachment of the fitting and counter fitting and in the opening position permits detachment. In order to facilitate assembly and disassembly, to the retaining piece there is assigned, according to the invention, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the retaining piece between the closing and opening position.
US08066110B2 Conveyor segment and assembly for use in high wall mining, and coupling and releasing methods
A conveyor segment for use in a train of such conveyor segments in high wall mining is provided with at least one hook located and at least one coupling element, wherein the hook and the coupling element are suited for coupling, wherein the hook is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the conveyor segment is provided with locking means for securing the hook in a closed position. An assembly includes at least two such conveyor segments. A method of coupling of such conveyor segments includes bringing the hook of a first conveyor segment in contact with a coupling element of second conveyor segment. A method of releasing such conveyor segments includes urging two coupled conveyor segments together while moving the hook from the closed position to the open position.
US08066098B2 Acoustic septum cap honeycomb
An acoustic structure that includes a honeycomb having cells in which septum caps are located. The septum caps are formed from sheets of acoustic material and include a resonator portion and a flange portion. The flange portion has an anchoring surface that provides frictional engagement of the septum caps to the honeycomb cells when the caps are inserted into the honeycomb during fabrication of the acoustic structure. An adhesive is applied to the anchoring surface of the septum caps after the caps have been inserted into the honeycomb cells to provide a permanent bond.
US08066096B1 Inlet silencer
An inlet silencer for an air inlet in a housing, which housing contains a source of high frequency noise radiated by an air intake for the source of high frequency noise, comprises: a plenum that extends longitudinally within the housing that couples the air inlet in an upstream region of the plenum to the air intake for the source of high frequency noise in a downstream region of the plenum; a partition that extends laterally within the plenum between the upstream region of the plenum and the downstream region of the plenum; at least one channel that penetrates longitudinally through the partition that has a gap across its inner surface that approximates one wavelength of at least one fundamental frequency of high frequency noise that the source of high frequency noise generates; and acoustic damping material that lines the inner surface of the channel.
US08066094B2 Electric power steering device
A steering shaft is composed of an upper shaft, a lower shaft, an input shaft, and an output shaft. The upper shaft, the lower shaft, and the input shaft can rotate together, and the input shaft and the output shaft are relatively rotatably coupled to each other via a torsion bar. The rotational position of a rotor coupled to the output shaft is calculated based on the detected rotational position of the lower shaft and a steering torque detected based on the amount of relative rotational displacement of the input shaft and the output shaft. Thus, it is not necessary to include a rotor rotational position detecting unit for detecting the rotational position of the rotor within the electric motor, which reduces the size of the electric motor.
US08066088B2 Biologically inspired climbing device
A biologically inspired climbing device with toes and spines is provided. The device has toes capable of moving independently from each other. Each toe distinguishes a compliant linkage, which has non-compliant parts and compliant parts. Spines are distributed over each of the toes. The spines have a diameter that is less than or equal to a diameter of an asperity of a surface. The toes with spines could be arranged into one or more feet. The feet could then be organized in legs enabling the device to climb a surface in a gait pattern. The device uses low power and is quiet, leaves no traces or tracks behind, works well on smooth, rough, uneven, porous and dirty surfaces, and is able to carry and support its own body weight.
US08066087B2 Thermally stable ultra-hard material compact constructions
Thermally stable ultra-hard compact constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body substantially free of a catalyst material, and a substrate that is joined thereto. The substrate can be ceramic, metallic, cermet and combinations thereof, and can be joined to the body by a braze material or other material that forms an attachment bond at high pressure/high temperature conditions. The body and substrate are specially formed having complementary interfacing surface features to facilitate providing an improved degree of attachment therebetween. The complementary surface features can in the form of openings and projections, e.g., one of the body or substrate can comprise one or more openings, and the other of the body or substrate can comprise one or more projections, disposed within or extending from respective interfacing surfaces. The complementary surface features operate to resist unwanted delamination between the body and substrate, thereby extending effective service life of the construction.
US08066084B2 Drilling apparatus with reduced exposure of cutters and methods of drilling
A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock.
US08066082B2 Air driver device
An air driver device having a simple construction, being of a compact size, and having excellent durability. The air driver device is designed to shut off a supply of compressed air to an air motor, by means of a tightening torque control mechanism and a shut-off valve mechanism, in a case where the tightening torque reaches the set torque value. The air device is designed to tighten screw members at a prescribed tightening force, wherein the tightening torque control mechanism is composed of (i) a clutch unit, (ii) a driving piston on the back face of which is formed one clutch plate, so that clutch plates of the clutch unit may move by making rotational differential motions in a case where the tightening torque reaches the set torque value, (iii) a cylinder for storing this driving piston, (iv) a check valve for operating the shut-off valve mechanism, in linkage with the driving piston through an oil charged in the cylinder, and (v) a torque control member for regulating the set torque value.
US08066077B2 Electrical submersible pump and gas compressor
A wellbore fluid production system that is disposable in a wellbore comprising a separator, a pump, a compressor, and a motor. The separator segregates the gas and liquid and delivers the gas to the compressor inlet and the liquid to the pump inlet. The pump pressurizes the liquid for delivery to the surface. The compressor pressurizes the gas for reinjection into the wellbore, injection into another subterranean formation, or for delivery to the surface.
US08066074B2 Systems and methods for mitigating annular pressure buildup in an oil or gas well
The present invention is embodied in systems and methods for mitigating temperature-related pressure buildup in the trapped annulus of an oil or gas well, wherein such systems and methods employ production and/or tieback casing having one or more pressure mitigating chambers, and wherein such chambers make use of pistons, valves, and burst disks to mitigate pressure increases within the annulus.
US08066070B2 Blowout preventers and methods of use
Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.
US08066064B2 Well assembly having a casing hanger supported by a load member actuated by a retractable member disposed in the wellhead
A wellhead system comprising a high pressure housing having a retractable ring and a casing hanger having an activation ring configured to be engaged by the retractable ring when the casing hanger is lowered into the high pressure housing. An expandable load member is carried by the casing hanger into the high pressure housing. When the activation ring is engaged by the retractable ring, the activation ring is blocked from further downward motion. The activation ring and the body of the casing hanger cooperate with the load member to expand the load member outward into engagement with the high pressure housing as the casing hanger is lowered further into the high pressure housing. The outer surface of the load member and the inner surface of the high pressure housing are configured so that the high pressure housing supports the casing hanger when the load member is expanded into engagement with the high pressure housing.
US08066060B2 Portable down hole tool
During the production of crude oil, naturally occurring paraffin can be deposited on the inside surfaces of production tubing. These wax deposits reduce the cross sectional area of the tubing and can reduce or completely halt the flow of oil from the well.Currently there are many different methods employed in oil fields around the world to combat paraffin problems, but none are one hundred percent effective. When the available methods fail completely, costly removal and replacement of the tubing must be performed in order to resume oil production.The hot anti-wax knife tool provides a previously unavailable method of melting a hole through the paraffin deposits in the production tubing in order to restore production. The tool utilizes rechargeable batteries in a novel arrangement which provides sufficient power to melt through paraffin using a uniquely designed heating element and cutting head.
US08066055B2 Thermal management systems
A system including a primary evaporator facilitating heat transfer by evaporating liquid to obtain vapor is disclosed. The primary evaporator receives a liquid from a liquid line and outputs the vapor to a vapor line. The primary evaporator also outputs excess liquid received from the liquid line to an excess fluid line. A condensing system receives the vapor from the vapor line, and outputs the liquid and excess liquid to the liquid line. The excess liquid is obtained at least partially from a reservoir. A primary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, and the vapor line, and provides a heat transfer path. Similarly, a secondary loop includes the condensing system, the primary evaporator, the liquid line, the vapor line, and the excess fluid line. The secondary loop provides a venting path for removing undesired vapor within the liquid or excess liquid from the primary evaporator.
US08066049B1 Automatic gluing mechanism
An automatic gluing mechanism includes a vertical board and a support rack and a power cylinder mounted to the vertical board. The mechanism includes a position adjusting member, a cam, two glue applicator tubes, a first connection block, two slidable members, a resilient element, and a stop block. The position adjusting member is slidably coupled to the vertical board and has an end coupled to the power cylinder and another end slidably coupled to the first connection block. The two slidable members are slidably mounted to the first connection block. The two glue applicator tubes are rotatably mounted to the two slidable members and connected to each other by the resilient element. The cam is mounted to the position adjusting member and forms a camming surface. The slidable members engage and follow the camming surface. The stop block is mounted to the support rack to stop the first connection block.
US08066048B2 Device and method for applying labels
A device for applying labels to a label carrier including a movable rack, which defines a plurality of magazine sites, each of the magazine sites being configured for accommodating a label magazine that is suitable for accommodating a large number of labels. The magazine rack further includes docking means with the aid of which the rack can be docked to a labeling unit prepared for applying the individual labels from a selected label magazine to the label carrier. The device further includes a supply unit through which a selected label magazine can be transferred from the magazine site within the rack to an operating position at which the labels are taken hold of by the labeling unit and applied individually to one of the label carriers.
US08066046B2 Cutting and transfer drum in a continous-film labeling machine
A cutting and transfer drum in a continuous-film labeling machine, which allows disassembly into sectors comprised between two contiguous blades, each sector being provided with elements for locking in the active position, which comprise a rotating rod which is provided with an actuation crank, said rod having a portion which is adapted to mate with a reference element provided on the sector, elements adapted to retain the sector in the locking position, a cam adapted to make contact with an abutment provided on the sector, so as to ensure a contact pressure of the sector on a supporting ring which ensures the retention of the fluid that provides suction.
US08066045B2 Hand labeler
A hand held labeler has a support liner wheel that is driven by a motor to accurately advance the label web, while providing adequate storage for the support liner of an entire label web. In one embodiment, the labeler includes a micro-controller that controls the motor to vary the speed of the support liner wheel to accommodate for the increased speed of the label web as the circumference of the support liner grows on the support liner wheel. The labeler also includes an applicator to separate the labels from the support liner. The applicator may include a trigger mechanism that is connected to the micro-controller to signal the micro-controller that a label has been placed on an item. The micro-controller may be programmed to start the motor upon receiving the signal from the trigger mechanism. In another embodiment, the support liner wheel is sized to accommodate the support liner of an entire label web, such that the support liner wheel does not need to be emptied or replaced before depositing all of the labels of a particular label web.
US08066044B2 Method and apparatus for high speed produce labeling
An apparatus for high speed labeling of produce including a turret which carries label depositor arms and continuously rotates so that its fully extended tangential speed matches the produce conveyor speed. The label depositor arms are reciprocated along a predetermined path by a mechanical linkage. A supply of pressurized air and vacuum are selectively delivered to the label depositor arms to pick-up a print-on-demand label and adhere it to the produce. One or more rotating turrets are included within a system for high speed labeling. The system monitors a common shaft which drives a conveyor that moves multiple lanes of produce under corresponding turrets. A conveyor offset signal in combination with a printer offset control, allows the system to independently synchronize the high-speed labeling operation at each lane.
US08066042B2 Folding work bench
The folding work bench folds compactly for storage when not in use and occupies a minimal work space. The folding work bench has a durable work surface, a top storage shelf, a back board for hanging tools, a locking mechanism, and a work table that can be folded up against the back board and locked in a compactly folded configuration that also secures the tools on the back board in the work bench.
US08066039B2 Rail end former for cabinet doors
An apparatus cuts rail ends for cabinet doors. Infeed and outfeed carriages are reciprocally movable along spaced apart tracks, and a transverse carriage is reciprocally moveable between the tracks. An arbor between the tracks supports and rotates a cutter. Clamps on the carriages selectively clamp a workpiece, so a workpiece clamped to the infeed carriage is carried past the arbor to cut an end of the workpiece, transferred to the transverse carriage, carried a desired distance towards the outfeed carriage, clamped to the outfeed carriage, carried past the arbor again to cut a second end of the workpiece, and released.
US08066038B2 Device for securing a dispensing nozzle to a fill tank
A device for securing a dispensing nozzle to a fill tank includes a securing mechanism and a means for connecting the securing mechanism to the fill tank's cap chain. After connected to a fuel tank cap chain and upon subsequent attachment to a dispensing nozzle, the device prevents the nozzle from dislodging from the fuel tank.
US08066031B2 Electro-hydraulic devices
A microfluidic device includes a substrate including multiple electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps that each include a flow channel and one or more hydraulic control channels, actuators for controlling the electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps, and a hydraulic pressure source operatively connected to the hydraulic control channels.
US08066029B2 Persuasive environmental recovery system
A sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device eliminates raw sewage spills by preventing pressure buildup in sewer drains. One or more sewage level sensors may be coupled to an alarm and/or to an automatic water main shut-off valve. The level sensor may detect excess fluid levels in a sewer lateral line. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include a joggle which is a component of a non-mechanical backflow prevention device. The level sensor may detect fluid levels in the lower portion of the joggle and activate the automatic water main shut-off valve and/or the alarm. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include at least one two-way, in-line cleanout tube which may extend vertically upwardly from the joggle. The level sensor may be mounted in the vertical cleanout tube. The components may be contained within a seamless polyethylene vault for ease of installation and protection against root intrusion.
US08066028B2 Structure for mounting valve units on a valve support
A valve arrangement has a valve unit (3) fixed in position via two mutually spaced attachment structures (27 and 28) on a mounting face (6) of a valve support (2). The first attachment structure (27) includes two mutually engaged hook sections (32 and 33). The second attachment structure (28) includes a U-like retaining clip (58), which is so able to be attached to the structural unit comprising the valve unit (58) and the valve support (2) that its clamping limbs (63 and 64) act on clip sections (54 and 55) and accordingly braces the valve unit (3) onto the valve support (2).
US08066025B2 Piercing valve stem assembly and system
A simplified piercing valve stem assembly system and apparatus which includes a valve stem component to which a piercing point has been securely affixed, and an easily manufactured stub-out with a flattened or partially flattened end adapted for piercing.
US08066019B2 Cosmetic powder container with rotating dispensing mechanism
The present invention relates generally to the field of cosmetic powder containers and dispensers and particularly to a cosmetic powder dispenser with rotatable dispensing mechanism. The present invention is particularly easy to use and cost effective by allowing the consumer to dispense only the desired amount of the cosmetic powder by providing a rotating dispensing mechanism, and at the same time allow the consumer to apply the cosmetic evenly to the brush head by providing an application surface to manipulate the cosmetic brush evenly onto the brush head. Furthermore, the rotating dispenser of the present invention, includes and open and closed position as to safeguard the loose powder in the container from spilling out by accident or during use or travel.
US08066017B1 Hair dryer attachment
An attachment for a hair dryer has a hollow body portion with an upper end in fluid communication with a lower end, a lip connected to and extending upwardly from the upper end of the hollow body portion, and a nozzle extending through an opening in the lip. The nozzle has a connector for connecting the attachment to a hair dryer and a tip interior of the lip pointing generally downwardly toward the hollow body portion. The nozzle is rotatable such that the tip of the nozzle can be directionally adjusted. A baffle is affixed to an opening at the lower end of the hollow body portion.
US08066014B2 Multi-functional hairbrush with storage compartments
A multi-functional hairbrush with storage compartments for grooming, storing and organizing small beauty accessories, the hairbrush having a hollow brush head and main chamber, a brush lid portion attached hingedly to the hollow brush head, a plurality of spring clips mounted removably therewithin. The hairbrush also has a slot chamber positioned underneath the main chamber and a flat comb portion fitting within the slot chamber and inserted removably therewithin. The hairbrush has a hollow, elongated handle portion and an elongated chamber, with handle lid portion attached hingedly to the handle portion. The elongated chamber also as a plurality of spring clips mounted removably therewithin.
US08066010B2 Thermally insulative smoking article filter components
A filter component includes a catalyst surrounded by a thermally insulative carbon fiber composite. The catalyst can catalyze the chemical reaction of selected gaseous constituents of a gas stream. During catalysis, the catalyst can reach high temperatures. The carbon fiber composite can contain heat generated during the catalysis within the filter component and thereby reduce heat transfer to the surroundings. The filter component can be used in smoking articles. Methods of making and using the filter-component and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke are also provided.
US08066009B2 Apparatus and method of inhibiting perianal tissue damage
A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.
US08066008B2 Condom with anti-rupture means and securing means
A prophylactic device providing the wearer with increased protection against slippage and ruptures. The device has a tubular body with an extra strength tip and a band. The band is elastic and has a ring that stretches to pass comfortably over a wearer's testicles. The band secures the prophylactic device to the wearer and prevents the device from slipping off of the wearer. Both the extra strength tip and the band are thicker than the tubular body and provide the wearer protection against ruptures.
US08066004B2 System and method for providing a breathing gas
Systems and methods for providing a breathing gas are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a sensed parameter associated with delivery of the breathing gas, changing a control parameter associated with a flow/pressure control element in response to a difference between the sensed parameter and a first predetermined sensed parameter value during a first portion of a breathing cycle, determining a transition from the first portion to a second portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the changing control parameter, changing the control parameter to cause a first change in the sensed parameter during the second portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the determined transition, and changing the control parameter to cause a second change in the sensed parameter during a third portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the first predetermined sensed parameter value.
US08066002B2 Manifold for use in medicament dispenser
There is provided a manifold for use in a medicament dispenser device for the delivery of medicament powder from an open blister pocket of a blister pack. The manifold comprises a body, the body defining a chimney having a chimney inlet and a chimney exit for directing airflow from the chimney inlet to the chimney exit; the body further defining a chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber exit. The chimney exit and said chamber inlet lie side-by-side each other such that when said open blister pocket of said blister pack is positioned adjacent thereto said airflow may be directed from the chimney exit to the chamber inlet via the open blister pocket to entrain said medicament powder and enable transport thereof in the airflow from the chamber inlet to said chamber outlet. The manifold is arranged such as to delay the emptying of the medicament powder from the blister pocket.
US08066000B2 Extendable hood for microwave oven positioned over the range or cook top
An extendable hood and mounting bracket for mounting on the underside of a microwave oven which is positioned above a cook top, the extendable hood being frictionally engaged in the bracket and selectively removable or slidably retracted when not in use, the extendable hood extending over the front burners of the cook top and capturing and directing any fumes, smoke, or odors generated from cooking on the front burners to the fan and filter unit mounted on the underside of the microwave oven.
US08065999B2 Adjustable cooking grate for barbeque grills
An adjustable grate is described herein that may be easily adjusted to fit within variously sized grills. The adjustable grate includes a main plate having a plurality of fingers extending from a front side and a rear side. A front slide plate has a plurality of fingers that slidably engage with the fingers on the front side of the main plate. A rear slide plate has a plurality of fingers that slidably engage with the fingers on the rear side of the main plate. The front slide plate, the rear slide plate and the main plate define a cooking surface. The front slide plate and the rear slide plate may be slidably adjusted with respect to the main plate to expand or contract the cooking surface.
US08065998B2 Cooking griddle and associated gas flow control arrangement
A cooking apparatus includes a housing and a cooking plate. Burners are located within the housing and below the cooking plate. A non-powered mechanical thermocouple probe is proximate to a pilot burner with a bi-metal element that produces an electrical signal when heated by the pilot burner. A pilot shutoff valve has an inlet connected to receive gaseous fuel from a gaseous fuel manifold, a pilot output connected to deliver gas to the pilot burner, a main burner output connected to deliver gas the burners, and a thermocouple probe input connected to receive the electrical signal produced by the bi-metal element. The pilot shutoff valve is biased to a default closed position where gas is prevented from flowing from the inlet to the pilot output and from the inlet to the main burner output. When the pilot shutoff valve is open, the pilot shut off valve permits gas to flow from the inlet to the pilot output and from the inlet to the main burner output.
US08065991B2 Working gas circulation engine
A working gas circulation engine includes a combustion chamber that can expand a working gas, which has a specific heat ratio higher than that of the air, with the combustion between an oxidizing agent and a fuel; a circulation path that can allow the working gas to circulate from a suction side to an exhaust side of the combustion chamber and can supply the same again to the combustion chamber; a feed means that can feed the gas in a pressure-reduction target section, which is the section whose pressure is to be reduced, to the outside, and a control means that operates the feed means for feeding the gas in the pressure-reduction target section, when the pressure in the pressure-reduction target section is higher than a predetermined pressure that is set in advance.
US08065989B2 Fuel delivery device
In a fuel delivery device (1) for supplying an internal combustion engine (3) of a motor vehicle with fuel from a fuel tank (2), a pressure sensor (14) is arranged within the fuel tank (2) and is connected to a section, which is guided within the fuel tank (2), of a feed line (6). In this way, the pressure sensor (14) is remote from the internal combustion engine (3) and is therefore subjected to only very low thermal and mechanical loads. The fuel delivery line (1) is therefore of particularly cost-effective design.
US08065986B2 Pre-lubrication of an internal combustion engine based upon likely vehicle usage
A method is disclosed for initiating oil injection into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine prior to engine start-up, the oil injection protecting the engine from damage caused by insufficient lubrication during the start-up. The method includes processing data to modulate a lubrication initiation modifier and initiating the oil injection on the basis of the lubrication initiation modifier.
US08065980B2 Coolant system
An engine cooling system is provided with a cooling circuit including a coolant pump for supplying an engine with a coolant and for circulating the coolant in the cooling circuit, and at least one heat exchanger for cooling said coolant downstream of the engine, wherein an expansion tank is connected to the cooling circuit upstream of the coolant pump. The cooling system is pressurized by a pressure regulating arrangement arranged to pressurize coolant supplied to the cooling circuit from the expansion tank during at least one predetermined operating mode of the engine and the expansion tank is closed to the ambient atmosphere during all normal engine operation modes.
US08065979B2 On-board water addition for fuel separation system
A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition.
US08065973B2 Panel for indicating instrument, method of manufacturing the panel, and indicating instrument having the panel
A panel for an indicating instrument has a base plate. The base plate has a line pattern with lines. The line pattern is defined by projections and grooves. A desired metal-like appearance is converted into a glossiness ratio Gp/Gv. The projections and grooves are formed at intervals and have at least one dimension in a direction perpendicular to the surface such that the surface has a predetermined glossiness ratio Gp/Gv. Gp is a glossiness measured in a direction parallel to an axis of at least one line. Gv is a glossiness measured in a direction perpendicular to an axis of at least one line.
US08065972B2 Underwater vehicle
An underwater vehicle comprising an electrical power generation system that converts thermal energy from a body of water into electrical energy is disclosed. The vehicle comprises the electrical power generation system and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water at a first depth of a body of water. The vehicle is moved to a second depth of the body of water, wherein water at the second depth is a different temperature that the water at the first depth. The electrical power generation system generates electrical energy based on the difference between the temperature of the water at the second depth and the temperature of the thermal mass. The electrical power generation system is able to generate electrical energy when the temperature difference is negative as well as when the temperature difference is positive.
US08065970B2 High-speed multihull boat
A high-speed, multi-hull boat that includes at least three hulls (3, 4), and in which, with the boat being considered to be floating and stationary on a stretch of calm water (1), the cross sectional areas (Si) of the space (18) formed between two walls (19) of opposing hulls, the surface of the water (1) and the bottom face (21) of the deck (2) facing this water surface, decrease from the bow to the stern. According to the invention, with the boat being considered to be out of the water, the heights (H) of the hulls between the same horizontal reference (R) and the lowest part (B) of their bottoms, are greater for the outer hulls (4) than for the central hulls (3) in the same cross-sectional plane.
US08065967B2 Modular welding table
A modular welding table where the work surface is made up of a plurality of plates that can be easily slid to and fro, adapting to objects of different shapes is disclosed. The through holes on these plates, as well as the parallel grooves between these plates, provide the foothold for clamping tools and devices that are used in conjunction to this welding table, to secure the work piece in place. Under each of the leg, a height-adjustable pad is provided, so that the welding table can adjust its evenness accordingly, by turning the screw stem of the pad easily.
US08065963B2 Fairground attraction having people carriers driftingly movable along a track
A fairground attraction is disclosed, including a track, a number of people carriers and device connected to the people carriers for advancing thereof along the track. Each people carrier is connected to the advancing device for pivoting about its top axis and is suspended in cantilevered manner above the track or rests thereon via support devices displaceable at an angle to the direction of forward movement. The people carriers can thus be moved as it were in “drifting” manner over the track. The advancing device can be arranged between the track and the people carriers, and can include for each people carrier a connecting member which protrudes from the track and on which the people carrier is mounted on its centre line and around which the people carrier can swivel. The fairground attraction can further be provided with devices for forcing the people carriers back to a neutral position oriented along the track and/or means for placing the people carriers at an angle relative to the direction of forward movement.
US08065959B1 Explosive device
The present invention provides an explosive device for use with a warhead comprising a rupturable core having a spherical interior chamber which is filled with a volume of a flammable gas. A frequency generator resonates the gas at a high frequency to fully resonate the gas to produce a new and more powerful type of explosion. Means for securing the frequency generator to the core are also provided, as well as a detonator having a high-temperature metal as a conductive material and means for inserting the conductive material into the core.
US08065958B2 Use of polymers comprising amino groups modified by acid groups for producing humidifying agents or humidifying agent concentrates, in addition to humidifying agent circuits for offset printing
The use of polymers which comprise amino groups modified with acid groups for the preparation of fountain solutions for offset printing. A process for printing by means of the offset technique, in which a fountain solution which comprises polymer which comprises amino groups modified with acid groups is used.
US08065955B2 Hydraulic press
A hydraulic press is provided that includes a frame having a base, an upper member positioned above the base and a pair of laterally spaced side members extending upwardly from the base to the upper member. The hydraulic press also includes a cross-member extending between the pair of side members, with the cross-member being configured to support a work piece and moveable along the side members.
US08065952B2 Full-automatic drip coffee maker with coffee bean grinder
A full-automatic drip coffee maker with coffee bean grinder which is totally electronic controlled, that is, the user just needs to select whether to brew coffee after grinding the coffee bean or directly brew coffee on the control panel, accordingly the coffee maker will carry out operations automatically and preserve the coffee bean aroma as much as possible in the process of brewing. It comprises a shell body, an automatic coffee bean grinding device, a brewing device, a heater. a water reservoir. a control panel and a coffee pot; a coffee powder outlet is disposed below the automatic coffee bean grinding device, the brewing device comprises a coffee basket for holding coffee powder, the coffee basket is disposed below the coffee powder outlet, and the coffee pot is disposed below the coffee outlet of the brewing device; wherein the automatic coffee bean grinding device further comprises a partition sealing assembly, and the partition scaling assembly comprises a partition device disposed below the coffee powder outlet and a drive motor for the partition device; the partition device is connected with the shaft of the drive motor so as to rotate around the shaft of the drive motor.
US08065951B2 Servo-controlled tipping platform and motion control system therefor
A motion platform/simulator uses pumps coupled to servo-controlled electric motors to pump fluid directly into and out of rubber bellows-type actuators. Peristaltic or gear pumps may be used in conjunction with linear transducers/encoders. The fluid can be a gas such as air or one of many non-toxic fluids, even water, as the pump or actuators require no lubrication from the working fluid. In the preferred embodiment, a mechanical pivot such as a U-joint is situated between the platform and the ground surface, and each transducer is located immediately adjacent an actuator. A reservoir or reservoirs may be provided to supply and receive fluid to and from the actuator(s) through the pump(s) or, alternatively, the pump(s) may be coupled between two actuators, thereby eliminating the need for a fluid reservoir. A pump may be coupled between two stacked actuators or different actuators located at different points on the platform.
US08065950B2 Automatic pistol
An automatic pistol essentially consists of an immovable barrel, a breech with a firing pin and a cartridge extractor, a breech frame, a spring-loaded device for the removal of gas with a gas piston and a gas cylinder, a firing mechanism and a magazine. The barrel is fitted with an end piece, which is located in the lower part of the rear end of the barrel. The design of the breech allows for the displacement of its front part downwards, when the breech is in its front end position. The front part of the breech is fitted with side locking lugs. The corresponding locking grooves are located in the cavities on the end piece of the barrel. The gas piston has an opening for ejecting the cartridge casing. In the course of the backward movement, the gas piston unlocks the breech and draws it back. In the forward movement, the breech is carried forward and pushed downwards. The gas cylinder is located at the front part of the barrel and encompasses the barrel. Along the length of the barrel gas ducts are fixed.
US08065948B1 Device to close the gun slit or opening
A protection device to close the gun slit (or opening) of a mount, such gun slit delimited by two lateral flanges and two end flanges and in which pivots or moves a mobile organ carrying a mobile wall positioned between the exterior and interior of the mount, device which comprises at least one flexible bellows integral on one side with an end flange of the gun slit and on the other with the mobile organ (3), such device wherein the bellows and wall delimit an intermediate chamber that is linked to the internal space (10) of the mount, such space being pressurized by pressurization means.
US08065945B2 Tissue cutting device, tissue cut assisting device and accommodation housing
A tissue cutting device is described, a representative one of which includes: a handle part; a head unit including comprising a plurality of blades arranged so as to extend substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the handle part at intervals and a blade holding portion for holding the plurality of blades; and a head holding part located at the distal end of the handle part, for holding the head.
US08065942B2 Armoring element of a knife haft for connecting to a knife blade and method for producing a knife
The invention comprises an armoring element (1) of a knife haft, which has a bar (10) extending in an axial direction (100) and is connected to the tang (20) of a knife blade (2) using a connecting means (11). A secure, frictional connection in an axial direction (100) between the armoring element (1) and the knife blade (2) is formed by positive locking and/or material bonding between the connecting means (11) of the armoring element (1) and a corresponding counter piece (21) on the tang (20) of the knife blade (2). In an inventive method for producing a knife, the tang (20) and the armoring element (1) are coated with haft material, e.g. haft shells in the connected state. The haft material forms the actual body of the knife haft, wherein parts of the surface of the armoring element (1) may be disposed in the outer surface of the knife haft such that they are visible.
US08065936B2 Offset pass through device
A device having a pass through formed therein that is offset from point where energy is received in order to perform a function (e.g., drive, tighten, thread, cut) on a material (e.g., pipe, rod) passing therethrough. The device may include a coupler to connect to an energy source (e.g., drill, impact gun, hand crank), an insert within the pass through to perform the functions, and gears (number and type may vary) to transfer the energy from the coupler to the pass through. The insert may perform the functions or may receive tools to perform the functions. The device may include two substantially similar pass throughs capable of receiving the insert or the coupler so as to provide a configurable device (e.g., torque vs. speed, push vs. pull) The coupler may be rotatable around the perimeter of the device to allow one to work in hard to reach places.
US08065931B1 Adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle
A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having lower and upper steering column members that are slidingly interengaged. The upper column member is attached to a structural part of the motor vehicle by a ride down mechanism that allows the upper steering column to move in the event of a collision. A load transfer means is provided to bypass the ride down mechanism when an adjustment lever is moved to a position allowing the position of the upper steering column member to be adjusted thereby preventing accidental damage occurring to the ride down mechanism due to operator abuse.
US08065929B2 Environmental mechanical test apparatus
An environmental mechanical test apparatus includes a pressure generation source and an isolation cylinder in fluid communication with the pressure generation source. The test apparatus further includes a pressure containment cell configured to receive a test specimen, an environmental chamber disposed about the pressure containment cell, and a load frame operably associated with the pressure containment cell. The pressure containment cell is in fluid communication with the pressure generation source and the isolation cylinder and includes a viewing window.
US08065927B2 Device for measuring tibio-femoral force amplitudes and force locations in total knee arthroplasty
A probe used during a total knee arthroplasty for measuring forces and locations of their points of application and thereby moments includes two load sensitive plates t to be inserted in one joint-compartment of a knee joint each and each being provided with a top surface and a bottom surface. At least two load sensors may be situated on the top surfaces and/or the bottom surface of each load sensitive plate.
US08065918B2 Air pressure sensor with temperature compensation
An air pressure sensor that has a first conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to pressure differences between air at a reference pressure and air at a pressure to be sensed. The sensor also has a second conductive membrane configured for deflection in response to a change in temperature to which the pressure sensor is exposed. The sensor uses a circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive membranes, that obtains a first signal and second signal from the first and second conductive membranes respectively. The first and second signals are indicative of the deflection of the first and second conductive membranes. The circuit adjusts the first signal by the second signal to generate an output signal indicative of the air pressure.
US08065907B2 Apparatus and method for continuous measurement of a physical property of a drilling fluid
A testing apparatus comprising a chamber having an inlet and an outlet (16); a measuring device, at least a part of which is provided within the chamber; where the inlet is arranged to direct fluid onto the part of the measuring device within the chamber in order to clean the measuring device during start up. Thus the density or viscosity of drilling mud may be continuously monitored. Some exemplary embodiments include an outlet valve such as a ball valve with a bore defined therein. The bore allows fluid to flow therethrough even in a valve “closed” position and generates the preferred back pressure whilst minimizing the risk that the valve will block. A pressure activated drain valve may also be provided to substantially empty the chamber when not in use.
US08065900B2 Method of manufacturing plug used to pierce and roll metal material, method of manufacturing metal pipe and plug used to pierce and roll metal material
A plug material having a prescribed shape is prepared, the prepared plug material is thermally treated in a heat treatment atmosphere that contains at least 1.0 vol. % oxygen at a heat treatment temperature of at least 950° C. and less than 1050° C. and thus a plug having an oxide scale layer 30 on the surface is manufactured. According to the manufacturing method, pores PO that extend along the surface SF of the plug material are formed under outer scale layer 20 in the oxide scale layer 30, which allows cracks to be more easily propagated in the outer scale layer 20. Therefore, the outer scale layer 20 is more easily peeled off than the conventional one.
US08065896B2 Steering apparatus
A key ring according to embodiments is press-fitted onto a steering shaft (column shaft) at a position that is radially outer side of a fit portion at which multiple shaft members that constitute the steering shaft (column shaft) are fitted to each other, and that is substantially the same as the position of the key ring in the axial direction. When a lock bar is inserted into a lock bar insertion portion formed in an outer periphery of the key ring, the key ring restricts rotation of the steering shaft.
US08065895B2 Public facility bicycle lock
A bicycle lock device for public use is disclosed. The device is comprised of an enclosure, a retractable reel with a retractable cable, a lock/unlock device having a first member attached to the cable free end, and a second member secured in the enclosure, and a lock control device. The user accesses the device by inserting a payment such as a coin or credit card in a user interface of the device. If the payment is accepted, the user then enters a user-specified key code in a keypad on the lock control device. The lock control device unlocks the lock/unlock device. The retractable cable may then be extended. The user weaves the cable through the bicycle components and then enters the cable free end into the lock/unlock device, thereby locking the lock/unlock device and securing the bicycle. When the user later enters the key-code, the device unlocks the cable.
US08065894B2 Double knit fabric having superior run or curling generation preventing ability and a method for processing the double knit fabric
A double knit fabric which does not require hemming treatment even when it is cut into a desired shape and does not give any damage on handling to the fabric when an user wears it, and which can suppress generation of run or curling. A double knit fabric having a superior run and curling generation preventing ability, is made by a knitting process utilizing a non-elastic yarn and an elastic yarn having thermal deformation starting temperature being 150° C. to 190° C., with a plating stitch so that the non elastic yarn is arranged on both external surfaces thereof, while the elastic yarn is arranged on both inner surfaces thereof.
US08065886B2 Refrigeration system energy monitoring and diagnostics
A management center is configured to communicate with a refrigeration system controller for a refrigeration system at a remote location. The management center is configured to receive ambient temperature data corresponding to an ambient temperature at the remote location, to calculate a projected energy consumption value for at least one component of the refrigeration system based on the ambient temperature data, and to receive an actual energy consumption value for the at least one component from the refrigeration system controller. The management center is also configured to compare the actual energy consumption value with the projected energy consumption value and to generate an output based on the comparison.
US08065884B2 Composition and methods for injection of sealants into air conditioning and refrigeration systems
The use of sealants based on organosilanes for refrigeration and air conditioning systems is made possible by control of the rate of introduction and viscosity of the sealant mixture within certain ranges. An appropriate choice of organosilane sealant is made to allow effective sealing of small pinhole size leaks in the air conditioning or refrigeration system. The organosilane is then combined with a miscible lubricant at particular ratios to provide the proper mixture viscosity for injection into the refrigerant system to prevent bearing seizure. Specific orifice sizes are selected for an apparatus to ensure that the composition is injected at the flow rates required to prevent liquid slugging and subsequent compressor shutdown or failure. In addition, effective introduction of the mixture requires certain procedures be performed. Injection procedures are also described that prevent temporary or catastrophic equipment shutdown.
US08065876B2 Heat engine improvements
An engine and a method for operating the engine comprising a chamber defined by at least one fixed wall and at least one movable wall, the volume of the chamber variable with movement of the movable wall; an injector arranged to inject liquid into the chamber while the chamber has a substantially minimum volume; apparatus through which energy is introduced that is absorbed by the fluid which then explosively vaporizes, performing work on the movable wall; and apparatus which returns the movable wall to a position prior to the work being performed thereon so the chamber has the substantially minimum volume, substantially evacuating the chamber of vaporized fluid without substantially compressing the vaporized fluid.
US08065872B2 Axial one way clutch with an axial spacer
A one-way clutch including a first radially disposed plate having at least one tab extending radially outward, and having a receiving feature or an axial protrusion; a second radially disposed plate including the other of the receiving feature or the axial protrusion; and a spacing element with at least one segment circumferentially interleaved with the at least one tab. One of the spacing element or the second plate is arranged for connection to a torque transmitting element in an automotive device, the at least one segment forms a mechanical path between first and second axial ends of the clutch, and the receiving feature and protrusion are lockingly engageable for relative rotation of the first and second plates in a first direction.
US08065871B1 Apparatus, system, and method for real-time diagnosis of a NOx-adsorption catalyst
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for real-time diagnosis of a NOx-adsorption catalyst (NAC). The method includes verifying that a NAC temperature exceeds a threshold, determining that the NAC is in a steady-state operating condition, and surveying a first oxygen sensor upstream of the NAC and a second oxygen sensor downstream of the NAC. The method further includes calculating a lambda difference between the first and second oxygen sensors, and interpreting a NAC regeneration indicator. The method further includes determining a lean-to-rich transition and a rich-to-lean transition area based on the lambda difference and the regeneration indicator. The method concludes with setting a NAC function indicator according to the lean-to-rich transition area and the rich-to-lean transition area.
US08065858B2 Method for branding containers
Systems and methods for branding medication are provided, including, a first capper system that caps a first medication container with a first cap of a first branding including first identification of a third party supplier of one of the prescription and medication order; a second capper system that caps a second medication container with a second cap of a second branding including second identification of another third party supplier of the one of the prescription and medication order; a transport system that transports the first and second medication containers; and a control system that controls the transport system to transport the first and second medication containers based on customer information, and controls the one of the first capper system and the second capper system to cap the first and second medication containers with one of the first and second caps.
US08065855B2 Patio enclosure
An enclosed structure, such as a patio enclosure, sunroom, or solarium, is attachable to the exterior wall of a building, has a high proportion of windows and a roof, and constructed from a framework of composite members and insulating wall panels, the panels and wall members being extruded from material having improved thermal characteristics and stability.
US08065853B2 Reinforced cementitious shear panels
This invention relates to a structural cementitious panel (SCP) panel able to resist lateral forces imposed by high wind and earthquake loads in regions where they are required by building codes. These panels may be used for shear walls, flooring or roofing or other locations where shear panels are used in residential or commercial construction. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder reinforced with glass fibers and containing lightweight filler particles. One or more reinforcement members, such as mesh or plate sheets, are bonded to at least one surface of the panel to provide a completed panel that can breathe and has weather resistant characteristics to be capable of sustaining exposure to the elements during construction, without damage.
US08065852B2 Non-combustible reinforced cementitious lightweight panels and metal frame system for roofing
A roofing system including horizontal or sloped metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The roofing system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.
US08065851B2 Self-spacing wood composite panels
A composite wood panel having a first and a second longitudinal edge comprising an essentially parallel first surface and second surface, a core, a spacer integrally formed in or attached in the core on at least the longitudinal edges wherein the spacer extends from an edge a pre-determined distance whereby upon placing one panel adjacent to a second panel a spacer of the first panel will abut a spacer of or an edge of a second panel thereby forming at least a first aperture between the adjacent panels wherein an aperture is located between adjacent edges of the panels. A spacer can push into its panel upon linear expansion of a panel. The spacer can be, e.g., a tongue, edge profile, or separate spacing material. Methods for making and using panels are disclosed.
US08065846B2 Modular building panels, method of assembly of building panels and method of making building panels
A modular construction system is made of a plurality of panels having peripheral frame elements defining a top channel, a bottom channel, and side channels. An exterior planar sheet and an interior planar sheet element enclose an inner core region that is filled with an adhesive bonding material that attaches the components together.
US08065844B2 Ballasted photovoltaic module and module arrays
A photovoltaic (PV) module assembly including a PV module and a ballast tray. The PV module includes a PV device and a frame. A PV laminate is assembled to the frame, and the frame includes an arm. The ballast tray is adapted for containing ballast and is removably associated with the PV module in a ballasting state where the tray is vertically under the PV laminate and vertically over the arm to impede overt displacement of the PV module. The PV module assembly can be installed to a flat commercial rooftop, with the PV module and the ballast tray both resting upon the rooftop. In some embodiments, the ballasting state includes corresponding surfaces of the arm and the tray being spaced from one another under normal (low or no wind) conditions, such that the frame is not continuously subjected to a weight of the tray.
US08065843B2 Cable cleat system
The present invention relates generally to a system for adjusting the length and tension of a cable that is used to support another structure, such as bay and bow windows and, more particularly, to such a system that is easily micro-adjustable as well as macro-adjustable.
US08065842B2 Metal bird spike with memory shape base
A bird deterrent device is presented having a base that is at least partially composed of a metal or metal composite. The base can be configured such that the base has sufficient resiliency to revert to an original form after being bent at least 15°. A plurality of spikes can be coupled to the base so that the device is stackable with other such devices while the spikes are oriented at least 5° out of parallel with respect to a plane of the base. It is contemplated that the devices can be stacked such that the base of one device is less than 3 cm from the base of an adjacent device in the stack.
US08065840B2 Modular building construction system and method of constructing
A modular building construction system including a plurality of free-standing, molded polymer components that may be assembled to form a weatherproof structure. Components include a center, corner, interior passageway, door, and roof panels, as well as supporting beams that may be arranged in a nearly infinite number of configurations to easily, quickly and inexpensively form nearly any structure desired by the user.
US08065835B2 Device for displaceably holding a glass pane in a sliding rail
A device for displaceably holding a glass pane (1) in a sliding rail has at least one fastening part (2) to which a hot-melt adhesive cushion (7) is fitted and which has at least one locking element (10, 11). Furthermore, there is an elongate holding rail (3) which can be brought into engagement with the or each locking element (10, 11). The or each locking element (10, 11) can be moved between a locking position, in which the or each fastening part (2) is connected fixedly to the holding rail (3), and a release position in which the engagement with the holding rail (3) is released and the glass pane (1) can be removed from the holding rail (3). As a result, repair due to wear of the holding rail (3) is less cost-intensive, since the glass pane (1) is connected releasably to the holding rail (3).
US08065832B2 Tree watering systems
A system for dispersing water to the root zone of one or more trees beneath the soil's surface, comprising a perforated hollow cylindrical tube, ending in a spike, with an internal filter, which is driven into the ground to deliver water to the root zone a tree or trees.
US08065831B2 Stackable structural cell having improved support characteristics
Structural cells that are placed beneath hardscape. The cells are strong enough to structurally support the hardscape, effectively bearing its weight along with the weight of any load it carries. Furthermore, even though the cells are strong enough to offer structural support of a hardscape, the cells are also designed to be relatively lightweight, stackable, and open, allowing approximately 90% of their volume, or more, to be free volume that can contain uncompacted soil, tree roots, and the like. The cells achieve these attributes through a design that includes a flexible bottom frame, and support members. These support members have a cross-sectional shape that allows for axial rigidity while also preventing any interlocking between support members when cells are stacked. In one embodiment, this cross-sectional shape is a generally quadrifoil shape.
US08065830B2 Multiple magazine loader
A firearm magazine loading and unloading tool that may be formed in a one-piece unit that is hand-held, ambidextrous, generally rectangular in shape and able to fit inside one or more magazines.
US08065825B2 Badge for displaying multiple and interchangeable pieces of information
An article to be worn, such as a badge, displays indicia such as identification and advertising. The article includes a housing, a first indicia member positioned on the first indicia portion of the housing and a second indicia member positioned on the second indicia portion of the housing. The first and second indicia portions are discrete from one another and can receive interchangeable indicia members. The invention further includes a method of identifying a wearer of the article, such as a sales clerk or food service preparer, and advertising a product or service, all with the same badge.
US08065822B2 Height adjustment on plow a-frame
A method and an adjustable plow hitch frame. The plow hitch frame is configured to pivotally couple with a plow blade at one end and coupled with a vehicle at another end. The adjustable plow hitch frame includes a pair of elongated side members maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a traverse member. Each side member defines a front portion and a rear portion. A pivot assembly is coupled to the front portion of each side member and configured to couple to the plow blade. An adjustment lug is coupled to the rear portion of each side member, with each adjustment lug defining a plurality of orifaces aligned vertically. The height of the adjustable plow hitch frame relative to the vehicle is fixed with corresponding orifaces in the adjustment lugs coupled to the vehicle.
US08065821B1 Footwear with interchangeable decorative features
Footwear with interchangeable components on the ankle area and tongue is herein disclosed, wherein both the replacement tongue and the upper area of the footwear comprise different materials, colors, or styles. The removal and replacement functionality is accomplished with a plurality of snap fasteners. To remove the upper portion of the footwear, the laces would be removed from the eyelets, an upper portion and tongue interchanged, and the laces replaced. It is also envisioned that the upper portion and tongue could be removed completely and shorter laces installed to transform the footwear into a pair of shoes as well.
US08065820B2 Ski boot, in particular for ski mountaineering
A ski boot, designed for ski mountaineering, includes a rigid shell and sole, an inshoe of soft material, and a leg portion pivotally secured to the shell. A lever is located on one side of the leg portion for operating a traction cable located on the other side of the leg portion. The remote end of the traction cable is engaged with, or secured to, a retention element on the leg portion. A spoiler is pivotally mounted at the rear of the shell, and is interposed between the rear of the leg portion and the rear of the inshoe. A lug, or similar coupling element, is formed on the lever. The lever is mounted for pivotal movement in the horizontal direction, between an opened, and closed, configuration or condition. When the lever is in its closed configuration, the lug engages the leg portion and the spoiler, and blocks their pivotal movement, or articulation, relative to the shell.
US08065819B2 Hands-free step-in closure apparatus
A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.
US08065813B2 Excavation device and profile analyses of the excavation itself and associated method
An excavation device (1) and profile analysis of the excavation includes a device (1) realizing excavations of prismatic shape and having a frame (3) and a plurality of excavation wheels (2). The frame (3) includes a first upper section (3c), a second intermediate section (3b) and a third lower section (3a. The excavation wheels (2) are positioned at least within said third section (3a). Sensors (4) carry out the measurement of the section and/or the shape of said excavation; the sensors of measure (4) are directed towards the walls of said excavation and measure the profile of said excavation on at least two opposite walls. A method of analysis of a shape and/or a section of an excavation of prismatic shape in the soil includes excavation of the soil through a device (1) having a frame (3) and a plurality of excavation wheels (2). The method includes a phase of measurement of the section and/or shape of said excavation by sensors (4) positioned on the frame (3) and directed towards the walls of said excavation, measuring the profile of the excavation on at least two opposite walls.
US08065804B1 Knife opening assist
A knife opening assist removably attached to a folding knife blade. The assist is comprised of an attachment element with a channel formed therein for positioning over a portion of any blade edge opposite to the sharp blade edge. The element is attached to the blade by attachment means through apertures formed in the attachment element sides. The top of the attachment element has a hook-shaped element hooking toward the forward end of the blade. The hook is adapted to snag a pocket, holster or other container as the pocket knife is being drawn out for use.
US08065801B2 Electric razor assembly
A electric razor foil assembly comprises flexible outer and inner foils (1, 2) supported by a structure (14) that is deformable to permit the foils to flex to follow concave or convex curvatures. The support structure includes two suspension members (22) supporting the foils along the respective side edges, and each support member (22) has several support elements (24) interconnected by hinges (25) and in sliding cooperation with the foils. The deformation of the suspension members is guided by guide plates located adjacent the suspension members. The foils are urged into cooperation by spring members (30) and the inner foil (2) is reciprocated by a drive arrangement including a flexible drive plate (36) disposed between the spring members (30) and the inner foil (2).
US08065799B2 Method of fabricating a turbomachine rotor disk
A method of fabricating a turbomachine rotor disk is disclosed. In the method, a metal container is defined, made up of a plurality of parts that define between them at least one annular cavity, an insert made of composite material is positioned in the at least one cavity, the assembly is subjected to hot isostatic compacting, and a rotor disk is machined.
US08065796B2 Method and apparatus for using flex circuit technology to create an electrode
A method of creating an active electrode that may include providing a flex circuit having an electrode made of a first material and providing a first mask over the flex circuit, the first mask having an offset region and an opening that exposes the electrode. The method may also include depositing a second material over the offset region and the opening, the second material being different from the first material and providing a second mask over the second material, the second mask having an opening over a portion of the second material that is over the offset region.
US08065795B2 Multi-layer circuit assembly and process for preparing the same
Processes for fabricating a multi-layer circuit assembly and a multi-layer circuit assembly fabricated by such processes are provided. The process includes (a) providing a substrate at least one area of which comprises a plurality of vias, these area(s) having a via density of 500 to 10,000 holes/square inch (75 to 1550 holes/square centimeter); (b) applying a dielectric coating onto all exposed surfaces of the substrate to form a conformal coating thereon; and (c) applying a layer of metal to all surfaces of the substrate. Additional processing steps such as circuitization may be included.
US08065794B2 Printed wiring board and its manufacturing method
The present invention has for its object to provide a process for manufacturing multilayer printed circuit boards which is capable of simultaneous via hole filling and formation of conductor circuit and via holes of good crystallinity and uniform deposition can be constructed on a substrate and high-density wiring and highly reliable conductor connections can be realized without annealing. The present invention is related to a process for manufacturing multilayer printed circuit boards which comprises disposing an interlayer resin insulating layer on a substrate formed with a conductor circuit, creating openings for formation of via holes in said interlayer resin insulating layer, forming an electroless plated metal layer on said interlayer resin insulating layer, disposing a resist thereon, performing electroplating, stripping the resist off and etching the electroless plated metal layer to provide a conductor circuit and via holes, wherein the electroplating is performed intermittently using said electroless plated metal layer as cathode and a plating metal as anode at a constant voltage between said anode and said cathode.
US08065789B2 Method of fabricating a heated substrate support
A method of forming a substrate support comprises providing a body having a groove, inserting a heater element into the groove, disposing an insert into the groove, and inserting a cap into the groove. The heater element comprises a resistive element inside a sheath encased in a malleable cladding. The insert is disposed over the cladding, and the cap is substantially flush with an outer surface of the body.
US08065782B2 Electromotion type automatic clip-ejecting apparatus
In an electro-motion type automatic clip-ejecting apparatus, when paper to be bound is inserted into the apparatus after a large number of clips are charged in the clip magazine, each clip is simultaneously ejected from the clip magazine so that a binding operation is performed so that it is possible to conveniently use the clip ejecting apparatus by only one hand of the user. The apparatus includes a wheel movement member and a clip ejecting member. The wheel movement member includes a pole, a spring for providing elastic force, and a pole movement bar for performing a linear movement so that the pole movement bar is interlocked with the pushing rack gear. The pole is interlocked with the pole movement bar according to linear movement of the pole movement bar. The clip ejecting member includes a spar gear, a fixed gear, and a pushing rack gear.
US08065780B2 Collapsible device
A collapsible device includes a base, a cover, and a hinge. The hinge includes a first connecting member fixed to the base, a second connecting member defining a through hole, a sleeve member fixed to the second connecting member, a shaft movably mounted to the first connecting member, and a fastener. The sleeve member defines a spiral slide groove therein. A clamping protrusion extends from the first connecting member for slidably engaging in the slide groove. The shaft includes a fixing portion rotatably passed through the sleeve member and the through hole. The fastener is fixed to a distal end of the fixing portion. The second connecting member is fixed to the cover. During the rotation of the cover relative to the base via the hinge, the cover is synchronously moved transversely relative to the base along the axial direction of the hinge.
US08065776B2 Cleaning implement and a mop designed therefor
A cleaning implement comprises a handle (1), a plate frame (2) connected to the handle, and a mop (3) that is detachably attached to the plate frame. At least one pair of holding members, consisting of a permanent magnet and a counterpart cooperating therewith, has been arranged for holding of the mop (3) onto the plate frame (2). The magnet and the counterpart have been attached to the plate frame (2) and to the mop (3), respectively, so that they face each other in the operating position of the mop. The counterpart may consist of a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic substance and it has been anchored, for example, by sewing inside the mop (3) under a fabric that forms the upper surface of the mop. The specification also relates to the mop (3) per se, which is provided with at least one magnetic holding member arranged in the vicinity of the upper surface of the mop and, in the operating position of the mop, cooperating with the magnetic fastening part which is in a corresponding position on the plate frame.
US08065774B2 Paint brush with detachable head
A paint brush has a handle and a paint brush head. The paint brush head is detachable from the paint brush handle. The paint brush head may be rotatable to a number of positions relative to the paint brush handle.
US08065771B2 Pool cleaning brush
This invention discloses a roller brush used in swimming pool cleaner, including the roller body and the roller brush wrapped around the roller body. The inner side of roller brush in contact with the roller body outer surface. The roller body has a number of detent posts or grooves. The roller brush inner surface has a number of corresponding grooves or posts. Certain number of detent posts engages with grooves enable the roller brush and roller body positive interlock. For this reason, this roller brush invention allows positive and synchronize drive between roller body and roller brush, avoiding slipping drive. Moreover, this invention has simple construction, easy manufacture and assembly. This invention does not need to apply too much tension on the roller brush, reducing the flexible roller brush aging rate. It is therefore product life extended and maintenance cost lowered.
US08065770B2 Dock leveler with continuous position sensing
An example dock leveler for a loading dock includes a position sensor system that not only senses upper and lower travel limits of the dock leveler's deck and/or lip but can also sense a plurality of intermediate positions between the limits. In some examples, the system includes one or more cable-extension transducers that provide a feedback signal that varies as a function of the deck's position relative to a dock platform and/or varies as a function of the lip's position relative to the deck. Such a position sensor system makes it possible to operate the dock leveler automatically with little to no manual intervention.
US08065767B2 Aid for the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome
The present invention provides a safety apparatus as an aid for the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A mattress, fitting the dimensions of a standard-sized crib, is composed of three different layers, allowing a free flow of air through it to the infant lying in any position. The lowest layer has transverse channels allowing cross-wise air movement. The middle and top layers have vertical perforations through them allowing a vertical flow of air. Being composed of 3 layers, differing in density and firmness, the mattress is both firm and pleasant to the touch. Therefore, in addition to its primary function, the mattress provides a method to counter a potential delay in the motor development of the infant, which can result from prolonged lying in the supine position. A mesh sheet is stretched taut over the mattress and fastened securely to the vertical bars of the crib.
US08065759B2 McClain's bathtub monitor
A monitor embodiment, monitoring overflow levels in a bathtub, comprises an input water unit, including a control circuitry, coupled to a hot-cold water facet; a water level detection unit including telescopically joined tubes with a floatable lowest tube associated with an indicator, an uppermost tube fixed to the input unit, sensors attached to non-lowest tubes variably coupled. The sensors detect the indicator's position reaching a predetermined alarm or shutoff level, causing respective initiating an alarm signal, or terminating the input unit's water flow. Another embodiment additionally comprises an output water unit associated with the circuitry, incorporating a temperature sensor and a user preset-temperature selector. The output unit outlets cooled water from the bathtub, the input unit inlets hot water until the preset-temperature is reached, provided no alarm signal was issued. An additional sensor, incorporated in the input unit, allows adding the hot water when it's hotter than the bathtub water.
US08065752B2 Diving face mask
A diving face mask including a pair of front lenses, a lens frame provided with an outer frame having a pair of lens holders in which the lenses are detachably mounted from front and an inner frame having a pair of annular portions adapted to be detachably snap engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the lens holders, a tubular facial skirt extending rearward from the lens frame, and a strap adapted to be put around the wearer's head. The inner frame includes a pair of the integral annular portions and is formed with a space into which a connector member prepared separately of the inner frame is detachably fitted.
US08065751B2 Moisture-absorbable hat
A moisture-absorbable hat includes: a crown made of a woven fabric including warp and weft textured charcoal fiber yarns, warp and weft non-charcoal fiber yarns which are not elastic and are not textured, and weft elastofiber yarns, the elastofiber yarns extending along a circumferential direction of the crown; and a sweatband attached to and extending along a circumferential open end of the crown and including warp and weft textured charcoal fiber yarns, and weft elastofiber yarns.
US08065748B2 Curved soccer goalkeeper glove
Confronting intra-finger gussets, peripheral banding strips, and stitching lines extending from wrist to fingertip across a palm face of a soccer goalkeeper glove help to hold the glove in a curved configuration that protects the fingers and thumb of the wearer from bending backward when hit by a soccer ball. These features, alone, or in various combinations, also contribute to a realistic feel in handling a ball.
US08065747B2 Finished slot and adjustable shirt collar and method of manufacturing same
An adjustable collar having a finished slot through which a fabric strip passes unimpeded. A pair of flaps is formed by an outer band of the collar and abut the finished slot. The fabric strip is secured to a free end of an elastic strip, which is secured to a shirt band at a first end of the elastic strip. A button is secured to a free end of the fabric strip and the button passes through a horizontal buttonhole defined in an end of an outer portion of a neckband of the shirt. The fabric strip is retracted and hidden when the collar is open. The button is larger than a diameter of the finished slot to prevent the fabric strip from retracting completely therethrough.
US08065746B2 Multi-scored winged collar support
A winged collar support for a shirt collar including an elongated body portion having a first end, a second end and a center portion. A pair of wings protrudes from one of the first and second ends of the elongated body portion. The pair of wings has an inner side facing the center portion of the elongated body portion and an outer side opposite to the inner side. A plurality of rows of notches are formed in each wing. The plurality of rows of notches extend from the inner side of the wing to the outer side of each wing. Each notch extends from the surface of the wing to a depth of no more than half the thickness of the wing.
US08069493B2 Atomic force microscope apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide an atomic force microscope apparatus allowing tracking errors to be made as close to zero as possible to reduce images obtained through high-speed scanning from being degraded. To accomplish the object of the present invention, the present invention provides an atomic force microscope apparatus imaging a surface topography of a sample in a contact mode, the apparatus including a cantilever having a probe interacting with the sample surface via an atomic force and being subjected to a deflection by the atomic force, laser light provision means for allowing first laser light to enter the cantilever, light detection means, a controller estimating the surface topography of the sample surface, and data storage means for recording the estimated surface topography.
US08069491B2 Probe testing structure
A calibration structure for probing devices.
US08069488B2 Method and apparatus for exclusively controlling a device in a home network
A method and apparatus exclusively control a device in a home network. A control point requests exclusive control authority from the device. In response to the request the control point receives an identifier (RID) used to successfully authenticate the exclusive control authority. The control point then acquires the exclusive control authority and controls the device. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent other control points from interfering with the device so as not to perform an operation which is not desirable for the control point that acquires the exclusive control authority over the device.
US08069487B2 Cloud-based application whitelisting
Systems and methods for allowing authorized code to execute on a computer system are provided. According to one embodiment, an in-memory cache is maintained having entries containing execution authorization information regarding recently used modules. After authenticating a module, its execution authorization information is added to the cache. Activity relating to a module is intercepted. A hash value of the module is generated. The module is authenticated with reference to a multi-level whitelist including a global whitelist, a local whitelist and the cache. The authentication includes first consulting the cache and if the module is not found, then looking up its hash value in the local whitelist and if it is not found, then looking it up in the global whitelist. Finally, the module is allowed to be loaded and executed if its hash value matches a hash value of an approved code modules within the global whitelist.
US08069480B1 Method and system for defining a safe storage area for use in recovering a computer system
A method for defining an area to record changes made to a computer system is provided. A safe area is defined on a primary storage device of the computer system and information is stored on the location of the safe area on a secondary storage device. Further, the computer system is booted utilizing a backup device and data is changed on the primary storage device. The changes are recorded in the safe area of the primary storage device and are accessible when the computer system is booted from the backup device.
US08069479B2 Position and velocity-based mobile device management
A set of one or more positional control parameters includes at least one of a geographic limit, a velocity limit, and a direction of travel limit. A control list identifies at least one feature in a mobile device. The at least one feature may be associated with at least one of the positional control parameters.
US08069478B2 Unit using OS and image forming apparatus using the same
A chip mountable on a replaceable unit used in an image forming job is disclosed. The chip includes a central processing unit (CPU) to perform at least one of authentication and cryptographic data communication with a main body of the image forming apparatus using an operating system (OS) of the CPU which operates separately from an OS of the image forming apparatus. With the use of such a configuration, security for a unit in which the chip is mounted can thereby be reinforced.
US08069477B2 Unit using OS and image forming apparatus using the same
A chip mountable on a customer replaceable unit monitoring memory (CRUM) unit used in an image forming job includes a central processing unit (CPU) with its own operating system (OS), which operates separately from an OS of the image forming apparatus, to perform authentication communication with a main body of the image forming apparatus using the OS of the CPU. The security of a unit on which the chip is mounted can thereby be reinforced and random changes of data of the unit can be prevented.
US08069476B2 Identity validation
Techniques for validating identities are provided. A sign-on request is authenticated for a given principal. Attributes associated with that principal are acquired from an identity service and compared against local maintained attributes for that principal. If the identity-service acquired attributes match the local attributes, then the principal is validated for access. During principal access, selective events drive updates to the identity-service acquired attributes, and the comparison with the local attributes is performed again to determine whether the validated principal is to be invalidated or is to remain validated.
US08069472B2 Methods, systems, and storage mediums for implementing issue notification and resolution activities
Exemplary embodiments include methods, systems, and storage mediums for implementing issue notification and resolution activities. A method includes receiving a request for access to a network service from an end user client system associated with an account. Upon determining an issue is associated with the account, the method includes flagging a user profile for the account to reflect the issue. Flagging accounts includes assigning a unique flag for each type of issue for determining a location for routing the request associated with flagged user profiles. The method also includes redirecting the request for access to a web server of the service provider network. Upon successful resolution of the issue, the method includes providing access to the network service for the end user client system.
US08069467B1 Privacy protection through restrictions on usernames and other online identifiers
Restrictions are placed on the content of usernames and other online identifiers to help maintain the privacy of offline identities of online users. A proposed username is tested by comparing at least a portion of its content to a set of personal identification information tokens that reflect aspects of an offline identity. The username is accepted if it satisfies a predetermined privacy criterion, which is defined in terms of matches to the personal identification information tokens. The user may receive questions regarding a proposed username and its relation, if any, to the online user's offline identity. Answers to the questions can be used to create personal identification information tokens which are compared to the proposed username.
US08069466B2 Advanced digital TV system
A system for displaying electronic program guide information about a plurality of video items on a screen, the system including a display module to display a plurality of pages layering into the screen, each of the pages including a plurality of graphical panels associated with the video items, and a user input module to receive a user input to turn at least one of the pages such that the at least one page is peeled away from other ones of the pages in order to bring the graphical panels of the at least one page in or out of view, wherein the display module is operative to show the turning of the at least one page bringing the at least one page in or out of view. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US08069465B1 Devices, systems, and methods for managing multimedia traffic across a common wireless communication network
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for managing multimedia traffic across a common wireless communication network. Embodiments may include content devices, end point devices, a network node, and a wireless dongle. The network node and the wireless dongle may have application functions transmitting and receiving application data streams including a video application. The video application may include a conversion engine to compress, expand, or convert video data. Further, both the network node and the wireless dongle may transmit downstream video streams and receive upstream video streams. In addition, the network node may have a master controller function and a node management function, and a dongle management function each managing video traffic streams and application data streams. In addition, the dongle management function controls admission of a video traffic stream originating from the wireless dongle to the wireless communication network.
US08069460B2 User interface for television schedule system
Screen (10) for a user interface of a television schedule system and process consists of an array (24) of irregular cells (26), which vary in length, corresponding to different television program lengths of one half hour to one-and-one half hours or more. The array is arranged as three columns (28) of one-half hour in duration, and twelve rows (30) of program listings. Some of the program listings overlap two or more of the columns (28) because of their length. Because of the widely varying length of the cells (26), if a conventional cursor used to select a cell location were to simply step from one cell to another, the result would be abrupt changes in the screen (10) as the cursor moved from a cell (26) of several hours length to an adjacent cell in the same row. An effective way of taming the motion is to assume that behind every array (24) is an underlying array of regular cells. By restricting cursor movements to the regular cells, abrupt screen changes will be avoided. With the cursor (32), the entire cell (26) is 3-D highlighted, using a conventional offset shadow (34). The offset shadow (34) is a black bar that underlines the entire cell and wraps around the right edge of the cell. To tag the underlying position—which defines where the cursor (32) is and thus, where it will move next—portions (36) of the black bar outside the current underlying position are segmented, while the current position is painted solid.
US08069452B2 Method and management agent for event notifications correlation
Methods and agent for correlating event notifications are provided wherein the agent comprises an interface receiving an event notification, a Peer Agent Notification Category List (PANCL) storing peer agent notification categories of event notifications that other agents are interested in receiving from the agent, and a notifications processing engine that determines if the event notification matches the peer agent notification categories of the PANCL. Upon positive determination the first event notification is sent at least to a second agent associated with the matched peer agent notification category of the PANCL. In another aspect, the agent comprises a manager notifications log storing identities of event notifications sent from the agent to the manager and a notifications processing engine that determines if a received peer agent event notification matches any event notifications of the log. Upon positive determination, the engine correlates the peer agent event notification with the event notification of the log.
US08069444B2 Method and apparatus for achieving fair cache sharing on multi-threaded chip multiprocessors
In a computer system with a multi-core processor having a shared cache memory level, an operating system scheduler adjusts the CPU latency of a thread running on one of the cores to be equal to the fair CPU latency which that thread would experience when the cache memory was equally shared by adjusting the CPU time quantum of the thread. In particular, during a reconnaissance time period, the operating system scheduler gathers information regarding the threads via conventional hardware counters and uses an analytical model to estimate a fair cache miss rate that the thread would experience if the cache memory was equally shared. During a subsequent calibration period, the operating system scheduler computes the fair CPU latency using runtime statistics and the previously computed fair cache miss rate value to determine the fair CPI value.
US08069442B2 Computer system and method for secure installation and operation of software
A computer system provides for the secure installation and operation of software. The computer system includes a platform, such as a personal computer, having a processor and the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. The computer system also includes a first drive, such as a network, DVD or CD-ROM drive, adapted for access by the processor, and a second drive, such as a hard disk, adapted for access by the processor. The second drive includes an NT File Structure logical volume. The computer system further includes an installer operatively associated with the first drive. The installer cooperates with the processor to write a Primary Data Stream file to the NT File Structure logical volume, to associate data with the Primary Data Stream file, and to write the associated data to the NT File Structure logical volume as an Alternate Data Stream file.
US08069439B2 Framework for modeling continuations in workflows
Enabling creation of control flow patterns in a workflow via continuations. Each continuation represents an activity execution context for an activity executing in the workflow by a workflow engine virtualizing a managed execution environment. Responsive to a request, the activity execution context is recreated via the continuation and the activity is executed within the recreated context.
US08069435B1 System and method for integration of web services
System and method for integrating Web Services using a Web Services Structured Methodology are described. Embodiments of a Web Services Structured Methodology may be used to integrate Web Services in Enterprise and Cross-Enterprise business systems, and to integrate legacy systems (e.g. legacy mainframe systems) with Web Services in Enterprise and Cross-Enterprise business systems. Embodiments may provide an integrated Web Services architecture design mechanism that may be used for Enterprise and Cross-Enterprise integration of Web Services. Embodiments may be used for Legacy Mainframe Integration and Interoperability with Web Services.
US08069434B2 Integrated model checking and issue resolution framework
A plurality of constraints are identified for a model of a software deployment in an integrated development environment. Each of the constraints are associated with one of a plurality of analysis levels. It is determined for each analysis level whether the corresponding associated constraints are met so that an identification indicating the same may be provided. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and articles are described.
US08069432B2 Method and system for performing statistical leakage characterization, analysis, and modeling
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for performing statistical leakage power characterization to estimate yield of a circuit in terms of leakage power. According to some approaches, this is performed with consideration of bi-exponential modeling.
US08069431B1 Routing signals to pins of components in programmable logic devices
Various techniques are provided for routing signals to pins of components of programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a computer-implemented method of routing signals in a PLD includes routing a plurality of signals to pins of a component of the PLD. At least two of the signals are routed to a same pin. The method also includes, for each of the signals routed to the same pin, determining a cost value associated with each of two or more pins. the method also includes, for each of the signals routed to the same pin, rerouting the signal to one of the two or more pins having the lowest cost value. The method also includes repeating the determining a cost value and the rerouting until no more than one signal is routed to a pin.
US08069427B2 Method and program for designing semiconductor integrated circuit using peripheral parameter
A method of designing a semiconductor integrated circuit includes: performing a circuit simulation of a cell with changing a parameter that specifies a layout pattern around the cell; and generating a delay function expressing a delay value of the cell as a function of the parameter, based on a result of the circuit simulation. The method further includes: generating a layout data indicating a layout of the semiconductor integrated circuit, based on a cell-based design technique. The method further includes: referring to the generated layout data to extract the parameter associated with a target cell included in the semiconductor integrated circuit; and calculating a delay value of the target cell by using the extracted parameter and the delay function.
US08069423B2 System and method for model based multi-patterning optimization
Some embodiments provide a method for optimally decomposing patterns within particular spatial regions of interest on a particular layer of a design layout for a multi-exposure photolithographic process. Specifically, some embodiments model the spatial region using a mathematical equation in terms of two or more intensities. Some embodiments then optimize the model across a set of feasible intensities. The optimization yields a set of intensities such that the union of the patterns created/printed from each exposure intensity most closely approximates the patterns within the particular regions. Based on the set of intensities, some embodiments then determine a decomposition solution for the patterns that satisfies design constraints of a multi-exposure photolithographic printing process. In this manner, some embodiments achieve an optimal photolithographic printing of the particular regions of interest without performing geometric rule based decomposition.
US08069418B2 Medical information system and user interface supporting treatment administration
A system advantageously populates Flowsheet data fields with predetermined exemplary patient parameter data in response to user selection of a designated displayed trigger parameter and enables user preview of Flowsheet format including the exemplary data resulting from tentative configuration settings without exiting a configuration window. A user interface display system supports entry of medical information concerning administration of treatment to a patient. A display generator generates at least one display image for use in configuring a display image to be used in supporting entry of information concerning administration of medication to a patient. The at least one display image includes data entry elements supporting user selection of a plurality of predetermined data item values associated with an individual parameter and a display window including particular user entered predetermined data item values in a format substantially the same as the format the particular predetermined data item values are to have in a configured display image.
US08069414B2 Embedded video player
A system, method and various user interfaces provide an embedded web-based video player for navigating video playlists and playing video content. A website publisher can create and store a video player with customized parameters (e.g., player type, appearance, advertising options, etc.) and can associate the player with a playlist of selected videos. The stored video player is associated with a player ID in a player database and can be embedded in a website using an embed code referencing the player ID. A user interface for the embedded player provides controls for controlling video playback and for controlling the selection of a video from the playlist.
US08069411B2 System and method for auto-reuse of document text
A system and method for automatically reusing document text (e.g. repeated phrases or lists) in a newly created document having a predetermined document type (e.g. medical record). The present invention determines whether business rules exist for the predetermined document type associated with the newly created document. If business rules for the predetermined document type exist, the present invention determines whether the user has previously requested document text reuse for the newly created document. If the user has not previously requested document text reuse for the newly created document, the present invention selects document text from one or more stored documents in accordance with the business rules for the predetermined document type corresponding to the newly created document. The present invention then automatically inserts the selected document text into the newly created document.
US08069407B1 Method and apparatus for detecting changes in websites and reporting results to web developers for navigation template repair purposes
A software application for enabling automated notification of applied structural changes to electronic information pages hosted on a data packet network is provided. The software application comprises, a developer-interface module for enabling developers to build and modify navigation templates using functional logic blocks, a navigation system-interface module for integrating the software application to a proxy-navigation system for periodic execution of the templates, a change-notification module for indicating a point in process where a navigation routine has failed and for creating a data file containing parameters associated with the failed navigation routine and a database interface module for interfacing the software application to a data repository for storing the data file. The software application periodically submits test navigation and interaction routines to the navigation system for execution by virtue of the interface with the navigation system. Upon failure of a test routine, the software application creates the data file. The data file, comprises a point-of-failure indication within the failed navigation routine, an identifier of the associated electronic information page subjected to the navigation routine, and a brief description of the cause of failure. The software application stores the data file in the data repository sending notification of the action to the developer.
US08069405B1 User interface for efficiently browsing an electronic document using data-driven tabs
A method and system for helping a user efficiently browse an electronic document using data-driven tabs. A datasheet providing technical details of a corresponding user module is scanned for indicators (e.g., embedded anchors), wherein a user module is a pre-configured circuit design operating on a microcontroller. The indicators are for indicating a predetermined location within the datasheet. The datasheet description is read and graphic elements (e.g., tabs) are automatically rendered for each corresponding indicator, wherein a graphic element is rendered according to information within the indicator. Interacting with one of the graphic elements allows a user to jump to a predetermined location within the datasheet. The graphic elements are operable for efficient navigation of the datasheet, allowing for a large datasheet to be easily viewed in a small area of a display.
US08069403B2 Majority voting logic circuit for dual bus width
A circuit is presented for determining whether or not to invert a bus, for example a data bus that is operable having multiple widths. The circuit includes comparison circuitry that can receive both the current and next values for the bus and individually compare the current and next values of the bits on the bus to determine whether these have changed. A voting circuit receives the result of these determinations and also receives an indication of width with which the bus is being operated. The voting circuit then determines a bus inversion values based upon whether the number of bits on the data that have changed exceed a value that depends upon the indication of bus width.
US08069401B2 Equalization techniques using viterbi algorithms in software-defined radio systems
A system and method for channel equalization using a Viterbi algorithm. Information from an output of a matched filter and channel parameters from a channel estimation circuit are correlated and passed on to a reconfigurable data path. The reconfigurable data path includes a reconfigurable branch metric calculation block. The reconfigurable data path also includes a reconfigurable add-compare-select and path metric calculation block. The reconfigurable data path is controlled using a programmable finite state machine. The programmable finite state machine executes a plurality of context-related instructions associated with the Viterbi algorithm. The system and method for channel equalization supports multiple standards using Viterbi algorithms.
US08069398B2 Method for decoding multiword information
A method for decoding multiword information comprises steps (a) to (e). In step (a), a multiword information cluster, e.g., ECC, including high protective codewords, e.g., BIS, and low protective codewords, e.g., LDC, is provided. In step (b), the high and low protective codewords are stored into a first memory, e.g., DRAM. In step (c), the high protective codewords are decoded to generate high protective word erasure indicators showing whether decoding errors occur. In step (d), the high protective word erasure indicators are stored into a second memory, e.g., SRAM. In step (e), the low protective codewords are decoded. In the meanwhile, an erasure bit for a low protective codeword is marked by finding high protective codewords close to the low protective codeword in the multiword information cluster and looking up the high protective word erasure indicators of the high protective codewords close to the low protective codeword.
US08069396B2 Storage device for refreshing data pages of flash memory based on error correction code and method for the same
A storage device for refreshing pages of a flash memory comprises a flash memory, an ECC detector and a controller. The flash memory has a plurality of pages, and each page comprises a data area for storing data and a spare area for storing error correction code (ECC) corresponding to the data. The ECC detector is used to get the number of error bits of each page. The controller coupled to the ECC detector is used for storing data and ECC in a first page to a second page when a number of used bytes of the ECC stored in a spare area of the first page exceeds a first predetermined value. A number of used bytes of the ECC stored in a spare area of the second page is less than the first predetermined value. The second page is a blank page.
US08069395B2 Three bit error detection using ECC codes
An Error Correction Code (ECC) encoding module encodes an input data word by calculating parity bits according to an ECC index mapping. An ECC correction/detection module receives the encoded data word that may have become corrupted due to noise or distortion. The ECC correction/detection module executes a parity calculation on the encoded data word based on the ECC index mapping. Based on the parity calculation, the ECC correction/detection module can detect and correct a single bit error, detect if there is an error to an even number of bits, and detect the occurrence of a three consecutive bit burst error.
US08069389B2 Error correction circuit and method, and semiconductor memory device including the circuit
An error correction circuit, an error correction method, and a semiconductor memory device including the error correction circuit are provided. The error correction circuit includes a partial syndrome generator, first and second error position detectors, a coefficient calculator, and a determiner. The partial syndrome generator calculates at least two partial syndromes using coded data. The first error position detector calculates a first error position using a part of the partial syndromes. The coefficient calculator calculates coefficients of an error position equation using the at least two partial syndromes. The determiner determines an error type based on the coefficients. The second error position detector optionally calculates a second error position based on the error type. The semiconductor memory device includes the error correction circuit, an error checking and correcting (ECC) encoder generating syndrome data based on information data and generating the coded data by combining the syndrome data with information data, and a memory core storing the coded data. Multi-bit ECC performance is maintained and ECC for a predetermined (1 or 2) or less number of error bits is quickly performed.
US08069377B2 Integrated circuit having memory array including ECC and column redundancy and method of operating the same
An integrated circuit device (for example, a logic device or a memory device (such as, a discrete memory device)), including a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, multiplexer circuitry, coupled to the memory cell array, wherein the multiplexer circuitry includes a plurality of data multiplexers, each data multiplexer having a plurality of inputs, including (i) a first input to receive write data which is representative of data to be written into the memory cells of the memory cell array in response to a write operation, and (ii) a second input to receive read data which is representative of data read from memory cells of the memory cell array, and an associated output to responsively output data from one of the plurality of inputs, and syndrome generation circuitry, coupled to the multiplexer circuitry, to generate: (i) a write data syndrome vector using the write data and (ii) a read data syndrome vector using the read data.
US08069374B2 Fingerprinting event logs for system management troubleshooting
A technique for automatically detecting and correcting configuration errors in a computing system. In a learning process, recurring event sequences, including e.g., registry access events, are identified from event logs, and corresponding rules are developed. In a detecting phase, the rules are applied to detected event sequences to identify violations and to recover from failures. Event sequences across multiple hosts can be analyzed. The recurring event sequences are identified efficiently by flattening a hierarchical sequence of the events such as is obtained from the Sequitur algorithm. A trie is generated from the recurring event sequences and edges of nodes of the trie are marked as rule edges or non-rule edges. A rule is formed from a set of nodes connected by rule edges. The rules can be updated as additional event sequences are analyzed. False positive suppression policies include a violation-consistency policy and an expected event disappearance policy.
US08069371B2 Method and system for remotely debugging a hung or crashed computing system
A method and system for debugging a computer upon a kernel hang and/or upon a software failure, the method comprising executing a debugger on a remote computer, connecting the hung or crashed computer to the remote computer with a communications link, and debugging the hung or crashed computer with the debugger without rebooting the system. The method may include deconfiguring any kernel driver of the computer attached to the communication card prior to connecting the remote debugger to the computer.
US08069369B2 Remote anomaly diagnosis and reconfiguration of an automatic data collection device platform over a telecommunications network
The invention provides a system and method for remotely diagnosing and repairing a plurality of device platforms. A remote service technician utilizes a computing system having browsing software that communicates with a network of platform devices.
US08069367B2 Virtual lock stepping in a vital processing environment for safety assurance
An apparatus and method for train control utilizing virtual lock stepping are disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, an improved method of train control utilizes identical software applications executing on redundant processors. The redundant processors are maintained in virtual lock step to ensure the safety integrity of the overall system being controlled. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, one software process is a master and one software process is a slave. The master and the slave both independently execute application logic based upon detected events (e.g., input data, etc.). In order to ensure that any anomalies that might result in a hazard are detected in the timeliest manner, and that false anomalies are minimized, the redundant software processes must process the same event within a specified time frame.
US08069366B1 Global write-log device for managing write logs of nodes of a cluster storage system
A cluster system comprises a plurality of nodes that provides data-access service to a shared storage, each node having at least one failover partner node for taking over services of a node if the node fails. Each node may produce write logs for the shared storage and periodically send write logs at predetermined time intervals to a global device which stores write logs from each node. The global device may detect failure of a node by monitoring time intervals of when write logs are received from each node. Upon detection of a node failure, the global device may provide the write logs of the failed node to one or more partner nodes for performing the write logs on the shared storage. Write logs may be transmitted only between nodes and the global device to reduce data exchanges between nodes and conserving I/O resources of the nodes.
US08069365B2 Method and device for realizing IP multimedia subsystem disaster tolerance
A method for realizing an Internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) disaster tolerance includes the steps as follows. An S-CSCF receives a user registration, and backs up necessary data which is required when a user service processing is restored on a storage entity in a network. An I-CSCF of user's home domain receives a service request of the user, and if it is found that the S-CSCF currently providing a service for the user fails, assigns a new S-CSCF to the user, and forwards the service request to the newly assigned S-CSCF. The newly assigned S-CSCF interrogates and acquires subscription data of the user and the necessary data backed up by the original S-CSCF from the storage entity, and then restores the user service processing according to the subscription data and the backup data. A device for realizing an IMS disaster tolerance is also provided.
US08069364B2 Method to recover from logical path failures
A system and method for recovering from logical path failures is set forth. More specifically, when a host detects a logical path failure, the host enters a path discovery mode of operation. If the host continues to detect a logical path failure while operating in the logical path discovery mode of operation, the host removes the logical path from a logical path mask, and the host does not use the removed logical path again. Additionally, the system and method facilitates recovery of the failed logical paths by using a plurality of logical path masks. A first mask is referred to as an intermediate failure logical path mask and a second mask is referred to as a permanent failure logical path mask.
US08069362B2 Automated electrical power savings in virtualization environments
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for shutting down a host, such as a computer, server, and the like, to enable power savings. In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The computer-implemented method includes determining whether to shutdown an application at a virtual machine. The determination is made using information from the application. The virtual machine and application operate on a host. A power management mechanism of the host may be initiated to enable a power savings when compared to not shutting down the host. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US08069361B2 Method and program for setting microprocessor power supply voltage
A determining unit determines the state of the microprocessor. A setting unit sets a power supply voltage to be supplied to the microprocessor according to the state of the microprocessor determined by the determining unit. A power supply circuit supplies the power supply voltage set by the setting unit, to the microprocessor via a power supply line. The determining unit determines repeatedly the state of the microprocessor at preset timing, and the setting unit resets the power supply voltage every time the determination is performed by the determining unit.
US08069358B2 Independent power control of processing cores
Independent power control of two or more processing cores. More particularly, at least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a technique to place at least one processing core in a power state without coordinating with the power state of one or more other processing cores.
US08069355B2 Data path controller with integrated power management to manage power consumption of a computing device and its components
A data path controller, a computer device, an apparatus and a method are disclosed for integrating power management functions into a data path controller to manage power consumed by processors and peripheral devices. By embedding power management within the data path controller, the data path controller can advantageously modify its criteria in-situ so that it can adapt its power management actions in response to changes in processors and peripheral devices. In addition, the data path controller includes a power-managing interface that provides power-monitoring ports for monitoring and/or quantifying power consumption of various components. In one embodiment, the data path controller includes a power-monitoring interface for selectably monitoring power of a component. It also includes a controller for adjusting operational characteristics of the component for modifying the power consumed by the component to comply with a performance profile, which generally specifies permissible power consumption levels for the component.
US08069353B2 Low-latency data decryption interface
Methods and apparatus for reducing the impact of latency associated with decrypting encrypted data are provided. Rather than wait until an entire packet of encrypted data is validated (e.g., by checking for data transfer errors), the encrypted data may be pipelined to a decryption engine as it is received, thus allowing decryption to begin prior to validation. In some cases, the decryption engine may be notified of data transfer errors detected during the validation process, in order to prevent reporting false security violations.
US08069350B2 Communication protocol and electronic communication system, in particular authentication control system, as well as corresponding method
In order to provide a communication protocol for cryptographic authentication on the basis of at least one cryptographic algorithm, in particular according to the A[dvanced]E[ncryption]S[tandard], by providing at least one random number (PRN′) for at least one first, in particular present, authentication sequence or authentication session (n), and providing at least one further random number (PRN2, PRN3) for at least one further, in particular second or next, authentication sequence or authentication session (n+1), wherein the relevant time for cryptographic authentication is shortened, it is proposed that providing the further random number (PRN2, PRN3) is initialized (p) when, in particular immediately after, successfully performing the authentication in the first authentication sequence or authentication session (n).
US08069346B2 Implicit certificate verification
A method of computing a cryptographic key to be shared between a pair of correspondents communicating with one another through a cryptographic system is provided, where one of the correspondents receives a certificate of the other correspondents public key information to be combined with private key information of the one correspondent to generate the key. The method comprises the steps of computing the key by combining the public key information and the private key information and including in the computation a component corresponding to verification of the certificate, such that failure of the certificate to verify results in a key at the one correspondent that is different to the key computed at the other correspondent.
US08069345B2 Methods and systems for recovering a computer system using boot volume data from a storage area network
Methods and systems for recovering and booting a computer system using a SAN. The computer system comprises a local storage device. A request for writing data to a boot volume on the local storage device is received. The data is written to the local storage device, as well as to the SAN at substantially the same time as receiving the request. The computer system can then be booted using the data written to the SAN.
US08069344B2 System and method for analyzing CPU performance from a serial link front side bus
Monitoring of boot progress for a multiprocessor information handling system is performed with a test module running on a CPLD. RAM integrated in the CPLD stores boot progress information passed through an I/O buffer located between the processors and the firmware that boots the processors. Downloading of the boot progress from the RAM to an external device, such as through a serial port, provides a processor trace that is analysis and debugging of the firmware by recording processor operations through the boot progress.
US08069343B2 Computer with bootable restoration
A bootable restoration computer includes: at least one mass storage device; at least two mass storage device partitions in the at least one mass storage device, including first and second partitions; a partition image restoration program; at least one partition image; at least one human interface device; a primary operating system with graphical user interface; a secondary operating system; and, a boot loader responsive to the human interface device that provides for selecting between the primary secondary operating systems. The primary operating system resides on the first partition and is configured so that its standard locations for storing user-created files are folders rooted on at least one of any partition other than the first partition. The at least one partition image is an image of the first partition, and resides on at least one of any partition other than the first partition. If no opportunity is taken to select the secondary operating system in a predefined time, the computer loads the primary operating system. If the opportunity is taken, the partition image restoration program restores the partition image to the first partition.
US08069341B2 Unified provisioning of physical and virtual images
A system for the unified provisioning of virtual and physical disk images is created. The system includes a library of disk images. Client devices are able to upload to, and select disk images from the disk library. The library is able to determine the hardware requirements of a client device, and format the disk image accordingly. The library supports both virtual machine and physical computer systems, and is able to modify the stored disk image to accommodate either type of client device. The library can modify images to be bootable from a wide variety of storage device types, including iSCSI, and DAS, for example.
US08069334B2 Parallel histogram generation in SIMD processor by indexing LUTs with vector data element values
The present invention provides histogram calculation for images and video applications using a SIMD and VLIW processor with vector Look-Up Table (LUT) operations. This provides a speed up of histogram calculation by a factor of N times over a scalar processor where the SIMD processor could perform N LUT operations per instruction. Histogram operation is partitioned into a vector LUT operation, followed by vector increment, vector LUT update, and at the end by reduction of vector histogram components. The present invention could be used for intensity, RGBA, YUV, and other type of multi-component images.
US08069329B1 Internally triggered reconfiguration of programmable logic devices
Various techniques are described to provide an internally triggered reconfiguration of a programmable logic device (PLD). In one example, a PLD includes configuration memory adapted to store first configuration data to configure the PLD for its intended function. The PLD also includes a bus interface adapted to interface with configuration data storage memory. The PLD further includes user logic configured by the first configuration data and adapted to provide a reconfiguration signal to trigger a reconfiguration of the PLD. In addition, the PLD includes a bus interface controller responsive to the reconfiguration signal for loading second configuration data from the configuration data storage memory via the bus interface.
US08069324B2 Storage device with manual learning
In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a controller to read data from and write data to a first storage medium. The controller is adapted to monitor logical block addresses (LBAs) of each read operation from the first storage medium and to selectively store files associated with the monitored LBAs that are less than a predetermined length at a second storage medium to enhance performance of applications associated with the LBAs.
US08069320B1 System and method for consolidation of backups
A system, method and computer program product for consolidation of backups, wherein each backup includes data and a backup map with offsets that point to data of current and/or previous backups, including selecting a plurality of backups to be consolidated; combining the offsets in the backup maps of the selected backups into a single set of offsets; consolidating the selected backups to a new backup that contains the latest data from the selected backups, the latest data determined based on the offsets in the single set; updating the offsets in the single set to point to the data in the new backup; and storing the updated offsets in the new backup as part of a backup map of the new backup. The selected backups comprise one initial full backup and at least one backup. In the combining step, the addresses from the backup maps of first backup of the selected sequence of backups up to the last created backup is checked. The selected backups are organized into a tree.
US08069313B2 Method and system for managing cache invalidation
In one embodiment the present invention includes a method and system for managing cache invalidation. In one embodiment, connection information to a database in stored in an intermediate cache management module. If changes are made to objects in the database, the objects are invalidated in a local cache. The connection information is accessed and used to connect to the database by an invalidation listener. The invalidation listener may determine the changes so that the changes can be reflected in the cache. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented across multiple nodes in a clustered environment for updating caches on different nodes in response to changes to data objects performed by other nodes.
US08069309B1 Servicing memory in response to system failure
Memory is serviced. In response to an input indicating a serious condition, a service is invoked that is unaffected by the serious condition. By the service, it is determined whether other instructions are available to be executed that are not being affected by the serious condition. By the other instructions, data is copied from a write cache to a nonvolatile memory before the data is lost from the write cache.
US08069308B2 Cache pooling for computing systems
In a computing system a method and apparatus for cache pooling is introduced. Threads are assigned priorities based on the criticality of their tasks. The most critical threads are assigned to main memory locations such that they are subject to limited or no cache contention. Less critical threads are assigned to main memory locations such that their cache contention with critical threads is minimized or eliminated. Thus, overall system performance is improved, as critical threads execute in a substantially predictable manner.
US08069307B2 Accessing metadata with an external host
Systems and processes may be used to retrieve metadata from a nonvolatile memory of a portable device and transmit the retrieved metadata to an external host. Metadata may be analyzed using the external host and/or at least a portion of the metadata may be modified based on the analysis. Modified metadata may be transmitted from the external host to a memory controller of the host.
US08069306B2 Data area managing method in information recording medium and information processor employing data area managing method
Area management information is cached in a cache memory by controlling the access size when an information processor accesses the area management information in an information recording medium. When the processing content of the information processor is to retrieve a free area from the area management information, a physical management block size determined from the physical characteristics of the information recording medium is used. When the processing content is to acquire a link destination from the area management information, minimum access unit of the information recording medium is used. Consequently, overhead can be lessened when the area management information is accessed.
US08069298B2 Method of storing and accessing header data from memory
Methods of storing and accessing data using a header portion of a file are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of storing content in a non-volatile memory is disclosed. The method includes reading a content file including media content and including a trailer, storing information related to the trailer together with secure data in a header portion of a file, and storing the file to a storage element of the non-volatile memory or a memory area of a host device coupled to the non-volatile memory device.
US08069290B2 Processing system operable in various execution environments
A processing system operable in various execution environments. The system comprises plural processor cores having respective interrupt inputs, respective wait for interrupt outputs, and respective security outputs. The system also comprises a register coupled to at least one of the processor cores for identifying active execution environments. The system also comprises a global interrupt handler operable to selectively route interrupts to one or more of the interrupt inputs of said plural processor cores. The system also comprises a conversion circuit having plural interrupt-related output lines, and said conversion circuit fed with at least some of said respective wait for interrupt outputs and respective security outputs and fed by said register.
US08069289B2 Modbus register data formatting
A Modbus data protocol register formatting system and method are disclosed. The system and method provide for the Modbus communications protocol request and recall of data stored in a register in the data base native format, and the conversion of the data into a different requested format. The system and method similarly provide for the writing of data into a device register from a known variable format into the data base native format. The ability to convert the data by a format converter after recalling the data, or before storing the data, obviates the need to store or write data in different or multiple formats. The inventive method uses a modified register mapping that comprises defined mapping elements identifying the data address location, the requested data format, along with the data variable. The register mapping is fully variable to provide for a wide range of data formats and data address formats. The inventive system uses, in addition to the Modbus master and slave devices, a format converter that converts the data recalled into the requested data format, or converts the data to be written into the slave device native data format.
US08069286B1 Flexible on-chip datapath interface having first and second component interfaces wherein communication is determined based on a type of credit condition
Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing flexible on-chip datapath interfaces on a device. Datapath connections allow data streamlining without any knowledge of channels or packet boundaries. Flexible and modular interface adapters are used to allow component designers to efficiently provide interoperable components without having to adhere to a strict datapath interface specification. Interface adapters from an adapter library are instantiated and configured automatically when two components are connected.
US08069284B2 Semiconductor memory device, memory system and data recovery methods thereof
A semiconductor memory device includes a nonvolatile memory device having a plurality of physical sectors, and a memory controller configured to translate a logical address received from a host to a physical address, with reference to mapping data that defines a correspondence between the logical address and the physical address. The nonvolatile memory device is configured to access a first physical sector corresponding to the physical address, and, when a data delete command is provided from the host to the memory controller to delete first data that is stored in the first physical sector, the memory controller delays an erase and/or merge operation for the first physical sector in which the first data is stored.
US08069281B2 Connection device restriction program and device
A connection device restriction program for preventing use of uncalled-for connection devices. A permission list setting unit sets a connection permission list holding information defining connection devices whose connection is to be permitted, and a list memory stores the connection permission list. When a connection device is connected to one of first to third connection ports, a connection restriction unit acquires device information from the connection device, and collates the device information with the connection permission list to determine whether or not the connection device corresponds to any one of the connection-permitted devices. If the connection device corresponds to any one of the connection-permitted devices, connection of the device is permitted; if not, connection of the device is forbidden.
US08069278B2 Detecting abnormal host adapter operations via light emissions
A server is installed with host bus adapters (HBAs). The HBA causes light-emitting components thereon to emit light in abnormal light emission patterns upon falling into an abnormal condition, and in predetermined light emission patterns upon receiving a predetermined command. A method for managing the HBA includes storing abnormal light emission patterns of the HBA, detecting an abnormality as to whether a predetermined HBA is in an abnormal condition, obtaining current light emission patterns of a light-emitting component of an abnormal HBA which is detected to be in the abnormal condition in the detecting, and controlling light emission by sending the predetermined command to all of the HBAs except the abnormal one to cause the light-emitting components thereof to emit light in the predetermined light emission patterns, when the current light emission patterns, obtained in the obtaining, do not match the abnormal light emission patterns stored in the storing.
US08069277B2 System and method for operating USB peripheral device in extented power mode or standard power mode wherein permission from host must be granted before extended power is provided
A peripheral device is connected to a host device by a transmission path according to a predetermined interface standard to be communicable with the host device, and operates with power supply received from the host device through the transmission path. The peripheral device includes a main operation unit and a control unit. The main operation unit uses, in the operation thereof, non-standard current higher than an upper limit current value specified by the interface standard. The control unit operates in a standard power mode, which consumes current not exceeding the upper limit current value specified by the interface standard, to send the host device information indicating the use of the non-standard current, and performs, upon receipt from the host device of permission to use an extended power mode, which consumes the non-standard current, a process of activating the operation of the main operation unit in the extended power mode.
US08069276B2 Image display device and method of changing first information with second EDID information wherein each EDID information is stored on different storage units
An image display device and method of changing extended display identification data (EDID) information includes a first storage unit which stores extended display identification data (EDID) information to be provided to the source providing device, a second storage unit which stores at least one version of the EDID information which is different from the EDID information stored in the first storage unit, and a control unit which replaces the EDID information stored in the first storage unit with the different version of the EDID information stored in the second storage unit if an EDID information change request signal is input. Accordingly, compatibility of the EDID information between the source providing device and the image display device can be maintained.
US08069272B2 Highly reliable disk controller
Provided is a unit for protecting data with respect to data transfer between memories of a disk controller. The disk controller for controlling data transfer between a host computer and a disk drive includes: a channel unit having a channel memory; a cache unit having a cache memory, and a control unit for controlling the data transfer. The data transferred to/from the host computer is transferred in a packet between the channel memory and the cache memory, and The control unit for verifying consistency of information included in a header of the packet to be transferred to decide whether transfer can be permitted when the packet is transferred.
US08069271B2 Systems and methods for converting a media player into a backup device
A data backup system is provided that when coupled to a data source, such as a personal computer, and a media player, such an Apple Computer IPod media player, the data backup system blocks certain communications between the data source and the media player thus preventing the data source from recognizing the media player as such thereby avoiding the launching of synchronization software for the media player, the data backup system also causing the automatic launching of a backup application stored on the data backup system so that data files can be located on the data source and then backed up to the media player.
US08069268B2 Recycling items in a network device
A network device includes a data structure and an ager. The data structure includes a group of positions. One or more of the positions are associated with at least one item. The ager is configured to sequentially analyze each position of the group of positions, and recycle, at each analyzed position, any item associated with the analyzed position.
US08069267B2 Advertisement refresh rules for network applications
Advertisements are refreshed in an interface based on one or more parameters provided over a network. The parameters can be retrieved from a web service and implemented at a client device. Advertisement refreshing is performed independently of web page content loading. The parameters may include a time period and user action count and be configured differently for different markets, geographical areas, other customer groups, sections of an application or different advertisement types. One or more of the parameters may be adjusted at a back-end server and distributed to machines in the different customer groups, allowing an efficient and centralized mechanism for managing and updating advertisement refreshing.
US08069263B2 Method for using scheduled hyperlinks to record multimedia content
A method of establishing communications with one or more devices located in an environment using a wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device comprises a short-range transceiver that is able to communicate with a short-range transceiver located in the environment. A communication is received from the short-range transceiver of the wireless communication device that includes a request to establish communications with one or more device located in the environment. A request is transmitted to an environment directory server to determine if a user associated with the wireless communication device has permission to access any of the devices in the environment. A response is received from the environment directory server in response to the request. A communication is made to the short-range transceiver of the wireless communication device indicating whether the device can communicate with any of the devices in the environment.
US08069260B2 Dynamic buffer settings for media playback
Improved responsiveness and reduced latency of media playback on a media player is achieved by dynamic adjustment of storage parameters for the jitter buffer in the media player. Decreasing the size of the jitter buffer to a smaller constant value may provide acceptable, starvation-free playback in many cases. Playback of more demanding files requiring more buffered data for decode are addressed by dynamic adjustment of the jitter buffer parameters. An algorithmic or heuristic process is used to dynamically set the size of the jitter buffer before and during media playback. The jitter buffer size and/or preroll duration may be adjusted based upon the quality of playback experience. If playback starves, the jitter buffer size, starvation threshold, and/or preroll duration is increased before rebuffering and resuming playback. If the jitter buffer remains above a defined threshold for a given period of time, the jitter buffer size and/or preroll duration may be decreased, improving the responsiveness of startup and seek and trick mode operations.
US08069252B2 Session initiation protocol enabled set-top device
A method and apparatus for handling subscriber services from different sources without requiring interaction with different devices. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for receiving multimedia services using session initiation protocol (SIP) messages received from a source, such as a server on a network. In one embodiment, a set-top device is provided in which a SIP control is provided to register a subscriber with a server using SIP messages. A connection to a network, such as the Internet, is provided to communicate with the server. The set-top device is placed in line with the audio and video source to control audio and video streams presented to the subscriber. The set-top device is also configured to receive voice calls from a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Further, the set-top device includes a remote control mechanism, such as an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver to receive input from the subscriber and to control other devices using IR signals. Also, subscriber services customized for a particular subscriber may be directed to the subscriber at a location when the subscriber registers with the server through a set-top device at that location using SIP. Services, such as, for example, call screening, channel guides, video on demand, and Web browsing are provided through the set-top device and messaging with a server using SIP messages.
US08069236B2 Flow control of events based on threshold, grace period, and event signature
A method for controlling sender events arriving at a recipient system is provided. An event transmitted from a sender is received at recipient system, and an event signature is determined. An elapse time between received event and a previous event is calculated. If elapse time is less than or equal to a critical time, it is determined if a counter is equal to or greater than a maximum value. If yes, event is rejected. If not, counter is incremented and the event is processed. If elapse time is greater than critical time, it is determined if elapse time is less than or equal to a grace period and if counter is greater than zero. If yes, counter is decremented and the event is processed. If not, counter is set to zero and event is processed. The critical time, maximum value, and increment/decrement factor are set based on the event signature.
US08069235B2 Method and device for managing a peer relationship in a data communication network
A technology is disclosed for efficiently managing the peer relationship, and in particular for allowing to discover which of one or more communication links of the network entity is connected to the same network entity. According to this technology, for example, the ID Controller (202) of the network entity (201) generates a unique identifier for the network entity from all the physical address on its multiple interfaces. The peer relationship controller (203) verifies if the generated unique identifier is overlapping with that of another network entity. The link control logic (205), upon sending a message to the network entity associated with the unique identifier, determines correspondence of the unique identifier with the peer network entity to interchangeably use the communication links (link 1 (211) to link n (213)).
US08069228B2 Preventing access of a network facility in response to an operation
Methods, systems, apparatuses and program products are disclosed for context sensitive selective control of usage of connection(s) to telecommunications networks, especially Internet and the like.Provision is made for allowing certain resource(s) to exploit Internet while disallowing other resource(s) from doing the same, and making the implementation hardened against attack or compromise. An exemplary implementation is to allow anti-malware products to update over Internet while preventing malware from interfering or using the same communications resource simultaneously. Previously developed implementations have shortcoming that are overcome by the present invention.
US08069226B2 System and method for data synchronization over a network using a presentation level protocol
A mechanism for synchronizing data on a device communicating with a client system with data accessible from a server-hosted session is disclosed. The synchronization occurs over a network connection using a presentation-level protocol to transmit communications between the client system and the server system. Devices communicating with the client system are mapped into a user session. Once the device is mapped into the server-hosted session, data on the device in communication with the client system are synchronized with data accessible from the user-hosted session.
US08069225B2 Transparent client-server transaction accelerator
In a network that conveys requests from clients to servers and responses from servers to clients, a network transaction accelerator for accelerating transactions involving data transfer between at least one client and at least one server over a network comprising a client-side engine, a server-side engine and a transaction predictor configured to predict, based on past transactions, which transactions are likely to occur in the future between the client and server. The transaction predictor might be in the server-side engine, the client-side engine, or both. The client-side engine receives indications of requests from the client, a transaction buffer for storing results of predicted transactions received from the server or the server-side engine ahead of receipt of a corresponding request, and a collator for collating the requests from the client with the stored results or received results, wherein a request and a response that are matched by the collator are identified and the matched response is provided to the client in response to the matched request. The server-side engine receives indications of transactions including requests and responses and conveys requests to the server in response to actual transactions or predicted transactions.
US08069216B2 Method and apparatus for alerting nodes of a malicious node in a mobile ad-hoc communication system
A method and apparatus for alerting nodes of a malicious node in a mobile ad-hoc communication system is provided herein. Particularly, a method and apparatus for distributing an alert message to nodes surrounding a recently discovered malicious node is provided. This alert technique further leverages mobility to distribute the alert message to a large majority of nodes in the ad hoc wireless network within a reasonable amount of time.
US08069213B2 Method of controlling access to network resources using information in electronic mail messages
A method and apparatus for controlling access to network resources referenced in electronic mail messages comprises the computer-implemented steps of receiving an electronic mail message that comprises one or more hyperlinks; determining sender information that identifies a sender of the electronic mail message; creating and storing a record that associates the sender information with each of the one or more hyperlinks; receiving a request to access a specified hyperlink among the one or more hyperlinks; retrieving, based on the specified hyperlink, the record; retrieving, based on the sender information associated with the specified hyperlink, sender reputation information associated with the sender; determining, based on the sender reputation information, a particular action among a plurality of allowed actions; and issuing a network request to access the specified hyperlink only when the particular action is allowing user access to the specified hyperlink.
US08069210B2 Graph based bot-user detection
Computer implemented methods are disclosed for detecting bot-user groups that send spam email over a web-based email service. Embodiments of the present system employ a two-prong approach to detecting bot-user groups. The first prong employs a historical-based approach for detecting anomalous changes in user account information, such as aggressive bot-user signups. The second prong of the present system entails constructing a large user-user relationship graph, which identifies bot-user sub-graphs through finding tightly connected subgraph components.
US08069208B2 Peer-to-peer buddy request and response
A system for providing secure asynchronous message publishing and retrieval in a serverless environment. The system may be used on ad-hoc and segmented networks such as peer-to-peer networks. The system may provide a method of sending and storing asynchronous message requests/responses via a Distributed Hash Table (DHT), a method for establishing RSS feeds via the asynchronous messaging service, a method for publishing a request for Internet Message buddy authorization and of retrieving pending buddy requests.
US08069204B2 Providing and receiving content over a wireless communication system
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing and receiving content over a wireless communication system, including off-line presentation of stored retrieved content is provided. The method includes receiving and storing an information object from a remote information object source for off-line use. Content from the stored information object is presented and includes information to construct a request for an additional information object from the remote information object source. A constructed request for an additional information object is sent to the remote information object source over the wireless network. After receiving the requested additional information object from the remote information object source, the content from the additional information object can be subsequently stored and presented.
US08069200B2 Apparatus and method for implementing floating point additive and shift operations
A floating point (FP) shifter for use with FP adders providing a shifted FP operand as a power of the exponent base (usually two) multiplied by a FP operand. First arithmetic processor using at least one FP shifter with FP adder. FP adder for N FP operands creating FP result, where N is at least three. Second arithmetic processor including at least one FP adder for N operands. Descriptions of FP shifter and FP adder for implementing their operational methods. Implementations of FP shifter and FP adder.
US08069199B2 Methods and arrangements to correct for double rounding errors when rounding floating point numbers to nearest even
Methods and arrangements to correct for double rounding errors when rounding floating point numbers to nearest even are described. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to perform a floating point operation on one or more floating point numbers of precision P1 in base b, producing positive result res0 of precision greater than precision P1; rounding positive result res0 to precision P1 to the nearest even, producing positive result res1; and rounding the result res1 to precision P2 to the nearest even, where P2 is narrower than P1, producing result res2. The embodiments may also include correcting res2 for double rounding errors. The correcting may include determining that res1 is midway between two consecutive floating point numbers of precision P1, the larger (smaller) being res2, determining that rounding res0 to produce res1 involved rounding up (down), and decrementing (incrementing) the significand of res2 to obtain the corrected result res2′.
US08069198B2 Integrated circuit having a filter circuit
A filter circuit arrangement comprising a circuit configuration having non-linear transmission characteristics for equalizing an input signal is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuit configuration having the non-linear transmission characteristics is provided in a feedback loop of the filter circuit arrangement.
US08069194B1 Automated annotation of a resource on a computer network using a network address of the resource
A user provides an annotation, such as text or graphics, in relation to a resource available on a computer network. The annotation is automatically stored and/or retrieved without requiring separate action from the user to accomplish the storage or retrieval. An annotation interface may receive the annotation from the user. The annotation is then stored in association with the user and the network address of the resource. The user's annotation may be later retrieved and displayed to the user based on the network address of the resource. In one specific embodiment, a browser toolbar receives and displays user annotations associated with Web sites or Web pages to which the user has navigated. Preferably, the annotation interface remains available to the user throughout the time in which the resource is provided. Further controls may enable the user to make an annotation publicly available to others, and to receive annotations from others.
US08069191B2 Method, an apparatus and a system for managing a snapshot storage pool
Some embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and a method of managing a snapshot storage pool (SSP) associated with a storage unit of a distributed data storage system. According to some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus may include a logic module and a controller. The logic module may be adapted to provide a threshold corresponding to a ratio between a current amount of storage resources used for storing snapshots in the SSP and a total storage capacity defined for the SSP. The controller may be adapted to trigger an action which may be effective for managing the SSP in response to the amount of storage resources used for storing snapshots in the SSP crossing the threshold.
US08069189B2 Portable terminal
A portable terminal, which has mail function, allows a user to input a destination address of mail by selecting the address from the address list with easy operation by displaying all of information for input operation of the destination address with other information for mail creation such as subject and message of the mail.
US08069188B2 Database system storing a data structure that includes data nodes connected by context nodes and related method
A database system storing a data structure. The data structure includes a plurality of data nodes that each store a type and a value. None of the data nodes are linked directly to one another. The data structure also includes a plurality of context nodes that are each linked to at least two data nodes. The context nodes do not store data. Instead, each of the context nodes indicates a relationship exits between the data nodes connected to it.
US08069187B2 Suggesting concept-based top-level domain names
Methods and systems of the present invention allow for displaying suggested concept-based results. An exemplary method may comprise the steps of receiving a combination domain name and top level domain (TLD), determining from ontological calculations suggested TLDs related to the concept of the combination and displaying the suggested combination of the domain name with suggested TLDs.
US08069185B2 Information retrieval
A concept dictionary is generated and/or updated in respect of an information system. The concept dictionary is used to assist in selecting queries and query terms for use in interrogating the information system. A lexical reference source is first used to generate queries semantically related to a query entered by a user, and the answers returned for each query are analyzed using a fuzzy processing technique to determine semantic relationships between the queries. The queries and the determined relationships are recorded in a concept dictionary for subsequent use.
US08069181B1 Autodiscovery of business services
An autodiscovery feature with an easy-to-use interface is provided to automatically collect metadata about electronic services for use within a business enterprise and to store that metadata in a metadata repository. The autodiscovery feature is used to create autodiscovery queries that are sent to electronic services to collect from the services' digests specified metadata useful for identifying the functionality of those services and integrating the services into business processes. Digests, such as RSS feeds and Atom feeds, are typically created by services to include useful metadata, such as the title of a service, the URL link to a description of the service, a brief description of the service, the publication date of the service, and other data. Autodiscovery queries can thus collect services' relevant metadata and store it in a business enterprise's metadata repository, so that the services' functionality can be quickly identified and used for business processes.
US08069180B1 Systems and methods for automated employee resource delivery
Systems and methods are provided for automated employee resource delivery in a variety of situations that may commonly arise in modern large company settings. Employee identification data may be identified, and a subset of such data that is required for release of a particular resource may be identified. An automatic notification may be generated for the resource owner, where the automatic notification comprises the required subset of employee identification data. This approach is combined with one or more techniques for ascertaining the resources an employee will require and updating information regarding the resources employees are using.
US08069176B1 LSH-based retrieval using sub-sampling
A set of reference videos is indexed to a reference index in order to facilitate matching of video content. An indexing module receives a set of reference fingerprints representing a set of reference videos and identifies keys contained in the reference fingerprints. Reference identifiers for the reference videos are stored in bins of the reference index associated with the identified keys. The bins in the reference index are sub-sampled to limit the number of reference identifiers stored in a given bin.
US08069174B2 System and method for automatic anthology creation using document aspects
A generic and expandable document aspect system and method for searching, browsing, presenting, and interacting with data assembled from document contents and related external data is provided. New varieties of document aspects are added to existing installations and can be accessed by users without requiring upgrades to server or clients, for example by using plug-in technology.
US08069162B1 Enhanced search indexing
In some embodiments, techniques for crawling comprise retrieving a first electronic document, determining that an explicit enumeration of local content is associated with the first document, detecting a specification associated with the enumeration of local content that a second document at a specified location is indexable, and indexing the second document for searching.
US08069160B2 System and method for dynamically monetizing keyword values
A system and method for dynamically monetizing keyword values based on a correlation between one or more indices. The method includes generating a first index for a subject being searched by users via web server, and a second index for the subject based on a corresponding level of popularity. The first index is correlated with the second index to predict a future second index for the subject based on the first index.
US08069159B2 More efficient search algorithm (MESA) using prioritized search sequencing
A more efficient search algorithm introduces a variety of new tools and strategies to more efficiently search and retrieve desired records from an electronic database. Among these are a strategy that utilizes the frequency of occurrence or similar statistical calculation relating to one or more search fields, search terms or attributes of database records to execute multiple search queries in a more efficient search sequence. In addition, a database is structured to allow for the determination of the frequency of occurrence or similar statistical calculation of any search field, search term, or search attribute, for an entire database and for any subset of a database. The invention finds potential application in any database search application, but is particularly useful in delivering directory assistance services.
US08069156B2 Method and system for pruned resilvering using a dirty time log
A computer readable medium including executable instructions for resilvering a hierarchical block tree in a storage pool. Resilvering the hierarchical block tree involves determining that a birth time of a parent block of a branch is greater than or equal to a lowest birth time on a dirty time log (DTL) and selectively traversing child indirect blocks in the branch to obtain a child data block, where each of the child indirect blocks includes a block pointer, a data checksum, and a birth time for a referenced block, where the birth time of each of the child indirect blocks is no greater than the birth time of the parent block. Resilvering the hierarchical block tree further involves resilvering the child data block when the DTL includes a birth time of the child data block, where one of the child indirect blocks includes the birth time of the child data block.
US08069150B2 Method and apparatus for improving end to end performance of a data network
A request is received at a resource server for a first resource, the request accompanied by a proxy filter. A second resource is identified based on the proxy filter and based on a relationship between the first resource and the second resource. The first resource and information regarding the second resource is provided to a network interface for communication to a proxy server.
US08069147B2 System and method for delivering results of a search query in an information management system
A system and method for managing data repositories may include providing techniques for end users to access and manipulate reports stored in the repositories. Text-based, image-based, or other types of reports may be stored in online and/or offline repositories, and in response to a search request, reports stored in the online and/or offline repositories may be retrieved. End users may export report data from text-based and/or image-based formats by converting the data into a spreadsheet format using various customization techniques. Thus, end users may edit, modify, analyze, or otherwise manipulate information in online and/or offline reports, while maintaining integrity of the information in the repositories.
US08069141B2 Interfaces for high availability systems and log shipping
Architecture for replicating a database through log shipping. A replication service replicates data using one or more new internal application program interfaces (APIs), a replay configuration API which abstracts configuration information for each destination (or target) instance. APIs for log file management as part of the replication process are provided for opening communications for log shipping, tracking success of log shipping and closing out log shipping communications. Log shipping APIs are also provided for log truncation control. A ship control object is provided as a base class which includes an API for other components of the replication service to operate on log files when the log files are placed into a log directory. The ship control API is utilized by the replication service and for interaction with storage system log files.
US08069140B2 Systems and methods for mirroring the provision of identifiers
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for facilitating the assigning, generating, managing, and distributing of identifiers. In one implementation, a system is provided that comprises a first Web service for returning an identifier to a requester in response to an identifier request of the requester. The system also comprises a second Web service for mirroring identifiers that have been returned by the first Web service.
US08069139B2 Transitioning of database service responsibility responsive to server failure in a partially clustered computing environment
A facility is provided for transitioning a database service from a failing, primary server to another server of a computing environment including a plurality of servers, at least some of which have a common database service capability, but not commonly replicated supporting databases. The facility includes, responsive to detection of failure at the primary server, selecting another server of the plurality of servers to function as database service backup for the primary server, updating at least one configuration file of the computing environment to indicate that the another server is to function as database service backup for the primary, failing server, and dynamically creating at least one database structure at the another server. The dynamically created at least one database structure supports the database service backup function at the another server and corresponds to a database structure of a database supporting the database service at the primary server.
US08069135B2 Systems and methods for a predictive notification engine
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for predictive notification including a notification engine adapted to receive a sequence of data values for a parameter from a medical device. The notification engine is adapted to determine a prediction based at least in part on the sequence of data values. The notification engine is adapted to generate a notification based on the prediction.
US08069133B2 Decomposing human behavior into quantified layers of perception
A method, computer program product, and system are provided for decomposing human behavior into quantifiable layers of perception. The method for decomposing human behavior into quantifiable layers of perception may be referred to as “DAP-E,” which is an acronym representative of four main phases of the method. Theses phases include the following: decompose; aggregate; propagate; and, evaluate. For example, an embodiment of the method may include aggregating one or more outputs from one or more behavioral models to represent a statistically significant conclusion and propagating the conclusion across a social network to allow opinions of a first entity within the social network to influence a conclusion of a second entity. A token passing behavior algorithm may be used to weigh an opinion of an entity receiving a token when propagating the conclusion across the social network.
US08069131B1 Method, artificially intelligent system and networked complex for facilitating group interactions
An artificially intelligent or rule-based system to assist teams or groups become more effective by improving the communication process between members of the team or group. The system helps members share information, negotiate more effectively and make better group decisions. The system is designed to allow users to generate new interventions and rule sets which are then vetted by all users of the system.
US08069130B2 Methods and systems for semiconductor testing using a testing scenario language
Methods and systems for semiconductor testing. In one embodiment, a semiconductor testing method includes one or more of the following stages: defining a rule relating to semiconductor testing, validating the rule, bundling the rule with other rules, correlating the rule with other rules, publishing the rule, actualizing the rule, and follow up relating to the rule. In one embodiment, a semiconductor testing system includes one or more of the following modules: rule creation module(s), analysis module(s), simulation module(s), real time production module(s), and offline production module(s). In one embodiment, user friendly graphical user interface(s) can be used for defining the building blocks of a rule and/or for viewing an optional hierarchy of categories to which the rule belongs.
US08069128B2 Real-time ad-hoc spam filtering of email
Embodiments are directed towards employing a multi-pass ad-hoc spam message filtering approach that dynamically generates a temporary classifier during a first pass based on a result of a previously applied message filter that sorts messages into various folders for a user. The first pass scans messages in a user's mail folders, and reads various information within the messages, including, but not limited to sender information, headers, including a subject, an originating network address, message contents, attachments, and the like. After creating a classification model, the classifier with its model is used in a second pass on the message folders to retrospectively inspect the messages and present to the user a list of messages that might be misclassified. The classification model is maintained within memory on a user's client device, as memory resident only, and is not stored on disk or within another persistent data store.
US08069121B2 End-to-end secure payment processes
A method of calculating the quality of a data record having a plurality of data fields involves indentifying individual fields in the data record that are incorrect and scoring those fields accordingly. Further fields are identified where any one or more of those fields may be incorrect, but it is not immediately possible to determine which one or ones. These further fields are also scored accordingly. A score for the data records as a whole is then calculated based on the scores assigned to individual fields. Different fields may be weighted according to their importance to the data record as a whole.
US08069118B2 Mediated electronic messaging with value-added services
A method for processing a value-added electronic transmission, which includes obtaining user identification information (110), conveying software (120) to the user, where the software enables the user to selectively send electronic transmissions to intended recipients via a mediation site, and associating with the mediation site at least one value-added processing service, including carrier indication, sender indication, transmission identification, guaranteed delivery, address verification, address correction, archiving, and transmission security. The method further includes billing the user (140) for service rendered through the mediation site.
US08069117B1 Ad hoc access rights in restricted-access electronic space
One embodiment of the present invention provides the administrator of an access restricted electronic system with a flexible management scheme. In this scheme, users request access to the electronic system. Users who submit verified access information, such as a login identification and password, are immediately granted access as authorized users. Users who have not submitted access information, are presented to the administrator through an interface that enables the administrator to grant ad hoc access.
US08069115B2 Method and system to process payment
Provided is a method and system for payment processing, including emailing a billing statement including an online payment hyperlink to a payer by a biller. The online payment hyperlink includes a payer personalized URL and a token uniquely identifying the payer. The online payment hyperlink is selected by the payer, who is then presented with the biller's online payment form, including pre-populated data fields. The biller's online payment form is reviewed, completed and corrected by the payer, and sent to a secure payment form server.
US08069112B2 Systems and methods for optimization of a financial transaction
A method of determining a structure for financing a consumer product through a computer implemented process according to one embodiment comprising the steps of: receiving one or more fixed inputs including a monthly payment value and a down payment value; calculating a plurality of potential financial structures for the consumer product based upon the monthly payment value and the down payment value; and determining from the plurality of potential financial structures, a financial structure that provides a greatest profit for a seller of the consumer product.
US08069111B2 System and method for event driven virtual workspace
A system and method for an event driven virtual workspace are described. According to one example method, a trader can define a plurality of windows to be associated with a virtual workspace. Also, the trader could define one or more triggering events, the combination of which may be used to activate the virtual workspace. In such an embodiment, when the system detects the one or more triggers, the system can attempt to activate the virtual workspace. According to the example method, the trader may place a number of limiting conditions before any states of the currently displayed windows are modified such that the triggered virtual workspace could be displayed. If no limiting conditions are detected, the system can display the triggered virtual workspace.
US08069107B2 Transaction gateway
A computerized method for online trading of options is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an interface screen that shows market data and market data analysis useful to conduct a transaction and allows a user to input various transaction parameters, wherein the market data and market data analysis shown on the interface screen are continuously updated; dynamically receiving selected transaction parameters for an option from the user; calculating an option premium for the option based on the selected transaction parameters and the continuously updated market data; providing the dynamically calculated option premium to the user; receiving an on-line offer for purchasing the option from the user; and presenting the received offer to a seller of the option for acceptance or rejection.
US08069102B2 Method and apparatus for processing financial information at hardware speeds using FPGA devices
A method and apparatus use decision logic deployed on a reconfigurable logic device to process a stream of financial information at hardware speeds. The decision logic can be configured to perform data reduction operations on the financial information stream. Examples of such data reductions operations include data processing operations to compute a latest stock price, a minimum stock price, and a maximum stock price.
US08069099B2 Systems and methods for presenting advertising content based on publisher-selected labels
Systems and methods allowing publishers to define relationships between their own content items (e.g., World Wide Web pages) and content items created or maintained by other publishers. Publishers insert referral labels into their content items to indicate a referral relationship between or among publishers. In one embodiment, advertisements to be displayed while the user is viewing a content item are selected based at least in part on matching a referral label included in the target content item to a referral label in the advertisement. The referral label can also be used to manage referral-based revenue sharing among publishers.
US08069096B1 Multi-constituent attribution of a vendor's product catalog
A single instance, multi-tenant procurement system, includes an access module to provide access to a plurality of end users associated with an organization to their respective accounts, each account being customized by a super user of the organization, a search engine to execute searches for products offered by one or more suppliers, a transaction module to process and track one or more requisitions generated by the plurality of end users, a business rules module to apply business rules established between the organization and the one or more suppliers to process the requisitions, and a data repository to store data generated on the system.
US08069095B2 Virtual reality shopping experience
A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.
US08069093B2 Website user account linking
A method for managing a plurality of commercial website accounts maintained by a supplier of goods or services includes receiving a structure via a first computer screen, where the structure specifies a relationship between a first one of the plurality of commercial website accounts and a second one of the plurality of commercial website accounts, so that the first one of the plurality of website accounts is configured to be a parent account of the second of the plurality of website accounts defining a child account; linking the child account and the parent account in accordance with the received structure in response to a command received via the first computer screen; receiving a rule that regulates a purchase of goods or services by a user of the child account via a second computer screen, where the received rule specifies an action associated with a user of the parent account; automatically detecting that the user of the child account has placed an order at the commercial website; and processing the order in accordance with the rule and the structure.
US08069091B1 Apparatus, system and method for embroidery design
A method of generating a stitch file for an embroidery design selected by a user where the embroidery design includes a plurality of elements. According to one embodiment, the method includes acts of rendering an image of the selected embroidery design at a display visible to the user, receiving an order placed electronically by the user for the embroidery design; and generating, following the act of receiving, a stitch file corresponding to the embroidery design, wherein the embroidery design includes both text elements and design elements.
US08069089B2 Methods, systems, and products for conducting electronic commerce
Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for conducting electronic commerce. A merchant participates in an online community of merchants. Sales information is shared with the online community such that each merchant is informed of each sale of each merchant participating in the online community.
US08069086B2 Systems and methods for time-dependent protection of available quantities
Methods and systems are disclosed for processing a product order. In one implementation, a method is provided that includes receiving a product order from a customer and determining, based on the received product order, at least one of a date on which the products should be available at a location and a date by which the products should be issued out of the location. The method may also include calculating, based on the determined date, a sourcing due date on which to initiate sourcing, and performing an availability check for the ordered products on the basis of the dates when the sourcing due date is earlier than a predetermined date.
US08069085B2 System, program product, and associated methods to autodraw for micro-credit attached to a prepaid card
A prepaid card processor receives data for a line of credit for a prepaid card from a lending institution computer. The prepaid card processor makes available draws to the line of credit line on behalf of the lending institution computer in an authorization stream for a proposed purchase using the prepaid card as payment. When the line of credit is accessed, the processor loads the prepaid card with an additional value equal to one or more preselected loan increments so that the prepaid card then has a new amount totaling a previous amount plus the amount of value of the one or more preselected loan increments and so that the new amount exceeds or equals the value of a proposed purchase. Then the processor notifies the lending institution so that the line of credit balances on the lending institution computer and the prepaid card processor are kept in sync.
US08069078B2 Method of obtaining a representative online polling sample
A method of obtaining a representative online polling sample is disclosed. The first step is to provide a polling web site with polling information for a user to select or otherwise interact with. However, that polling web site has a domain name that differs from the domain name of a web site the user intends to reach, the polling web site being reached when the user makes a typing or other address input error and inadvertently enters the polling web site domain name. Hence, for example, Google could harvest the many thousands of users who inadvertently type in gogle.com instead of google.com and direct them to an online polling page, instead of simply redirecting them to the google.com web site. This approach substantially eliminates coverage bias from the sample.
US08069075B2 Method and system for evaluating performance of a website using a customer segment agent to interact with the website according to a behavior model
A method is disclosed for evaluating the performance of a website. An agent interacts with the website using a behavior model of an exemplary website customer. The agent interacts with the website according to the behavior model and gathers website performance data related to the interaction. The performance data is compared to a utility function for the behavior model. A rating is assigned to the website based on the comparison, and the rating is made available to potential website customers seeking information related to the website's performance.
US08069070B2 Configuration extensions for a telecommunications service provider
A customer care architecture integrates a full range of customer care and dunning billing features in a customer care system. The customer care architecture defines and implements multiple workflows which support dunning action requests while centralizing customer account control at the customer care system in an end-to-end telecommunications system framework. The customer care architecture thereby supports interaction, communication, and synchronization with existing and established dunning accounting systems.
US08069069B2 Method for loading flight schedule modifications
A method for loading flight schedule modifications in an air travel computerized reservation system, wherein: the flight schedule database is updated; the reservations concerned by the flight schedule modifications are reassigned to update the reservation inventory database. The method for loading flight schedule modifications includes the following steps: receiving at least one lot of modifications containing flight schedule modification data, retrieving individual modifications contained in the lot and storing in a register in the form of records for future scheduling, simulating reassignment of the reservations concerned by the flight schedule modification, by accessing with the reservation distribution server both the records and the flight schedule database, final updating of the flight schedule databases and of the reservation inventory. The method is useful for updating databases during flight schedule modifications in computerized reservation systems.
US08069066B2 Workers' compensation information processing system
A workers' compensation medical reporting system including software accessed at a provider computer, the software adapted to prompt the provider to input the data concerning a workers' compensation claim, the software adapted to send an electronic workers' compensation claim, the software adapted to send an electronic workers' compensation treatment report electronically across the Internet to a payer computer; and electronic report filtering software accessed at the payer computer, the electronic report filtering software adapted to direct the electronic report as a result of predetermined criteria, electronic workers' compensation medical treatment reports that meet a human review criteria are automatically set to a case manager for review, other electronic workers' compensation medical treatment reports are automatically directed to be processed.
US08069065B2 System and method for managing investment risk in satellite operator companies
In order to mitigate risk of satellite investment loss, a satellite loss event or failure event for a satellite that will be operated by a satellite operator company is identified. Financial investors in the satellite operator company are identified. Actuarial data corresponding to prior satellite loss events or failure events substantially corresponding to the satellite loss event or failure event are identified. An investment loss mitigation insurance policy based at least in part on the identified actuarial data is developed. The investment loss mitigation insurance policy is offered to the identified financial investors. Premiums are received from financial investors that subscribe to the investment loss mitigation insurance policy, and the investment loss mitigation insurance policy is placed with an underwriting pool in exchange for at least a portion of the received premiums.
US08069063B2 System and method for monitoring multinational insurance
A method for monitoring insurance, which includes steps of storing a plurality of Tax Records in a database, where each Tax Record corresponds to one or more insurance agreements, and permitting the display of at least one of the plurality of Tax Records. The method assists insurers with multinational customers in keeping track of insurance agreements, and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and tax requirements across different states, nations or jurisdictions.
US08069062B2 Computerized method and system of determining inconsistencies in witness statements relating to an accident
Methods and systems are provided for estimating liability in an accident. In an embodiment, the liability estimate may include a base liability and one or more adjustments due to various factors. The base liability may be determined from characteristics including: the configuration of the roadway, the type of accident, right of way, and impact points of each vehicle. The adjustments due to various factors may be determined from conditions of vehicles in the accident, conditions of drivers in the accident, actions of drivers in the accident, and/or environmental conditions in the accident. In one embodiment, a base liability adjusted due to the various factors may exceed a predefined upper or lower bound of liability. In such a case, an absolute liability value may be assigned as the liability estimate.
US08069059B2 Method for improving pharmaceutical selection ratios in pharmacy implementation of prescription medication dispensing plans
A method is disclosed by which pharmacies and physicians are encouraged to select appropriate and effective medications but dissuaded from selecting higher priced medications where more economical versions are available as alternatives, but where physicians and patients can also select such higher priced medications if they so choose and are prepared to pay that higher price. Under this system a single representative price (capitation rate) is calculated by a prescription payment plan manager for a group of related medications, usually including both branded and generic, and that price is paid to a pharmacy for all prescriptions of that group of medications fulfilled under the plan. The representative prices for different groups, including their minimum levels, are periodically reviewed and updated as appropriate.
US08069057B2 Systems and methods for providing healthcare asset intelligence using service-oriented architecture and service-oriented computing
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for providing healthcare asset intelligence comprising a data layer adapted to preprocess healthcare asset intelligence data, a service component layer adapted to comprise a plurality of service components, and a service application layer adapted to comprise a service application. The healthcare asset intelligence data is data related to management of healthcare assets. The system is configured according to a service-oriented architecture and uses service-oriented computing. Each of the plurality of service components is adapted to utilize the preprocessed healthcare asset intelligence data. The service application is adapted to utilize at least one of the plurality of service components to provide the healthcare asset intelligence.
US08069055B2 Predictive scheduling for procedure medicine
Scheduling techniques are disclosed that employ one or more predictive scheduling classification algorithms configured to exploit historical data of previously scheduled and completed medical procedures. Thus, a new patient that is similarly-situated to previously treated patients can have a medical procedure automatically predicted and scheduled based on historical procedure data associated with those previously treated patients.
US08069054B2 Automated transaction processing system and approach
Transaction management for contract and contract-related approaches is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a transaction management computer is programmed to automatically set contract terms for a transaction based on business rules previously established between parties to a transaction. In one implementation, the transaction management node automatically derives a contract term including a pricing-related term for a transaction between a buyer and seller using contract information therefor. In one instance, previously-agreed-upon price approaches, such as fixed pricing, seller-controlled pricing, quantity-related tiered pricing and pricing management schemes are stored and used by the transaction management node to automatically derive the prices. With these approaches, pricing disputes that can occur after a transaction has been processed are reduced and/or eliminated.
US08069043B2 System and method for using meta-data dependent language modeling for automatic speech recognition
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing a spoken dialog system using meta-data to build language models to improve speech processing. Meta-data is generally defined as data outside received speech; for example, meta-data may be a customer profile having a name, address and purchase history of a caller to a spoken dialog system. The method comprises building tree clusters from meta-data and estimating a language model using the built tree clusters. The language model may be used by various modules in the spoken dialog system, such as the automatic speech recognition module and/or the dialog management module. Building the tree clusters from the meta-data may involve generating projections from the meta-data and further may comprise computing counts as a result of unigram tree clustering and then building both unigram trees and higher-order trees from the meta-data as well as computing node distances within the built trees that are used for estimating the language model.
US08069040B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for quantization of spectral envelope representation
A quantizer according to an embodiment is configured to quantize a smoothed value of an input value (e.g., a vector of line spectral frequencies) to produce a corresponding output value, where the smoothed value is based on a scale factor and a quantization error of a previous output value.
US08069036B2 Method and apparatus for processing audio for playback
A method and apparatus for processing audio for playback to provide a smooth transition between a beginning region of an audio track and an end region of a previous audio track is disclosed. A quantity representative of a chromagram is calculated for each of the audio tracks and the mixing points for the beginning and end regions of each audio track are identified. A quantity representative of a chromagram at the mixing point of the beginning region of the audio track and a quantity representative of a chromagram at the mixing point of the end region of the previous audio track are correlated to determine an order of audio tracks for playback and/or to determine the duration of the mix transition.
US08069035B2 Scalable encoding apparatus, scalable decoding apparatus, and methods of them
A scalable encoding apparatus capable of suppressing the quality degradation of a decoded signal without increasing the bit rate. In this apparatus, a core layer encoding part (101) and an extended layer encoding part (102) encode an input signal for each of audio frames. When a replacement determining part (103) determines that a degree to which the input signal changes between a preceding frame and a current frame is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or that a degree, to which the quality of the decoded signal is improved by an extended layer encoding process in the preceding frame, is equal to less than a predetermined level, a replacing part (105) replaces a part of an extended layer encoded data of the preceding frame by a core layer encoded data of the current frame. That is, a transmitting part (108) transmits, as a backup, the core layer encoded data of the current frame to a decoding end in advance.
US08069031B2 Multi-lingual output device
This application discloses A multi-lingual output device for output of transactional information for a given customer, the device that includes a data base for determining what transaction information needs to be outputted, the local language in which the information is to be outputted, and the preferred language of the customer in which the information is to be outputted; and, a local transaction subsystem in communication with said database, wherein said local transaction sub system includes input device receiving means for accepting an input device and output generating means for generating a signal to an output device.
US08069029B2 Handheld electronic device having multiple-axis input device and selectable language indicator for language selection, and associated method
A method of enabling input into a handheld electronic device comprises detecting as an ambiguous input an actuation of one or more input members, employing an operative input method language to output a number of objects that are selectable and that each comprise at least a portion of a language object that corresponds with the ambiguous input, outputting at a location adjacent the number of objects an indicator representative of an operative input method language, detecting an input from a multiple-axis input device as being a selection input with respect to the indicator and, responsive thereto, enabling a selection of an alternate input method language as the operative input method language.
US08069025B2 Logic simulator and logic simulation method
According to one embodiment, a logical circuit to be simulated includes a timing network and a specific logical device. The timing network transmits a logical value change of an input signal in correspondence with an elapse of time or clock number increments. The specific logical device receives a timing network output signal that appears at an exit node of the timing network, and a logical value change or a logical value after change of the clock. When predetermined constraint information represents a constraint that a time period or the demanded number of clock cycles needed for a transition of a signal level change to pass through a signal path in the timing network is equal to or smaller than a predetermined numerical value (or equal to or larger than a predetermined numerical value), it is checked if the signal input to the specific logical device violates the predetermined constraint information.
US08069024B1 Replicant simulation
In one embodiment, a method comprises partitioning a circuit description into simulateable partitions; sorting the simulateable partitions into classes wherein each simulateable partition included in a given class is equivalent to each other partition in the given class with a specified tolerance; associating a dynamic state machine with each class, wherein states of the dynamic state machine correspond to states reached by at least one simulateable partition in the given class during a simulation; during a simulation of the circuit description, the result of which is stored for user display: responsive to a current state in the dynamic state machine for a first simulateable partition in the given class and further responsive to input stimuli to the first simulateable partition, matching the one or more input stimuli to stimuli associated with a next state edge from the current state; and changing the current state of the first simulateable partition to a second state of the dynamic state machine indicated by the next state edge.
US08069022B2 Method and apparatus for the classification of surface features of an ear impression
A method and apparatus is disclosed whereby a point on an ear impression model to be labeled is selected and a shape context is determined for that point. This shape context is then compared to average shape contexts for different regions on a reference ear impression model, also referred to herein as an ear impression shape atlas. A cost function is used to determine the minimum cost between the shape context for the selected point and one of the average shape contexts. Once the minimized cost is determined, the region label corresponding to the average shape context having a minimized cost is assigned to that point. In this way, points on the surface of an ear impression are classified and labeled as being located in regions corresponding to the regions on the ear impression shape atlas.
US08069021B2 Distributed simulation and synchronization
System(s) and method(s) facilitate a distributed simulation of an industrial control system. A model of the industrial control system is generated and computing resources are scheduled for simulating portions of a simulation according to the model. Computing resources are scheduled to mitigate computational bottlenecks in the simulation and synchronize portions of the simulation deployed in disparate computing resources. Sub-processes of a control process can be simulated in dedicated computing resources as a part of a distributed simulation of the control process. Execution time of one or more portions of a distributed simulation can be increased or slowed down to synchronize said portions.
US08069019B2 Method and aids for relative positioning of objects during a design phase
A method aiding in relative positioning of 3D objects, in a complex environment involving several techniques, according to a set of geometrical and/or mathematical constraints. A parametric model is selected for each of the objects, parametric models including models of the constraints are also selected. A representation of one of the objects is displayed, permitting positioning of another object and the display of a representation of the positioning. A piece of data relating to the position of one of the objects is accessed for each parametric model including a constraint modeling and a piece of data relating to the position of one of the objects is accessed to permit an evaluation of the corresponding constraint. When an object is added or displaced the relative positions of the objects and the constraints are reevaluated.
US08069018B2 Computer system and method for modeling fluid depletion
A method for modeling fluid depletion in a reservoir is disclosed. A map is divided into cells. For each of the cells a value is stored that is based at least in part on a physical characteristic of the cell. At least one cell that contains a depletion location is identified along with a depletion amount corresponding to that location. An amount of walkers associated with the depletion location is determined. For each walker, a plurality of steps are calculated with each step to an adjacent cell. Each walker starts in the cell containing the depletion location associated with that walker. The visits of all the walkers are recorded by cell. The fluid depletion of each cell is then assessed based at least in part on the number of walker visits for each cell.
US08069016B2 Virtual designer
The present invention includes a method of electronically designing an article, including accessing an electronic article design system, selecting an article type to design, and iteratively configuring a group of characteristics by selecting one or more options for each characteristic and/or iteratively modeling the article performance based on a selection of one or more performance parameters for each performance model. In the iterative configuration and modeling step, the electronic article design system automatically presents the characteristics and the performance models based on the article type selected, dynamically updates the article for each step of the iterative configuration and/or modeled performance, and automatically resolves conflicts between iteratively configured characteristics, between iteratively modeled performances, and across iteratively configured characteristics and modeled performances.
US08069014B2 Methods and systems for high confidence utilization of datasets
Methods and systems for high-confidence utilization of datasets are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a metric for determining substantially optimal combination of true positives and false positives in a data set, applying an optimization technique, and obtaining, from the results of the optimization technique, a value for at least one optimization parameter, the value for at least one optimization parameter resulting in substantially optimal combination of true positives and false positives. A number of true positives and a number of false positives are a function of the one or more optimization parameters.
US08069012B2 Sampling sufficiency testing
Sampling sufficiency determinations are performed using probability calculations and statistical analysis during a testing process of a population of items. For example, an auditing or reviewing process may involve testing a predetermined sample set of items from the population in order to draw statistical conclusions about the passing or failing rate of the population as a whole. During an ongoing testing process, probability calculations and statistical analyses may be performed regarding the likelihood of the population to pass or fail according to an acceptable failure rate, based on the test results of a subset of the sample set. The sampling sufficiency analyses may potentially allow determinations that the testing process may be stopped before the complete testing of the sample set, and that the population may be declared a passing or failing population within a desired level of confidence.
US08069011B2 Generating damage probability-of-detection curves in structural health monitoring transducer networks
A method for automatically creating a probability of detection (POD) curve of an entire network of transducers monitoring and detecting damage in a structure is based on the POD of each of the individual actuator-sensor paths. These individual path PODs may be generated in different ways, such as by experimentation or simulation. This technique makes it possible to create the POD curve of a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for the detection of damages in structures.
US08069010B2 Method and apparatus for predicting user preference
A method and apparatus for predicting content preferences of an active user with reference to content preferences of other users that are similar to those of the active user, the method including: measuring similarity ratios of the active user and other users using an overlapping ratio of use of content items commonly used between the active user and the respective other users; generating a recommender list for the active user based on the measured similarity ratios; and predicting a preference rating of the first user with respect to an unused content item based on a preference rating of an other user included in the recommender list with respect to the unused content item. Accordingly, the similarity ratio between the users can be accurately measured so that reliability of a preference rating prediction system can be increased.
US08069001B1 Thermal protection system ablation sensor
An isotherm sensor tracks space vehicle temperatures by a thermal protection system (TPS) material during vehicle re-entry as a function of time, and surface recession through calibration, calculation, analysis and exposed surface modeling. Sensor design includes: two resistive conductors, wound around a tube, with a first end of each conductor connected to a constant current source, and second ends electrically insulated from each other by a selected material that becomes an electrically conductive char at higher temperatures to thereby complete an electrical circuit. The sensor conductors become shorter as ablation proceeds and reduced resistance in the completed electrical circuit (proportional to conductor length) is continually monitored, using measured end-to-end voltage change or current in the circuit. Thermocouple and/or piezoelectric measurements provide consistency checks on local temperatures.
US08068999B2 Multi-gas flow device
A system and method of characterizing or controlling a flow of a fluid is provided that involves a sensor conduit and a bypass. A plurality of fluids may be utilized in the flow control device based on characteristic information of the device generated during calibration thereof. The characteristic information, in turn is based on a dimensionless parameters, such as adjusted dynamic pressure and adjusted Reynolds number.
US08068998B2 Electromagnetic flowmeter
An electromagnetic flowmeter that prevents fluctuations in the frequency of synchronized pulse signals due to momentary fluctuations of the power source voltage. The comparator of an AC synchronizing circuit that generates pulse signals synchronized to the frequency of a commercial power source is given a hysteresis function in which a first threshold value Vth1 and a second threshold value Vth2 are set up in the comparator. The comparator compares the level of divided AC signals from a dividing circuit with the first threshold value Vth1, and if the level of the divided AC signals exceeds the first threshold value Vth1, the level of the synchronized pulse signals is inverted from the “L” level to the “H” level; and if the level of the divided AC signals falls below the second threshold value Vth2, the level of the synchronized pulse signals is inverted from the “H” level to the “L” level.
US08068995B2 Biosensing apparatus and system
A bio-sensing system comprises a light source, a bio-sensing apparatus, a detecting platform, and a processing unit. A bio-sensing apparatus further comprising a substrate, a sample with at least one analyte, at least one grating bound on the substrate for diffracting a light beam in a reflection mode and outputting at least one output light beam, a plurality of nanoparticles being bound on one side of the grating, a molecular recognition unit bound on said nanoparticle surface, and a cover plate covering the nanoparticle-modified side of the substrate. The detecting platform receives a signal while the at least one output light beam passing through the bio-sensing apparatus. The processing unit couples with the detecting platform for receiving and analyzing the signal. Wherein when the analyte passes through the microfludic channel to contact with said nanoparticles, the at least one output light beam changes in accordance with the refractive index of the sample or in accordance with the interaction of the analyte with said molecular recognition unit bound on said nanoparticle surface.
US08068994B2 Method for analyzing biological networks
Significance of biological pathway in disease state is predicted by (a) providing expression level data for a plurality of biomolecules differentially expressed in a disease state, compared with same biomolecules expressed in a non-diseased state: (b) determining presence probability of the biomolecules in disease state; (c) determining effect of each biomolecule from the plurality of biomolecules on the expression of different downstream biomolecules within pathway to provide perturbation factor for each biomolecule in the pathway; (d) combining statistical significance of differentially expressed biomolecules present in the disease state, with a sum of perturbation factors for all of the biomolecules, generating an impact factor; (e) calculating statistical significance of impact factor based upon determined probability of having statistical significant presence of differentially expressed biomolecules in step (b) and the sum of perturbation factors in step (c); and (f) outputting statistical significance of impact factor for the pathway relevant to the disease.
US08068983B2 Virtual environment systems and methods
Representing vehicles in a customizable virtual environment is disclosed. One embodiment includes a controlled environment including prototype vehicles and a virtual environment including virtual representations of the prototype vehicles. The virtual environment is a display that includes an environment scenario, a number of virtual objects, and the various represented vehicles. The represented vehicles are linked to the prototype vehicles by communicating kinematic data from the prototype vehicles to the virtual vehicles real-time. The positions of the represented vehicles are updated based on the communicated kinematic data such that the virtual environment is a realistic visualization of the prototype vehicles. In addition, the virtual environment is highly customizable. In an embodiment, customizing the virtual environment includes generating reference views for the represented vehicles, editing the environment scenario, editing the virtual objects, editing the represented vehicles, and generating a mission scenario of the reference views.
US08068981B2 Off-board navigation system for vehicles
Described herein is an off-board navigation system for vehicles, comprising at least one operating center and at least one on-board navigation unit installed on board a vehicle, in which the operating center is provided with monitoring means configured for detecting events that modify the road conditions of stretches of road forming part of a road network, and processing means designed to determine, following upon detection of an event, whether said event has occurred on a stretch of road forming part of a route supplied to a user and, in this case, to request an alternative route and determine a point of no return (PNR) that is set along the route supplied to a user and beyond which the vehicle is no longer able to avoid the event and a point of influence (AR), in which the practicability of the route starts to be affected by the onset of the event and beyond which the user is still in time to request and receive an alternative route that will enable him to avoid the event in the case where the point of no return (PNR) has not yet been exceeded.
US08068979B2 Inattentive vehicular operator detection method and arrangement
Method and arrangement for determining inattentiveness of an operator of a vehicle includes determining the position of the vehicle, analyzing the determining position of the vehicle relative to a map, monitoring motion of the vehicle relative to the map to determine whether the vehicle is deviating from the map, and providing a warning when the monitored motion of the vehicle deviates from normal motion or operation of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle may be determined using a satellite-based positioning system and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU may be a MEMS-packaged IMU integrated with the satellite-based positioning systems.
US08068977B2 Destination prediction apparatus and method thereof
To provide a destination prediction apparatus which predicts a destination more accurately than before. A destination prediction apparatus which predicts a destination of a mobile object includes: a stay characteristic accumulating unit in which stay characteristic information indicating a time period when the mobile object will likely stay at a predetermined point is accumulated; a travel time calculating unit which calculates a travel time in the case where the mobile object heads from a current location obtained by a current point obtaining unit to the point; and a destination predicting unit which calculates an estimated arrival time based on a current time obtained by a current time obtaining unit and the calculated travel time and predicts the point as a destination only when a condition that the calculated estimated arrival time and a time period indicated by the stay characteristic information is satisfied.
US08068973B2 Traffic information providing system and car navigation system
A traffic information providing system externally acquires traffic information including information relating to the travel time of a link, calculates a travel time for a non-provision link to which no travel time is provided through estimate/complement operation. The estimate/complement operation is carried out with use of travel times, emergencies, travel times of links in the vicinity of the non-provision link, and so on, obtained in the near past. The system stores and statistically processes the externally-acquired traffic information, and also estimates a travel time in the near future. When there is an abnormality in the acquired traffic information, the system deletes the abnormality, regards the information as a non-provision link, calculates a probability distribution of travel times of links, calculates a probability distribution of travel times of the entire route made up of a plurality of links, and also calculates a probability for a specific travel time range.
US08068971B2 Procedure for determining a fuel composition or a fuel quality
The invention concerns a procedure for determining the composition of a fuel mixture from a first fuel and a second fuel or for determining the quality of a fuel for operating a combustion engine with at least one cylinder pressure sensor in at least one cylinder of the combustion engine for determining the pressure history during a combustion process and a cylinder pressure based motor regulation for regulating the load and the combustion situation of the combustion engine. It is thereby provided that the determination of the composition of the fuel mixture or the quality of the fuel takes place with the aid of regulator information of the cylinder-pressure-based motor regulation. The procedure enables the continuing determination of the composition of the fuel mixture and the quality of the fuel at cylinder-pressure-based motor regulations without additional components as for example an ethanol sensor.
US08068967B2 Method of controlling an inhomogeneous roadway
To determine an inhomogeneous roadway in μ-split situation during active ABS control and active yaw torque control (YTC) of a front wheel (HM-wheel) on the high-coefficient-of-friction side, it is arranged that at least the following conditions must be satisfied before the μ-split situation is flagged: a) a front wheel (LM wheel) undergoes ABS control in a pressure reduction phase; a1) the LM front wheel is in the first ABS control cycle; b) the LM front wheel exhibits a deceleration exceeding a defined threshold; c) the locking pressure level of the LM front wheel is lower than a defined threshold; d) the front wheel on the high-coefficient-of-friction side (HM wheel) exhibits a filtered deceleration that is lower than a defined threshold; e) the vehicle deceleration calculated by ABS is lower than a defined threshold.
US08068965B2 Control apparatus and method for shift-position changing mechanism
A control apparatus for a shift-position changing mechanism that changes the shift positions of an automatic transmission mounted in a vehicle using a rotational force of an actuator based on a signal corresponding to the state of an operation member, including: a mechanism that generates a rotational force for moving the actuator toward a rotation stop positional-range corresponding to the shift position, based on a rotation stop position of the actuator; a detection unit that detects a rotation amount of the actuator; a control unit that controls the actuator based on the signal and the detected rotation amount; and a learning unit that learns the rotation stop positional-range corresponding to the shift position, based on an amount by which the actuator has been rotated since a control over the actuator executed by the control unit is stopped.
US08068964B2 Method for determining the driving resistance of a motor vehicle
A method for determining the driving resistance of a motor vehicle simultaneously with a shift of an automated shift transmission from a load gear to a target gear such that if a difference between a first driving resistance value F_fw_1 and a second driving resistance value F_fw_2 is large, the shift operation can be corrected. The second driving resistance value F_fw_2 is determined during the shift operation. a time interval Δt which contains the traction-force-free phase of the shift, a plurality of acceleration values a_i of the motor vehicle are measured to obtain the minimum acceleration a_min if the shift operation is a traction shift or the maximum acceleration a_max if it is thrust shift. With the mass m of the vehicle, the second driving resistance value F_fw_2 is calculated with one of the formula F_fw_2=−m*a_min or F_fw_2=−m*a_max.
US08068963B2 Control device for automatic transmission
A control device for an automatic transmission capable of operating in an automatic shift mode in which a gear ratio is automatically selected based on driving conditions of a vehicle, and also capable of operating in a manual shift mode in which the gear ratio is changed based on an upshift command or a downshift command by manual operation of a manual operation device, the control device includes a manual shift control unit that changes and sets the gear ratio after downshift depending on road conditions when the downshift command has been operated by the manual operation device in the manual shift mode, and performs the downshift to the gear ratio that has been changed and set.
US08068959B2 Vehicle door active and passive control device
An apparatus for vehicle door deflection and movement control. The apparatus includes a primary electromagnetic device disposed generally in a vehicle door frame or generally in an area of a vehicle body adjacent the vehicle door frame, and a controller for activating the primary electromagnetic device to push or pull the vehicle door frame. The apparatus may further include a sensor for measuring vehicle door deflection during vehicle movement. The controller may activate the primary electromagnetic device based on deflection measurements by the sensor to pull the vehicle door frame to generally cancel the vehicle door deflection.
US08068955B2 Vehicle with a variable rear toe angle
In a vehicle provided with a rear wheel toe angle varying device for individually varying toe angles of rear wheels, upon detection of a failure to steer one of the rear wheels, the rear wheel of a healthy side is steered to a zero angle. Whereby, when a straight travel determining unit determines that the vehicle is traveling straight, a toe angle estimating unit estimates a steering angle of the rear wheel which has failed to steer based upon the steering angle of the front wheels of the vehicle as determined by a steering angle sensor.
US08068954B2 Steering apparatus for vehicle
There is provided a steering apparatus to ease an uncomfortable feeling given to an operator when a steering wheel is connected to a steering mechanism, on a fail. The apparatus includes a unit that varies an angular ratio of a steering angle of front wheels with respect to an operational angle of a steering wheel. The apparatus also includes a connection unit such as a electromagnetic clutch for connecting the steering wheel to the steering mechanism in order to fix the angular ratio, on a fail such as a failure of a steering motor. The apparatus also includes a rotational body which relatively rotates with respect to the steering wheel by an angular deviation upon this connection. Accordingly, since a real neutral position of the steering mechanism coincides with a neutral position recognized by a pattern on the rotational body being seen, it eases the uncomfortable feeling onto the operator.
US08068951B2 Vehicle diagnostic system
There is provided a method of providing vehicle support. The method includes receiving diagnostic data from the onboard vehicle computer. The diagnostic data is received by an automotive diagnostic tool and is then communicated to a prior experience database having information related to diagnostic solutions associated with combinations of diagnostic data. The prior experience database is arranged to match the received diagnostic data to possible diagnostic solutions. The diagnostic solutions are then prioritized in accordance with ranked matches of the received diagnostic data to the previous combinations of diagnostic data stored in the prior experience database. The possible diagnostic solution associated with the highest ranked combination of diagnostic data is identified as the most likely solution. Vehicle components associated with the most likely solution are then identified. The diagnostic tool is subsequently configured to log diagnostic data related to the vehicle components associated with the most likely solution.
US08068949B2 Vehicle control system including related methods and components
An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a control mode interface that provides a plurality of selectable control modes for an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein one of the plurality of selectable control modes comprises an autonomous landing mode. Also included is a route editing interface that, following a selection of the autonomous landing mode, facilitates a receipt of an input indicative of a landing location. The system also includes a communications component that transmits a command to the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the command is based at least in part on the input indicative of the landing location.
US08068947B2 Range maximization of a hybrid vehicle operating in an electric vehicle operating state
A vehicle has a powertrain including an engine and at least one electric machine. A method for maximizing range capability of the vehicle while operating in an electric vehicle operating state includes determining an incipient electric vehicle operating state of the powertrain, setting a preferred charge/discharge rate of an electric energy storage device to a maximum charging rate, and controlling the powertrain to an operating state including an engine state that is ON to effect charging the electrical energy storage device based on the maximum charging rate.
US08068942B2 Vehicular heads-up display system
Heads-up display systems for vehicles which generate a virtual display in a field of view of an occupant of the vehicle when facing outward of the vehicle. A control system is coupled to the heads-up display system and detects an action by the occupant and controls the content of the virtual display being generated by the heads-up display system based on the detected action.
US08068940B2 Method and apparatus for controlling heat generation
In a control stack included in a software, a control execution unit allows a receiving unit to receive the temperatures of a main processor and a graphic processor. When it determines based on these temperatures that a thermal error has occurred, the control execution unit allows a type acquisition unit to acquire the type of an application running currently. The control execution unit then performs hardware control processing for adjusting the operation of hardware, and software control processing for changing the operation of an application, so as to control the state of heat generation in the hardware. In the software control processing, the control execution unit acquires, from a reaction table, a control method corresponding to the combination of the part where a thermal error has occurred and the type of the running application, and provides control according to the acquired control method.
US08068937B2 Power distribution system with fault protection using energy packet confirmation
The disclosed power distribution system regulates the transfer of energy from a source 1 to a load 3. Source Controller 5 on the source side closes Disconnect Device 7 and monitors the transfer of a pulse or “packet” of energy to the load side. A Load Controller 9 on the load side communicates the amount of energy received at the load back to the source controller via Communication Link 11. If it is confirmed that the energy received on the load side corresponds to that sent by the source side, another energy packet is sent. If the energy received does not correspond with that sent by the source side, energy transfer is stopped, indicating a system fault or safety hazard. The energy content of a single packet is kept small, such that if it is not properly delivered, it can not cause damage to equipment or harm personnel.
US08068935B2 Human-guided mapping method for mobile robot
A method of mapping an operation area by a team of a human and a mobile robot 200 includes the steps of defining a graph representing the area by a human 201, guiding the robot by human along an edge 203, stopping at a vertex in the graph by the team 203, creating a vertex record if stopped at a new vertex 205, localizing the robot and vertices if stopped at an existing vertex 206, creating an edge record if finished a new edge 208, and outputting an area's map including a set of vertex records and a set of edge record by the robot 210. The robot's human-tracking step 203 includes the steps of obtaining a 2-DOF motion command from sensors that detect the human's action and executing a 2-DOF motion based on the motion command.
US08068934B2 Medication dispenser
A medication dispensing system uses a series of medication rings grouped as a rotary drum and controlled for dispensing medication on a daily basis into a divided pill box. Each medication ring includes an associated medication collar that cooperates with the medication ring to reduce the possibility of abrasion of the medication dosages held in the medication rings. The pill box is moved and rotated within the dispensing system by a carriage to dispense medication into appropriate cells of the pill box. A computer control module controls the movement of the various components and is programmable for loading and dispensing different medication regimes.
US08068931B2 Systems and methods for monitoring pill taking
Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing one or more pills from a pill box by applying power when the one or more pills are poured from the pill box; identifying an opened compartment and an opening time; and recording the opened compartment and the opening time.
US08068929B2 System for designing and producing custom layouts for storage or transporting molds
An automated system for producing custom layouts for storage or transport molds made of foam or any other malleable material used for storage or package items, which is capable of identifying the type of item depicted by each image file, automatically generating the shape of each receptacle; automatically distributing the identified items in one or more molds; and automatically generating the accommodation layout of each receptacle in the one or more molds.
US08068927B2 Changing time intervals of the occurrence of audio information from local and remote sites
A method of processing audio information for broadcast to an audience can include changing first audio information from occurring in a first time interval to occurring in a second time interval to provide time-changed audio information. The time-changed audio information can be combined with second audio information that is responsive to the first audio information to provide broadcast audio information.
US08068922B2 Method for operating a block model based field device for a distributed automation system
In a method for operating a field device working according to the block model for a distributed automation system, which exchanges data via a fieldbus, a first function block application serving for process control is provided, which makes available to other system participants process data via a first virtual field device object. In addition, a second function block application is provided, which serves for plant monitoring and which makes available to other system participants plant monitoring data via a second virtual field device object, wherein the first and second function block applications are executed according to different schedules.
US08068921B2 Microwave antenna assembly and method of using the same
A microwave antenna assembly comprising an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and a lumen defined therebetween, a conductive member at least partially disposed within the inner lumen of elongate shaft, conductive member being selectively deployable relative to a distal end of elongate shaft from a first condition wherein a distal end of conductive member at least partially abuts the distal end of elongate shaft to a second condition wherein the distal end of conductive member is spaced relative to the distal end of elongate shaft and a first dielectric material disposed between elongate shaft and conductive member, wherein a portion of conductive member is distal to the distal end of elongate shaft and adapted to penetrate tissue.
US08068919B2 Microwave heating apparatus and method for whole-body or regional heating
The invention provides a microwave heating method and apparatus for evenly heating an object, such as a person's body. The methods and apparatus involve use of microwave source (or sources) that outputs multiple microwaves that are non-correlated with each other in phase; an array of antennas that radiate substantially plane microwaves to form a pseudo uniform microwave electromagnetic field, where the microwaves are not phase-correlated, in order to eliminate non-uniform heating caused by interference. Each of the antenna array consists of multiple antenna units, each antenna unit consists of at least one microwave radiator and at least one converter that converts the spherical microwave to plane microwave. A computer based control system and a temperature monitoring subsystem can be used to adjust the output of each antenna, in order to enhance the uniform heating effect. The apparatus and method can be used to perform whole-body hyperthermia or regional hyperthermia.
US08068918B2 Remote monitoring and control of implantable devices
A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bidirectional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange.
US08068917B2 Fail-safe programming for implantable medical device
In general, the invention is directed to a system with a fail-safe mode for remote programming of medical devices, such as implantable medical devices (IMDs). During a remote programming session, an adverse event, such as a programming session failure, may prevent proper completion of a programming or result in improper programming due to data corruption or other factors. If a programming session is not completed correctly, the IMD is susceptible to improper operation, possibly exposing a patient to delivery of unnecessary or inappropriate therapies. A fail-safe mode reduces the likelihood of improper operation following a programming session failure. The fail-safe mode defines one or more fail-safe operations designed to preserve proper operation of the IMD. In some embodiments, the fail-safe operations include notifying a person concerning the failure of the programming session, modifying programming parameters within the implantable medical device, and delivering a therapy to a patient.
US08068916B2 Pure digital medical amplifier for digitally acquiring, conditioning, storing, and transferring clinical and non-clinical biomedical signals
A new apparatus of pure digital medical amplifier used for clinical and non-clinical biomedical signal acquisition purposes is disclosed, which include: multiple single-stage amplification buffers connected to biomedical signal inputs for receiving and buffering various biomedical and reference signals, one or more high resolution analog-to-digital converter whose analog inputs connected to the output of said buffers for digitizing biomedical signals, one or more digital signal controller whose inputs/outputs are connected to said buffers and analog-to-digital converters for receiving the digitized biomedical signal data and controlling the processing and output of said digitized biomedical signal data according to preset control program or user's commands. By real-time or non-real-time method said digital signal controller does the following signal processing on the digitized biomedical signal data: filtering, compressing, decompressing, encoding, decoding, transferring, storing and retrieving, analyzing, and displaying the required said digitized biomedical signal data. This invention of amplifier requires only a few electronic components, and yields extremely low internal noise, extremely low distortion of analog output, extremely high external noise rejection and immunity, extremely high flexibility in filtering frequency setting for various biomedical signals.
US08068910B2 Flexible tube sensor for sensing urinary sphincter pressure
The disclosure describes a therapeutic sphincter control system with a fluid tube pressure sensor. The system senses sphincter pressure and sends the information to a stimulator that is capable of stimulation therapy to control sphincter contractility, thus reducing unwanted urinary incontinence. Measuring sphincter pressure is accomplished through the use of a fluid-filled tube placed through the sphincter and attached to a module implanted within the bladder. Pressure within the tube is transduced to generate an electrical signal that is sent wirelessly to an implanted stimulator connected to a lead positioned near pelvic floor nerves. An external device may be used to wirelessly send information to the implanted stimulator and inhibit stimulation in order for the patient to empty the bladder. Pressure information and stimulation information may be recorded and reviewed for continued patient monitoring. In addition, the system may only include the pressure sensor to monitor patient pressure information.
US08068909B2 Measurement of cardiac performance with movement sensors and related methods
Embodiments of the invention are related to implantable devices including movement sensors and related methods for measuring cardiac performance, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable electrical stimulation lead. The electrical stimulation lead can include a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end and a sheath defining a central lumen. The lead body can further include an electrical conductor disposed within the central lumen of the sheath. The stimulation lead can further include a stimulation electrode positioned at the distal end of the lead body, the stimulation electrode in electrical communication with the electrical conductor. The electrical stimulation lead can include an flexion sensor coupled to the lead body, the movement sensor configured to generate a signal in response to movement of the lead body. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of monitoring the condition of a heart failure patient. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of treating unstable arrhythmia in a patient. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US08068907B2 Method for estimating cardiac pressure using parameters derived from impedance signals detected by an implantable medical device
A method of monitoring pressure within a medical patient, includes measuring an actual pressure in a medical patient in a first time period; measuring an indicator of the actual pressure in the first time period, wherein the indicator is derived from an electrical signal of the patient's heart; determining a correlative relationship between the actual pressure and the indicator, wherein both the actual pressure and the indicator are obtained in the first time period; measuring the indicator in a second time period; and determining the actual pressure in the second time period based on the correlative relationship obtained in the first time period and the indicator obtained in the second time period.
US08068904B2 Devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep with an implantable device
Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof.
US08068903B2 Method and apparatus for detection of nervous system disorders
Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures, are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Other embodiments include prediction of seizure activity based upon analysis of physiological signal levels. An embodiment of the invention monitors the quality of physiological signals, and may be able to compensate for signals of low signal quality. A further embodiment of the invention includes detection of seizure activity following the delivery of therapy.
US08068902B2 Electrode device and electrocardiographic measurement device
A device for electrocardiogram measurement is provided, which is relatively not easily influenced by electrical activities of muscles, and which can perform electrocardiogram measurement during a measured person's daily life without removing clothes. The device includes a pair of lead electrode sections that are provided on a band section. Each of the pair of lead electrode sections includes a lead electrode that is disposed so that the lead electrode is positioned in the vicinity of a carotid artery of the measured person when the band section surrounds a neck portion of the measured person. The band section is configured to include a flexible band, and the band section detachably holds onto the neck portion of the measured person with nipping force arising from elastic deformation of the flexible band.
US08068899B2 Method and system of using intrinsic-based photosensing with high-speed line scanning for characterization of biological thick tissue including muscle
Biological thick tissue such as skeletal and cardiac muscle is imaged by inserting a probe into the tissue and scanning the tissue at a sufficiently fast rate to mitigate motion artifacts due to physiological motion. According to one example embodiment, such a probe is part of a system that is capable of reverse-direction high-resolution imaging without staining or otherwise introducing a foreign element used to generate or otherwise increase the sensed light. The probe includes a light generator for generating light pulses that are directed towards structures located within the thick tissue. The light pulses interact with intrinsic characteristics of the structures to generate a signal such as SHG or intrinsic fluorescence. Reliance on intrinsic characteristics of the structures is particularly useful for applications in which the introduction of foreign substances to the thick tissue is undesirable.
US08068897B1 Endoscopic smart probe and method
An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescence data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, an improved endoscopic device useful for implanting the aforementioned endoscopic smart probe is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species within the intestine is disclosed. Methods for inspecting and/or treating the interior regions of the intestinal tract using the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.
US08068893B2 Real-time, interactive volumetric magnetic resonance imaging
A method of producing volume renderings from magnetic resonance image data in real time with user interactivity. The method comprises collecting raw magnetic resonance image (MRI) data representative of shapes within an image volume; transferring the raw MRI data to a computer; and continuously producing volume renderings from the raw MRI data in real time with respect to the act of collecting raw MRI data representative of shapes within the image volume.
US08068892B2 Methods and systems for using intracranial electrodes
The present invention relates to electrode assemblies, neurostimulation systems and methods for implanting and using same. In exemplary embodiments, the electrode includes a body having a conductive contact surface dimensioned and configured to contact a patient's skull; and an electrode head associated with the body. The electrode head is sized for subcutaneous positioning adjacent the subject's skull, and the electrode body is of a length and configured such that the electrode body extends at least partially through the patient's skull but does not contact the patient's dura mater. As these electrodes need not directly contact the brain nor penetrate the dura mater to be effective in neurostimulatory applications, they avoid many of the disadvantages, e.g. increased risk of infection and invasive implantation procedures, associated with conventional electrode design.
US08068891B2 Symmetric LED array for pulse oximetry
There is provided a sensor for pulse oximeter systems. The sensor comprises a first source of electromagnetic radiation configured to operate at a first wavelength, a second source of electromagnetic radiation configured to operate at a second wavelength, and a third source of electromagnetic radiation configured to operate at a third wavelength. The emission spectra of the first and third sources of electromagnetic radiation overlap at their half power level or greater and correspond to a center wavelength in the range of 650 to 670 nm.
US08068887B2 Mobile terminal device
A mobile terminal device includes a fixed side housing including a fixed side front case and a fixed side rear case, the fixed side rear case having a circuit board and a frame chassis disposed adjacent to the circuit board, a movable side housing including a display, connected to the fixed side housing with a connecting part, a power connector provided in an end portion of the circuit board and having a connecting terminal, the connecting terminal being electrically connected to an electrode terminal of a battery pack when the battery pack is stored in a battery storage portion formed in the fixed side rear case, and a connector supporting member that is provided in an end portion of the frame chassis and supports the power connector by covering a circumference of the power connector.
US08068883B2 Hands-free apparatus
A connection of a hands-free apparatus to a cellular phone is established through a hands-free profile, and the connection of the hands-free apparatus to the cellular phone through the hands-free profile is switched from the cellular phone to another cellular phone when a data communication is triggered. Then, the hands-free apparatus establishes another connection to the cellular phone through a dial-up network profile so that a hands-free call by the hands-free apparatus is appropriately handled.
US08068882B2 Portable media player emulator for facilitating wireless use of an accessory
A system for facilitating wireless communication between an accessory and a device comprising a device capable of converting at least an audio signal into a signal transmittable by a wireless communication means; a wireless communication means associated with the device capable of transmitting the converted signal; an accessory, including a docking cradle comprising a plurality of pins, wherein at least one pin on the docking cradle is capable of receiving an audio signal; and an adaptor capable of communicatively coupling with the accessory's docking cradle, the adaptor being capable of receiving the transmission from the wireless communication means associated with the device and converting the signal into an audio signal that can be received by the accessory via the docking cradle.
US08068878B2 System. method, and base station antenna for cellular radio coverage
A system, method, and base station antenna for improved coverage in a cellular mobile telephony network. Each cell in the network has an area defined by azimuth and range limits. In the system, a first cell and a second cell are essentially adjacent to each other in azimuth. A third cell has an azimuth limit that is essentially equal to the total azimuths of the first and second cells, and has a range coverage that is shorter than the ranges of the first or second cells. The base station antenna forms separate “conventional” beams for the first and second cells, and forms a “near cell” beam for the third cell.
US08068877B1 Systems and methods of antenna selection
Systems and methods of controlling transmission of communications from a base station to a wireless communication station are provided. When the signal quality of communications between the base station and the wireless communication station are above a predetermined signal quality level, multiple antennas are employed for transmitting such communications. When the signal quality of transmissions by the base station to the wireless communication station are below a predetermined signal quality level, a single antenna is employed for transmitting such communications.
US08068876B2 Beam wobbling for increased downlink coverage and capacity
A method and apparatus for reducing signal interference within a cellular radio system to increase both coverage and capacity. The method and apparatus include altering the direction of beams within cell sectors is among discrete angular positions according to a predetermined, cyclic pattern. The predetermined, cyclic pattern varies in a group of adjacent cell sectors such that inter-cell interference is significantly reduced or eliminated by rotating at a different cycle the beams in adjacent cells. This discrete, angular movement of beams provides for downlink transmissions to be timed in such a way (i.e., scheduled) such that transmission to a user will occur in accordance with the beam and time slot having the best carrier to interference (C/I) ratio for that user.
US08068874B2 System and method for correcting signal deviations in a radio over fiber network
In a wireless base station comprising a center unit, and a remote unit provided with an array antenna and connected to the center unit through an optical fiber, the center unit outputs to the optical fiber a transmission signal in a base band state prior to array processing, the remote unit performs the array processing of transmission signals in accordance with array weights and converts the transmission signals into RF signals, thereby to localize the compensation for transmission signal deviations occurring among the antenna elements on the remote unit side.
US08068873B1 Cellular telephone without integrated speaker and microphone
Disclosed herein is a cellular telephone that does not include an integrated microphone and an integrated speaker but that instead requires use of an externally connected microphone and speaker to facilitate voice communication. By omitting any integrated microphone and integrated speaker, the cellular telephone may have increased surface area usable for other purposes, such as a display or keypad. Further, the cost to manufacture the cellular telephone could be incrementally lower than the cost to manufacture a comparable cellular telephone having an integrated microphone and integrated speaker.
US08068871B2 Systems and methods for time optimization for silencing wireless devices in coexistence networks
Embodiments provide systems and methods to optimize the time when to transmit a silencing frame, and hence, improve the overall network throughput and avoid access point transmission rate fall-back mechanism having an avalanche effect during coexistence of dissimilar wireless network technologies. A receiver comprises at least two dissimilar network technology subsystems, at least one subsystem of which is higher priority than at least another of the dissimilar subsystems. In some embodiments, a receiver is able to transmit a silencing frame during a predetermined transmission window within a lower priority technology network interval. In other embodiments, a receiver calculates a predetermined transmission window, the predetermined transmission window to occur within a lower priority technology network interval, and transmits a silencing frame during the predetermined transmission window. In further embodiments, a receiver is able to calculate a transmission window to occur during a lower priority technology network interval, and transmit a silencing frame during the calculated transmission window.
US08068870B2 Enterprise location discovery in dual-mode phones
Enterprise location discovery in dual-mode phones. As dual-mode phones move within the enterprise Wi-Fi network, they track which cell tower they are associated with, reporting this information to an enterprise mobility controller. The enterprise mobility controller builds a list of cell tower identifiers which are associated with enterprise Wi-Fi coverage, and makes this list available to subscribing dual-mode phones. Subscribing dual-mode phones can use this list to only scan for Wi-Fi availability when they are associated with a cell tower which is on the list.
US08068862B2 Wireless communication method and apparatus for establishing a multimedia message service over a WLAN
A wireless communication system for supporting multimedia services (MMS) provided to a user of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) which communicates with the wireless communication system. The wireless communication system includes a third generation partnership program (3GPP) universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a wireless local area network (WLAN) and an MMS server. The MMS server stores at least one MMS message for the WTRU in a memory until the WTRU retrieves the message. The 3GPP UMTS includes an internet protocol short message gateway (IP-SM-GW) having a short message service (SMS) proxy. The WTRU is registered with the SMS proxy to establish SMS connectivity, and is also registered with the MMS server to establish MMS connectivity. The WTRU is notified when the MMS server receives an MMS message for the WTRU. The WTRU then retrieves the MMS message from the memory of the MMS server.
US08068860B1 Short message service (SMS) protocol gateway
A system for communicating short message service messages from a SMS application to a wireless communication device. The system includes a protocol gateway for converting messages from a simple object access protocol (SOAP) to a short message peer-to-peer (SMPP) protocol. By using a SOAP protocol for a portion of communications between the SMS application and the wireless communication device, the system provides communications path in which SMS application is not required to maintain knowledge of the complex SMPP protocol. The system may also include a billing mechanism for charging subscribers for content received by the wireless communication device.
US08068859B2 Dual event slotted paging
A novel and improved method and system for paging a cellular telephone or other wireless terminal using two paging channels that reduces standby mode power consumption described. In one embodiment of the invention, a minimally encoded quick paging channel is established over which short, quick page messages are transmitted during one of a set of quick paging slots. The quick page message indicates that a communications request has been received, and that the receiving communication terminals should process a highly encoded full paging channel over which more detailed, full page messages are transmitted during the next full paging slot. A terminal monitors full paging channel only after a quick page message has been received on the quick paging channel.
US08068854B2 Location-based forwarding of a communication
The invention provides a method and a system for forwarding a telephone call. The inventive method includes receiving a telephone call from a calling party line to a called party line, determining a location of the called party, determining a proximity of the location of the called party to one or more subscriber locations, and directing the telephone call to the one or more subscriber locations based on the determined proximity. The subscriber locations may be predefined by the called party. The location of the called party may be determined using a global position system and/or a radio frequency signal, for example.
US08068848B2 Method and system for upgrading a legacy cellular device
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for upgrading a legacy cellular device. In one embodiment, a GIS data collector application for enabling a cellular telephone to perform GIS data collector functions is installed upon a cellular telephone which is not originally intended to be used as a GIS data recording device. The method further comprises selecting a data dictionary comprising at least one desired GIS feature type which was not originally intended for use by the cellular telephone based upon an assigned membership of the cellular telephone to a workgroup. The method further comprises sending the data dictionary to the cellular telephone via a wireless communication network.
US08068846B2 Method of assigning a mobile unit to a tracking area based on a location update frequency
The present invention provides a method for assigning a mobile unit to a tracking area based upon a location update frequency. The method includes selecting one of a technology-specific tracking area and a shared tracking area based on a location update frequency associated with a mobile unit.
US08068842B2 Idle mode handling in a hybrid GSM/CDMA network
In a mobile wireless telecommunications system, which includes base stations (30) of a first type operating over a first air interface, and base stations (32) of a second type operating over a second air interface, a method for reselection by a mobile station (40) camped on a cell associated with a first base station (30), which is of the first type, of a second base station (32), which is of the second type. The method includes receiving signals over the second air interface from the second base station (32) and evaluating a characteristic of the signals. Responsive to the characteristic, the second base station (32) is selected in place of the first base station (30), and the mobile station (40) camps on a cell associated with the second base station (32).
US08068839B2 Mobile radio communication system, base station apparatus, radio network controller, and mobile station
In a mobile radio network in which synchronous base stations and asynchronous base stations coexist, according to handover destination base station candidate information transmitted from a base station to a mobile station, effective time information indicating either an effective time during which it is guaranteed that a signal from a base station candidate included in the handover destination base station candidate information can be detected when, after a lapse of an integral multiple of a fixed time interval from a time when the mobile station could detect a reference signal which were transmitted at the fixed time intervals from the base station candidate, the mobile station detects the same base station candidate again, the effective time depending on the base station candidate, or an index for enabling the mobile station to drive the effective time is provided to the mobile station, and the mobile station carries out the detection by setting up the detection time intervals at which the mobile station detects a signal from the base station candidate on the basis of the effective time information.
US08068836B2 Method and device for transferring an ongoing communication in which a mobile terminal is involved between a first and a second base stations and wherein one of the base stations is located in a moving conveyance
A method and a system for transferring an ongoing communication in which a mobile terminal is involved between a first and a second base stations of a wireless cellular telecommunication network. One of the base stations is located in a moving conveyance. The first base station obtains information indicating that the first base station will become a neighbor of the second base station, identifies a mobile terminal which is currently under communication with a remote telecommunication device through the first base station, transfers a message to the second base station requesting the second base station to prepare resources enabling the continuation of the communication through the second base station, obtains information indicating that the first base station has become a neighbor of the second base station, and transfers the ongoing communication in which the mobile terminal is involved to the second base station.
US08068835B2 Tune-away and cross paging systems and methods
Systems and methods are provided for processing wireless signal components for a mobile wireless access broadband service. This can include processes for measuring signal strength of an alternative frequency by tuning away from an existing frequency associated with an existing communications path. Such processes allow determining if the alternative frequency supports a subsequent communications path in a mobile broadband wireless application. Upon the determination, the process can automatically select the subsequent communications path based in part on the measured signal strength.
US08068834B2 Intra-frequency, inter-frequency and inter-radio access technology searching for neighbor cells within a fixed time duration
Techniques for searching neighbor cells within a fixed time duration are disclosed. In one embodiment, cells in a monitored list are ranked. A first subset of the ranked cells are searched during each cycle in a series of cycles, and a subset of the remainder of ranked cells is searched in each cycle, the subset varying from cycle to cycle. In another embodiment, the ranking and searching of a subset of the ranked list of cells is performed when the number of monitored cells is greater than a pre-determined search number. In yet another embodiment, the complete list of monitored cells is searched when the number of monitored cells is less than or equal to a pre-determined search number. In various embodiments, the searching comprises one or more of intra-frequency, inter-frequency, or inter-RAT searching. Various other embodiments are also presented. Benefits include allowing prescribed levels of intra-frequency, inter-frequency and/or inter-RAT search to be performed allowing for improved base station selection and therefore improved performance and system capacity.
US08068833B2 Candidate access router discovery
An arrangement and a method is provided for discovering candidate access routers in a mobile IP (Internet Protocol) network to enable seamless IP handover of a mobile node between access routers. A server element (19), which is separate from the access routers (11, 12) and the mobile node (MN), is provided with access router information relating to one or more access routers and with information identifying the access router serving the mobile node and reachability information about one or more access routers other than the serving access router that are within reach to the mobile node. The address of at least one of said one or more access routers within reach to the mobile node is determined in the server element on the basis of the provided information.
US08068830B2 Call handling scheme to reduce roaming charges
A second switch receives an indication from a roaming network that a call forwarded by the roaming network has been dropped by the roaming network, and in response to receiving the indication, forwards the call from a first switch.
US08068829B2 System for customizing electronic services for delivery to a passenger in an airborne wireless cellular network
The Customized Electronic Services Delivery System provides customized electronic services to passengers who are located onboard an aircraft by storing data indicative of a plurality of electronic services that are available to passengers who are located onboard an aircraft, as well as data indicative of preferences of passengers for the plurality of electronic services. Once a correspondence is made between the electronic services and an identified passenger, the Customized Electronic Services Delivery System advises the passenger of the availability of the customized services and establishes wireless communications between the passenger's electronic device and the selected electronic service. The electronic services include in-flight entertainment services as well as destination-based services which link the passenger's existing travel plans with offers for additional services that are available to the passenger at their nominal destination and their planned travel schedule.
US08068825B2 Second party control over mobile device usage
A mechanism is provided whereby a parent, or other second party, can monitor and/or control a child's or other first party's wireless device usage. An interface can allow the parent to set rules for the child's usage, and can specify that the parent should receive messages when a call is made to or from the child's wireless device. In addition to call information, the message may prompt the parent for approval of the call connection. Thus, a parent can decide whether a call that is incoming from or outgoing to a third party should be permitted.
US08068823B2 Optimizing call setup latency for geographically dense groups
A system and method for optimizing call setup latency for geographically dense groups including updating client location information using at least one application server while the client moves from one sector to another to provide a location update; identifying and updating parameters including location update information uniquely identifying a sector from which a client is receiving communication service; and determining at least one geographically dense call group; and choosing at least one designated responder to the at least call group. A client per cluster is selected as a designated responder for that cluster and when the server needs to set up a geographically dense group call, a random number is included corresponding to the designated responder for that group in a call setup message.
US08068819B2 System and method for increased wireless communication device performance
One way to deliver increased wireless communication device performance without using a higher performance processor is to offload processor functions in a wireless communications device. In one example a wireless device selects a processor function to be performed for the wireless device and evaluates the selected processor function to determine whether to offload the processor function. If it is determined that the processor function can be offloaded the wireless device transmits a wireless request to a remote processor to perform the offload processor function. After performing the processor function at the remote processor and generating a result the wireless device receives the result.
US08068818B2 Routing of media communication service
A method of routing a request in a communication system. The method comprises searching routing information associated to an identity, and prioritizing either one of the routing information related to the identity for the first type and the routing information related to the identity of the second type. The request is then routed by using the prioritized routing information. The invention advances correct routing in a system where different identity types are available.
US08068817B1 Virtual address translation to support wireless access to data networks
In a telephony communication system, mobile devices request access to packet-based networks using network access requests that identify access point names associated with the networks. The mobile devices and an operator network providing access to the networks support the use of virtual access point names within network access requests. These virtual access point names need not correspond to any existing networks. Rather, network access requests incorporating virtual access point names indicate actually requested access point names within other fields of the network access requests.
US08068816B2 Voice mailbox configuration methods and apparatus for mobile communication devices
In one illustrative example disclosed, a mobile communication device includes a user interface, a processor, and a wireless transmitter. The user interface includes, among other things, a visual display which is part of a graphical user interface (GUI). For configuring a voice mailbox at a remote voicemail system, the GUI visually displays a user input prompt for voice mailbox configuration information which corresponds to an audible user input prompt provided by the voicemail system. The user input prompt may be, for example, a prompt for a user password, an audible voicemail greeting, or an audible user name for the voice mailbox. Through the user interface, the voice mailbox configuration information is received by the processor in response to the user input prompt and transmitted to the voicemail system by the wireless transmitter. Advantageously, the mobile device provides a consistent user-friendly GUI for voice mailbox configuration as well as for its primary applications.
US08068810B2 Systems and methods for monitoring “pay-as-you-go” telecommunication services
Telecommunication services systems and methods are disclosed. The telecommunication services systems and methods preferably enable the user and/or the responsible party to make payments as the user uses the telecommunication services. The systems and methods may also be employed to provide the user and/or the responsible party with specialized pricing options and other customized services.
US08068809B2 Communication reward
A method is performed by a device that includes a display and a communication application. The method includes identifying a reward criterion for communication activities using the communication application, receiving an indication of a communication activity, and recording the indication of the communication activity with a cumulative total of communication activities. The method also includes presenting, on the display, a graphic representation of the cumulative total of communication activities, where the cumulative total of communication activities is presented in relation to the reward criterion.
US08068808B2 Method and system for providing a deployable emergency call service for wireless handsets
Embodiments of systems and methods are presented to provide local citizenry with the ability to initiate emergency calls on their mobile device through a deployable cellular communication resource, such as a switch on wheels. The mobile device may be provisioned with a primary preferred roaming list (PRL) and a secondary PRL. The secondary PRL is accessed only when a switch-to-secondary-PRL flag is set in the primary PRL. Upon detection of the switch-to-secondary-PRL flag, the mobile device may enter an emergency call mode which only allows the mobile device to initiate an emergency call. If no network listed in the primary PRL and no emergency network listed in the secondary PRL is available, the mobile device may pause for a predetermined time before repeating attempts to access a network in order to conserver battery power until cellular communication networks are repaired or temporary networks implemented.
US08068806B2 Portable terminal apparatus
A portable terminal apparatus where a talking can be speedily switched to that using a bone conduction speaker even in the talking. In this device, an upper housing (101) has a cutout section (106) for clearing a step section (103). Installation sections (107) are arranged so as to set the cutout section (106) between them and are combined with a hinge provided in the step section (103). The upper housing (101) can be pivoted and folded relative to a lower housing (102). The lower housing (102) has a keypad (110) and also has the step section (103) formed higher by one step than a panel surface (112) of the lower housing (102). The step section (103) receives a bone conduction speaker (104) and has at its top section a vibration surface (105).
US08068802B2 Estimating the location of a wireless terminal based on calibrated signal-strength measurements
A process and machine for estimating the location of a wireless terminal is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is based on the observation that the signal strength of a signal from a transmitter is different at some locations, and, therefore, the location of a wireless terminal can be estimated by comparing the signal strength it currently observes against a map or database that correlates locations to signal strengths. In accordance with a first example, if a particular radio station is known to be received well at a first location and poorly at a second location, and a given wireless terminal at an unknown location is receiving the radio station poorly, it is more likely that the wireless terminal is at the second location than it is at the first location.
US08068799B1 Radio frequency receiver systems that are configured to achieve high dynamic range
A radio frequency (RF) receiver system that is configured to achieve high dynamic range may include at least one antenna and a plurality of receivers connected to the at least one antenna. The plurality of antennas may be configured to provide different gains. The RF receiver system may include an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter subsystem connected to the plurality of receivers. The A/D converter subsystem may include a plurality of A/D converters. An overall digitization range of the A/D converter subsystem may be greater than a digitization range of any of the plurality of A/D converters individually. The overall digitization range of the A/D converter subsystem may be sufficiently large so as to accommodate a desired dynamic range of the RF receiver system.
US08068795B2 RF multiband transmitter with balun
A multi-band RF transmitter circuit (30) for a wireless communication device combines a plurality of RF transmission blocks into a single transceiver integrated circuit which includes a shared broadband SVGA (32), a shared tunable balun (34), and an output switching network (38) at the output of the balun to support three different frequency bands. The outputs of the multi-band RF transmitter circuit are connected to separate external power amplifier circuits (42-44), where each power amplifier circuit generates an amplified signal for one of the plurality of predetermined frequency bands.
US08068794B2 Method and system for a multisystem polar transmitter
Aspects of a method and system for a Multisystem Polar Transmitter may include a single integrated circuit comprising one or more Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizer (DDFS). The single integrated circuit may generate a plurality of signals compliant with at least a first wireless protocol and a second wireless protocol. At least one of the plurality of signals is polar modulated using the DDFS. The single integrated circuit may comprise a plurality of wireless transmitters. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of baseband signals compliant with the first and second protocols may be combined. The first protocol may be Bluetooth® and the second protocol may be Wireless LAN. The combined plurality of baseband signals may be modulated via a single wireless transmitter on the integrated circuit. The phase and frequency for polar modulation may be adjusted using the DDFS, while the amplitude may be adjusted using an amplifier.
US08068792B2 In-band signaling for data communications over digital wireless telecommunications networks
An inband signaling modem communicates digital data over a voice channel of a wireless telecommunications network. An input receives digital data. An encoder converts the digital data into audio tones that synthesize frequency characteristics of human speech. The digital data is also encoded to prevent voice encoding circuitry in the telecommunications network from corrupting the synthesized audio tones representing the digital data. An output then outputs the synthesized audio tones to a voice channel of a digital wireless telecommunications network.
US08068791B2 Apparatus for protecting receiver in TDD wireless communication system
A Time Division Duplex (TDD) switch of a TDD wireless communication system is provided. By its unique arrangement, the TDD switch protects a receiver of the wireless system. The TDD switch includes an isolator connected to an output port of a transmitter, a first transmission line stub, connected between the isolator and a circulator, for transmitting a transmission signal received from the isolator when in a transmission mode, and for isolating a transmission path when in a reception mode, a first transmission line connected to the circulator, for isolating a reception path when in the transmission mode, and for supplying to a receiver a reception signal provided from an antenna connected to the circulator when in the reception mode, and a second transmission line stub connected between the first transmission line and an input port of the receiver in a stub form, for controlling the first transmission line to isolate the reception path when in the transmission mode, and for supplying the reception signal to the receiver when in the reception mode.
US08068790B2 RF bus access protocol and transceiver
A method for accessing an RF begins by determining whether information is to be transmitted via the RF bus. The method continues by determining whether the RF bus is available when the information is to be transmitted via the RF bus. The method continues by securing access to the RF bus when the RF bus is available. The method continues by converting the information into RF bus signal and by transmitting the RF bus signal via the RF bus when access to the RF bus is secured.
US08068785B2 Method for resource partition, assignment, transmission and reception for inter-cell interference migration in downlink of OFDM cellular systems
A resource division, allocation, and transmitting/receiving method of downlink for reducing inter-cell interference in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system are provided. Entire downlink radio resources are divided into a traffic resource group for a traffic channel and a control resource group for a control channel, the traffic resource group is divided into a first traffic resource group for the intra-cell mobile terminals and a second traffic resource group for a cell-boundary mobile terminal, and a part of the first traffic resource group is imaginarily divided into a (1−1)-th preliminary traffic resource group, the (1−1)-th preliminary traffic resource group being a preliminary resource group for the cell-boundary mobile terminal. The control resource group is allocated to a control channel for the intra-cell mobile terminal; and a resource of the first traffic resource group or the second traffic resource group is allocated to a traffic channel for the mobile terminal according to inter-cell interference affected to the mobile terminal. Radio resources may be reused in each downlink cell of the OFDM system, the traffic may be rapidly transmitted to the cell boundary mobile terminal, a system capacity may be increased, the cell plane may be easily performed, and the system capacity may not be decreased although the mobile terminal number, locations, and traffic density is not uniform.
US08068776B2 Coated transfer member
An intermediate transfer member that is fully coated with a self crosslinked acrylic resin.
US08068773B2 Development device and image forming apparatus
A development device includes a developer carrier and a developer supply belt. The developer carrier, disposed in contact with an image carrier carrying an electrostatic latent image, carries developer to be charged with a prescribed polarity and develops the electrostatic latent image by application of development voltage. The developer supply belt includes a first roller, a second roller, and a belt. The belt is tightly stretched by the first roller and the second roller, and is disposed in contact with the developer carrier from a contact beginning portion to a contact finishing portion. A potential difference between the development voltage and the voltage of the contact finishing portion is arranged to be zero (0) V or above and 600 V or below.
US08068768B2 Ion generating element, charging device, and image forming apparatus
In an ion generating element, (i) an induction electrode and a heater electrode are provided away from each other on one surface of an insulating base material such that the induction electrode and the heater electrode are insulated from each other, (ii) a dielectric layer is provided on the surface of the insulating base material, and (iii) the dielectric layer has a length covering the insulating base material and the dielectric layer has openings above a ground terminal of the induction electrode and above a ground terminal and a power supply connection terminal of the heater electrode so that the terminals are exposed. As a result, it is possible to provide an ion generating element for generating ions along with creeping discharge, a charging device, and an image forming apparatus, each of which can be produced at low costs and prevent damages when unexpected troubles occur, and each of which is excellent in terms of safety.
US08068767B2 Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
The image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a drum drive input member; a developing cartridge configured to be movably mounted to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge comprising a developing roller disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum and a developing drive input member; a drum drive transmission member configured to engage with the drum drive input member and configured to transmit drum driving force to the drum drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the drum drive input member within a predetermined range; and a developing drive transmission member configured to engage with the developing drive input member and configured to transmit developing driving force to the developing drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the developing drive input member within a predetermined range.
US08068760B2 Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeder which feeds a sheet in a sheet storage case includes a sheet storage case in which a sheet is stored, a dehumidifier which dehumidifies air, an air tank in which air dehumidified by the dehumidifier is stored, shutters and which bring the air tank and the sheet storage case into communication and out of communication, and fans and which send air between the air tank and the sheet storage case. The shutters and the fans are operated in accordance with humidity in the sheet storage case.
US08068759B2 Image forming apparatus and cooling method used therein
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including an image carrier and a development device, a transfer unit to transfer an image formed on the image carrier onto a sheet, a fixing device to fix the image on the sheet, a sheet transport unit, a sheet stack portion, an air duct, and a first liquid-cooling device. The first liquid-cooling device includes a first heat receiving member disposed in thermal contact with a first heated portion, a first heat releaser, a first circulation pipe connecting the first heat receiving member and the first heat releaser to circulate a coolant therebetween, a first transport member to transport the coolant through the first circulation pipe, and an airflow generator to generate an airflow with external air to cool the first heat releaser. The air duct guides the air taken in by the airflow generator to a second heated portion.
US08068757B2 Image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus including a fixing portion in which a fixing nip portion is defined between a heater and a pressure roller via an endless belt, a pressure setting portion, which sets a pressure to be exerted on the fixing nip portion, sets a first pressure during fixing, sets a second pressure lower than the first pressure when the apparatus is not used, and sets a third pressure lower than the first pressure and higher than the second pressure when a recording material is jammed.
US08068756B2 Image forming apparatus and control method
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit configured to form an image on an image carrier, a transfer unit configured to transfer the image formed on the image carrier onto a transfer medium, a voltage applying unit configured to apply a voltage to the transfer unit, a current detection unit configured to detect a current that flows through the transfer unit when the voltage applying unit applies the voltage, and a control unit configured to control the voltage applying unit based on a detection result of the current detection unit.
US08068755B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided in which image forming sections are provided along an intermediate transfer member and in which a test voltage is applied to a transfer member to control a transfer voltage. In the image forming apparatus, the test voltage is applied to a region of the intermediate transfer member in an upstream image forming section. The test voltage is controlled so as to be applied at a time except when that region of the intermediate transfer member passes through a downstream image forming section. Accordingly, when the intermediate transfer member is charged by applying the test voltage to the transfer member in the upstream image forming section, the transfer voltage can be appropriately controlled in the downstream image forming section.
US08068754B2 Image forming apparatus equipped having a hinge portion that connects an image forming portion and image reading portion
An image forming apparatus including: an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet; an image reading portion for reading an original, the image forming portion having a printed board having a projecting board surface projecting on an image reading portion side; a hinge portion having a pivot axis for pivotably supporting the image reading portion relative to the image forming portion; and a cable having a connector to be electrically connected with a connector receiving portion provided on the projecting board surface, wherein, within the image forming apparatus, the cable is folded back in a U-shape in a vicinity of the pivot axis from the image reading portion side to an image forming portion side, with the connector of the cable being connected to the connector receiving portion from a direction substantially perpendicular to the projecting board surface.
US08068753B2 Control device and method to control an electrophotographic printer or copier to prevent developer damage
In a method or control device for controlling an electrophotographic printer or copier that has at least two developer stations, during a print operation print data is used to determine which developer stations are needed for printing of the data. In the event it is established that a developer station was not need or will not be needed for a predetermined time span, the developer station is shifted into a standby state in which at least one part of mechanical actuators of the developer station is stopped.
US08068748B2 Methods and systems for sensing an amount of material in a toner cartridge
A method and system to sense an amount of material such as toner in a container held in a horizontal position within a machine, such as a printing machine. A level sensor senses an amount of material within a dispensing unit which causes the level sensor to issue a signal. The dispensing unit is external to the container. The container holding the material is rotated, and a rotation direction reversed to a direction normally used to dispense the material. The reverse rotation direction moves the material to a closed end of the container. The container is then moved in a forward direction following the rotation of the container in the reverse direction. The forward rotation moves the material to the open end of the container, and the material further moves into the dispensing unit. A signal is generated when a sufficient amount of material has been moved into the dispensing unit. A time period is determined which represents the time it took to move the material from the closed end of the material, until the signal indicating a sufficient amount of material exists in the dispensing unit. The amount of material in the container is estimated by use of the determined time period.
US08068741B2 Polarization to phase converter
The invention provides an apparatus and method for time delaying different polarization components of a signal relative to one another, comprising a polarization signal splitter which splits first and second polarization components of an input signal into a first component signal and a second component signal such that said first component signal propagates along a first path and the second component signal propagates along a second path, wherein said first component signal reaches a location relative to when said second component reaches said location at times differing by a delayed time, and use of the apparatus in a communication system. The apparatus may be used for quantum cryptography, to convert a sender's polarization-qubit signal into a signal appropriate for channels and receivers based on phase-encoded schemes.
US08068739B2 Modular optical device that interfaces with an external controller
Optical modules described herein include optical components such as lasers or photodiodes for communicating on fiber-optic networks. The lasers and photodiodes have analog interface such that the lasers and photodiodes can be controlled by a controller external to the optical modules. The optical modules also include memory modules. The memory modules store operating characteristics of the lasers and photodiodes. The operating characteristics can be read via digital interfaces that are connected to the memory modules. This allows the controller to appropriately adjust signals such that a randomly selected controller may be used with a randomly selected optical module.
US08068734B2 Mapping a client signal into transport frames
Embodiments of the present invention provide a systems, devices, and methods in which a client signal is divided into a plurality of channels, mapped within transport frames, and combined into a WDM transport signal. These embodiments include intra-nodal redundancy that protects against failure events within the transport transmitter. In particular, redundancy is provided within a network transport transmitter such that redundant paths are available so that electrical channels may be routed around a malfunctioning component within the transmitter.
US08068733B2 Method for operating transparent node for WDM shared “virtual ring” networks
A system and method for a transparent WDM metro ring architecture in which optics enables simultaneous provisioning of dedicated wavelengths for high-end user terminals, while low-end user terminals share wavelengths on “virtual rings”. All wavelengths are sourced by the network and remotely modulated at customer “End Stations” by low cost semiconductor optical amplifiers, which also serve as transmission amplifiers. The transparent WDM metro ring architecture permits the communication of information and comprises a fiber optical feeder ring, at least one fiber optical distribution ring, a network node (NN), at least one access node (AN) said network node and said at least one access node connected via said fiber optical feeder ring and at least one end station (ES) connected via said fiber optical distribution ring to said at least one access node, wherein said user is attached to said at least one end station. A simple node that supports bi-directional propagation in transparent WDM metro architectures using “virtual rings” is also described. A method for communicating information over a WDM fiber optical ring network architecture in a metro access arena using one or more wavelengths, which can be shared by a plurality of user terminals, each user terminal coupled to an end station comprises the steps of sending downstream data packets, sending optical chalkboard packets consisting of ones and sending control signals.
US08068729B2 Network testing apparatus, network testing method and recording medium thereof
This G-PON network testing apparatus composes a network by connecting between an OLT, ONU or ONT by a optical fiber. This testing apparatus stores testing items and code numbers in a storing section by correlating them from each other. It obtains data receiving time and transmits the data to a delay buffer A when no test is implemented and generates testing data in which a code number is added to the data when a test is implemented. Then, this testing apparatus extracts the code number from the generated testing data to implement the testing item and obtains time when the testing item is finished. Then, it calculates a test time necessary for implementing the test from this time and the data receiving time and reads the data transmitted to the delay buffer A after an elapsed of the calculated test time.
US08068724B2 Forced air heater including on-board source of electric energy
A forced-air heater having a self-contained on-board electric-power supply that allows the forced-air heater to operate without an external electric power source; a fuel tank; a combustion chamber; a support; a housing including upper and lower housing portions; a motorized fan that during operation draws in ambient air through an air intake and forces air into the combustion chamber.
US08068723B2 Recording medium, playback apparatus, recording method, program, and playback method
On a BD-ROM, an AVClip and a plurality of playback section information (PlayItems) are recorded. The AVClip includes a video stream multiplexed with a plurality of elementary streams. The playback section information Playable_PID_entries showing the playback start point and the playback end point in the video stream correlated with the filtering specification of each elementary stream. The filtering specification specifies whether each of the plurality of elementary streams are able to be played back or not.
US08068720B2 Recording device and method, reproduction device and method, and recording medium
A disc (1) has formed therein a header area (21) in which management information is recorded, and a data area (22) in which content information is recorded. Content information is recorded in units of an access block each including a succession of frames into the data area (22). The leading frame of the access block is taken as a base point of decoding. In the header area (21), there are recorded recording-position information for each access block and output-time information for the leading frame of each access block. At the top of the access block, there are recorded recording-position and output-time information for frames other than the leading frame. Thus, skip reproduction can be done by reading the recording-position and output-time information in the access block into a memory.
US08068719B2 Systems and methods for detecting exciting scenes in sports video
Disclosed are systems and methods for identifying a scene in a video or audio source containing sports content. A representative method includes: extracting audio data from a video source, the video source containing sports content, removing from the audio data sounds not producible by human, classifying scenes of the video source as important scenes of the video clip by analyzing the energy, pitch and tonality of at least one frame of the audio data and determining whether the at least one frame is an exciting scene.
US08068716B2 One-step recording apparatus for portable media players
A recording apparatus for recording audio-visual (A/V) contents directly from an A/V input source to a portable media player (PMP) is disclosed. The recorded A/V contents can be played back by the portable media player immediately upon stopping the recording. The recording apparatus does not involve the use of any intermediate computing or storage device other than the portable media player and the recording apparatus itself. The A/V contents for recording may come in the form of analog/digital signals or as digital data in compressed or uncompressed form from transmission and/or storage devices. Depending upon the nature of the input, the recording apparatus digitizes, encodes and/or transcodes the A/V contents and stores the processed A/V contents directly into the portable media player in playback ready format. The recording apparatus includes a one-button control interface for starting and stopping the recording of A/V contents to the portable media player. By clicking the button once, the process of recording the A/V contents into the portable media player is initiated. Optionally, elaborate control of the A/V recording parameters can be achieved through a configuration file. The type of encoders/decoders, bit-rates, duration of recording and other parameters can be set in the configuration file. The configuration file is stored in the portable media player or any other connected storage device. The recording apparatus provides both manual and automatic update mechanisms for play lists in the portable media player. In addition, the recording apparatus may also record and store A/V contents to storage devices other than a portable media player.
US08068714B2 Optical waveguide feedthrough assembly
An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.
US08068712B2 Fiber distribution hub
A fiber distribution hub includes a cabinet; a termination region positioned within the interior of the cabinet; at least one termination module mounted in at least one opening defined at the termination region; fiber optic connectors coupled to termination adapters of the termination module; intermediate fibers extending rearwardly of the fiber optic connectors; and a multi-fiber connector terminating the intermediate fibers. The termination module includes a housing enclosing the termination adapters. One or more termination modules can be incrementally added to the fiber distribution hub.
US08068710B2 Decoupled holographic film and diffuser
In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide may include a turning film to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, the light guide comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The display device may include additional films as well. The light guide, for example, may include a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical characteristics of the display.
US08068708B2 Large tolerance fiber optic transmitter and receiver
An optical transmitter relaxes the tolerance between a source assembly and a fiber receptacle to facilitate passive alignment. The source assembly includes a light source and a lens. The lens is held at a fixed distance away from the light source using precise support structures typically formed by photolithographic processes. The fiber receptacle includes an optical element. The fiber receptacle is adapted to hold an optical fiber at a fixed distance from the optical element. The lens substantially collimates light from the light source into the form of collimated light. The optical element focuses the collimated light onto the aperture of the optical fiber.
US08068705B2 Single-mode high-power fiber laser system
A monolithic fiber is configured with a double bottleneck-shaped multimode (MM) core capable of supporting substantially only a fundamental mode at a given wavelength and having opposite end regions, frustoconically shaped transformer regions, which run inwards from the respective end regions, and a central uniformly dimensioned region, which bridges the transformer regions. The MM core has a refractive step-index profile which is configured with a centrally positioned dip having a variable width along the length of the fiber. The width of the dip is relatively small at the end regions of the MM core so as to support only the fundamental mode with a Gaussian profile. As the dip becomes larger along the input transformer region, it gradually shapes the Gaussian profile into the ring profile of the fundamental mode, which is guided along the central region of the MM core. The dip gradually becomes smaller along the output transition region so as to shape the ring profile back into the substantially Gaussian profile of the fundamental mode radiated from the output end region of the MM core. The refractive index profile has a ring area doped with one or more rare-earth elements and configured to amplify substantially only the fundamental mode.
US08068704B2 Optical waveguide circuit and multi-core central processing unit using the same
An optical waveguide circuit includes: a lower cladding layer formed on a substrate; a first optical waveguide formed on the lower cladding layer so as to partition the lower cladding layer into a first portion and a second portion; a second optical waveguide formed on the first portion, the second optical waveguide including a tip end portion directed toward a side face of the first optical waveguide, the tip end portion being narrowed in a tapered manner; and a third optical waveguide formed on the second portion, the third optical waveguide including a tip end portion directed toward the tip end portion of the second optical waveguide, a tip end portion of the third optical waveguide being narrowed in a tapered manner.
US08068702B2 System, method and computer instructions for aiding image analysis
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method and computer instructions for aiding analysis of an image used in a medical examination. For example, in an embodiment, an image analysis system used in a medical examination comprises: an input module configured to input an image; a search module configured to locate information regarding an image that is similar to the input image; and an output module configured to output a link to the located information, wherein the located information is displayed when the link is used. For example, in an embodiment, an image analysis system used in a medical examination further comprises a communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to output the input image and the located information, and wherein the communication module is configured to receive a responsive communication.
US08068700B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and electronic appliance
In an image processing apparatus, the amount of motion between a low-resolution image as a datum image and each of N low-resolution images is detected and, based on the detected amounts of motion, the datum image, and M consulted images (N>M≧1) selected out of the N low-resolution images, a high-resolution image is generated. An image evaluator, which selects the consulted images, takes each of the N low-resolution images as an evaluated image and arranges, based on the amounts of motion, the datum image and the evaluated images in a common coordinate system. Based on a pixel position on the datum image in the common coordinate system, a datum position in the common coordinate system is set. For each evaluated image, the distance from the datum position to a pixel position on that evaluated image is evaluated so that evaluated images corresponding to relatively small distances are selected as consulted images, while evaluated images corresponding to relatively great distances are excluded from the M consulted images.
US08068699B2 Imaging apparatus and imaging method
An imaging apparatus includes imaging means for imaging an image at a first aspect ratio, and image processing means for converting an original image at the first aspect ratio, which is imaged by the imaging means, to a converted image at a second aspect ratio, which is different from the first aspect ratio, by discarding a section of the original image as a discard section, and creating the converted image by, if the selected magnification of the converted image is lower than that of the original image, reducing the size of the original image according to the magnification and then adding a margin to the reduced original image and discarding the discard section according to the magnification as necessary.
US08068693B2 Method for constructing a composite image
A method for constructing a composite image comprises determining in an alignment between at least a first and a second image based on the content of the first and second image frames, and combining in a transform domain at least the first and second images with the determined alignment to form a composite image.
US08068691B2 Sparkle processing
An image conversion unit (100) for converting an input image (602) into an output image (606) is disclosed. The image conversion unit (100) comprises: a filter (104) for selecting a group of connected input pixels from the input image (602), the group of connected input pixels having a size which is relatively small relative to the size of the input image (602), the input pixels of the group of connected input pixels having high luminance values relative to the range of input luminance values; and a pixel processor (104) for assigning luminance values to output pixels of the output image (606) on basis of the respective luminance values of the input pixels of the input image (602), whereby the luminance values of the output pixels corresponding to the group of connected input pixels are higher than the respective luminance values of the connected input pixels.
US08068688B2 Device and method for estimating defocus blur size in an image
A method for estimating a defocus blur size (520) in a defocused blurred input image (14) includes the steps of removing at least a portion of any content correlation (464) from the input image (14) to generate a decorrelated image, and computing an autocorrelation matrix (570) from the decorrelated image. Subsequently, the method can include the steps of rotating the autocorrelation matrix (468) to a plurality of alternative angles to generate a plurality of rotated matrixes, and averaging the plurality of rotated matrixes (470) to calculate an averaged autocorrelation matrix (572). Next, the defocus blur kernel size (520) can be estimated from the averaged autocorrelation matrix (572). Additionally, the method can include the step of deblurring the input image (14) using the defocus blur size (520) to provide an adjusted image (22).
US08068687B2 Object recognizing apparatus and method
An object is identified by detecting an object area image of an object to be recognized from a degraded image, converting the object area image to a frequency area, extracting a feature vector which indicates the amount of blur, comparing the feature vector and a classified plurality of blurred images, obtaining a cluster which is the most similar to the feature vector, selecting one point spread function corresponding to the similar cluster, restoring the object area image to the image before being blurred using the point spread function, and comparing the restored image and a target image.
US08068686B2 Image recording apparatus, image recording method, image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing system
An image recording apparatus includes an imaging section which images a subject to obtain imaging data. An image quality information acquiring section acquires a plurality of sets of information concerning image quality. An image quality information converting section converts the plurality of sets of information concerning the image quality acquired in the image quality information acquiring section into image processing parameters used in image processing of the imaging data. An image processing section performs image processing with respect to the imaging data based on the image processing parameters converted by the image quality information converting section. A recording section records in a recording medium the imaging data subjected to image processing in the image processing section, or records in the recording medium the imaging data which is not yet subjected to image processing in the image processing section and the plurality of sets of information concerning the image quality.
US08068680B2 Processing methods for coded aperture imaging
The present invention relates to processing of coded aperture images. Multiple frames of data acquired by the coded aperture imaging system, each with a different coded aperture array, are processed to form an image. The processing incorporates the constraints that the image solution must be positive and that the solution should be zero outside an expected image region. In one embodiment image enhancement may involve dividing the processed image into image regions having a spatially invariant point spread function and solving an inverse problem for each image region to reduce image blurring.
US08068678B2 Electronic apparatus and image processing method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a grouping module, an attribute determination module, a grouping attribute setting module, a group selection module, and a video generating module. The grouping module classifies contents, to which time information is added, into groups based on the time information. The attribute determination module determines attributes of each of the contents by analyzing features of the contents. The grouping attribute setting module sets, with respect to each of the groups, selected attributes as grouping attributes for the group, the selected attributes being selected from the attributes of the contents in the group under a predetermined condition. The group selection module selects, from the groups, at least one group for which the grouping attribute agreeing with or relating to an input search key are set. The video generating module generates video data by using the contents in the selected groups.
US08068676B2 Intelligent fashion exploration based on clothes recognition
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for recognizing and classifying clothes. During operation, the system captures at least one image of a clothing item. The system further determines a region on the captured image which corresponds to a torso and/or limbs. The system also determines at least one color composition, texture composition, collar configuration, and sleeve configuration of the clothing item. Additionally, the system classifies the clothing item into at least one category based on the determined color composition, texture composition, collar configuration, and sleeve configuration. The system then produces a result which indicates the classification.
US08068674B2 UPC substitution fraud prevention
A system and method for detecting fraudulent identification tags, such as Universal Product Codes (UPC) applied to goods to be purchased is disclosed. Images of the goods to be purchased and corresponding feature models are stored in a database. When a customer desires to purchase an item containing a UPC, a scanned image of the item about to be purchased may be acquired and a feature model of the scanned image may be created. The system may retrieve from the database the image and feature model previously stored for the item associated with the just-scanned UPC. A variety of image processing techniques may be used to compare the scanned and database images and/or the scanned and database feature models. In one embodiment, these image processing techniques may include determining a geometric transformation that maps the features of the scanned image onto the features of a database model.
US08068671B2 Optical character readers for reading characters printed on wires or wire sleeves
A scanning system for scanning a wire to determine the characters provided on the wire.
US08068664B2 Component sensor for pick and place machine using improved shadow imaging
A method of sensing a component held by a nozzle of a pick and place machine is provided. The method includes engaging a source of illumination and recording a reference background image when no component is held by the nozzle. Then, a component is adhered to the nozzle. A shadow image of the component is detected while the component is held by the nozzle. The detected shadow image of the component is adjusted based upon the recorded reference background image. Positional information relative to the component held on the nozzle is computed using the adjusted shadow image. The component is then mounted upon a workpiece using the positional information.
US08068663B2 Simulation method of optical image intensity distribution, program, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The intensity distribution of an optical image in a resist film is calculated (S1); the intensity distribution of the optical image is transformed through a Fourier transform in a periodic direction of the intensity distribution of the optical image (S2) and is transformed through a spectral transform in an aperiodic direction of the intensity distribution of the optical image by use of a base which satisfies a boundary condition (S3); a modulation function for modulating the intensity distribution of the optical image is transformed through a Fourier transform in the periodic direction (S4) and is transformed through a spectral transform in the aperiodic direction by use of the base satisfying the boundary direction (S5); a product of the post-transformed intensity distribution of the optical image and the post-transformed modulation function is computed (S6), is transformed through an inverse Fourier transform in the periodic direction (S7), and is transformed through an inverse spectral transform in the aperiodic direction by use of a base corresponding to the inverse transform of the spectral transform; and thereby a modulated intensity distribution of the optical image is calculated (S8).
US08068658B2 Evaluation method for two-dimensional fluoroscopy images of an examination object with time-coded display of three-dimensional reconstructions
A computer receives a plurality of two-dimensional fluoroscopy images of an examination object, capture time points and projection parameters and combines the images into image groups. Each image group contains all the images, the capture time point of which is between a minimum and a maximum time point specific to the respective image group. When the image groups are sorted by ascending minimum time points, the corresponding maximum time points form a strictly monotonously ascending order. The respective minimum and maximum time points are determined so that the computer reconstructs a three-dimensional object reconstruction of the examination object based on the images assigned to the respective image group. A respective two-dimensional reconstruction display is determined by the respective three-dimensional object reconstruction and outputted to a user in a coding specific to the respective image group by a display device.
US08068655B2 Method and system for vessel enhancement and artifact reduction in TOF MR angiography of brain
A method and system for vessel enhancement and artifact reduction in a 3D time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography brain image. An intensity-based threshold is used to extract structures of interest in the brain image. Vessels are isolated in the structures of interest by filtering the structures based on a vesselness measure. The vessels are then enhanced by multiplying the filtered image by a coefficient map based on intensities of the original brain image. The scalp is detected in the enhanced image, and the scalp is removed from the enhanced image to generate a noise-reduce enhanced image.