| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08080033B2 |
Staged release of IVC filter legs
A catheter for stage-delivering a vena cava filter within a body lumen is disclosed. The catheter may comprise an elongated tubular member having a proximal section, a distal section, and an inner lumen configured to receive an intravascular filter. One or more notches or slits radially disposed about the distal end of the catheter may be utilized to stage-deploy the filter within the body. Several grooves or indentations disposed along an inner surface of the catheter may also be employed. |
| US08080029B2 |
System for actuation of a vitreous cutter
Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed herein regard simplifying and improving the performance and reliability of pneumatic actuators operable to actuate surgical cutters or shears. Various embodiments include systems and methods for vitreous cutting apparatuses utilizing self-valving vitreous cutters that actuate at a frequency based on the properties of the vitreous cutter. |
| US08080023B2 |
Device and method for performing multiple anastomoses
Methods and devices for creating a seal in a vessel for performing multiple anastomoses. The device includes an expandable region at the shaft assembly distal end with a sealing membrane that spans the expandable region, and a corresponding clamping member moveable toward the expandable region. Once inserted into the vessel lumen the expandable region is deployed from a first low-profile position into a second expanded position, and positioned at the target site of the anastomoses. Movement of the distal end of the clamping member, which remains located outside the vessel, against the expanded region creates a seal at the target site allowing a blood-free, graft site area that is large enough to accommodate multiples anastomoses. |
| US08080022B2 |
Obesity treatment tools and methods
Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods. |
| US08080019B2 |
Apparatus for deploying occluding structures in body lumens
Occluding structures may be created within a body lumen by advancing a length of material distally through the body lumen. By drawing a distal location on the advanced length of material in a proximal direction, the material may be compacted into a structure which at least partially occludes the lumen. The occluding structure may be used for a variety of purposes, including removing obstructions from the body lumen, such as kidney stones from the ureter; providing hemostasis in a blood vessel; providing occlusion of a fallopian tube; temporary constraint of stone fragments in the urinary tract; capture or restraint of clot in blood vessels; and the like. Apparatus for performing the method may comprise a length of material attached at its distal end to tubular guide or other advancement member. Tensioning members may also be provided for collapsing and compacting the length of material within the body lumen. |
| US08080018B2 |
Disposable circumcision device
A circumcision system for removing excess foreskin from a penis is disclosed and includes includes a housing, an actuation mechanism, and an anvil. The housing has a threaded hole that defines a longitudinal axis and a locking ring. The locking ring has an internal thread. The actuation mechanism extends through the threaded hole and has a series of needles. A suture is removably attached to a distal end of each of the series of needles. Each of the series of needles has a tapered end and a groove through the tapered end configured to accept and detachably retain the suture. A knife is connected to the actuation mechanism. The knife has a circular blade. The anvil has a passage that is co-axially located with the longitudinal axis and an external thread that is configured to be complimentary to the internal thread. The anvil is in the shape of a collar. |
| US08080014B2 |
System and method for hyoidplasty
Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the hyoid bone, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A conformable implant is positioned adjacent a hyoid bone. The spatial orientation of the hyoid bone is manipulated, to affect the configuration of the airway. The implant restrains the hyoid bone in the manipulated configuration. The implant is positioned adjacent to pharyngeal structures to dilate the pharyngeal airway and/or to support the pharyngeal wall against collapse. The implant may be attached to the hyoid bone using a clamp delivery tool that is adapted to releasably engage the implant. |
| US08080012B2 |
Ultrasonic sinus membrane/periosteum separation tool set
An ultrasonic sinus membrane/periosteum separation tool set consisting of a cutting tool and a spray nozzle for use with a hand piece of an ultrasonic machine is disclosed. The cutting tool has a connection base, a pole and a cutter tip. The spray nozzle has a connection base, a pole and an operating tip. The pole extends from the connection base, having a longitudinal fluid passage for the passing of a fluid and a fluid injection hole for injecting a fluid into a hole made on the alveolar ridge of the gingiva of the patient to be treated. The cutter tip and the operating tip each have jet holes for ejecting a fluid radial in jets, facilitating sinus augmentation (sinus lift or sinus graft). The ultrasonic sinus membrane/periosteum separation tool set can also be used in an upper/lower jaw deformity implant surgery. |
| US08080002B2 |
Implantable drug delivery device
The implantable drug delivery device comprises at least an implantable pump, a reservoir and a delivery chamber. |
| US08080000B2 |
Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear nose and throat
Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces. |
| US08079999B2 |
Fluid injector system
Fluid injector systems used for a variety of imaging and injection procedures are disclosed. The systems may include separate modules or assemblies that may be located in different rooms of a hospital or imaging facility. Various single use and multiple use components may also be used with the modules or assemblies of the system. In addition, the injector system may include hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluid sources to power the system modules of the present invention. |
| US08079994B2 |
Disposable absorbent articles having gender-specific containment flaps
In one aspect, the present invention relates to an array of gender-specific disposable absorbent articles having gender-specific containment flaps. In one embodiment, the array of articles comprises a first disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn by males, and a second absorbent article adapted to be worn by females. The first disposable absorbent article comprises a first pair of containment flaps, and the second disposable absorbent article comprises a second pair of containment flaps. The first pair of containment flaps differs from the second pair of containment flaps in at least one structural feature. In particular embodiments, the structural feature that differs is selected from the group consisting of flap active length, flap active-portion longitudinal position, flap tension, flap height, distal-to-distal spacing, and proximal-to-proximal spacing. In another aspect, the present invention pertains to a method of marketing gender-specific absorbent articles having gender-specific containment flaps. |
| US08079988B2 |
Enema device
An enema device for use with a source of enema fluid having an elongated nozzle includes a hollow elongated rigid body having an interior extending between first and second ends and a feed portion formed at the first end defining a feed portion opening. A hollow nozzle receiving portion extends from the feed portion opening and is in fluid communication with the feed portion opening and the interior of the hollow elongated body. The hollow nozzle receiving portion is sized and configured to slidably receive the elongated nozzle, wherein when the elongated nozzle is slidably received within the hollow nozzle receiving portion, the elongated nozzle is in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow elongated body. The enema device further includes a discharge portion disposed at the second end of the elongated body. The discharge portion defines a discharge opening in communication with the interior of the hollow elongated body. |
| US08079986B2 |
Universal access seal
A surgical access device including a valve housing and an instrument receiving element mounted in the valve housing having an aperture for flexibly receiving and directing instruments having a wide range of diameters. The instrument receiving element includes a braid or mesh tube generally shaped like an hourglass. The surgical access device may include an access septum seal molded from a gel material. The surgical access device can flexibly engage instruments having diameters ranging from about 3.5 mm to about 12.9 mm. |
| US08079985B2 |
Guide device for introducing at least a surgical instrument internally of an organic cavity, in particular a vascular cavity
A guide device (1) for introducing at least a surgical instrument internally of an organic cavity (2), in particular a vascular cavity comprises a guide body or guide catheter (3) which is substantially hollow and flexible and exhibits an open directing end (8) which is transversal. The device comprises an elongate and flexible guide element (9), which is slidable internally of the guide body (3) to define an advancing guide for the guide body (3). The device (1) also includes means for stabilising (10) for easily piloting the directing end (8) with respect to the transversal cavity (2b) and for advancing the guide catheter. The means for stabilising are defined by a stabilising opening (11) and by an elongate and flexible stabilising element (12) which internally engages the guide body (3) and exits therefrom through the stabilising opening (11) along the cavity occupied by the guide body (3). The stabilising element (12) behaves as a rotation pivot by means of which the operator doing the operation can easily align the directing end (8) of the guide body (3) with the transversal cavity (2b), and guide the directing end (8) into the transversal cavity (2b). |
| US08079983B2 |
Device and method employing shape memory alloy
A system for the metering and delivery of small discrete volumes of liquid is comprised of a small or minimal number of inexpensive components. One such component is a movable member, such as a miniature precision reciprocating displacement pump head, which is driven by an actuator that comprises a shape memory alloy material. The operating mechanism of the system is of little or minimal complexity. The system facilitates the precise metering and delivery of the small discrete volumes of liquid. Potential applications for the system include subcutaneous, long-term, automated drug delivery, for example, the delivery of insulin to a person with diabetes. In such an application, the small, simple and inexpensive nature of the invention would allow for its use as both a portable and a disposable system. |
| US08079973B2 |
Vascular access system
A connector system includes an engagement mechanism is provided that includes an engagement feature and a braided reinforcement coupled with a proximal portion of a catheter. The engagement feature can include one, two, or two or more barbs. |
| US08079972B2 |
Implant for use in surgery for glaucoma and a method
An implant for use in surgery for glaucoma of an eye having an oval plastic piece to which a tube is attached. The oval is wrapped as a taco enclosing the tube. The oval is placed via an incision in the conjunctiva to allow the device to be placed under the lateral or the medial rectus muscle. The tube is disposed in a sceral flap in the eye. A surgical method using the device is disclosed. |
| US08079969B2 |
Portable self-contained device for enhancing circulation
The present invention provides a device for enhancing circulation by intermittently tightening and relaxing a closure encircling a limb. The device comprises a continuously operating motor, at least one rotating element and a mechanism driven by the motor for intermittently rotating the rotating element in a first direction to tighten the closure and in a second opposite direction to relax the closure, thereby applying a cyclic pressure on the limb. |
| US08079968B2 |
Vibrator with a plurality of contact nodes for treatment of myocardial ischemia
A vibrator for use in enhancement of pre-hospital coronary thrombolysis comprising a vibration source operable to generate vibration at a frequency in the range of 1-1000 Hz with at least a pair of oscillatory contacts spaced to enable simultaneous seating to the anatomic left and right of the sternum (such as to match the geometry of the right and left coronary arteries) of a patient in need of coronary thrombolysis. The preferred vibrator is operable to emit vibration in the low frequency sonic range (at least 20 Hz) with an amplitude of about 1 mm-15 mm (and more preferably greater than 2 mm), such as to provide an effective transthoracic tool for acute coronary thrombolysis applications. In a variation, greater than a pair of contacts are utilized to provide oscillatory contact at differing intercostal space levels (in order to maximize vibratory penetration to the heart which is variably situated depending on the patient's anatomy). |
| US08079966B2 |
Ultrasound stimulation devices and techniques
Ultrasound stimulation devices and related techniques are disclosed. An ultrasound transducer for generating ultrasound energy is carried by a transducer housing that seals the transducer and may also include a positioning element for positioning the transducer proximate an application area to which generated ultrasound energy is to be applied. The transducer housing may also carry such components as a battery, a wireless receiver, and a controller. The same housing or a separate sensor housing may include an ultrasound sensor that provides feedback to the ultrasound transducer or its controller, illustratively through a wireless transmitter. |
| US08079964B2 |
Method and apparatus for inserting biopsy site marker in marker body
An apparatus for inserting a marking element into a marker body includes a body portion, an insertion member, and a pushing member. The body portion has a compartment configured to receive a marker body. The insertion member is configured to engage the marker body within the compartment. The pushing member is configured to engage with the insertion member. The pushing member is operable to force a marking element along the insertion member into the marker body. The insertion member may include a hollow needle configured to penetrate the marker body. The pushing member may include a pin configured to fit within the hollow needle. The marker body may include an opening such as a slit, a slot, or a passage that is configured to receive a marking element. The marker body may include a collagen dowel, and the marking element may be formed of titanium. |
| US08079963B2 |
Electrical detection of anatomic wall penetration and delineation of atomic structures during surgery
Devices and methods that may be employed to detect and/or prevent intraoperative full thickness penetration of anatomic walls, and to provide delineation of anatomic structures during surgery. |
| US08079959B2 |
Patient screening tools for implantable cardiac stimulus systems
Tools and devices are provided for determining whether a patient is well suited to receiving an implantable cardiac stimulation device by analyzing cardiac signals captured using external or cutaneous electrodes. Some of the illustrative tools include shapes for visual comparison to printed ECG strips. Automatic devices are also disclosed which perform at least some analytical functions electronically for a user. In an example, a printed ECG strip is visually compared to a shape in order to ensure a patient is well suited to receiving a cardiac stimulation device having a particular implant location and/or cardiac signal analysis method implementation. |
| US08079958B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, data measurement method, and data measurement program
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by which IMT examination can be efficiently performed by simple processing in a health check. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a signal processing unit for performing at least envelope detection processing on reception signals outputted from an ultrasonic probe to generate envelope data; an image data generating unit for generating image data representing an ultrasonic image on an object to be inspected based on the envelope data; a pre-measurement processing part for performing structural image generating processing on the envelope data; and a measurement part for performing measurement based on the envelope data processed by the pre-measurement processing part. |
| US08079957B2 |
Synchronized three or four-dimensional medical ultrasound imaging and measurements
Ultrasound imaging is synchronized with measurements. Generating three-dimensional representations is synchronized with measuring one or more parameters. For example, measurements are preformed based on navigating through a volume. The measurements are linked to the corresponding three-dimensional representations. As another example, the user selects a measurement from a graph. A three-dimensional representation of the volume associated with the selected measurement is presented. |
| US08079955B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing glucose control
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with detecting, analyzing, and/or displaying historical glucose levels and/or trends in a body. |
| US08079951B2 |
Intubation assistance apparatus
An intubation assistance apparatus includes a main body having a proximal end portion; an intubation assistance instrument having an elongated insertion section for insertion into a target site or its vicinity of a patient from a mouth cavity of the patient, the inserting section being formed with a tube guide for leading the intubation tube toward the observation site; and an imaging device for taking an image of an observation site at a distal end portion of the insertion section as an electronic image. The main body includes a display having a screen for displaying the electronic image taken by the imaging device, and the screen of the display is adapted to indicate a target mark for adjusting or setting an advancing direction of the intubation tube to the observation site displayed on the screen in the electronic image displayed on the screen. |
| US08079950B2 |
Autofocus and/or autoscaling in telesurgery
Robotic, telerobotic, and/or telesurgical devices, systems, and methods take advantage of robotic structures and data to calculate changes in the focus of an image capture device in response to movement of the image capture device, a robotic end effector, or the like. As the size of an image of an object shown in the display device varies with changes in a separation distance between that object and the image capture device used to capture the image, a scale factor between a movement command input may be changed in response to moving an input device or a corresponding master/slave robotic movement command of the system. This may enhance the perceived correlation between the input commands and the robotic movements as they appear in the image presented to the system operator. |
| US08079945B2 |
Fiber-reinforced film processes and films
A blown-film process for making a fiber-reinforced film comprises providing and melting at least one thermoplastic resin. The at least one thermoplastic resin is extruded through an extension die to form a film bubble. A plurality of fibers is introduced inside of the film bubble. The fibers are distributed inside of the film bubble. The film bubble is collapsed after introducing the plurality of fibers so as to form a fiber-reinforced film. The fiber-reinforced film has a first thermoplastic layer, a second thermoplastic layer, and a plurality of fibers dispersed therebetween. The film may be formed in a bag. |
| US08079938B2 |
Boxing and martial arts fight, trainer, and game system and method
A boxing or martial arts training and/or exercise device includes one or more punching pads locationally displaced and supported on a frame. Respective pads are positioned in support on the frame for punching and kicking. Each pad communicatively connects to one or more impact sensor. Each impact sensor communicatively connects to a control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to a display. The impact sensor detects touches and taps to the pad and signals the control unit of the detection. Responsive to the detection, the control unit directs sequences shown in the display according to a fighting sequence, a training sequence, or other sequence. The control unit includes a user interface for selection among sequences, as well as for selection of various menu items for the respective types of sequences. |
| US08079936B2 |
Gear shift control of a dual clutch transmission
A method for controlling a gear shift of a dual clutch transmission having an offgoing clutch and an oncoming clutch, includes using torque transmitted by the oncoming clutch to control torque at a transmission output, using a speed of a power source to control a transfer of torque between the offgoing clutch and the oncoming clutch, and varying said torque capacity to produce a target slip across the oncoming clutch when the shift is completed. |
| US08079935B2 |
Shift control device for automatic transmission and shift control method thereof
A shift control device comprises: a thermal load prediction unit which predicts a thermal load state of a friction element upon completion of a shift from a current thermal load state of the friction element; and a shift control unit which, when the thermal load state upon shift completion predicted by the thermal load prediction unit corresponds to a predetermined state, either performs the shift in a modified shift mode in which a heat generation amount of the friction element is smaller than the heat generation amount of the friction element when the predetermined state is not established, or prohibits the shift. The predetermined state is set at a different state in a case where the shift is an upshift and in a case where the shift is a downshift, and is set on the basis of a gradient of a traveling road. |
| US08079931B2 |
Eight speed automatic transmission
An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed. |
| US08079927B2 |
Power transmission system with continuously variable speed control
The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for continuous speed variation of an output member with respect to a primary input member. In particular, the present invention provides a device having an output that rotates at reduced speed and increased torque relative to its prime input through the low friction, rolling engagement of its members, or alternatively, at increased speed and reduced torque for overdrive applications. Furthermore, the speed of the output member may be varied continuously and infinitely between the apparatus's lowest and highest ratio via a secondary input member and its low friction, rolling engagement with the device's members. |
| US08079916B2 |
Themed amusement river ride system
A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting at least two of the water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between at least two of the water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation. |
| US08079914B2 |
Plunging constant velocity universal joint
Unpleasant vibration and muffled sound are restrained. A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its cylindrical inner circumferential surface and extending in an axial direction, an inner joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its spherical outer circumferential surface and extending in the axial direction, six torque transmitting balls, each being put in a ball track formed by a pair of the track groove of the outer joint part and the track groove of the inner joint part, and a cage having pockets for retaining the torque transmitting balls. The center of curvatures of the spherical outer circumferential surface and the center of the spherical inner circumferential surface of the cage are offset by the same distance in the opposite directions along the axis about the center of the joint. A circumferential arrangement of the ball tracks is made with a uniform pitch, and the circumferential length of the pockets of the cage is made uneven at least at one location. |
| US08079907B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating group musical interaction over a network
A method for providing real-time musical interaction among a plurality of players connected via a network includes the steps of receiving input from a local player representing a musical performance, generating audio output responsive to the received input, receiving second music performance data from a remote player representing a musical performance by the remote player, creating emulation data representing the remote musical performance, and using the emulation data to generate a local approximation of the remote musical performance. |
| US08079906B2 |
Game machine and game system
A game machine is connected to an information management device performing the collection and management of information for the game machine and including a display device on which specified play contents are displayed. The game machine comprises a first display (lower liquid crystal display), a second display (upper liquid crystal display) and a controller. The first display includes a variable display region for a plurality of patterns used in a game, and the second display displays play contents according to a game state. The controller controls the first display including the variable display region and controls the play contents for the second display, and the controller switches the play contents displayed by the second display to the specified play contents displayed by the display device of the information management device. |
| US08079902B2 |
Central determination gaming system with a game outcome generated by a gaming terminal and approved by a central controller
A central determination gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller. In one embodiment, upon initiation of a game at one of the gaming terminals, the gaming terminal randomly generates a proposed game outcome. The proposed game outcome is communicated to the central controller. The central controller determines if a pool of predetermined game outcomes includes the proposed game outcome. If the pool includes the proposed game outcome, the central controller authorizes the proposed game outcome to be provided to the player, flags the authorized game outcome from further authorizations and communicates the authorized game outcome to the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal then provides the authorized game outcome to the player. If the pool does not include the proposed game outcome, the central controller discards the proposed game outcome and instructs the gaming terminal to generate another proposed game outcome for authorization. |
| US08079899B2 |
Mounting component for securing a crop handling element to a separator rotor
A mounting component for securing a crop handling element to a separator rotor is embodied as a profile-section component, with side walls facing toward one another and extending in some portions in the circumferential direction of the separator rotor; for securing the mounting component to the surface of the separator rotor, and each of the side walls of the mounting component has a longitudinal weld seam, extending essentially parallel to the side wall, with a weld seam portion extending beyond the length of the respective side wall, which weld seam portion is embodied at an angle to the respective side wall. |
| US08079895B2 |
Glass-plate working apparatus
A glass-plate working apparatus (1) includes a grinding means (7) for grinding a peripheral edge (6) of a glass plate (2); and a grinding supporting means (9) for supporting the glass plate (2) whose peripheral edge (6) is to be ground by the grinding means (7), wherein the grinding supporting means (9) includes a grinding supporting table (101), a plurality of suction cups (102) which are held on the grinding supporting table (101) by being attached by suction to the grinding supporting table (101) and suck and hold the glass plate (2) by sucking the glass plate (2) whose peripheral edge (6) is to be ground, and an arranging means (103) for disposing the plurality of suction cups (102), respectively, at positions corresponding to the shape of the glass plate (2) to be ground. |
| US08079893B2 |
Method of remedying glass substrate defect
A technology for remedying a defect in a glass substrate which constitutes a display panel. There is provided a method of remedying a defect in a glass substrate which constitutes a display panel, which method includes performing grinding of glass material, until reaching internal bubble (1b) from surface (1s) of glass substrate (1), with respect to a region where the internal bubble (1b) occurring within the glass substrate (1) is positioned and further also grinding off a glass material position surrounding the internal bubble (1b). |
| US08079890B2 |
Building block toy set
A building block toy set has first and second blocks each having a first connection device at the upper end and a second connection device at the lower end which is releasably mateable with the first connection device on the other block, whereby the first block is connectable on top of the second block in a first configuration and the second block is connectable on top of the first block in a second configuration. Each first connection device has an actuator formation on the first connection device and at least the second block is a smart block having a sensor assembly associated with the second connection device which is activated by the actuator formation when the second block is interconnected with the first block in the second configuration. A processing unit is mounted in the smart block and associated with the sensor assembly to produce a sensory output signal when the sensor assembly is activated. |
| US08079889B2 |
Method for connecting a discharge vessel of a discharge lamp to a tube section, especially a pump tube
A method for connection of a discharge vessel of a discharge lamp to a tubular piece is provided, wherein the discharge vessel is heated at the connection point which is provided with the tubular piece, and the material of the discharge vessel which has been softened at the connection point is torn open such that it rests on the inner face of the tubular piece, and a continuous hole is produced in the discharge vessel. |
| US08079888B2 |
Collapsible flotation device
A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve. |
| US08079887B2 |
Fuel supply system for boat and outboard motor
A fuel supply system for a boat includes a vapor separator tank connected to a fuel tank mounted on a hull of the boat to contain fuel therein, an injector to supply fuel to an engine, and a high-pressure fuel pump to supply fuel that is contained in the vapor separator tank to the injector. The high-pressure fuel pump includes a pump main portion having a fuel path and a pump driving section that are separated from the fuel path of the pump main portion. The fuel supply system minimizes deterioration in engine startability. |
| US08079885B1 |
Waterproof connector and female terminal therein
A female terminal of a connector has a connection end for connecting with the core of a cable and a contact end for being inserted by a slender male terminal and making electrical contact therewith. The contact end includes a hollow cylinder whose two ends are connected to a neck and formed with an opening, respectively, and whose inner diameter ranges from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm. The middle section of the hollow cylinder is provided with a plurality of resilient strips extending along an axial direction of the hollow cylinder, such that a slot is formed between each two adjacent resilient strips. Each resilient strip has two ends connected to the hollow cylinder and is 4.5 mm to 12.5 mm in length and 0.5 mm to 1.1 mm in width. Each resilient strip has a central portion deflected toward the axis of the hollow cylinder by a displacement ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. |
| US08079882B2 |
Interconnecting modular headers and header assemblies thereof
Interconnecting modular connectors or headers have flexible tongue and groove structures for forming a variety of header assembly configurations. The interconnecting modular headers can have locking structures in addition to the tongue and groove mating structures for permanently interlocking the modular headers together. The sidewalls of each modular connector can be parallel to each other and disposed at supplementary angles with respect to the rear wall of the housing. The top wall of each modular connector can have a portion wall extending inwardly from each sidewall at an angle of greater than ninety degrees and each portion wall can have an upwardly extending wall that joins the portion walls to a ceiling. The portion walls can join with the upwardly extending walls to form a T-shape corner. The upwardly extending walls can join with the ceiling equally at an angle of greater than ninety degrees. |
| US08079880B2 |
Connector assembly featured head-to-head mating interconnection and quick-disconnection therefrom
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) and a plurality of contacts received to the housing. The housing defines a mating face (10), a supporting face (A) facing to the mating face and a mating cavity (101) recessed from the mating face towards the supporting face and disposed therebetween. The plurality of contacts includes a central contact (4) and a first contact (2), and the central contact defines a contacting portion (42) exposed onto the supporting face and a soldering portion (43) extending out of the housing, the first contact includes at least two arc-shaped contacting arms (23) projecting into the mating cavity and disposed beside the contacting portion of the central contact. A mating connector (200) can be disconnected and dropped from the mating cavity rapidly under an abnormal force oblique and angled to a mating direction. |
| US08079877B1 |
Power adapter connecting in a surface to surface contact
A power adapter capable of connecting a plug with an electronic board of the power adapter includes an insulated body, a plug and two conductive terminals. The insulated body includes a switching section with a switching space. The plug includes a turntable and two conductive inserts penetrating the turntable. The turntable is positioned on the switching section. Two conductive inserts respectively include a plug pin. The two conductive terminals extend to respectively connect to the electronic board. Each conductive terminal is connected with the switching section and the surface of the conductive terminal is attached to the surface of the plug pin of the conductive insert. As a result, when changing the direction of the plug, the plug can have good electric connection with the conductive terminals. |
| US08079876B2 |
Electrical card connector
An electrical card connector includes an insulating housing (1) with a number of passageways (115), a number of conductive contacts (3) retained in the passageways. Each contact includes a planar retaining portion (31), a solder portion (35) and a resilient arm (37). The solder portion extends from one end of the retaining portion and the resilient arm bends inversely from the opposite end of the retaining portion. The contact further includes a pair of tabs (39) bent inversely from two side ends of the resilient arm and extends between the retaining portion and the resilient arm. The pair of tabs define therebetween a slot space (391) correspondingly to receive the solder portion. |
| US08079875B2 |
Battery connector with serpentine contacts
A battery connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals, an insulating cover and a shell. A bottom surface of the insulating housing defines a plurality of terminal recesses for receiving the conductive terminals. The conductive terminals are placed in the insulating housing from the bottom surface thereof. The insulating cover is then positioned on the bottom surface to secure the conductive terminals in the corresponding terminal recesses. The shell surrounds the front portion of the insulating housing to hold the insulating cover between the bottom surface of the insulating housing and the shell to prevent the conductive terminals from electrically contacting the shell. |
| US08079868B2 |
Electrical connector with releasable locking clip
An electrical connector includes first and second connector members each having respective complementary connecting elements, with the second connector member having an annular insert adapted for tight-fitting insertion in an annular recess of the first connector member. Attached to the second member is a circular spring having inwardly directed resilient tines which engage an outer surface of the second member for coupling the two connector members together in a locked manner. Attached to and disposed about the first member is a fixed apertured outer sleeve and the movable combination of an apertured inner sleeve and a release sleeve. Insertion of the flat blade of a tool into an aligned pair of outer and inner apertures, followed by rotation of the tool, causes its blade to displace the release sleeve into engagement with the spring, bending its tines and releasing the two connector members from one another. |
| US08079866B2 |
Receiving device for accommodating a connector
The invention relates to a receiving device (1) for receiving and locking two connectors that consist of sockets (52, 52′) and plugs (51, 51′), and a fuse (60) arranged between the sockets (52, 52′) as a current-carrying element for protecting the connection established by the receiving device (1) and the connectors. The receiving device comprises a top part (64) for receiving the plugs (51, 51′), a base (62), which can be connected to the top part (64) to contact the connectors, for receiving the sockets (52, 52′) and the fuse (60), said fuse (60) being arranged in the receiving device in such a manner that the fuse (60) is immobilized in the receiving device (1) in the position of contact of the connectors. |
| US08079865B1 |
Systems and methods of coupling electrical conductors
Systems and methods are provided for coupling a plurality of electrical conductors, such as wires. A connector is provided including a plurality of bores or channels formed into a preferably unitary connector body, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the bores or channels intersects at least a portion of another of the bores or channels. The bores or channels are preferably formed along bore axes, which may be coplanar. A method according to the present invention includes inserting an insulated electrical conductor into a connector body and rotating a conductive rotational member threaded into a bore or channel formed in a connector body so as to electrically contact the conductive portion of the insulated conductor and at least one other electrically conductive surface. |
| US08079861B2 |
Relay connector
A flat flexible cable connector (10) has a housing (31) with an insertion opening (33) in its front face. Two lengths of flexible cable (51a, 51b) are placed end to end and are inserted into the opening. The connector has terminals (41) with top and bottom opposing contact portions (43a, 44a) which are aligned with the exposed conductive leads on the two lengths of flexible cables. A moveable actuator (11) applies pressure to the terminal contact portions to effect a reliable connection between the flexible cables. |
| US08079858B2 |
Lamp connector for a backlight assembly
A connector is configured to hold a lamp extending in a first direction. The connector includes a housing and a terminal. The terminal includes a first connection portion configured to establish connection with a lamp contact portion formed on the lamp, a second connection portion including a first contact and a second contact located at different positions in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a fixed portion pressed in the housing along the second direction and located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion in the second direction. |
| US08079856B2 |
Rotatable power connector
A power connector includes a socket, an insulating member, a handle, a plug, and a blocking plate mounted between the handle and the insulating member to limit movement of the insulating member. The insulating member is received in the socket and includes a first through hole extending therethrough and an opening communicating with the first through hole. The handle includes a second through hole for receiving a part of the insulating member and with a diameter thereof being less than an outer diameter of the part of the insulating member so that the insulating member can rotate with the handle. The plug includes an end portion and an inserting portion received in the first through hole. Rotation of the handle with the insulating member relative to the socket either allows or disallows an electrical connection to be established between the socket and the inserting portion via the opening. |
| US08079855B2 |
Connection apparatus
A connection system, in particular an electrical connection system, having a male connector and having a female connector has a bayonet-type connection for connecting the male connector and the female connector. The bayonet-type connection has at least one axially extending insertion channel and at least one adjoining latching position, which is offset in the circumferential direction with respect thereto, in the female connector, the end side of the female connector, which end side is provided for connection to the male connector, being covered by a cover, which is arranged adjustably in the female connector such that, when the male connector is positioned on it, the opening is released by this male connector in order to produce the connection. |
| US08079850B2 |
Electric connection box
An electric connection box including a box main body, an integration mounted at the box main body, a pair of connection devices, and a plurality of ribs. The pair of connection devices are structured with one of connection devices provided at the integration and the other of connection devices provided at the box main body. The plurality of ribs are arranged at the box main body, and abuts on the integration and is deformed when the integration is mounted at the box main body so as to prevent rattling of the integration. Second ribs among the plurality of ribs, which are arranged close to the other of connection devices, are formed stiffer than first ribs arranged away from the other of connection devices farther than the first ribs. |
| US08079847B2 |
Orthogonal connector system with power connection
An orthogonal connector system for connecting a first circuit board and a second circuit board oriented orthogonally with respect to the first circuit board includes a receptacle assembly and a header assembly mated with the receptacle assembly. The receptacle assembly is connected to the first circuit board and the header assembly is connected to the second circuit board. The receptacle assembly and the header assembly both have a housing and contact modules held within the corresponding housing. Each contact module has a dielectric body and mating contacts extending from the dielectric body. The mating contacts of the receptacle assembly are directly connected to the mating contacts of the header assembly. Some of the mating contacts of the receptacle assembly define power contacts and at least some of the mating contacts of the receptacle assembly define power contacts configured to be mated with the power contacts of the receptacle assembly. |
| US08079846B1 |
Rotatable electrical connector
Various embodiments of a rotatable electrical connector are disclosed herein that may be disposed between a patient sensor and a patient monitor. Various embodiments of rotatable electrical connectors disclosed herein may be utilized to ameliorate some of the problems of cable management in the context of patient monitoring. In various embodiments, the rotatable electrical connector may include a sensor-side power coupling and a monitor-side electrical coupling. The sensor-side power coupling and the monitor-side electrical coupling may be configured such that one electrical coupling is rotatable with respect to the other electrical coupling. A data transmission system may transmit data gathered by a patient sensor to the patient monitor. The data transmission system may comprise a transmitter on the sensor-side connector that is configured to transmit data received from a plurality of sensors to a receiver on the monitor-side connector. Various optical and electromagnetic data transmission technologies may be utilized. |
| US08079844B2 |
Molding machine
A molding machine includes two holding arms mounted on a base unit, connected respectively to two molds, and operable to move the molds between a mold closing state and a mold opened state. The molding machine further includes an adjusting seat mounted on the base unit and movable relative to a threaded shaft that is rotated by a power supply, a swing arm connected pivotally to the adjusting seat, a linkage unit having opposite end parts that are connected pivotally and respectively to a pivot portion of the swing arm and one of the holding arms, and another linkage unit having opposite end parts that are connected pivotally and respectively to another pivot portion of the swing arm and the other one of the holding arms. The swing arm is swingable through the movement of the adjusting seat so as to swing the holding arms by virtue of the linkage units. |
| US08079841B2 |
Golf ball and golf ball mold
The invention provides a golf ball manufactured using a mold having a top half and a bottom half, which ball has formed on a surface thereof, near a seam line corresponding to a parting line between the top and bottom halves of the mold, a recessed and/or raised mark serving as an indicator for detecting the direction or position of the seam line. The invention also provides a golf ball mold composed of a top half and a bottom half that detachably join together so as to form therein a spherical cavity into which a material is injected to mold a golf ball, which mold bears, near a parting line between the top and bottom halves on a wall of the cavity, a raised or recessed feature for forming a mark as an indicator for detecting the direction or position of the parting line. The invention enables the direction and position of the seam line on the surface of the ball to be easily identified and enables the subsequent steps of visually inspecting the ball and applying indicia to the surface of the ball to be carried out more smoothly and advantageously, making it possible in particular to greatly shorten the time devoted to these operations. |
| US08079839B2 |
Bladder for vulcanization of tires, method for vulcanization of tires, and a pneumatic tire
The bladder for vulcanizing tires having a plurality of first air-release grooves provided on the outer surface of a bladder body and each formed so as to extend from one to the other of the tire circumferential direction and extend toward one side of the tire-width direction, and a plurality of second air-release grooves provided on the outer surface of a bladder body and each formed so as to extend from one to the other of the tire circumferential direction and extend toward the other side of the tire-width direction. By this, the outer surface of the bladder body is divided into a plurality of areas by each of the air-release grooves. Also, the vertexes of each of the areas are angular toward the tire-circumferential direction. Therefore, the pressure contact between each of the areas and the inner surface of the tire is easily released starting at the said vertexes of each of the areas as release starting points. |
| US08079838B2 |
Pure particle generator
A particle generator is able to generate pure particles for solid or liquid materials with melting points over several hundred degrees Celsius. The material is heated to generate the vapor in a small chamber. Heated nitrogen or some inert gas is used as the carry gas to bring the mixture into a dilution system. As the super saturation ratio of the material is large enough and over a critical value, particles are formed in the dilution system by homogenous nucleation, and grown in the same dilution system as well. The different size distributions and concentrations of the particles can be obtained by varying dilution parameters, such as residence time and dilution ratio. |
| US08079836B2 |
Method of operating a peristaltic pump
A method for operating a peristaltic pump having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The pump head rollers are mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor and compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate. During reflux, the pump head is positioned so that at least one of the rollers compresses the elastomeric flow channel at the input end of the peristaltic pump. Such an operation minimizes the amount of the elastomeric sheet that is exposed to high transient pressures. |
| US08079831B2 |
Submersible pump having a two-step control hydraulic valve
A submersible pump includes a pump valve configured to switch the pump between first and second states in which a piston is respectively extended and retracted. The pump valve includes first and second components that reciprocate between corresponding first and second positions. The pump is in the first state when both components are in their corresponding first position. The pump is in the second state when both components are in their corresponding second position. Neither the valve nor the pump is hydraulically locked at any time during normal operation. |
| US08079830B2 |
Refrigerant compressor
The invention concerns a refrigerant compressor (1), particularly a semi-hermetic refrigerant compressor, with a housing (2), having in its bottom part (3) an oil sump (4), a compressor block (5) having at least one cylinder (6), in which a piston (7) is arranged, a crankshaft (11), which is supported in the compressor block (5) and in driving connection with the piston (7), and an oil pump arrangement (27), which is at least partly submerged in the oil sump. Also with varying speeds, good oil lubrication must be ensured. For this purpose, the crankshaft (11) has at its lower end a diameter extension (19), through which an oil channel (35) extends eccentrically to the crankshaft axis (36), said channel (35) connecting the oil pump arrangement (27) to a closed oil pressure chamber (21) between the crankshaft (11) and the compressor block (5), said chamber (21) being connected to the inside (37) of the housing (2) via a vent path (40, 41). |
| US08079827B2 |
Displacement control valve
A displacement control valve for an air conditioner modulating a fluid flow or fluid pressure within a control chamber by controlling the opening degree of a valve portion. |
| US08079810B2 |
Turbine airfoil cooling system with divergent film cooling hole
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having at least one divergent film cooling hole positioned in an outer wall defining the turbine airfoil is disclosed. The divergent film cooling hole includes a first section extending from an inner surface of the outer wall into the outer wall and a second section extending the first section and terminating at an outer surface of the outer wall. The divergent film cooling hole may provide a metering capability together with a divergent section that provides a larger film cooling hole breakout and footprint, which creates better film coverage and yields better cooling of the turbine airfoil. The divergent film cooling hole may provide a smooth transition, which allows the film cooling flow to diffuse better in the second section of the divergent film cooling hole. |
| US08079807B2 |
Mounting apparatus for low-ductility turbine shroud
A turbine shroud apparatus is provided for a gas turbine engine having a central axis. The apparatus includes: (a) an annular support member; (b) a turbine shroud disposed in the support member, the shroud being a continuous ring comprising a low-ductility material and having opposed flowpath and back surfaces, and opposed forward and aft ends; and (c) a spring mounted between the support member and the shroud and arranged to resiliently urge the shroud to a concentric position within the structural member. |
| US08079797B2 |
Substrate processing system and substrate transfer method
A substrate processing system includes a control section configured to control a series of transfer operations and preset to control operation of a container transfer apparatus, operation at a substrate access area, and operation of a substrate handling apparatus independently of each other. The control section includes a schedule creating portion configured to create a transfer schedule by individually adjusting operation timing of the container transfer apparatus, operation timing at the substrate access area, and operation timing of the substrate handling apparatus such that, in a state while a first lot of substrates are treated in the processing system, but the container transfer apparatus and the substrate access area are unoccupied, a container with a second lot of unprocessed substrates stored therein is transferred onto the substrate access area, thereby minimizing total transfer time. |
| US08079796B2 |
Apparatus for delivering a tubular to a wellbore
An apparatus for delivering a tubular to a well center, which apparatus comprises means which, in use, inhibit swinging motion of the tubular while it is suspended from an elevator. |
| US08079795B2 |
Washer for tightening and loosening threaded connectors
A washer for tightening and loosening threaded connectors includes an outer body having a radially inner opening larger than a diameter of a bolt and a radially outer surface adapted to absorb a reaction force of the bolt; and optionally a radially inner segment, and a spacer locatable between the radially inner segment and the nut, so that when only the radially outer body is interposed between the nut and the object for regular applications the washer functions as a reaction washer, when the radially outer body and the radially inner segment are interposed together between the nut and the object for applications when even and accurate bolt elongation is necessary the washer functions as a tension washer, and when the radially outer body, the radially inner segment, and the spacer are interposed between the nut and the object for applications when a precise bolt elongation is needed and a bolt elongation must be controlled the washer functions as a high precision washer. |
| US08079785B2 |
Tool holder assembly
A tool holder assembly that includes a tool holder member adapted to be secured to a machine tool and a cutting insert support/clamp for clamping and supporting a cutting insert. The support/clamp member includes a plurality of serrations that are engageable with complementally formed serrations on the tool holder whereby a tight fitting engagement is achieved using removable fasteners. The support/clamp includes a clamping arm elastically movable towards and away from a support base and a clamping block connected to the connecting arm adapted to receive clamping forces from a threaded clamping bolt. The clamping bolt defines a force applying surface located in a first plane whereas the clamping block defines a force receiving surface located in a second plane, the first and second planes located at a diverging angle with respect to each other. The clamping block includes an edge portion engageable with a step on the tool holder that is spaced from the clamping arm. The diverging planes and the engagement of the clamping block with the stepped portion increases the force applied by the clamping arm to the cutting insert for a given adjustment of the clamping bolt and resists rollover of the insert. |
| US08079782B1 |
Semi-extensible steel soil reinforcements for mechanically stabilized embankments
A mechanically stabilized embankment system has a connection element adapted for engaging a wall facing element. An elongate soil reinforcement element is adapted to be attached to the connection element and positioned in earthen embankment. A plurality of semi-extensible bent segments are integrally formed by and spaced on a middle portion of the elongate soil reinforcement element such that each semi-extensible bent segment extends laterally from an axis of the elongate soil reinforcement element, but can be pulled straight upon the application of excessive force that might otherwise break the elongate soil reinforcement element. |
| US08079781B2 |
Push pier assembly with hardened coupling sections
A structural support device in the form of a push pier capable of use in high load-bearing capacity applications involving significant lateral load conditions, the push pier having a lead section with a ground penetrating friction collar, and one or more extension members that are machine fabricated with an integrally formed hardened alloy steel coupling section that is adapted to mate with the push pier lead section or another similarly constructed extension shaft. The hardened coupling section is formed of heat-treated and hardened alloy steel which is quenched and tempered to a yield and tensile strength substantially exceeding that of the main tubular shaft section to which it is connected, and inertia friction welded thereto. |
| US08079780B2 |
Slotted mandrel for lateral displacement pier and method of use
A slotted mandrel is used in displacement pier construction. Longitudinal slots are formed in the sides of the hollow mandrel which allow for the introduction of aggregate efficiently into the mandrel from a hopper through which the mandrel passes while being driven into the ground. Water may also be employed with the aggregate. Once in the ground the mandrel is raised to release the aggregate (and water if present) into the formed hole in lifts and a mandrel head then compacts the aggregate in the hole. This apparatus and method obviates the need for complicated and expensive hoppers that are raised with the mandrel or the use of expensive aggregate delivery systems. |
| US08079777B2 |
Reflector apparatus, heating system, kit and method
A reflector apparatus including a mobile trailer and a heat reflector attached thereto such that terminal edges of wings of the reflector are disposed proximate to the surface of the heated asphalt and define a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane formed by the surface of the heated asphalt. A kit includes a heat reflector and a mechanism or device for removably attaching the heat reflector to a mobile trailer. |
| US08079767B2 |
Fixed-nib writing instrument with a protective retractable sleeve
A fixed-nib writing instrument having a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and at the front of which a protective sleeve is mounted such that it can move coaxially with respect to the shaft, the sleeve moving between a protecting position in which it covers the writing nib and a retracted position in which it enables writing, the sleeve having a wall section which includes at least one helical guide path in engagement with at least one peg connected to the shaft in order that a rotation of the sleeve causes the latter to slide translationally between the protecting position and the retracted position. |
| US08079762B2 |
Bearing cap and method for its fabrication
Crankshaft bearing cap presenting on one of its faces a semi-cylindrical notch, formed by powder metallurgy with an iron powder blend molded by compaction and sintering, and partially infiltrated with Cu, being the area adjacent to the area around the notch, the one with highest Cu content. A method for manufacturing main bearing caps by infiltration of Cu including the steps of placing the molded cap so that the axis of the semi-cylindrical notch extends in a horizontal direction and the notch cavity is in the upwards position. Placing high Cu content tablets on the upper face of the cap and on the cylindrical arch and sintering of the cap and Cu tablets system. |
| US08079760B2 |
Fluid bearing device
An object is to reduce manufacturing cost of a housing, and enable to disuse an adhesive in fixation portions between a housing and a bearing sleeve and the like.A housing 7 is made of resin material, which comprises a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) as crystalline resin blended with carbon nanotubes in a blending ratio of 2 to 35 vol % as a conductive filler, by injection molding. A bearing sleeve 8, which is inserted into the inner peripheral surface 7c of the housing 7, is secured to the housing 7 by ultrasonic welding. |
| US08079757B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for measuring water activity and weight
An apparatus configured to determine water activity and weight of a sample. The apparatus may comprise a chamber configured to at least partially enclose a sample. The apparatus may also comprise a sensor configured to measure water activity of a sample in the chamber. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a moisture content adjustment device connected to the chamber and configured to change moisture content in the chamber. An isotherm generation module is also disclosed. The isotherm generation module may be configured to receive water activity measurements from a sensor device and weight measurements from a weighing device, the isotherm generation module being configured to generate an isotherm for a sample based on the water activity measurements and the weight measurements. |
| US08079754B2 |
Wristwatch gear and method for manufacturing wristwatch gear
The center wheel and pinion has a center shaft provided with a center pinion that is formed from a crystalline metal, and a center tooth part composed of a metallic glass alloy that is integrally formed with the center shaft. The center shaft has a center pinion and other external peripheral regions that are formed by cutting the external periphery of a cylindrical member provided with a support hole. The external periphery of the coupling part to which the center tooth part is coupled is formed in a quadrangular shape. The center tooth part composed of a metallic glass alloy has a tooth continuously formed at the disc-shaped external periphery, and a center position that is integrally formed surrounding the entire external periphery of the quadrangular-shaped coupling part of the center shaft. |
| US08079753B2 |
Agitator tool for progressive cavity pump
The invention relates to an agitator tool for use with a progressive cavity pump for agitating a slurry of sand, heavy oil or water. The agitator tool has an elongate body having a lower end, an upper end, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves spaced between the lower and upper ends and radially about the body. The upper end is configured for coupling to a pump rotating element. Agitation members are pivotally mounted within the longitudinal grooves so as to be movable from an actuation position wherein the agitation members project outwardly from the body during rotation to agitate the slurry, to resting positions wherein the agitation members are folded within the grooves during installation or removal of the tool. |
| US08079750B2 |
Method and system for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations
A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system. |
| US08079749B2 |
Dough mixer and mixing bowl with refrigeration jacket
A dough mixer includes a cabinet and a bowl supported within the cabinet. The bowl includes a bowl body defining an opening through which dough is inserted into the bowl for a mixing operation. An agitator is mounted in the bowl for rotation therein. A refrigeration jacket is mounted to an exterior of the bowl body. The refrigeration jacket includes a plurality of channel members. Each channel member includes a unitary plate member having an elongated center panel extending along a periphery of the bowl body. The center panel is spaced from and facing the bowl body. A first leg is connected to the center panel by a first bend. The first leg extends toward the bowl body. A second leg is connected to the center panel by a second bend. The second leg extends away from the bowl body. |
| US08079746B2 |
Concrete containment and washout apparatus
A method, a system and an apparatus for removing cement residue located within a concrete discharge chute and controlling the collection of debris and wash water, in a concrete mixing truck. The concrete discharge chute comprises a main chute and an end chute connected to the main chute via a hinged connection. In addition, a barrier plate having a rubber seal is connected to the end chute. When concrete discharge is completed, the barrier plate automatically prevents the discharge of debris by closing off the discharge chute when the end chute is raised into an upright and secured position. The barrier plate also has an optimally placed opening to control material flow along the main chute. The opening is fitted with a valve which may be connected to a drain hose to collect wash water into a collection tank securely positioned on the concrete truck. |
| US08079743B2 |
Display backlight with improved light coupling and mixing
A display backlight assembly providing improved optical coupling between a solid state light source and a display optical light guide. The assembly includes an optical coupler to couple the solid state light source and display optical light guide together. In addition, the optical coupler may include a light mixing element for improved mixing of the multi-colored or mono-chromatic light produced by the solid state light source. |
| US08079740B2 |
Lamp position adjustment device and lamp module having the same
A lamp position adjustment device includes a bottom frame, a lamp holder, and a lamp mount. The lamp holder is disposed on the bottom frame for supporting the lamp, and the lamp mount is disposed between the lamp holder and the bottom frame. The lamp mount includes a base portion, a first side portion and a second side portion that are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the base portion, a first positioning mechanism, and a second positioning mechanism. The first positioning mechanism is disposed on the base portion to enable the lamp mount to be slidably connected to the bottom frame, and the second positioning mechanism is disposed on the first side portion and the second side portion to enable the lamp mount to be slidably connected to the lamp holder. |
| US08079736B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus comprises a housing and a first reflector. The first reflector is mounted beneath the light source and includes a plurality of segmented reflectors, each having at its top, a installation hole and at its bottom, an opening wider than the installation hole. A second reflector is positioned beneath the first reflector. The height of the second reflector causes a first light shielding angle defined by a straight line passing through the installation hole and the bottom edge of the corresponding segmented reflector to be larger than a second light shielding angle defined by a straight line passing through the bottom edge of the segmented reflector and the bottom edge of the second reflector. |
| US08079735B1 |
Light emitting diode illumination device
A light emitting diode (LED) illumination device provides an arrangement of LEDs spaced from the base of the device. The LEDs are spaced in a staggered vertical arrangement. The configuration of LEDs manages heat such that brightness and lifespan are maximized. In addition, the arrangement of LEDs broadens the project area of the device. |
| US08079731B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus is provided including an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on a base. The base is configured to move heat away from the array of LEDs to other portions of the base and further to the atmosphere or an adjacent housing. In one embodiment, a native oxide on the base electrically insulates the base from the LEDs. In another embodiment, a cover is removably disposed over the array of LEDs, and removal of the cover prevents electrical energization of the LEDs. |
| US08079730B2 |
Light source with variable radiation characteristic
An array of light-emitting diodes in LED chips, which can be turned on and off individually or in groups by means of a circuit, is provided with a device for homogenizing a light beam emitted by the turned-on LED chips. This device can be a conversion plate, a potting compound comprising a converter material or scattering particles, or a device for beam shaping comprising a plurality of micro-optics. The light source is particularly suited for headlights, for example in AFS applications. |
| US08079726B1 |
Pool light assembly
Disclosed herein is a pool light fixture assembly. The assembly is connected to a pool wall and includes a light adapter and a return fitting. At least two channels, a water channel and an electrical channel run through the assembly. Each of the channels is parallel to one another. However, the electrical channel is parallel to and separate from the water channel. In one embodiment only a portion of the electrical channel is parallel to the water channel in the return fitting portion of the assembly. The adapter includes a light fixture for connection with light(s). The light fixture is within and/or adjacent to the electrical channel. |
| US08079725B2 |
Display device and TV receiver
A display device includes a light source, a diffusion-plate arranged to diffuse light emitted from the light source, a supporting base arranged to support the diffusion plate, an optical sheet disposed on the diffusion plate, a diffusion-plate retainer fitted to the supporting base and arranged to sandwich the diffusion plate with the supporting base by pressing the diffusion plate while avoiding the optical sheet, and a display panel facing the diffusion plate. |
| US08079724B1 |
Combined spotlight caution light apparatus
The combined spotlight caution light apparatus provides the advantages of both a spotlight and a caution light. Both lights are housed one above the other within the transparent circular dome. The apparatus provides the advantage of removably mounting each needed light to a vehicle, without brackets, vehicle modifications, or hardware or electrical harness invasion. The apparatus provides the advantages of rotating caution light warning. And, the apparatus separates and combines controls for the spotlight and caution light with the control within the connecting wire that plugs into the vehicle cigar lighter. |
| US08079722B2 |
Mirror assembly
A mirror assembly in one embodiment may include a first conductive member that is substantially transparent, a second conductive member that comprises a reflective portion, a third conductive member that is operatively connected to the first conductive member and the second conductive member, a front portion that is substantially transparent and that is formed by injecting a first thermoplastic material into a mold on a first side of the first conductive member, an inner portion that is formed by injecting a second thermoplastic material into the mold on a second side of the second conductive member, and a back portion that is substantially opaque and that is formed by injecting a third thermoplastic material into the mold on the second side of the second conductive member. The front portion and the back portion together may substantially encompass a first perimeter of the first conductive member and a second perimeter of the second conductive member. |
| US08079721B2 |
Adaptive mirror assembly
A mirror assembly for an optical system of a laser processing machine includes a mount with a cavity, and an adaptive mirror. A magnetorheological or electrorheological fluid flows through the cavity, is adjusted in its viscosity, and provides an adjustable pressure onto the adaptable mirror. |
| US08079704B2 |
Multifocal ophthalmic lens
A multifocal ophthalmic lens, including: a far zone for correcting a far vision; and a near zone for correcting a near vision, arranged concentrically in an optical region of the lens, wherein a power distribution is set to vary progressively in radial direction of the far zone and the near zone; power is altered discontinuously to have a stepwise power difference at a boundary between the far zone and the near zone, the value of the power difference at the boundary between the far zone and the near zone is not greater than a maximum value of an intermediate power for correcting an intermediate vision. |
| US08079698B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
There is disclosed an inkjet recording apparatus including a feeding device, a remover, and an inkjet head. The feeding device feeds a recording medium along a feed path passing through a removing area. A part of an opposingly-feeding surface extends opposed to the ink jet head and along the feed path, and the removing area is located under the opposingly-feeding surface and within the opposingly-feeding surface as seen in a vertical direction. The remover removes foreign matter from a surface of the recording medium during the recording medium is fed through the removing area by the feeding device. The inkjet head is disposed downstream of the remover with respect to a feeding direction in which the recording medium is fed. The inkjet head has an ink ejection surface in which a nozzle is open, and an ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle toward a recording surface of the recording medium while the recording medium is fed along at least a part of the opposingly-feeding surface. |
| US08079692B2 |
Printer comprising priming/de-priming system with cooperative pushing and pulling of ink through printhead
A printer comprising: an inkjet printhead having an ink inlet, an ink outlet and a plurality of nozzles; an ink chamber having an outlet port; an upstream ink line providing fluid communication between the outlet port and the ink inlet; a reversible air pump having a pump outlet communicating with a headspace in the ink chamber, the pump being configured to positively pressurize the headspace during a printhead priming operation or negatively pressurize the headspace during a printhead depriming operation; and a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, the downstream ink line being in fluid communication with a pump inlet so as to effect cooperative pulling and pushing of ink through the printhead during the priming and depriming operations. |
| US08079687B2 |
Hole closure for a fluid cartridge
In one embodiment, a cartridge includes: a housing having a chamber therein for holding a fluid; a hole extending through the housing to the chamber; and a breachable membrane that, in an unbreached state, substantially closes the hole, the membrane resiliently configured such that, upon being breached, the membrane rebounds to a breached state only partially closing the hole. |
| US08079677B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric actuator
A liquid ejecting head includes a pressure generating chamber that is communicated with a nozzle opening and a piezoelectric element includes a first electrode formed above the pressure generating chamber, a piezoelectric layer formed above the first electrode, and a second electrode formed above the piezoelectric layer. In addition, an amorphous layer including an amorphous material is formed on a surface of the piezoelectric layer at the second electrode side. |
| US08079674B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording head includes a recording element substrate provided on one side thereof with a plurality of ejection outlet arrays each including a plurality of ejection outlets for ejecting recording liquid and provided on the other side thereof with a plurality of supply ports for supplying the recording liquid to the ejection outlet arrays, respectively; and a supporting member for supporting the recording element substrate by connecting with the other side of the recording element substrate. The supporting member has a plurality of supply passages for supplying the recording liquid to respective supply ports. The supporting member is provided with a partition between adjacent ones of the liquid passages, and at least one side of the partition is provided with pits and projections arranged alternately along a longitudinal direction of the partition. |
| US08079672B2 |
Heater stack and method for making heater stack with cavity between heater element and substrate
A heater stack includes first strata configured to support and form a fluid heater element responsive to repetitive electrical activation and deactivation to produce repetitive cycles of fluid ejection from an ejection chamber above the heater element and second strata overlying the first strata and contiguous with the ejection chamber to protect the heater element. The first strata includes a substrate with a cavity formed either in or above the substrate, a heater substrata overlying the cavity and substrate, and a decomposed layer of material between the substrate and heater substrata and processed to provide the cavity substantially empty of the layer of material such that the cavity provides a means which, during repetitive electrical activation, enables the heater element to transfer heat energy into the fluid in the ejection chamber for producing ejection of fluid therefrom substantially without transferring heat energy into the substrate. |
| US08079671B2 |
Coated electrodes for a drop-on-demand printer
A drop on demand printer is provided having: an ink ejection location for ejecting ink droplets, the ejection location having an associated ejection electrode for causing electrostatic ejection of the droplets from the ejection location; an intermediate electrode spaced from the ejection location, and in use disposed between the ejection location and a substrate onto which the droplets are printed in use; wherein either the ejection electrode or the intermediate electrode is coated with a film, the film being formed from a blend of a polymer insulating host and a conducting polymer dopant. |
| US08079668B2 |
Crack-resistant thermal bend actuator
A thermal bend actuator comprises an active beam for connection to drive circuitry and a passive beam mechanically cooperating with the active beam. When a current is passed through the active beam, the active beam expands relative to the passive beam resulting in bending of the actuator. The passive beam comprises a first layer comprised of silicon nitride and a second layer comprised of silicon dioxide. The second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the active beam to provide thermal insulation for the first layer. |
| US08079662B2 |
Drop coating apparatus
A droplet applying apparatus includes a base 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which a substrate 10 is to be mounted, an arm part 4 which is fitted to the base 11 so as to be movable relative to the base 11 in an arrow A direction, a plurality of droplet ejecting sections 6 which are fitted to the arm part 4 so as to be movable relative to the base 11 in an arrow B direction and which eject droplets to the substrate 10 mounted on the mounting surface 11a, image pickup parts 90 for detecting alignment marks 110 of the substrate 10 mounted on the mounting surface 11a, and a attitude adjustment member 12 for adjusting an attitude of the substrate 10 mounted on the mounting surface 11a based on a detection result of the image pickup parts 90. |
| US08079659B2 |
Printing apparatus and conveying control method
Provided are a printing apparatus and a conveying-error controlling method capable of printing a high-quality image by correction reflecting the conveying amount of a printing medium. A provided inkjet printing apparatus prints images by printing scans for actual printing and by conveying the printing medium with a roller orthogonally to the printing-scan direction. In each printing scan, the printing medium is scanned with a print head having an array of nozzles from which the ink is ejected. The print head moving direction differs from the arranging direction of the nozzles in the array. The apparatus includes a conveying controller to control the conveying of the printing medium on the basis of a correction value used to correct a conveying error of the roller. The conveying controller changes the correction value to be applied in accordance with the conveying amount of the printing medium between two scans with the print head. |
| US08079658B2 |
Print density adjusting device, print density adjusting method and print density adjusting program
A print density adjusting device of print image information includes a print image information acquirer configured to acquire the print image information. A forming information acquirer is configured to acquire forming information of a medium on which an inkjet printer prints and which is to be bent. A vertex detector is configured to detect a vertex of a bent part which is to be bent based on the forming information. A bending angle detector is configured to detect a bending angle of the bent part based on the forming information. A print density adjuster is configured to adjust a print density of the print image information acquired by the print image information acquirer based on the vertex detected by the vertex detector and based on the bending angle detected by the bending angle detector. |
| US08079656B2 |
Method for decimation of images
In the case of printing at high addressability, where the cell size is smaller than the spot size, an image can be decimated in a manner that will limit the large accumulation of printed material. The proper decimation of the image will depend on the spot size, the physics of drop coalescence and the addressability during printing. A simple method of using concentric decimation is disclosed herein to enable this process. |
| US08079654B2 |
Mounting apparatus for slide rail
A mounting apparatus is for mounting a slide rail to a support of an electronic equipment cabinet. The mounting apparatus includes a mounting bracket slidably engaging with the slide rail, a locking member attached to the mounting bracket, and a supporting member movably located between the locking member and the mounting bracket. A post extends from the mounting bracket configured for being received in a through hole of the support of the cabinet. The locking member includes a resisting portion, which is capable of being urged to engage with the support by the supporting member. |
| US08079643B2 |
Vehicle seat
One aspect of the present invention can include a surface layer made of a fabric material and the surface layer covering one or more portions of a top plate main portion, top plate side portions, outside portions, a seat back portion, and a headrest portion has been subjected to an antiallergenic treatment and the antiallergenic treatment is a treatment in which a back side surface of the surface layer is dipped in an antiallergenic agent containing an aromatic hydroxy compound as an active ingredient. |
| US08079639B2 |
Bouncer
A bouncer includes a seat, a first connecting member, a support member, and an engaging member. The first connecting member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first connecting member is connected to the seat. The support member is rotatably connected to the second end of the first connecting member. The engaging member is movably disposed in the support member and capable of moving between a locked position and an unlocked position, so as to selectively restrain the support member from rotating. Accordingly, the bouncer of the invention can be operated in different using states. |
| US08079637B2 |
External grille device for automotive vehicle
An external grid device for an automotive vehicle, including a flexible plastic sieve, and a meshing that is thinner than that of the grid, provided along an internal face of the grid. |
| US08079636B2 |
Cab for construction machine
A cab for a construction machine includes a pillar member and a beam member. The pillar member is disposed generally along a vertical direction, and includes a cutout portion and a protruding portion. The cutout portion is formed on an upper end thereof. The protruding portion is formed on the upper end on an inner side of the cutout portion with respect to a widthwise direction of the cab. The beam member is disposed generally along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The beam member is joined to the pillar member with the beam member partially overlapping the cutout portion on the upper end of the pillar member in a plan view, and a lateral surface of the beam member abutting against the protruding portion. |
| US08079635B2 |
Deformable cross-car beam system for side impact protection
Systems and methods that facilitate vehicle passenger protection during side impact events and, more particularly, to systems and methods which increase the survival space between the vehicle side structure and a vehicle passenger located in the vehicle passenger compartment while maintaining reasonable vehicle structure deceleration levels. The systems and methods enable the seat structure assemblies to move inboard during side impact events by coupling the seat structure assemblies to a deformable cross bar or beam. The embodiments include a deformable cross-car beam that is deformable in one or more locations along its length using changes in geometry and/or changes in material to initiate controlled deformation under a cross-car load due to a side impact event. |
| US08079634B2 |
Sealed AFT cavity drag reducer
A drag reducing device utilizing sealed aft cavities designed to limit interference with existing truck and trailer designs is described. The invention comprises one or more sealed aft cavities affixed to the rear of a traditional commercial straight truck or trailer, or any other blunt (or mostly blunt) aft faced vehicle. A means is provided by which the device is stowed to allow normal operation of the straight truck, trailer or vehicle. Drag is reduced by the streamlining of the rear of the vehicle, postponing and narrowing the flow separation downstream of the trailing edge as well as increasing the pressure on the back of the vehicle with the open to the rear, sealed aft cavity. The concept described focuses on the utilization of (a) sealed aft cavity(ies) to limit the effects of blunt body drag and the means for attachment and stowage for loading and unloading cargo. |
| US08079632B2 |
Door structure of vehicle
A door structure of a vehicle includes a reinforcing member horizontally extending from a leading end, which is connected to a leading reinforce-installation fitting, and to a tail end, which is connected to a tail reinforce-installation fitting, an upper vertical beam extending from an upper end, which is connected to a head-installation fitting, to a lower end, which is connected to the tail reinforce-installation fitting, a lower vertical beam inclined to the upper vertical beam and extending from an upper end, which is connected to the tail reinforce-installation fitting, to a lower end, which is connected to a base-installation fitting, and a horizontal beam positioned below the reinforcing member and extending from a leading end, which is connected to a leading beam-installation fitting, to a tail end, which is connected to a tail beam-installation fitting, such that the horizontal beam intersects the lower vertical beam. |
| US08079631B2 |
Method and system for guiding a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door
A method and system for guiding a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod guiding member. The drive rod guiding member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod can be disengaged from the door handle or the latching system. The drive rod guiding member guides the drive rod away from the door handle or the latching system. By guiding the drive rod away the door handle or the latching system, the drive rod guiding member can prevent the drive rod from re-engaging with the door handle or the latching system. This maintains the door in the closed position instead of the open position. |
| US08079627B2 |
Device for vertically holding pipes
A device for vertically holding pipes, which includes a base element in the form of a segment of a cylinder, a door element pivotably connected to the base element by at least one pivot joint, and a fastener assembly mounted opposite the pivot joint. The fastener assembly has a pivotable catch with a locking profile that, when in the locked state, grips a locking pin from behind. A safety pin and a safety plate are located in the area of the pivotable catch, and, depending on its position, the safety plate releases or closes at least one opening for the safety pin. |
| US08079625B2 |
Device for opening and closing a zipper
A device for assisting in opening and closing a zipper including a body having first and second diverging guide channels for receiving respective zipper tracks for sliding movement along the diverging guide channels and for progressively interconnecting the tracks at a predetermined mutually oriented angle of closure, a connector carried by the body for connecting the body to the zipper slider, and a pull for permitting manual pulling movement of the body. |
| US08079622B2 |
Axially moveable spool connector
A connector spool system for connecting a first component and a second component of an industrial compression system includes a connector spool having a substantially cylindrical shape. The spool includes an axial end and a flange at the axial end, the flange defining a radial surface for positioning proximate the first component. A spacer is positioned between the flange of the spool and the first component, the spacer including radial surfaces for providing uniform compressive force transmission between the spool and the first component. |
| US08079617B2 |
Pole grip
A stick handle (1) is described, in particular for walking sticks, trekking sticks, alpine ski sticks, cross-country sticks and Nordic walking sticks, with a handle body (14) and with a device (8-11, 15) for the self-latching fastening of a hand-holding device (25), in particular in the form of a hand loop or a glove. For the self-latching fastening, the device (8-11, 15) comprises at least one recess (10) for receiving a coupling element (33), in particular preferably in the form of a clip or a loop, provided on the hand-holding device (25), wherein the device (8-11, 15) has a clamping element (8), and the recess (10) of the device (8-11, 15) is exposed in an insertion position (A) of the clumping element (8) in such a manner that the coupling element (33) of a hand-holding device (25) not connected to the stick handle (1) can be inserted into said recess (10), and wherein the device (8-11, 15) can be brought by tilting or displacement of the clamping element (8) into a locking position (B) in which the recess (10) is closed and the coupling element (33) is trapped in the recess (10). |
| US08079613B2 |
Hitch pin securing system for receiver mounted assemblies
A hitch pin securing system for receiver mounted accessories. The present invention provides a device for securely clamping a shank tube to a receiver tube. This securing device minimizes the rattling and relative movement of the shank tube and the receiver tube due to the clearance between the shank tube and the receiver tube. The securing device includes a threaded nut or bushing mounted within the shank tube. A hitch pin is inserted through the receiver tube and shank tube and engages the shank tube nut. A locking handle is used to tighten the hitch pin relative to the shank tube nut. Once the hitch pin is tight, the handle is pivoted relative to the hitch pin to cause a cam surface to tighten the shank tube nut against the shank tube which forces the shank tube in tight engagement against the receiver tube. |
| US08079612B1 |
Trailer hitch receiver tube having end notch and lip
A trailer hitch receiver tube comprising a hollow tubular member adapted to receive a hitch bar, the tubular member including a free end, the free end defining a notch. The tube may be fitted with a lip to create a receiver box. The lip includes a tab which is positioned within the notch and accommodates tightening of an inserted bar within the tube cavity. |
| US08079611B2 |
Trailer hitch tow bar caddy
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for an adjustable tow bar caddy for stowing a tow bar. The apparatus having a cross member having opposite ends; a tow bar; and a tow bar caddy selectively mounted to the cross member, the longitudinal axis of the tow bar caddy being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cross member. The tow bar caddy being adjustable commensurate to the type of tow bar used and obstructions created by the vehicle frame. A method including the steps of providing a trailer hitch assembly comprising a cross member, a tow bar, and a tow bar caddy; mounting the tow bar caddy to the cross member; and selectively adjusting the longitudinal axis of the tow bar caddy to be horizontally perpendicular or vertically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cross member. |
| US08079610B2 |
Quick release camming mechanism
A quick release camming mechanism is used in a seat post clamp that secures a seat post to a seat tube. Whereas prior art quick release mechanisms have only a single lever, this mechanism has two independently rotatable levers. About half the force is required to independently push either lever closed as to push both levers closed simultaneously. Similarly, about half the force is required to open either lever individually as to open them simultaneously. |
| US08079605B2 |
Rider platform for self-propelled vehicle
A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle. |
| US08079597B1 |
Striking devices for prize-winning game machines
A striking device for a prize-winning game machine is disclosed, primarily comprising a striking head, an X-Z axis moving mechanism, and a Y-axis striking mechanism. The moving mechanism comprises two symmetrically disposed X-axis guiding rails and a Z-axis guiding rail where both ends of the Z-axis guiding rail are movably connected at X-axis guiding rails. The Y-axis striking mechanism can movably connected at the Z-axis guiding rail and comprises a Y-axis guiding rail and a striking rod moving along and disposed on the Y-axis guiding rail. The striking rod is off-axis aligned and connected to a back surface of the striking head for striking the targets in the prize-winning game machine. Therefore, the Y-axis striking mechanism will not be tilted or shifted during numerous striking operations to greatly increase the durations of the striking head and the striking mechanism. |
| US08079596B1 |
Redemption game with security measure
A redemption game is disclosed having an intermediate holding area for prizes that have been acquired by skillful or fortunate playing of the game, the holding area being inaccessible to the player. The compartment can be accessible via a pivotally mounted floor that leads to a lockable compartment. The lockable compartment would be accessible only with a key or other means that would be controlled by an attendant, so that a player could not acquire a prize without the help of the attendant. In this manner, thieves would be thwarted from cheating the game because the could not acquire the prizes without the assistance of an attendant. |
| US08079595B2 |
Card game with counting
Various embodiments include determining a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck, and modifying the rules of a game based on the statistic. |
| US08079594B1 |
Board game with 3D dynamic gameplay
A board game incorporating multiple paths of travel which traverse a plurality of elevations with moveable obstacles that change the paths of travel. The moveable obstacles may be transferrable game face members containing moveable structures; such as stairs; bridges and moveable-walls which cut-off some available paths while opening others. Additional obstacles include tunnels, spinning indicators determining the path of travel, vertical obstacles, rotating vehicles, rotating hidden compartments, and linearly sliding vehicles. Through strategic use of the obstacles; players can facilitate their own movement through the game while impeding that of their opponents. |
| US08079589B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A first conveying mechanism includes an intermediate conveying roller for conveying a recording sheet, an intermediate conveying roller shaft for supporting the intermediate conveying roller, an intermediate conveying roller drive mechanism for rotationally driving the intermediate conveying roller shaft, and a roller control mechanism for controlling movements of the intermediate conveying roller relative to the intermediate conveying roller shaft. The roller control mechanism performs skew correction along with conveying the recording sheet by rotating the intermediate conveying roller integrally with the intermediate conveying roller shaft while the intermediate conveying roller drive mechanism rotationally drives the intermediate conveying roller shaft and stops the rotational drive of the intermediate conveying roller shaft performed by the intermediate conveying roller drive mechanism after the skew correction to cause the intermediate conveying roller to be movable within a predetermined range in the axial direction of the intermediate conveying roller shaft. |
| US08079585B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
An upper limit detection sensor detects that a top face position of a sheet stack on a tray reaches an upper limit position which enables feeding of sheets one by one by a sheet feeding portion and a lower limit detection sensor detects that the top face position of the sheet stack on the tray reaches a lower limit position which enable feeding of sheets one by one. When the sheet stack is loosened by blowing air against a side face of the sheet stack on the tray with an air spouting nozzle provided on an air loosening device, if a sheet floated by air from the air loosening device exceeds an upper limit position of a feeding enabled range, the lowering amount of the tray is controlled so that at least a sheet next to the sheet to be fed is not lower than a lower end position of the air spouting port of the air loosening device. |
| US08079583B2 |
Compiling belt system with moving stapler
As set forth herein, a finisher module within an automated print system is described. A compiler delivery system receives and organizes one or more sheets in a predetermined configuration for delivery. A compiling belt system receives the one or more sheets from the compiler deliver system, locates the one or more sheets and transports the sheets concurrent to one or more finishing processes. A side tamper system moves alongside the compiling belt system to side tamp and register sheets in the cross process direction. A stapler/stitcher assembly moves alongside the compiling belt system to perform at least one of a stapling and a stitching operation as the one or more sheets are transported. |
| US08079581B2 |
Anti-slip device
An anti-slip device provided with a supporting plate of metal or resin having an attachment portion on a reverse face for other members, and a rubber elastic body unitedly mounted on the supporting plate. Plural connection holes are formed from an obverse face to the reverse face of the supporting plate. Further, the rubber elastic body is composed of a receiving piece portion covering approximately whole of the obverse face and a falling-prevention portion from the reverse face to connect the receiving piece portion through a peripheral portion and the connection hole. |
| US08079579B2 |
Automatic truss jig setting system
A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction. |
| US08079571B2 |
Shock-absorbing fence
A shock-absorbing fence comprises: a guard net provided in a stretched state between main posts provided to stand at a predetermined interval; a safety net attached between a skirt of the guard net and a ground; and a member joining an upper rim of the safety net to the skirt of the guard net as well as securing a lower rim of the safety net to the ground, the member including a horizontal support rope member provided along the lower rim of the safety net and a plurality of hillside support rope members connecting between a plurality of points of the horizontal support rope member and a plurality of hillside anchors, the safety net being allowed to deform in an extended manner following deflection and deformation of the guard net, while maintaining a gap below the guard net in a closed state, in case of rockfall. |
| US08079570B2 |
Winding, securing and positioning mechanism for a come-along
A come-along for pulling loads includes a rope winding mechanism that enables the rope to be wound and fed out smoothly. The rope winding mechanism includes a positioning hole that reduces the angle between the secured end of the rope and an axial tube about which the rope is wound. The come-along also includes a rope securing mechanism. The secured end of the rope has a seal head that fits through an installation hole and rests against the positioning hole. A helical slot around the axial tube enables the rope to wind evenly. |
| US08079567B2 |
Regulated valve assembly for fire extinguishing systems
A valve assembly has a valve body having an inlet section for a pressurized fluid and an outlet. A piston is movable within the valve body between an open position and a closed position blocking fluid communication. The piston has an end section, a sealing section and a middle section located between the end section and the sealing section. A cavity receives the piston within the valve body. The cavity has a superior chamber, an intermediate chamber, and an inferior chamber. A spring within the superior chamber exerts a spring force onto the piston to urge the piston towards the open position. An actuator device provides upon actuation for a first flow of fluid outside the cavity from the inlet section to the superior chamber. The first flow causes a pressure within the superior chamber to increase until it is about the same as the pressure within the container so that the spring force moves the piston to the open position. In the open position a main flow of fluid flows from the inlet section via the intermediate chamber to the outlet. |
| US08079565B2 |
Portable device accessory
A portable device accessory is used to hold, grip or manipulate a portable device such as and not limited to mobile phones, MP3 players, portable entertainment/computing devices, and/or gaming devices. The accessory possesses two suctions cups connected by a neck and having an aperture for receiving a jack on earphone. Certain embodiments of the accessory will have tabs, ridges, groove and/or a space to receive earphones. The accessory permits a jack of earphones to be threaded through an aperture and the cord of the earphones to be wrapped around the accessory. The suction cups may be inverted to conceal the cord wrapped around a neck of the accessory and tabs may be used to hold inverted suction cups together. |
| US08079560B2 |
Adjustable mounting apparatus for electrical devices
Adjustable mounting apparatus for securing electrical connectors and equipment to powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. These mounting brackets are low cost, compact and lightweight. The brackets install easily without the use of fasteners and are adjustable without the use of tools or modification allowing them to conform to surfaces that may be flat, curved or fully round. |
| US08079554B2 |
Support apparatus and monitor support apparatus
The invention provides a support apparatus capable of supporting a monitor. The support apparatus includes a mounting base, a first frame mounted on the mounting base, a lock member, and a second frame. The first frame thereon defines a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first frame includes a through hole along the second direction, a slide extending along the first direction, and a slot. The lock member includes a columnar member and a release part. The release part is disposed to pass through the through hole, and an end of the columnar member is disposed limitedly and movably in the slot. The second frame is disposed movably on the slide, and includes a hook. When the hook engages to the columnar member, the release part can be driven to disengage the columnar member from the hook. |
| US08079553B1 |
Keyboard supporting tray and arm rests for conventional open arm office chairs
A peripheral device support assembly. The peripheral device support assembly includes two detachable armrest and support tray adapted to be attached to each arm of an office chair. The detachable armrest and support tray includes a mount for securing the armrest support unit to a chair arm and a first portion hingedly attached to the mount for allowing the first portion to swivel in relation to the mount. The detachable armrest and support tray also includes a second portion pivotally connected to the second portion such that the first portion folds back over a second portion for storage. A tray spans the distance between the second portion of each detachable armrest and support tray to provide additional workspace. |
| US08079549B2 |
Monolithic integrated structural panels especially useful for aircraft structures
Structural panels for use in manufacturing fuselage bodies and other aircraft structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a monolithic integrated structural panel is configured to include a skin, an array of stiffeners and an array of frames which are preferably arranged in a mutually orthogonal layout, without the need of cut-outs in any of the crossing elements. One advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that the frame and stringer members have continuous flanges and spliced webs. The disclosed embodiments herein are compatible with composite materials technology, offering another advantage, namely the possibility of manufacturing integrated products in a single cure (“one-shot”) cycle. A structure of composite materials, e.g. carbon fiber reinforced plastics, typically comprises a skin panel, reinforced by frame and stringer members. A monolithic integrated structure constructed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments is well-suited for use as a portion of an aircraft structure, for example an aircraft fuselage, wing or empennage. |
| US08079548B2 |
Ground sensing system
A ground sensing system for an aircraft attaches to the aircraft's landing gear to provide a ground touch indication. The ground sensing system includes a bracket, an upper arm, a lower arm, a roller and a sensor. The bracket is mounted to the landing gear while the upper arm is pivotally and biasly coupled to the bracket. The lower arm is pivotally and biasly coupled to the upper arm. The roller mounts to the lower arm and extends just slightly beneath a lowermost surface of the tire when the aircraft is airborne. The sensor is triggered once a portion of the upper arm has sufficiently entered the sensor's field of view, which occurs when the roller is urged upward by the ground during landing. |
| US08079543B2 |
Paper towel dispenser with fixed, axially aligned roller on loading door
A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser may include a motor for driving dispensing of the toweling from the housing and an associated sensor. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the second roller includes an axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the loading door, and the first roller includes an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the second roller regardless of whether the loading door is in the closed position or the open position, or transitioning therebetween. |
| US08079540B2 |
Paper towel dispenser with motor disposed over lip of loading door
A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser may include a motor for driving dispensing of the toweling from the housing and an associated sensor. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the loading door includes a curved body and a lip that generally extends away from the curved body. A portion of the main body that extends over the lip when the loading door is in the closed position includes the motor therein. |
| US08079539B2 |
Built-in module for inverter and having tension control with integrated tension and velocity closed loops
A built-in module for an inverter and having tension control with integrated tension and velocity closed loops, where required tension feedbacks can be obtained by internal calculations of the inverter or feedback signals of a tension sensor. The tension control module is applied to provide a tension control for a winding mechanism which is operated by driving at least one motor. The tension control module firstly builds a tension control to provide a balanced tension to the winding mechanism. Afterward, the tension control module builds a velocity control to provide an accelerated or decelerated adjustment for the winding mechanism. Accordingly, the winding mechanism can stably maintain a tension-balanced operation. |
| US08079537B2 |
Safety shredder
Active protection system for a paper shredder, which includes an upper cover and a shedder plate on the upper cover. The paper shredder plate includes a touch structure, which engagingly interacts with a preferential power supply switch. When closed, the shredder plate prevents contact with the shredding blade. When opened, the shredder plate both initiates shredder normal operation, and prevents feeding of unexpected items into the shredder making accidental contact with the shredding blade. When an unexpected item contacts the safety structure, beneath the paper shredder plate, the protection system switches off the shredder power supply. |
| US08079532B2 |
Energy efficient water sprinkler
An energy efficient water sprinkler has a housing with primary and secondary water chambers each with a turning wheel for translating the force of impacting water to rotational motion of a central shaft journal. Water is forced through a central channel in the rotating shaft and discharged from the housing. A portion of the discharged water is directed to deflection fins on the outer surface of the housing to further impart rotational or energy to the rotating shaft. |
| US08079529B2 |
EMF signature device
Systems, methods and devices for making and using EMF signature enabled portable consumer devices are disclosed. EMF signature enabled portable consumer devices, such as credit cards, can include a conductive or semiconductive brittle material layer with an intentionally created random crack or fissure pattern. The intentionally created unique random crack patterns can be created by cost effective and highly scalable standardized processes. When an input signal is applied to the portable consumer device, an EMF signature based on the unique random crack pattern can be induced. The resulting EMF signature can be detected, processed and used as the basis for various encryption, security or authentication protocols. |
| US08079525B1 |
System and method for decoding barcodes captured with a color image sensor
A computing device and method for reading a barcode captured with a color image sensor is disclosed. The barcode can have features and background that have equal brightness such that the barcode could not be decoded with known greyscale decoding techniques. The method for reading the barcode includes receiving color image values for each pixel of a captured image of a target barcode from a color image sensor, determining chrominance values for each pixel from the color image values, detecting edges based on the chrominance values to generate an edge-detected image that is provided to a greyscale barcode decoder to decode the information in the target barcode. The chrominance values can be based on the blue and red difference components from the YUV image format, and the U and V values can be combined using color temperature information. |
| US08079523B2 |
Imaging of non-barcoded documents
The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and image documents. The bar code reader includes a housing including a vertical and a horizontal transparent window H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. Cameras C1-C6 have image capture sensor arrays positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of an object within a camera field of view. Two specific cameras can capture the front and back images from a document such as a check 100 placed on the horizontal transparent window. |
| US08079515B2 |
Access control gate
An access control gate with a mechanical guide forms one or more access lanes for patrons. A contactless access reader which is connected to a software controlled verification system identifies access right of patrons shortly before the person approaches a gate threshold formed by two motor driven flaps which when closed protrude into the access lane from left and right of the lateral lane boundaries a verification system activates the flaps when an access right has been granted. Two or more photoelectric barriers detect the passage of patrons through the gate threshold, wherein the detecting beams are spaced apart by between 1 and 10 inches and directed to the lane zone behind the gate threshold. The flaps are closed after the patron has passed through. |
| US08079508B2 |
Spaced plate heat exchanger
A brazed aluminum counter-flow heat exchanger particularly suited for use in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is produced by assembling and welding subassemblies of corrugated fins that were previously vacuumed brazed in a stacked group. After the brazing operation, the stacked group of subassemblies are later separated and rearranged to create a subsequent stack of alternating layers of corrugated layers and layers having wide open saltwater passageways. To complete the unit, a friction stir welding process provides final exterior weld seams that penetrate to the internal saltwater passageways in the heat exchanger. The full weld penetration eliminates corrosion-conducive crevices at the welded joints, thus making the aluminum heat exchanger suitable for saltwater use. |
| US08079506B2 |
Stud welding apparatus
A stud welding apparatus comprises a feeder to receive a plurality of studs and feed the stud one by one with the stud being fed in advance of a weld portion thereof from an outlet of the feeder; and a welding gun to receive the stud as fed from the feeder through a feeding pipe to hold the stud and to weld the stud to a workpiece. The outlet of the feeder is provided with a shuttle loader wherein a hollow shuttle is loaded to a rod body of the stud to extend the length of a short stud, so that the shuttle loaded stud is lengthened as a whole to prevent the shuttle loaded stud from tumbling in the feeding pipe and/or a stud path in the welding gun. |
| US08079503B1 |
Modular equipment coupler
A coupling member for removably attaching an accessory to a carrier, wherein the coupling member includes an elongate portion of material having a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion. At least one hook is formed from a portion of the first end portion, wherein the hook formed from the first end portion allows the first end portion of the coupling member to be removably secured to an accessory webbing or a carrier webbing when the coupling member has been interwoven between aligned carrier tunnel segments and accessory tunnel segments of an accessory and carrier. The coupling member may optionally include a hook formed from a portion of the second end portion. |
| US08079502B2 |
Sack
A sack for compressing compressible material contained therein, the sack including: a pliable body portion (20) for receiving the material, the body portion having a lower base portion (22), wall means (21) and an upper opening (23) for introducing the material into the sack and removing it therefrom; cover means (28) exterior to the body portion and fixed thereto proximate the opening and having cover fastening means (29, 30, 31, 32) for releasably fastening to the body portion proximate the base whereby the cover means covers the opening, and a plurality of straps (25, 26) and/or connectors exterior to the body portion and attached thereto; wherein the cover fastening means and the plurality of straps and/or connectors are operable to compress material in the body portion. |
| US08079501B2 |
Harness for attaching camera to user
A configurable wrist or arm worn camera harness (1a) that facilitates convenient carry, access, and secure use of a camera during participation in a physical activity. Camera harness (1a) is comprised of an adjustable strap system for attaching harness (1a) to operator wrist or arm and a coupling system for attaching, one at a time, cameras of various shapes and sizes to aforementioned harness (1a) in a either a manner that allows camera to be moved pivotably while attached to harness (1a) and operator or in a manner that secures camera in a fixed, non-pivoting position. A clasping system is incorporated to harness (1a) to secure camera in a first secure flat carry position on operator wrist or arm. Clasping system can be released by operator to allow camera to be pivotably moved upright into a second secure position for the purpose of taking a photograph. Regardless of pivotal orientation of camera or closure state of clasping system or manner of camera attachment to user, harness (1a) maintains attachment of camera to operator in any event. |
| US08079495B2 |
Beverage dispensing system with a head capable of dispensing plural different beverages
A dispensing head is removably attached to a beverage dispensing system base without additional fasteners, wherein beverage forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head are independently accountable to regulate the dispensing of the beverage. In one version of the invention, four liquids are supplied to the dispensing head through the conduits, namely two liquid concentrates; carbonated water; and noncarbonated water. By selective opening of the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more of the liquids. |
| US08079494B2 |
Delivery system
A product delivery system for delivering a product from a storage area to a dispensing area, such as for use in a vending machine. The product delivery system may include a vacuum holding device, a robotic positioning system, a reel and cable system, and a controller. A feature is the provision of a picker head with a built-in vacuum generating source that may be carried by a robotically movable arm system. |
| US08079493B2 |
Blow molded universal lid
A lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. |
| US08079492B2 |
Disposable containers and method of making the same
A polyhedron disposable container formed from flexible weldable plastic film and a method of forming the same are provided. The container has opposite ends and an openings that accommodates a port at the center of at least one of such ends. The container also has multiple sides and an opening on at least one such side located midway between the edges of such side. |
| US08079486B2 |
Folding container
A lock member L1 including an operation portion L1a and a lock bar L1b is disposed on each of first opposite side walls 2 to be brought down firstly toward a bottom portion 1, and a pivotal shaft 13 formed in the operation portion is pivotally supported in a bearing hole 2g2 formed in each of the first opposite side walls to be brought down firstly toward the bottom portion. To allow cancellation of a lock state between the lock member and each of second opposite side walls to be brought down secondly toward the bottom portion, the operation portion is pivotally moved downward. During an unlocking operation, even when an operator pivotally moves the operation portion included in the lock member, the operation portion is prevented from being tilted. Thus, the lock bar of the lock member can be used to reliably perform the unlocking operation. |
| US08079483B2 |
Closure with stopping mechanism
A closure having a stopping mechanism whereby a stop lug is positionable between a flexed and unflexed position relative to a spring gap. The stop lug may project from a skirt of the closure top wall. The spring gap is positioned adjacent the stop lug to provide an area for the stop lug to travel when outside forces are applied to the stop lug and subsequently return back to the unflexed position. The stop lug may have a substantially vertical support rib in combination with a plurality of annularly spaced ribs. |
| US08079480B2 |
Modification of drawn film
The Invention relates to a drawn polymer film, comprising (A) a polymer or polymer blend and at least (B) one additional component with an average particle diameter of between 0.1 and 15 μm, which by means of (C) one or several secondary treatment steps is processed to form a membrane after being drawn. The average particle diameter of component (B) ranges between 0.1 and 15 μm, preferably 0.5-8.0 μm, with the range between 1.0 and 7.0 μm being particularly preferred. The membranes are used for alkene-alkane separation, electrodialysis, the desalinisation of seawater, in fuel cell applications and other membrane applications. |
| US08079476B2 |
Corner post structure for packaging
An improved article of manufacture for corner post construction having multiple, independent or related layers of material formed together into a wave pattern, comprised of semicircles, triangles, flat spots, squares or any other geometrical shape. |
| US08079475B2 |
Blister package
A blister package is provided for retaining individual product units. The blister package is formed by a receptacle substrate and an outer laminate. The receptacle substrate includes a sealing flange and one or more receptacle hollows for retaining product therein. The outer laminate includes a first layer covering a sealing layer, with the sealing layer bonded to the receptacle flange and covering the product within the hollows. A repeating score line pattern is formed in the outer laminate for promoting a tear in the laminate upon forcing the product from the receptacle hollow against the outer laminate. The score pattern extends substantially across the area of the outer laminate covering the receptacle hollow and includes a plurality of spaced score lines formed in a crosswise relationship. |
| US08079474B1 |
Stackable container and method for making the same
A stackable container and blanks for forming a stackable container are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stackable container has (a) a base having two pairs of opposed base edges, (b) two first sidewall structures foldably attached to the first base edges at an angle of from about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees, and (c) two second sidewall structures. The second sidewall structures generally each include (i) a wall flap foldably attached to one of the base edges at an angle of from about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees, (ii) an index fold-down flap foldably attached to the wall flap at an angle of about 180 degrees, and (iii) a plurality of inner fold-down flaps foldably attached to the wall flap at an angle of about 180 degrees. Embodiments of the present invention can advantageously provide a reliable design approach for making a stackable container from a blank, whereby the weight-bearing ability and/or stackability of the container is improved, while also covering flutes on the load-bearing wall, thereby reducing moisture collection. |
| US08079473B2 |
Medical device holder, method of retrieving medical device, and a packaged medical device
A medical device holder is comprised of a flexible elongated sheet member, and includes a holding portion configured to hold a three-dimensionally configured part connected of the device. The holding portion is configured to bend back on itself to cover the three-dimensionally configured part. A slit is provided in the sheet member to allow insertion of the distal end portion of the holding portion so that the state in which the holding portion covers the three-dimensionally configured part connected can be maintained. The distal end portion of the holding portion is folded toward the opposite direction from the direction to pull out when retrieving the catheter from the sheet member. |
| US08079467B2 |
Media storage container with storable latch
A media storage container has a latch that is movable between latched, unlatched, and storage positions. The latch is disposed at the indented portion of the front wall of the container. A latch retaining device releasably secures the latch in the storage position. A portion of the latch retaining device is disposed inwardly of the front wall of the container. |
| US08079466B2 |
Devices for storing and dispensing compositions
The present invention is a packaging article that includes a first chamber defined by a sealed connection between a first film and a second film, a second chamber defined by a sealed connection between a third film and a fourth film, where the third film at least partially abuts the second film, and a third chamber defined by a sealed connection between the first film and the fourth film. |
| US08079465B2 |
Safety packaging
A package for the safe storage and transportation of munitions comprising at least one insert provided with a recess to receive each munition separately such that in use the munitions are separated by the insert material and one or more labyrinthine paths exist between the munitions. The moulds may be made of blast mitigating material for the effective dissipation of energy on unintentional detonation of a munition. |
| US08079463B2 |
Conveying device, rolling body and conveying body
A conveying device (100) according to the invention includes several conveying bodies (102), which roll on a guidance (101) via several rolls (3), wherein the rolls (3) are connected and mutually distanced by means of a flexible connecting body (9) The conveying bodies (102) include means (103; 104, 105) for mutual support, which prevent a movement of the conveying bodies (102) out of the guidance (101). A connecting body (9) and allocated rolls (3) form a roll body (2), wherein the roll body (2), on average, includes two or less than two rolls (3) per conveying body (102). A roll body (2) for a conveying device (100) includes a plurality of rolls (3) mutually connected in a linear manner, wherein the rolls (3) are mutually connected and distanced by means of a flexible and in particular also elastic connecting body (9). In a preferred embodiment, the connecting body (9) may be bent in at least two directions. |
| US08079461B2 |
Belt driving control device, belt driving control method, and image forming apparatus
A belt driving control device that includes a belt, a driving roller transmitting drive force to the belt, a belt phase detecting section detecting a phase of the belt, a correction amount computing section computing a correction amount of a belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt for cancelling out fluctuation in the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt, and a storage section storing the correction amount of the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt. The belt driving control device further includes a driving control section retrieving the correction amount of the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the phase of the belt and controlling drive of the driving roller to cancel out the fluctuation in the belt travelling velocity based on the retrieved correction amount of the belt travelling velocity corresponding to the detected phase of the belt. |
| US08079460B2 |
Receptacle assembly for transporting multi-size beverage containers
A receptacle assembly for receiving and holding in place flexible containers in the upright position while the flexible containers are being transported on a conveyor. The receptacle assembly includes a guide supporting two supports, an adjustment mechanism, and a plurality of transport receptacles. Each transport receptacle includes two side supports, each of which are mounted on one of the supports. The supports are capable of being selectively displaced with respect to each other by operation of the adjustment mechanism, which allows the transport receptacle to be adjusted to receive and hold flexible containers of various sizes and configurations. |
| US08079458B2 |
Device for spreading objects apart
Device for spreading apart a single-file stream of upright containers, with a single-track feed conveyor, a multi-track discharge conveyor, and a transfer station, which comprises two oppositely driven belts, which form a transport channel for the containers and which can be driven at essentially the same transport velocity as the feed conveyor, where the transport channel formed by the belts is straight and releases the containers with excess velocity onto the discharge conveyor, which can be driven at a slower transport velocity than the feed conveyor. |
| US08079453B2 |
Controllable overrunning coupling assembly
A controllable overrunning coupling assembly includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between a first pair of coupling faces of first and second coupling members relative to reverse pockets formed in one of the coupling faces. The first pair of coupling faces oppose each other and are oriented to face axially along a common rotational axis. The control member is operable for controlling position of only reverse struts in the reverse pockets without controlling the position of forward rockers in forward pockets formed in a coupling face of a second pair of coupling faces of the coupling members that oppose each other and are oriented to face radially with respect to the rotational axis. |
| US08079452B2 |
Checkpoint carrying case
A carrying case includes a first compartment and a second compartment coupled to each other at attached ends by a hinge and detachably coupled to each other at free ends by at least one fastener. The at least one fastener includes a clip coupled to the first compartment and a cord coupled to the second compartment. The clip is configured to receive the cord to secure the free ends of the first compartment and the second compartment together. |
| US08079450B2 |
Viscous strand damper assembly
A damper assembly includes a fixed rack gear, a rotary gear damper having a gear engaged with the rack gear, and a tether movable with the damper along the rack gear and connected to the movable object to be controlled by the damper. A biasing element normally urges the damper away from anti-rotation locking members. |
| US08079448B2 |
Axle shaft including an electromechanically or pneumatically actuated disc brake
An axle shaft includes an electromechanically or pneumatically actuated disc brake, especially for a useful vehicle. The brake disc and the caliper can be displaced in relation to each other, and the caliper is fixed to the axle shaft on at least two fixing plates extending preferably from the axle shaft in different directions, at at least respectively one fixing point. The axle shaft is characterized by the arrangement, especially the orientation and/or embodiment, of the fixing plates, and the fixing points of the caliper or of an optional brake carrier on the fixing plates, which is selected in such a way that there is either no displacement of the fixing points on the fixing plates or a parallel displacement of the fixing points on both fixing plates perpendicularly to the brake disc. |
| US08079446B2 |
Operational mechanism for movable body
The invention provides an operational mechanism for a movable body in which, after a movable body is in an opened state, the movable body can return to a closed position, including a movable body rotatably attached to a support and rotatable between an engaged position, a closed position, and an open position; a rotating member rotatably attached to the support, that rotates due to movement of the movable body to the engaged position; a biasing member, one end of which is attached to the movable body, and the other end of which is attached to the rotating member; and an operation member, which rotates the rotating member, changes the biasing position of the biasing member with respect to the center of rotation of the movable body, and generates in the biasing member a rotational force that moves the movable body to the closed position or the open position. |
| US08079445B2 |
Transmission
A transmission has a rotating shaft, a coupling sleeve fixedly coupled to the rotating shaft to rotate with the rotating shaft and a variable speed gear mounted on the rotating shaft. The variable speed gear is configured to rotate on the rotating shaft when a clutch gear that is embedded in a side surface of the variable speed gear is disengaged from the coupling sleeve and to be fixed to the rotating shaft when the clutch gear is engaged from the coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve is moved in the axial direction between the engaged and disengaged states by a shifting fork F3. A lubricant supplying structure directs lubricant to the clutch gear by diverting the lubricant against a side surface of the shifting fork that faces the clutch gear and a side surface of the coupling sleeve that faces the clutch gear. |
| US08079443B2 |
Aircraft trim panel with integrated adjustable acoustic properties
A trim panel for an aircraft interior includes a first sound attenuating layer, a structural layer and a second sound attenuating layer. The structural layer is coupled to the exterior sound attenuating layer, and has an exterior side and an opposite interior side. The structural layer defines a plurality of passages that open to both the exterior side and the interior side so as to minimize radiation of noise due to a hydrodynamic shortcut created by each of the passages across the structural layer. The second sound attenuating layer is coupled to the structural layer and has a high sound absorption characteristic. The second sound attenuating layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to the aircraft interior. |
| US08079440B2 |
Determining the polarity of movement of an actuator mass in a seismic vibrator
A technique or mechanism for use with a vibrator to be employed for subterranean surveying includes receiving, from a sensor, a unipolar indication of movement of an actuator mass of the vibrator. According to the indication from the sensor, a correlation is determined between the movement of the actuator mass and a reference signal provided to cause movement of the actuator mass. |
| US08079439B2 |
Hydraulic steering
The invention concerns a hydraulic steering with a steering initiator, a steering unit with feedback properties, which can be activated by the steering initiator, the steering unit having a supply connection arrangement with a pressure connection (P) and a tank connection (T) and a working connection arrangement with two working connections (L, R), an auxiliary-force operated steering valve, which is located in parallel with the steering unit between the supply connection arrangement (P, T) and the working connection arrangement (L, R), and a feedback suppressing device, which is active, when the steering valve is active. It is endeavored to find a simple manner of ensuring the priority of the steering initiator over the steering valve. For this purpose, the steering initiator interacts with an activation sensor, which deactivates the feedback suppressing device on an activation of the steering initiator. |
| US08079438B2 |
Seat for heavy equipment having buffer means in forward and backward directions
A seat for heavy equipment having a buffer in forward and backward directions, which can protect an operator by attenuating impact and vibration generated in a cab in forward and backward directions of an excavator in accordance with the driving of the buffer in a main working mode of the excavator. The seat includes a lower member mounted on a suspension plate, an upper member slidably mounted on the lower member in forward and backward directions of the equipment, a buffer unit for attenuating impact and vibration generated in the forward and backward directions of the equipment, a tilting unit, and a locking unit. In a main working mode, a buffer function is performed through forward and backward movement of the upper member against the lower member, and when the main working mode is released, the buffer function is released. |
| US08079437B2 |
Hybrid hydraulic drive system with accumulator as the frame of vehicle
A hybrid hydraulic power transmission system for all terrestrial's vehicles comprises a prime mover and an accumulator which could also be used as the main load bearing full or partial frame for all those vehicles. A hydraulic power integrator is operatively connected to the prime mover and the accumulator and selectively able to draw power for the vehicle from the prime mover, the accumulator, or a combination thereof. |
| US08079436B2 |
Vehicle with a drive engine for driving a traction drive and a working hydraulic system
The invention relates to a vehicle having a drive engine/motor (2) for driving a locomotive drive (6) and for operating at least one hydraulic working circuit (4). The vehicle has a hydraulic accumulator (11) which is connected to a hydraulic machine (12). The hydraulic machine (12) is connected to an output shaft (5) which connects the drive engine/motor (2) to the locomotive drive (6). |
| US08079433B2 |
Retractable line guidance for self-propelled machines
Retractable line guidance for a self-propelled machine, such as a self-propelled lawn mower, is provided by an operator moving a string or line to control the speed and direction of movement of the machine. A retractable and extendable line is mounted on the machine and is under tension in a retraction direction when the line is extended. A length of extension of the line is monitored, and a speed of movement of the machine is controlled in response to the length of extension of the line to maintain the length of extension of the line at a selected length. An angle of the line with respect to the machine is monitored, and a direction of movement of the machine is controlled in response to the angle of the line to maintain the angle of the line at a selected angle. |
| US08079432B2 |
Maneuvering robotic vehicles having a positionable sensor head
Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided. |
| US08079429B2 |
Methods of forming earth-boring tools using geometric compensation and tools formed by such methods
Geometric compensation techniques are used to improve the accuracy by which features may be located on drill bits formed using particle compaction and sintering processes. In some embodiments, a positional error to be exhibited by at least one feature in a less than fully sintered bit body upon fully sintering the bit body is predicted and the at least one feature is formed on the less than fully sintered bit body at a location at least partially determined by the predicted positional error. In other embodiments, bit bodies of earth-boring rotary drill bits are designed to include a design drilling profile and a less than fully sintered bit body is formed including a drilling profile having a shape differing from a shape of the design drilling profile. Less than fully sintered bit bodies of earth-boring rotary drill bits are formed using such methods. |
| US08079426B2 |
Integrated drilling deck and bop handling
A method for handling a blow-out-preventer on a drilling platform and a drilling platform having a lower pontoon structure; a plurality of columns extending upwards from the lower pontoon structure; an upper deck structure connecting the upper deck structure connecting the upper portions of the columns to each other; a detachable rotary table assembly arranged in a rotary table opening in the upper deck structure; a derrick provided with a lifting arrangement and being arranged on the upper deck structure above the rotary table opening; and a detachable rotary table assembly a spider and a blow-out-preventer. |
| US08079424B2 |
Method and apparatus for mulching stubble
An apparatus and method for cutting post-harvest crop stubble. The apparatus including, a support frame, a plurality of layover bars coupled to the frame for laying over the stubble, and a plurality of cutting discs for cutting the stubble. The layover bars being adapted to present a substantially smooth transitioned engagement to the stubble. |
| US08079423B2 |
Cultivating tool
A cultivating tool for removing weeds and unwanted grass and for cultivating ground around and under an object under which a standard hoe or a hula-type hoe cannot fit. The cultivating tool has a thin scraping blade at the lower end of an elongated handle with a blade assembly interconnecting the handle and an upwardly disposed mounting standard on the upper surface of the scraping blade. The blade assembly includes a mechanism that connects to the lower end of the handle and a pivoting mechanism that pivots the scraping blade relative to the handle. The blade assembly connects the scraping blade to the handle in a manner which maintains the spaced area above both ends of the blade unobstructed so the scraping blade may slide under a plant without harming the plant and under an object to remove weeds and grass. |
| US08079416B2 |
Plug for a perforated liner and method of using same
A plug for insertion into a perforation in a liner or tubular. The plug comprises a base portion and one or more extendible portions. The base portion is securable to and receivable within the perforation. The base portion and the one or more extendible portions seal the perforation in the liner. The one or more extendible portions have a retracted position and an extended position such that when in their extended position the one or more extendible portions extend outwardly from the base portion and outwardly from the exterior surface of the liner. The plug including one or more shear pins retaining such extendible portions in said retracted position until sufficient force is applied to shear said shear pins. |
| US08079414B2 |
Electromagnetic free point tool and methods of use
Electromagnetic free point tools are configured to determine the free point of a downhole pipe in a wellbore utilizing the amplitude or phase change in a transmitted signal for stressed and unstressed pipe. Certain examples of electromagnetic free point tools comprise a housing, one or more transmitter coils, one or more receiver coils, each coil spaced apart from one another, a power source for applying an oscillating voltage to the one or more transmitter coils which then induces a current in the receiver coil(s), and electronics for measuring the induced current in the receiver coil(s). In another embodiment, at least one of the coils is axially adjustable in position within the tool to permit the relative distance between coils to be adjusted to optimize performance of the tool in various conditions. By measuring the amplitude or phase of the induced current relative to the oscillating voltage, a log of the amplitude or phase is generated while passing the tool through a length of unstressed pipe. This process may be repeated while applying a stress to the pipe to generate a second log. By comparing the amplitude or phase of the first and second logs, the free point of the pipe may be ascertained by determining when and where the two logs diverge. This method can also be used to locate collars and measure pipe thickness. |
| US08079412B2 |
Method and apparatus for mitigating environmental impact due to fluid leaks
Embodiments of the inventive technology may provide a leaked fluid detection and response system in one aspect, and in another aspect, an environmental enclosure for at least a component of such leaked fluid detection system. Various embodiments of the leaked fluid detection and response system may provide wireless communication of detected leaks and a PLC that automates response and provides information regarding the presence of a leak. Enclosures may, in various embodiments, comprehensively surround enclosed components, thermally insulate enclosed components, include a leaked fluid capture basin, be aerodynamically streamlined, and/or be vermin-tight. |
| US08079411B2 |
Heat absorbing device usable to cool hot beverages
A heat absorbing device usable to cool hot beverages includes a support rim for supporting the device on a brim of a container and a heat absorbing element extending away from the support rim in a first direction. The heat absorbing element includes a thermally conductive material for absorbing heat from a liquid in the container. A handle extends away from the support rim in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The handle is usable for positioning the heat absorbing element in the container and for removing the heat absorbing element from the container. |
| US08079410B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation cooler and method
An EGR cooler having an inlet/outlet tube installed by insertion is provided, and can have a curved gas flow path defined at least in part by a tank body. The inlet/outlet tube can include a first inlet/outlet tube and a second inlet/outlet tube to introduce and to exhaust gas. The tank body can have a configuration such that a connection housing is installed to establish fluid communication between individual ends of both the first inlet/outlet tube and second inlet/outlet tube, so that heat exchange efficiency between the inflow gas and the cooling fluid can be improved, and effective space utilization can be promoted in equipping an vehicle with the EGR cooler. |
| US08079406B2 |
Thermal module
A thermal module includes a centrifugal blower (10), a heat sink (20) mounted to an air outlet (11) of the centrifugal blower, a heat pipe (40) connecting the heat sink with a heat generating electronic component, and a resilient clip (80) for mounting the heat pipe onto the heat generating electronic component. The resilient clip includes an M-shaped pressing portion (82) disposed above an evaporation section (44) of the heat pipe, a plate portion (83) disposed at one end of the pressing portion for being fixed to a sidewall (53d), and an abutting portion (85) disposed at the other end of the pressing portion and including an abutting plate (85b) for abutting against a bottom surface of another sidewall (53b). |
| US08079405B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus for vehicle
An air conditioning apparatus has a blower, a unit case, a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger. The heat exchangers are disposed in the unit case such that ends thereof are adjacent to the blower. The unit case has a side opening on its side wall and a tubular part between the end of the heating heat exchanger and a casing of the blower. The tubular part has a communication portion for allowing communication between a hollow space provided therein and a space downstream of the second heat exchanger. The unit case has a passage opening at an end of the tubular part and adjacent to the side opening for allowing the air introduced in the hollow space to flow out from the hollow space. Further, a door is provided in the unit case to open and close the side opening and the communication portion simultaneously. |
| US08079403B2 |
Casting core for forming a cooling channel
A soluble casting core for forming a cooling channel in a piston has a formed-on part for forming an oil supply opening and a formed-on part for forming an oil drain opening. In order to improve the mechanical strength of the piston, the oil supply opening and the oil drain opening lie in a different pin boss support of the pin bosses of the piston. A third formed-on part, which lies in the circumferential direction and is configured in oblong manner, is disposed between the first formed-on part and the end of the casting core, which part has a shape that narrows conically towards the end of the casting core and forms a continuation of the cooling channel, which narrows conically towards the end of the cooling channel. |
| US08079400B2 |
Process for casting columnar grain airfoil with preferential primary orientation
A molding process utilizes a seed with a columnar grain structure for defining a desired grain structure in a completed casting. The seed is received within a seed cavity of a mold. The molten material adopts the orientation of the columns defined within the seed during solidification to form a completed molded article having a desired columnar grain structure. |
| US08079399B2 |
High-speed industrial door with a flexible curtain
A high-speed industrial door includes a door leaf having a plurality of stiffening profiles and a flexible curtain. Each stiffening profile extends crosswise relative to a lateral passing over the door leaf and connects two hinge elements assigned to one another. A flexible curtain is fixed to each stiffening profile. This makes it possible to provide a high-speed industrial door that can be operated at speeds faster than 3 m/s while involving little engineering complexity and low costs. |
| US08079398B2 |
Blind
A blind is provided which uses a toothed band bodies such as slender toothed belts as rod holding bodies including operating band bodies, instead of conventional cords and tape, having a straightforward structure providing accurate and stable parallel holding of moving rods, and quit and smooth movement, due to accurate operations without slippage due to engaging of bands and wheels having teeth, without problems such as tangling and bending and the like. Particularly, a rod movement holding device suitable for having multiple moving rods and having multiple shielding adjustment faces, and a blind having a rod operating device, can be provided. |
| US08079397B2 |
Roman shade with protected operating cords
A window covering is provided with protected operating cords. Protective coverings are installed over the cords. The coverings are expandable to move with the window covering as it is raised and lowered. The protective coverings may include an accordion folded configuration, a cellular configuration, and protective coverings with a continuous slot that allows the covering to be installed in an existing window covering. The protective coverings do not interfere with operation of the window coverings. |
| US08079396B2 |
Adjustable micro device feeder
A micro device feeder is provided which is adjustable to accommodate micro devices supplied on tapes with different widths. A mounting plate has a movable drive plate slidably mounted thereto. An input mechanism on the movable drive plate receives micro devices contained in a tape and advances the tape under motor drive. A feeder width adjustment mechanism is interposed between the mounting plate and the movable drive plate for positioning of the movable drive plate relative to the mounting plate for accommodating tapes with different widths. |
| US08079392B2 |
Alternating straight/wavy reinforcement structure for pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a pair of parallel annular bead portions, at least one carcass ply reinforcing structure wrapped around the beads, a tread disposed radially outward of the carcass ply, a belt reinforcing structure disposed radially outward of the carcass ply reinforcing structure and radially inward of the tread in a crown area of the tire, and a layer of cords having an alternating straight/curled construction for improving performance characteristics of the pneumatic tire. |
| US08079391B2 |
Pneumatic tire with sidewall tread projections
A pneumatic tire includes a circumferential tread disposed between opposing tread edges and opposing sidewalls disposed radially inward from the opposing tread edges. Each sidewall has a rectangular extension block and a triangular extension block. The rectangular extension block protrudes axially outward by a first amount. The triangular extension block protrudes axially outward by a second amount. The first amount is less than the second amount. |
| US08079390B2 |
Process of production of disposable wooden cutlery and product thereof
A disposable wooden utensil includes a handle having a distal end and an opposite neck end. A load-engaging member extends cantilevered from the neck end in generally coplanar alignment with the handle so as to form a neck between the handle and the load-engaging member. A raised dorsal ridge is formed substantially medially along the handle and extends substantially along the load-engaging member. |
| US08079388B2 |
Refill perfume bottle
The present invention teaches a refill bottle adapted to repeatedly receive and dispense liquid such as perfume. The refill bottle comprises a bottle having a bottom portion and an upper portion, an opening provided in the upper portion wherein the opening is adapted to be covered, and a refill mechanism provided in the bottom portion. The liquid is received through the refill mechanism from a regular bottle preferably provided with a spraying mechanism and is dispensed through the opening. |
| US08079386B1 |
Variable pressure reducing device
A variable pressure reducing device includes a hollow housing body formed with an inlet opening, an outlet opening spaced apart from the inlet opening, and an inner wall surface. The variable pressure reducing device further includes an intake tube that extends into the housing body from the inlet opening. The intake tube is formed with an inlet channel and is further formed with an outer tube surface that cooperates with the inner wall surface to form an outlet channel in fluid communication with the outlet opening. The variable pressure reducing device also includes a redirection structure movably mounted in the housing body and movable relative to the intake tube between a redirecting state and a sealing state. |
| US08079385B2 |
Valve assembly
The present invention is directed to a pressure-responsive valve assembly which functions in the nature of a check valve to control fluid flow across the assembly. The assembly includes a valve body which defines first and second internal flow passages, and includes a valve seat through which at least one flow port extends for joining the first and second passages in fluid communication with each other. A flexible, resiliently deformable valve member is positioned in operative association with the valve seat, and can be deflected, in response to a sufficient pressure differential, to move out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, to thereby permit fluid flow through the valve assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the valve seat of the valve assembly defines a compound sealing surface, including first and second sealing surfaces, which cooperate with the deflectable valve member to provide enhanced resistance to reverse fluid flow, with one preferred form of the present valve assembly further including a retention projection which cooperates with the valve member to further enhance resistance to reverse fluid flow. |
| US08079384B2 |
Spool seat with a positioning structure
The present invention provides a spool seat with a positioning structure, which resolves the shortcomings of the assembly of a typical spool ceramic disc and spool seat. The spool seat of the present invention is provided with a chamber space for locating the fixed ceramic disc. The chamber space is provided with an internal locating portion which comprises an internal locating flange and external locating flange. An external locating portion is protruded from the chamber space. The chamber space is divided into inlet space and outlet space via the arrangement of internal locating portion. It is possible to eliminate the space restrictions for the fixed ceramic disc, and also prevent the rotation and slide or displacement when the fixed ceramic disc is assembled into the chamber space of the spool seat. |
| US08079381B2 |
Handle assembly for a water control valve
A handle assembly is disclosed that is suitable for mounting a valve housing that has a valve stem to a support. In one form, the handle assembly includes a handle, an escutcheon, a bonnet, a recess, and a flexible snap ring. The handle is operationally linked to the valve stem of the valve housing for controlling movement of the valve stem. The escutcheon is positionable on a first side of the support adjacent the handle. The bonnet is linked to the valve housing. The recess is formed in one of the bonnet and escutcheon. The flexible snap member mounted to the other of the bonnet and escutcheon and suitable to snap into the recess when the bonnet and escutcheon are telescoped together, while thereafter permitting relative rotation of the bonnet and escutcheon. |
| US08079378B1 |
Combination umbrella and gazebo
An improved combination umbrella and gazebo is provided which protects the user from adverse weather and insects. |
| US08079368B2 |
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction method
A method of minimally invasively reducing a volume of a hyper-inflated target section of diseased lung comprising the steps of introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and equilibrating air within the target section with atmospheric air to at least partially deflate the target lung section; injecting an inflammation-causing substance into the target section to precipitate adhesion of the walls within the target lung section, preventing substantial re-inflation of the target section by occluding an airway upstream of the target section for a period of time, and removing the airway occlusion after the target section has substantially permanently been reduced in volume. The injected substance can be autologous blood or a constituent thereof. |
| US08079365B2 |
Surgical drape with position assisting fenestration
A surgical drape has a fenestration configured to aid in identifying an anatomical point of interest and positioning the fenestration at the surgical site. In one preferred form, the surgical drape has a chevron-shaped fenestration for positioning the fenestration relative to the xiphoid process region of a patient, which is useful for establishing the sterile field in certain bariatric procedures. An anesthesia screen at a head of the drape extends laterally to the sides of the base sheet forming the fenestration and defines integral arm board covers. The lateral ends of the anesthesia sheet are sealed in part to close the ends of the arm board covers. A secondary base sheet defining a smaller, secondary fenestration is releasably attached to the base sheet so that the fenestrations can be aligned with one another. Various instrument and chord management features are also included. A method of making the drape is also disclosed. |
| US08079363B2 |
Inhaler
An inhaler and a direct current power supply voltage control device with a relatively simple structure that output a predetermined drive voltage according to a specified time interval to a drive object such as a heating resistor. An inhaler 1 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 9, and is set so that a user is able to inhale liquid droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head 9. The inhaler 1 includes: specifying means 4, 5 and 6 for specifying a drive voltage 701 based on preset voltage data 501 respectively corresponding to preset time intervals that respectively specify the drive voltage 701 of the liquid ejection head 9 in synchronization with the start of control of a drive signal 302 of the liquid ejection head 9; and drive means 3 and 7 for driving the liquid ejection head 9 according to the drive signal 302 at the specified drive voltage 701. |
| US08079359B2 |
Hood device for grill
A hood device for grill comprises a hood, a telescoping tubing, a filter assembly, a grease cup, and an external fan. The hood partially covers a grill at a first elevated vertical position and collects smokes from the grill. The telescoping tubing extends from the hood and is configured for ventilating, and telescoping between the first and second positions. The filter assembly is disposed at a lower end of the telescoping tubing, and comprises filter with concentric and cylindrical layers. The grease cup is for collecting grease from the filter. The fan is for building up an ascending air current inside the telescoping tubing. A velocity of the ascending air current is determined according to the first elevated vertical position, a ratio of a diameter of the hood to a diameter of the grill, and a surface temperature of the grill. |
| US08079358B2 |
Air control regulator for combustion chamber
An air control regulator regulates the amount of air flowing into the inlet of a combustion chamber by causing flowing air to support a disc located in the air passage against the force of gravity. Air passes around the edges of the disc and is channeled into a plurality of airflows by ovoid depressions in the inner surfaces of the regulator forming a venturi chamber. By regulating the airflow into the combustion chamber, combustion efficiency is improved. |
| US08079348B2 |
Heated catalyzed fuel injector for injection ignition engines
The present invention provides an injector-ignition fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, comprising an input fuel metering system for dispensing a next fuel charge into a pressurizing chamber, a pressurization ram system including a pressurization ram for compressing the fuel charge within the pressurizing chamber, wherein the fuel charge is heated in the pressurization chamber in the presence of a catalyst, and an injector nozzle for injecting the heated catalyzed fuel charge into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08079346B2 |
Oxygen activating material, combustion efficiency improving material, plant growth promoting material, aerobic microorganism activating material, animal growth promoting and activating material, muscle softening material, rust removing and preventing material, and oxygen activating method
The invention provides an oxygen activating material, which includes as a major constituent an iron-semiconductor alloy containing iron and semiconductor components. A combustion efficiency improving material, a plant growth promoting material, an aerobic microorganism activating material, an animal growth promoting and activating material, a muscle softening material, and a rust removing and preventing material are also provided. In addition an oxygen activating method is also provided. |
| US08079338B2 |
Self adjusting valve catch with valve seating control
A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system comprises: a housing having a bore formed therein; an outer piston slidably disposed in the bore, said outer piston having an internal hydraulic passage, an internal chamber defined by an outer piston side wall, and an internal orifice connecting the internal hydraulic passage and the internal chamber; a catch piston slidably disposed in the outer piston; and a cone-shaped extension extending from the inner piston, wherein the cone-shaped extension is adapted to provide a variable flow area through the outer piston orifice to provide improved engine valve seating. |
| US08079337B2 |
Variable valve lift apparatus
A variable valve lift apparatus may include an inner body of which an end is pivotally connected to an anchor, an outer body of which an end is pivotally connected to the anchor, a roller finger follower of which an end is pivotally connected to a hydraulic lash adjuster, wherein a portion of the roller finger follower is pivotally connected to the outer body, a valve disposed to the other end of the roller finger follower, and a connecting unit selectively connecting the inner body and the outer body. |
| US08079334B2 |
Continuously variable valve actuation system
A continuously variable valve actuation (CVVA) system may include a driving cam rotated by a driving force transmitted from a crankshaft, and a driven cam pressed by the driving cam to be rotated around a first end thereof serving as a rotational axle of the driven cam, wherein the driven cam has a cam face at a second end thereof so as to press and open a valve when rotated, and wherein a vertical distance between the rotational axis of the first end of the driven cam and a rotational axis of the driving cam is configured to be adjusted by moving a position of the rotational axis of the first end of the driven cam. |
| US08079324B2 |
Device for later application of a two-component material on a substrate
A device for spreading a two-component coating material, including at least two components, on a flat web-shaped carrier includes a slotted nozzle provided with an output slot whose length defines the width of the coating material application to the carrier, wherein the slotted nozzle is provided with two end areas and a nozzle chamber which is arranged inside the slotted nozzle and extends in a parallel to the output slot from the first to the second end area. A first mixer is arranged in the region of the first end area. A second mixer is positioned in the region of the second end area. At least one first reservoir for the first component and at least one second reservoir for the second component are provided. A transport mechanism is used for individually transporting the first component from the first reservoir to the first and second mixers and for transporting the second component from the second reservoir to the first and second mixers. |
| US08079322B2 |
Shock tube
A shock tube apparatus may include a plenum to hold a volume of gas. The plenum may include a hollow chamber having a first end and a second end located opposite one another along a longitudinal axis, the first end of the chamber defining a shock egress opening. A valve assembly may be positioned at the first end of the chamber to seal the shock egress opening. A piston may be positioned within a recess located at the second end of the chamber. The piston may separate a first volume located between the piston and the first end of the chamber from a smaller second volume located between the piston and the second end of the chamber. A tension supporting rod may connect the valve assembly to the piston. A release valve may be in fluid connection with the second volume and a switch may be operable to open the release valve to release gas from the second volume and trigger opening of the valve assembly to generate a shock wave through the shock egress opening. |
| US08079321B2 |
Long tank FSRU/FLSV/LNGC
A method and apparatus for storing liquid within a storage tank such that a natural resonance of fluid motion of the stored fluid falls between natural resonance periods of a floating vessel that includes the storage tank. As a result, resonant energy of the floating vessel imparted to fluid stored in the storage tank may be controlled and sloshing loads may be reduced, thereby avoiding damage to the floating vessel. |
| US08079317B2 |
Air/product flow splitting apparatus for use with product distribution system of an agricultural seeding machine
A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter. |
| US08079316B2 |
Knife opener for use with an agricultural implement
A knife opener includes a pair of flared blades designed to cut spaced, but paired furrows. The knife opener is particularly well-suited for use in no-till or minimum-till agricultural operations primarily in conjunction with seed and/or fertilizer placement adjacent a soil cut-line generally in the direction of travel. In addition to being angled away from the main body of the knife, one of the blades is angled forward and the other blade is angled rearward. Seed and/or fertilizer dispensing receivers may be associated with each of the blades. |
| US08079312B2 |
Steering wheel table
An adjustable steering wheel table for a vehicle steering wheel having a top section and a bottom section. The steering wheel table includes a table member, at least two wheel grasping arms and a brace arm assembly. The table member has a length, a width, an underside and a front edge. The at least two wheel grasping arms are connected to the table member and extend beyond the front edge of the table member and are releasably engageable with at least a portion of the top section of the vehicle steering wheel. The brace arm assembly is pivotally connected to at least one of the underside and edge of the table member and releaseably engageable with the bottom section of the vehicle steering wheel. |
| US08079310B2 |
Vertical position compensating device for a vehicle
A vertical position compensating device for a vehicle, a vehicle using the device, and a method for controlling the vertical position of a vehicle. The vehicle has a wheel set mounted on a chassis by a primary suspension system and a body mounted on the chassis through a secondary suspension system. The device is mounted on the body. As the vehicle is loaded or unloaded the device moves vertically with the body and also moves relative to the body in proportion to the deflection of the primary suspension system. The total motion of the device is used to adjust the vertical position of the body through the secondary suspension in a direction opposite to the deflection of the body to maintain the position of the body constant relative to a datum line. |
| US08079308B1 |
Ramjet engine incorporating a tubular structure and a missile propelled by a ramjet engines of this type
A ram jet engine including a combustion chamber ending in a gas injection nozzle, a cruising propulsion unit fee ding liquid propellant into the combustion chamber, and at least one air duct for feeding air intended for combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber. A rigid tubular element is incorporated into the ramjet engine, with an interior volume of the rigid tubular element being divided into two spaces by an intermediate transverse partition. One of the spaces houses the cruising propulsion unit while the other space houses the combustion chamber. Passages are cut into the intermediate transverse partition to allow feeding of liquid fuel into the combustion chamber, and the air duct is mounted on the tubular element to feed the combustion air through the tubular wall of the tubular element. |
| US08079305B2 |
Stamp for soft lithography, in particular micro contact printing and a method of preparing the same
The present invention relates to a stamp for soft lithography. It also relates to a method of preparing a stamp for soft lithography, in particular micro contact printing, and to uses of such stamp. |
| US08079303B2 |
Lid with permanent vacuum layer and ventilation channels
An improved lid (1) for covering containers for cooking foods (2), includes elements for cooling vapor (3) placed outside and above the lid (1), and support elements (4) for the vapor cooling elements (3). The lid has an extension in the thickness direction so as to provide a plurality of channels (11) through the lid. The channels (11) define a passage path for the vapor coming from the container (2) for cooking the foods outward, causing an acceleration of the vapor, the accelerated vapor contacting through the channels (11) a lower surface (31) of the vapor cooling elements, condensing and flowing again, at a liquid phase, inside the cooking container (2) through the plurality of channels (11). |
| US08079301B2 |
Tea pot having a tea filter
A tea pot comprises a receptacle having a pouring device and a handle on an opposite side. A water filling aperture at the receptacle top defines a recessed circumferential lip. A lid closes said aperture. A perforated cylindrical filter has a cross sectional shape substantially matching the aperture. The filter is insertable into the pot through the aperture. A circumferential flange is located at the upper part of the filter and adapted to sit on the lip when the filter is inserted into the receptacle. An engagement means permits the filter to be removably retained in the receptacle and comprises a sprung detent located at the upper part of the container which is urged away from the container for engageing the lip; retaining the filter in the pot. The detent has a recess to engage both above and below the lip. |
| US08079300B2 |
Automatic ejecting device for capsules in coffee machine
The invention relates to an automatic ejecting device for capsules in a coffee machine comprising a housing, a first frame, a second frame and a driving system; two jaws movably jointing with two sides of said second frame respectively, and the front portion of each jaw being able to splay and close relating to said second frame; while a first shaft being mounted on the front of each jaw vertically, and a second shaft being mounted on the rear of each jaw vertically, two pairs of guiding grooves being mounted on the housing. Under the driving system which makes the second word to move and the effect of the collaboration of the first shaft and the guiding grooves, the limiting parts on the front of the jaws can splay on proper time, then the capsule will drop down from the limiting parts. |
| US08079298B2 |
Compact hydraulic mechanism with radial pistons
A hydraulic mechanism including a cylinder block having radial pistons and mounted to rotate in a stationary casing, and a distribution cover that forms a portion of the casing that has feed and discharge ducts that extend between an outside face and inside of face of the cover. The internal distributor has distribution ducts that are selectively connected to the feed and discharge ducts that open out into a distribution face that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and that is disposed against the communication face of the cylinder block so as to cause the distribution ducts to communicate with the cylinder ducts. In a zone defined radially outwards by end-wall portions of the cylinders, a transverse face of the cylinder block is provided with an axial setback in which at least a portion of the distributor is disposed. |
| US08079287B2 |
Auto-alignable knob
An auto-alignable knob for a home appliance includes an offspring box self-connectable with a valve shaft. A mobile box has at least one lateral face including a pin. The mobile box is coupled to the offspring box to allow a free movement relative to one another along a first axis. A fixed box includes an indentation and a groove. The mobile box is insertable to the fixed box by insertion of the pin of the lateral face through the groove. The pin of the mobile box provides a respective degree of freedom to the mobile box relative to the indentation of the fixed box along at least a second axis normal to the first axis. A mechanical coupling established between the indentation of the fixed box and the pin of the mobile box is configured to provide a degree of rotational freedom about one of the axes, and a combined mechanical coupling established between the offspring box, the mobile box and the fixed box is configured to provide a respective degree of freedom along a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes. |
| US08079283B2 |
Device for activating gearshift forks
A selector fork operating device is provided, for the selective operation of at least two selector forks in a gearbox with a blocking device for blocking a selector fork which is not to be operated and with a driver for driving a selector fork for operation in an axial direction. The selector fork operating device has a bearing axle arranged in the axial direction, which supports at least one blocking part of the blocking device or at least one driving part of the driver. A gearbox, in particular, a motor vehicle gearbox with such a selector fork operating device is also provided. |
| US08079282B2 |
Switch device for transmission and transmission using same
To provide a dual-system switch device for a transmission, using conventional components, without newly preparing a new dual-system switch device, a switch device 1 for a transmission comprises: a main inhibitor switch 11 which is connected to a shift cable 32 moving in accordance with the select position of a shift lever 3 operated by a driver, and which detects the select position of the shift lever in accordance with the movement of the shift cable 32; and a sub-inhibitor switch 13 which is connected to the shift cable 32 via a connecting member, and which detects the select position of the shift lever in accordance with the movement of the shift cable. |
| US08079281B2 |
Active stick apparatus
An active stick apparatus 40 includes a stick housing 41 and a stick control member 42 pivotally mounted to the stick housing 41 at a pivot point 43. The pivot point 43 acts to divide the stick control member 42 into a first member section 44 and a second member section 45. The pivot point 43 allows the stick control member 42 to pivot with respect to the stick housing 41, as indicated by directional arrows 46 and 47. An actuator 50 is attached to the first member section 44 at an end distal from the pivot point 43. The actuator 50 is arranged to act as a counterbalance to movement of the stick control member 42 about the pivot point 43 under acceleration forces asserted on the stick control member 42. The output axle drive 52 of the actuator 50 is fixedly coupled to a first section 53 of a drive link 54 and a second section 55 of the drive link 54 is pivotally coupled to a first section 56 of a mounting linkage 57. A second section 58 of the mounting linkage 57 is pivotally coupled to the stick housing 41. Coupling of the actuator 50 to the first member section mitigates the requirement for a conventional lump mass. |
| US08079277B2 |
Apparatus and method for refining subject activity classification for recognition of daily activities, and system for recognizing daily activities using the same
Apparatus and method for refining subject activity classification for the recognition of daily activities of a subject, and a system for recognizing daily activities using the same. The refining apparatus improves the correctness of subject activity classification using daily activities of a subject, activation time information of sensors mounted on objects associated with the daily activities of the subject, and the suitability of a continuous activity pattern in relation to the daily activities. This improves the correctness of subject activity classification that becomes basic information in daily activity analysis. |
| US08079276B2 |
Dynamic calibration assembly for a friction stir welding machine
A calibration assembly for a friction stir welding machine having a rotatable pin tool with upper and lower shoulders. The calibration assembly includes: a force measuring component for placement between the upper and lower shoulders of the pin tool; an upper bearing for placement between the upper shoulder of the pin tool and the force measuring component for permitting relative rotation therebetween; and a lower bearing for placement between the lower shoulder of the pin tool and the force measuring component for permitting relative rotation therebetween. The upper and lower bearings permit the pin tool to be rotated relative to the force measuring component during a calibration procedure. This permits the force measuring component to measure the forces directly applied by the pin tool while the upper and lower shoulders are either stationary or rotated relative to the force measuring component. |
| US08079275B2 |
Shaft arrangement having a rolling bearing
A shaft arrangement, with a rotatable shaft supported in a rolling bearing, which has rolling elements and an outer race, a torsion sensor having a permanently magnetic ring and at least one magnetic field sensor fastened to a fixed sensor bracket attached to the outer race being provided. A torsion sensor can hereby be integrated in a rotating bearing in a simple design. |
| US08079274B2 |
Rotational component torque measurement and monitoring system
A system and method for measuring torque on a rotating component, comprising of signal-producing components which are applied to the rotating component, and a means for obtaining the signals produced by said signal producing components, in which at least two signal producing components are applied to the rotating component with some linear separation between the two signal producing components and their corresponding devices for obtaining signals produced, such that torque applied to the rotating component will cause a change in phase between the signals received from each of the signal-producing components and thus permit the measurement of torque based on this change in phase; one embodiment of this invention comprising two magnetic rings, one at either end of a driveshaft, with sensor coils placed near to each magnetic ring such that an alternating electrical current is produced, the comparative phase between these currents permitting measurement of torque on the driveshaft. |
| US08079266B2 |
Device for testing material and measuring thickness on a test object having at least electrically conducting and ferromagnetic material parts
A device is disclosed for material testing on a test object having at least electrically conducting and ferromagnetic material parts. The test object has at least one technical surface on which at least one electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer (EMUS) is rolled. The at least one transducer includes at least one permanent magnet or an electromagnet and at least one eddy current coil. The at least one eddy current coil has at least one electrical strip conductor which is disposed at or parallel to a surface area of a rolling member which can be rolled on the technical surface of the test object, with the surface area rolling along with the rolling member during rolling. |
| US08079262B2 |
Pendulous accelerometer with balanced gas damping
A pendulous capacitive accelerometer including a substrate having a substantially planar upper surface with an electrode section, and a sensing plate having a central anchor portion supported on the upper surface of the substrate to define a hinge axis. The sensing plate includes a solid proof mass on a first side of the central anchor portion and a substantially hollow proof mass on a second side of the central anchor portion, providing for reduced overall chip size and balanced gas damping. The solid proof mass has a first lower surface with a first electrode element thereon, and the substantially hollow proof mass has a second lower surface with a second electrode element thereon. Both the solid proof mass and the hollow proof mass have the same capacitive sensing area. The sensing plate rotates about the hinge axis relative to the upper surface of the substrate in response to an acceleration. |
| US08079261B2 |
Accelerometers
A fibre optic accelerometer particularly intended for use with an interferometer using the compliant cylinder approach but further providing a seismic mass at the core of the cylinder resulting in improved sensitivity and rejection of out-of-axis inputs. |
| US08079260B2 |
Fall detection apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes an acceleration detection unit configured to detect acceleration acting on the electronic apparatus, a noise removal unit configured to remove a noise component from an output of the acceleration detection unit, a first determination unit configured to determine whether output from the noise removal unit indicates acceleration equal to or less than a first acceleration, a second determination unit configured to determine whether output from the noise removal unit indicates acceleration equal to or less than a second acceleration, and a fall state determination unit configured to determine that the electronic apparatus is falling when the first determination unit detects that output from the noise removal unit is equal to or less than the first acceleration, or when the second determination unit determines that output from the noise removal unit is equal to or less than the second acceleration. |
| US08079256B2 |
Gas sensor and method for its production
In a gas sensor with at least two electrodes and with a sensor body which is connected thereto and is composed of a gas-sensitive material, in addition to pores which may already be present, second cavities are provided in the sensor body. The second cavities may be suitable on account of their size to facilitate and accelerate the distribution of gas molecules in the sensor body and to thus improve the time response of the gas sensor. |
| US08079254B2 |
Wheel diagnosis system
According to the present invention there is provided a wheel diagnosis system (DS) for diagnosing a wheel (12) under test mounted to a vehicle and including at least a rim (18) and a tire (13). The wheel diagnosis system comprises a plurality of sensing units (1, 2, 3) being adapted for scanning predetermined surfaces of the wheel under test when the wheel under test is rotated, a supporting unit (5) to which the plurality of sensing units is mounted. Specifically, the supporting unit is freely movable relative to the wheel under test, and the sensing units are located at different positions on the supporting unit for scanning different portions of the predetermined surfaces of the wheel under test and collecting data of the operation result when the supporting unit is placed at the wheel under test at a predetermined scanning position. The present invention further refers to a method of diagnosing the condition of the wheel under test mounted to a vehicle. |
| US08079251B2 |
Computer readable storage medium storing information processing program and information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus processes an input signal from a load controller including an input surface and a load detecting means for detecting a load value applied to the input surface. The information processing apparatus detects a center-of-gravity position of a load applied to the input surface of the load controller based on the input signal from the load detecting means. The information processing apparatus determines whether or not the load value applied to the load controller is smaller than a predetermined value, based on the load value detected by the load detecting means, and when the result of determination is positive, executes a menu operation process based on the center-of-gravity position. |
| US08079250B2 |
Viscometer system utilizing an optical flow cell
A viscometer system to determine the viscosity of a fluid utilizes an existing flow cell, which maintains a calibrated constriction that is defined by a predetermined constant value K is disclosed. The viscometer system is adapted for use with the flow cell and includes a pair of pressure transducers with one at the input of the flow cell and another at the outlet of the flow cell. During operation, particles within the fluid pass through the flow cell, whereby the positional change of the particles over a predetermined period of time allows the system to calculate the flow rate of the fluid. The system also identifies the change in pressure of the fluid as it passes through the flow cell, such that the pressure change, flow rate, and the constant value K are processed to calculate the viscosity of the fluid being analyzed. |
| US08079247B2 |
Impact detection system
An impact detection system provides a means of sensing, monitoring and recording impact events on an impact surface using at least one sensor that is incorporated into the impact surface. The sensor(s) can be integral with, attached to or located behind various types of impact surface including various types of garments that can be worn by an individual or on composite materials such as an aircraft fuselage for example. The impact detection system includes a portable impact detection device electrically connected to the sensor(s) and is used to detect ballistic or non-ballistic type impacts on the impact surface. The portable impact detection device processes the impact data detected by the sensor(s) and stores the data for analysis at a later time or outputs the data to a third party system for review and/or analysis. |
| US08079246B2 |
Integrated MEMS metrology device using complementary measuring combs
The present invention provides a device for in-situ monitoring of material, process and dynamic properties of a MEMS device. The monitoring device includes a pair of comb drives, a cantilever suspension comprising a translating shuttle operatively connected with the pair of comb drives, structures for applying an electrical potential to the comb drives to displace the shuttle, structures for measuring an electrical potential from the pair of comb drives; measuring combs configured to measure the displacement of the shuttle, and structures for measuring an electrical capacitance of the measuring combs. Each of the comb drives may have differently sized comb finger gaps and a different number of comb finger gaps. The shuttle may be formed on two cantilevers perpendicularly disposed with the shuttle, whereby the cantilevers act as springs to return the shuttle to its initial position after each displacement. |
| US08079244B2 |
Device and method for bending a metallic strip
A device and method for bending a metallic strip (1), particularly for manufacturing die cutting blades. The bending tools (20, 30) are capable of being rotated about a common axis (15) and wherein each tool (20, 30) is further capable of being rotated about its own axis (25, 35) of rotation which is different from each others (15, 25, and 35). |
| US08079242B2 |
Crimping system with integrated monitoring
A crimping tool including a punch carrier, a plurality of punches movable in translation in radial housings of the punch carrier, a thrust member having an inside face co-operating with the outer ends of the punches, the thrust member being pivotally mounted relative to the punch carrier, such that pivoting of the thrust member causes a contact to be crimped, a tool body having two pivotal handles for causing the thrust member and the punch carrier to pivot mutually, and a member for adjusting the stroke of the punches, a sensor sensitive to the position of the member for adjusting the stroke of the punches, a sensor sensitive to an identity signal from a contact positioning tool, and a memory associated with the position sensor and with the identity sensor and arranged to record the data delivered by the sensors and/or to deliver the data to a data processor unit. |
| US08079238B2 |
Lock device
A lock device includes an actuating lever pivotally engaged in a lock housing for actuating a deadbolt of a latch device, two rotary mechanisms pivotally engaged in the housing and each having a rotary member pivotally engaged in a casing for coupling to an outdoor handle and an indoor handle, and the rotary member of one of the rotary mechanisms is secured to the casing for allowing the rotary member and the casing of the rotary mechanism to be rotated relative to the lock housing with the indoor handle only, and for preventing the outdoor handle from being brutally rotated by the unauthorized persons and for preventing the lock device from being destroyed or damaged by the unauthorized persons. |
| US08079233B2 |
Burner for manufacturing porous glass base material
The present invention provides a burner for manufacturing a porous glass base material that has small-diameter gas discharge ports and that achieves uniform linear velocity at the gas discharge ports, a uniform reaction, and a stable flame, and improved deposition efficiency. In the burner for manufacturing a porous glass base material, inner diameters of the pipes forming the gas discharge ports positioned farther inward in a radial direction than the gas discharge ports in which the small-diameter gas discharge port nozzles are arranged contract beginning from a position farther on a burner source side than the prescribed length L position, the contraction being greater closer to a burner tip side, and inner diameters of the pipes forming the gas discharge port in which the small-diameter gas discharge port nozzles are arranged and the gas discharge ports that are positioned farther outward in the radial direction than this gas discharge port contract beginning from a position farther on a burner tip side than the prescribed length L position, the contraction being greater closer to a burner tip side. |
| US08079230B2 |
Food dispensing machine
A food dispensing machine includes a product chamber with a dispensing valve connected to the product chamber and having an outlet through which a product contained in the product chamber is dispensed. The product chamber has a cleaning solution inlet connectable to a cleaning solution supply source for receiving cleaning solution into the product chamber. The product chamber further has an ingredient inlet alternatively connectable to either an ingredient supply source or the dispensing valve outlet. When the ingredient inlet is connected to the dispensing valve outlet, a re-circulating flow path is created, allowing for complete cleaning and sanitizing of the product flow path. |
| US08079226B2 |
Method for accurately recharging A/C systems
A refrigerant recovery unit for accurately filling a refrigerant system with a refrigerant is provided which includes a storage vessel for holding refrigerant, sensors to assist in determining the pressure of the refrigerant in the storage vessel, a controller to control the flow of refrigerant from the storage vessel to the refrigerant system to be serviced, and a heating device to heat the refrigerant, which is activated only if heating is required, as determined by data received by the controller. |
| US08079224B2 |
Field integrated pulse tube cryocooler with SADA II compatibility
A unitary pulse tube expander for removable attachment to a SADA II coldfinger and insertion within a Dewar assembly. The regenerator of the pulse tube expander is encased in a regenerator sleeve and a cold cap to create a unitary pulse tube expander that may function as a drop-in replacement for a Stirling type expander in a SADA II coldfinger cryocooler. |
| US08079222B2 |
Thermoelectric cooler controller
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method and/or system for adjusting a thermoelectric cooler. |
| US08079221B2 |
Variable geometry hysteresis control for a gas turbine engine
One embodiment of the present application is a gas turbine engine with a compressor that includes a variable geometry mechanism to vary working fluid flow area. A desired state of this mechanism is selected different than a current state to change the amount of flow area. The mechanism has a hysteresis band corresponding to a difference between increasing the flow area to reach the desired state and decreasing the flow area to reach the desired state. To control operation of the mechanism within this hysteresis band, a determination is made whether the desired state corresponds to a greater flow area or a lesser flow area relative to the current state. |
| US08079217B2 |
Turbocharger with variable turbine nozzle actuated by hydraulic and mechanical spring forces
A turbocharger having a variable turbine nozzle that includes an array of vanes whose setting angle is adjustable by rotation of a crank shaft coupled with a unison ring that pivots the vanes. The crank shaft is rotated by an actuation system made up of a piston contained in a bore formed in the center housing, and a hydraulic system for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the bore selectively on one side or an opposite side of the piston for causing the piston to move in one direction or the other. The piston is connected to the crank shaft by a mechanical linkage that converts reciprocating movement of the piston to rotational movement of the crank shaft. A spring is arranged between the piston and a surface of the bore and continuously exerts a spring force on the piston toward the fully open position of the piston. |
| US08079215B2 |
System and device for uncoupling hydraulic plants
System for controlling the motion of an actuator of a hydraulic system that may be embodied as a circuit or device that, interposed between a pump and the actuator, controls the motion of the actuator, causing the actuator to follow the movement of the pump. The present invention relates both to a system and a device providing such result just on the basis of the measures of the fluid circulating within the hydraulic circuit or device. The system according to the present invention is suited both with opposing loads and dragging loads. |
| US08079212B2 |
Exhaust purifying apparatus and exhaust purifying method for internal combustion engine
In an exhaust purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine on a vehicle, heating control is executed for supplying fuel to exhaust purification catalysts, thereby increasing the catalyst bed temperature. The heating control is suspended when the vehicle is determined to be driving downhill. Adverse influences due to deactivation of the exhaust purification catalysts during the heating control are reliably avoided. |
| US08079211B2 |
Bypass purge for protecting against formation of reductant deposits
Systems and methods are provided for injecting liquid reductant into an engine exhaust. An example system includes a gas deflector positioned upstream of an injector where the gas deflector is configured to create a high pressure zone upstream of the deflector and a low pressure zone downstream of the deflector surrounding the injector outlet. A bypass flow passage diverts exhaust flow from the high pressure zone upstream of the deflector to allow the bypassed portion of exhaust to flow into the exhaust gas stream to form a gas shield for a liquid reductant spray from the injector. In this way, it is possible to reduce deposit formation and accumulation in the exhaust system. |
| US08079210B2 |
Engine
An engine can include a first catalyst disposed in a first exhaust passage, a second catalyst disposed in a second exhaust passage to be located upstream of the first catalyst, a variable valve operating mechanism configured to make lifting amounts of a first and second exhaust valves variable between approximate zero and maximum, and a lifting amount control unit for controlling the lifting amounts of the first and second exhaust valves with the variable valve operating mechanism such that an exhaust gas amount passing through the second exhaust passage is larger than that passing through the first exhaust passage. |
| US08079208B2 |
Hybrid cords for tire reinforcement
A cord for reinforcing tires having a core of at least one p-aramid filament that has a modulus greater than about 6.5 N/dTex and a sheath of steel strands that are helically wound around the p-aramid filament. The steel strands consist of either a single steel wire or multiple steel wires twisted together. |
| US08079207B2 |
Thread twist system for twisting and spinning machines
Thread twist system for twisting and spinning machines which comprises means (12) for measuring and/or calculating directly or indirectly the rotation speed (11) of the runner (5), in such a way that the working movements and parameters of the machine keep real twisting constant throughout the process of filling the reel (2) in a dynamic and instantaneous way, by acting on the angular speed (10) of the spindles (1) and/or the feeding (9) speed of the thread (6), with the objective of correcting the theoretical twisting on the thread itself (6) and converting it into real twisting. |
| US08079205B2 |
Spiral winding machine with motorized coils
There is described a machine for the winding of tubular products, preferably with tensioned wires (8), including at least one disc (51-52) assembled to rotate on a base structure (2), a motor (9) adapted to drive the rotation of the disc (51-52, 101-103), a plurality of coils (3) assembled to rotate on supports (4) integral with said disc (51-52) and tensioning means (18, 30-31, 40-42), adapted to maintain the tension of the wires (8) constant during the winding of the tubular product (20). Said machine also includes a plurality of driving motors (5) associated to respective coils (3), adapted to feed the wires (8) and operating means (70) and potentiometers (19), adapted to control the unwinding speed of the wires (8) from the coils (3), which are driven by the motors (5). |
| US08079203B2 |
Harvester
The present invention relates to the mechanical harvesting of ground crops. More particularly, the invention provides an adjustment mechanism for altering the distance setting between centers of at least one pair of driven revolving pairs (such as helixes) on site as needed to suit changing conditions encountered during harvesting. The present invention achieves the above objects by providing an improved harvester attachment for row-planted ground crops, particularly vegetables, or the like the harvester comprising a framework supporting at least one revolvably driven helix, or the like, pairs, each helix having a front support bearing disposed slightly above ground level, the helix pairs extending at a slope upwards and rearwards, i.e. in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of said harvester. |
| US08079202B2 |
Multi-layer frankfurter loading method
A system and method for multi-layer loading of food items such as frankfurters in a receptacle includes the steps of displacing groupings of frankfurters along a staging area, allowing the frankfurters to drop downwardly by gravity to an accumulation and storage area until at least two layers of frankfurters are accumulated and allowing the double layer of frankfurters to drop downwardly into a packing receptacle in a packing area. The method of the invention is accomplished by providing a lug chain with lugs spaced to group frankfurters in desired groupings on the staging area, a first set of displaceable supports positioned below the lug chain to allow a layer of frankfurters to fall downwardly by gravity to the accumulation and storage area, a second set of displaceable supports positioned in the accumulation and storage area to allow at least two layers of frankfurters to be accumulated, then actuated to allow the two layers to drop vertically downwardly to a collection receptacle in the packing area, and a pair of tucking flaps that are actuated to an open position to allow two layers of frankfurters to fall downwardly therebetween and to a closed position in which frankfurters are forced by contact therewith into appropriate alignment within the receptacle. |
| US08079201B2 |
Wrapping machine and wrapping methods
A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film including a supporting frame with which a ring arrangement is associated that rotates around a wrapping axis of the film and around the product. The supporting frame further supports a carriage arranged for supporting a reel of the film and for supporting a first roller and a second roller for unwinding and stretching the film. A first motor and a second motor are mounted on the supporting frame and coupled, respectively, with the first roller and the second roller. |
| US08079193B2 |
Hidden edge connector for mounting panel to frame opening
A hidden edge connector includes a connector body which includes a base guider for biasing against a rear surface of a frame, an edge guider for biasing against a surrounding surface of a frame opening, and a panel guider which is extended from the base guider and is perpendicular to the edge guider. The connector body is adapted for mounting to the frame at the frame opening thereof to keep a front surface of the frame in a clean and obstructing free manner, such that the connector body is adapted for guiding the panel being mounted within the frame opening in a hidden manner when a rear surface of the panel is biased against the panel guider to align with the rear surface of said frame so as to substantially align the front surface of the panel with a front surface of the frame. |
| US08079189B2 |
Structure system of concrete building for self-heat insulation
A structure system of concrete building for self-heat insulation comprises a wall (1), a link beam (2) and a floor slab (3). The wall is composed of a prefabricated concrete wall for heat insulation (11) and a cast-in-place concrete wall (12). The prefabricated concrete wall (11) is a concrete panel (5), one surface of which is covered with heat insulation layer (4), and the prefabricated concrete wall (11) and the cast-in-place concrete wall (12) are cast and folded to be an integral. At the joint of the link beam and an outer wall, the link beam and the top and bottom cast-in-place concrete walls are cast to be an integral. The outer end of the link beam is covered with heat insulation layer. At the joint of the floor slab and the link beam, they are cast to be an integral. |
| US08079187B2 |
Lining of an in particular flat surface with a flexible covering material, particularly textile material as well as lining method
The present invention relates to a method for lining an in particular flat surface with a flexible covering material, particularly textile material, in which the surface is lined with one or more flexible covering material pieces and in which the material piece or pieces are stretched. The method is inventively characterized in that for stretching a material piece at least one stretching rail with a holding side and an assembly side is used, that the stretching rail is brought into pivotable engagement on the holding side with a holding rail provided on the flat side, that a first side of the material piece is brought into tensile loadable engagement with the assembly side of the stretching rail, that second side of the material piece is directly or indirectly connected to the flat surface and that the stretching rail is pivoted for stretching the flexible covering material and fixed in a stretching position. The invention also relates to a lining for an in particular flat surface. |
| US08079182B1 |
Inflatable grain storage apparatus
The inflatable grain storage apparatus provides a truly portable inflatable and collapsible structure. The apparatus structure is fully integral. The apparatus is importantly bi-inflatable, whereby the reversible air pump air delivery and removal is via a Y with valve that provides for filling and emptying the spine and straight supports and also the structure interior separately or cumulatively. This hastens filling and ensures proper filling of the spine and straight supports without potential kinking or delays. The floor is importantly reinforced with bi-directional straps and is comprised of heavier material than are the above moisture and material proof components. |
| US08079178B2 |
Mullion assembly for double door
A mullion assembly (10) includes a top mounting block (92) attached to a top beam (24) of a door frame (22) and having a positioning rod (128) extending in a horizontal direction. A bottom mounting block (132) is mounted on a floor (20) and spaced from the top mounting block (92) in a vertical direction. A post (40) is detachably mounted between top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 132). A brace (50) is mounted to an upper end (42) of the post (40). A mounting bracket (140) is mounted to the brace (50). A pivotal plate (180) is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket (140) and detachably engaged with the positioning rod (128). A retaining member (198) is mounted to the mounting bracket (140) to lock the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 132). |
| US08079172B2 |
Portable security device for fishing rods and reels
A device is provided for securing against crime-of-opportunity theft at least one fishing rod and reel to be stored or transported in an outdoor, unsecured area or on an open, unsecured portion of a vehicle, such as an open bed of a pick-up truck, trailer, or boat. The device includes: (a) a flexible webbing material, wherein the flexible webbing material has a generally bag-like shape with an open end; (b) a first cable and first lock operatively connected for closing and locking the open end of the flexible webbing material around a forward portion of a fishing rod protruding through the open end when at least the rear portion thereof is positioned inside the flexible webbing material, and (c) a second cable and second lock operatively connected for attaching and locking the flexible webbing material to a fixed structure in the open area or on the vehicle; wherein each of the flexible webbing material, the first cable for closing, and the second cable for attaching is resistant to cutting with a hand-held knife. |
| US08079158B2 |
Process for separating and drying thermoplastic particles under high pressure
A process for feeding a slurry of thermoplastic synthetic polymer particles such as polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers and copolymers in combination with a liquid such as water at a liquid temperature greater than the normal boiling point of the liquid, under a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid at the liquid temperature, into a separation zone such as a centrifugal dryer, and within the separation zone: a. separating the liquid from the particles, and b. drying the particles; while under a high pressure equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of the liquid. There is also provided a process for decoupling the dried particles from the separation zone to an atmosphere having a pressure less than the vapor pressure of the liquid while maintaining the vapor pressure of the particles prior to decoupling equal to or above the vapor pressure of the liquid at the liquid temperature. |
| US08079157B2 |
Dryer comprising a heat sink and a condensate container
A dryer includes a drying chamber, a process air guide that guides process air along the articles to pick up humidity from them, a heat sink in the process air guide that precipitates humidity from the process air as a condensate, and a condensate collector with a condensate container having an insert that is permeable to the condensate and that projects through an opening into the condensate container for transferring the condensate to and from the condensate container. The insert includes a first filter that filters particles from the condensate prior to storing the condensate in the condensate container. |
| US08079156B1 |
Glove drying apparatus
A glove holder is disclosed for coupling a glove to an air vent. The glove has a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an aperture for accessing the interior cavity. The air vent discharging an air flow. The air flow dries the glove. The glove holder comprises a cylinder having an intake end, an exhaust end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an interior bore extending from the intake end to the exhaust end. The cylinder is insertable through the aperture and into the interior cavity of the body for positioning the exterior surface of the cylinder adjacent to the body of the glove. A support arm extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of the support arm is secured to the interior surface of the cylinder. The second end of the support arm is positioned within the interior bore. A clamp secures the second end of the support arm to the air vent. The air flow displaces from the air vent, through the interior bore of the cylinder and through the body of the glove. |
| US08079153B2 |
Bow sight and eye alignment assembly with tapered frame
A sighting device for a bow (or other tool) that includes an eye alignment assembly. A frame is attached to the bow using a mounting bracket. The frame includes a leading edge oriented toward a user, a trailing edge oriented down range of the bow, and a tapered inner surface generally surrounding a viewing opening. The tapered inner surface tapering outward from the leading edge toward the trailing edge. A plurality of sight points on sight pins are located in the viewing opening. The sight points are configured to align the bow with a target viewed through the viewing opening. The eye alignment assembly includes the tapered inner surface substantially concealed behind the leading edge when the frame is located at a particular orientation relative to the user's eye. |
| US08079149B2 |
Electric hair cutting appliance with counter weight
A hand-held hair cutting appliance has a housing, a first cutting blade, and a second cutting blade. The first cutting blade is capable of reciprocating movement relative to the housing. A drive assembly is operatively connected to the first cutting blade for drivingly reciprocating the first cutting blade relative to the housing such that the first cutting blade is moveable in a side to side direction relative to the housing and the second cutting blade. A counter weight is adapted for reciprocating movement relative to the housing in response to reciprocating movement of the first cutting blade. The counter weight has at least one of a mass and a location relative to the first cutting blade to thereby at least partially counter-balance the reciprocating movement of the first cutting blade. |
| US08079147B2 |
Shaving system
A shaving system having replaceable blade cartridges is provided with a simple connector for pivotably mounting the cartridge, and for attaching to a handle with a simple latch mechanism. Embodiments include a handle having a handle body, and a connector mounting portion at the front of the handle body with a substantially horizontal bottom wall and an inwardly-extending, elastically deformable cantilever latch. The connector has a cartridge mounting structure, and a handle attachment portion extending rearward from a central body. The handle attachment portion has an extension for slidingly mating with the bottom wall of the handle's connector mounting portion, and a substantially vertical connector wall for engaging and deflecting the cantilever latch upward as the extension is slidingly engaged with the bottom wall, until an engagement portion of the cantilever latch snaps over the connector wall to removably retain the connector on the handle between bottom wall of the handle connector mounting portion and the cantilever latch. |
| US08079145B2 |
Method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly for an internal combustion engine
A method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly including the steps of defining a small end of a connecting rod assembly having a terminal end and then defining a pin bore extending through the small end of the connecting rod assembly. A pair of channels is formed on opposite sides of the small end of the connecting rod assembly wherein the axis of each of the channels is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pin bore. At least partially annular grooves are formed within the pin bore adjacent the distal end of the pin bore. The connecting rod assembly is then machined to reduce the width of the small end between each channel and the terminal end to provide a small end having a reduced width configuration wherein the grooves are disposed along at least a portion of the distal end to reduce the need to deburr the area adjacent the pin bore. |
| US08079141B2 |
Electrical connection and method of manufacturing the same
The method for providing the solder connection of the present invention is a method for providing a solder connection, which electrically connects a first electronic component having a solder bump to a second electronic component having a protruded electrode to provide electrical connection between the first solder bump and the protruded electrode, wherein a relation of: A+B>C is satisfied, where a height of the first solder bump from one surface of the first electronic component is presented as A [μm], a height of the protruded electrode before the compressive deformation from one surface of the second electronic component is presented as B [μm], and a thickness of the adhesive agent layer is presented as C [μm], and further comprising: disposing the adhesive agent layer in the first electronic component; and deforming the first solder bump and the protruded electrode and providing a contact of the above-described protruded electrode with the above-described first solder bump, so that the sum of the height A [μm] of the first the solder bump and the height B [μm] of the above-described protruded electrode is substantially equivalent to the thickness C [μm] of the above-described adhesive agent layer. |
| US08079140B2 |
Component mounting condition determining method
In a component mounter of so-called alternate mounting, a component mounting condition determining method of determining a component mounting condition that equalizes operating times of a plurality of mounting heads is used. The component mounting condition determining method includes determining a component mounting condition such as to approximately equalize the operating times of the mounting heads based on the distance that each mounting head moves between one of a plurality of component supply units that supply components to the mounting heads and the board. |
| US08079138B2 |
Mounting apparatus for electronic components
In a mounting apparatus for electronic components, a command from a host computer is transmitted to a linear motor M via a motion controller and a servo amplifier to thereby drive a mounting head H1 or a mounting head H2. To prevent collision between the two mounting heads H1, H2, position information from a linear encoder E is fed back to not only the servo amplifier, but also the motion controller. Once determining that the two mounting heads H1, H2 collide, the motion controller applies brake to the mounting heads H1, H2 to avoid collision therebetween, regardless of the command from the host computer. |
| US08079137B2 |
Mounting apparatus for electronic components
An electronic component is mounted on a printed board by a first head and a second head collaboratively. The first head is prioritized to the second head for moving operations. The range which allows the second head to move is defined in consideration with all the positions where the electronic components held by the first head are to be mounted on the printed board such that no collision occurs between the first head in operation and the second head. |
| US08079136B2 |
Method for forming layered heating element for glow plug
A monolithic, multi-layer heating element forms the high temperature tip of a glow plug assembly. The heating element includes a conductive core which is surrounded by an insulator layer, which in turn supports a resistive layer. An optional conductive jacket can surround the resistive layer. These layered components are pre-formed in prior operations and then assembled one into the other to form a precursor structure. The precursor structure is transferred to a die, where it is compressed to form a so-called green part having dimensional attributes proportional to the finished heating element. The individual layers remain substantially intact, with some boundary layer mixing possible to enhance material-to-material bonding. The green part is sintered to bond to various materials together into an essentially solid mass. Various finishing operations may be required, following which the heating element is assembled to form a glow plug. |
| US08079133B2 |
Method for the production of a rotor winding for an electric machine
The invention relates to a method for producing the rotor winding of an electric machine comprising at least four exciter poles in the stator and a commutator rotor with a number of pole teeth which deviates from the number of exciter poles as well as a number of individual tooth coils and commutator segments that is at least twice as large as the number of pole teeth. In order to obtain low torque ripple and a long service life by optimally commutating the coils, a first coil is wound from an initial segment at a selectable offset angle to the initial segment on a first pole tooth, the winding wire is then fixed to another commutator segment at a predefined segment interstice length, whereupon a coil is successively wound from each segment onto the pole tooth having the lowest angular error relative the offset angle in relation to the pole separation of the stator, and the winding wire is then contacted on another segment at the same segment interstice length. |
| US08079130B2 |
Method for assembling sheets by riveting
The invention relates to a method for assembling sheets by riveting, comprising a step for piercing a hole through the sheets, followed by a step for placing a rivet in the pierced hole, the step for piercing a hole being executed by supplying an advance speed instruction of a piercing tool as well as a rotation speed instruction of this tool. According to the invention, a previous step for determining information on the local stiffness of the sheets (Info_stiffness) is also carried out at the level of the hole to be pierced, the advance speed instruction and rotation speed instruction of the tool being a function of this information on the local stiffness of the sheets.Application most suited to the field of aircraft construction. |
| US08079128B2 |
Method for assembling releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft adapter so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head. |
| US08079126B2 |
Friction stir welded bladder fuel tank
A method of fabricating a rolling bladder propellant tank assembly includes providing a pair of half-domes comprising a nanophase metallic material and a bladder formed of a ductile metallic material. A bladder support ring extends from at least one of the pair of half-domes. The pair of half-domes are positioned together to form a cavity therein with a portion of the bladder trapped between the pair of half-domes adjacent to the bladder support ring, wherein the bladder is positioned within the cavity. A seal is formed between the pair of half-domes and the bladder by friction stir welding. A friction stir welding pin used to form the seal is aligned with the bladder support ring during the friction stir welding operation. |
| US08079123B2 |
Puller that is assembled and disassembled easily and quickly
A puller includes a main body provided with a plurality of support seats, a plurality of clamping members each pivotally and detachably mounted on a respective one of the support seats, a top cover mounted on the main body and provided with a plurality of pressing pieces each pressing a respective one of the clamping members, and a threaded rod extending through the top cover and the main body. Thus, each of the clamping members is pivotable relative to the respective support seat of the main body so as to adjust the inclined angle of each of the clamping members relative to the respective support seat. In addition, each of the clamping members is locked onto and unlocked from the respective support seat easily and quickly. |
| US08079120B2 |
Method for determining initial burnishing parameters
A method of determining parameters for a burnishing operation includes: using a rolling burnishing element to burnish at least two segments on a selected surface of a material sample, the segments having a common width and overlapping each other by a preselected overlap value; measuring the resulting hardness of the surface; and selecting a working overlap value for a subsequent burnishing operation on a workpiece, based on the measured hardness. |
| US08079114B2 |
Height adjustment device for a hinge
A height adjustment device for a hinge having one hinge leaf that can be snapped into or inserted into a receiving part mounted on a door leaf or on a door frame, and with a height adjustment mechanism in the receiving part which has abutment against an edge of the hinge leaf. The height adjustment mechanism has a slide that is limitedly movable in the receiving part, and a rotatable height adjustment member. The slide has a portion for abutment against an edge of the hinge leaf. The height adjustment member has a plurality of radially directed, angularly separated arms of different lengths, wherein an end portion of such an arm is adapted to engage with an adapted engaging portion of the slide. |
| US08079112B2 |
Disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle
A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned. |
| US08079108B2 |
Cleaning system
A cleaning system used for cleaning up plastic in a nozzle of a molding apparatus, the nozzle including a nozzle opening and a through hole connected with the nozzle opening, the plastic being received in the through hole. The cleaning system includes a bottom fixing sleeve, a top guiding sleeve and a knocking stick. The bottom fixing sleeve is configured for securely fixing the nozzle. The top guiding sleeve is configured for coupling with the bottom fixing sleeve, and the top guiding sleeve includes a guiding hole defined therein. The knocking stick is movable along the guiding hole of the top guiding sleeve such that the knocking stick strikes the plastic in a direction along the central axis of the through hole of the nozzle. |
| US08079107B2 |
Overhead throwing sweeping machine
In an overhead throwing sweeping machine, the cylindrical sweeping roller (4) which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis is retained on jointly adjustable pivoted arms, and the dirt container (6) arranged behind the sweeping roller (4) has a receiving opening, the bottom edge (15) of which lies adjacent to the sweeping roller (4). In order to reset the sweeping area of the sweeping roller (4) after wear of the bristles, a cable control (20) is provided which runs over a bearing surface (11) which, at a pivoted arm designed as a double-armed lever and intended for the sweeping roller (4), is formed on that arm (7) of said double-armed lever which is remote from the longitudinal axis (4′) of the sweeping roller (4). One end of the cable control (20) is held in place when the sweeping roller (4) is lowered into the sweeping position, whereas the other end is connected to an adjusting mechanism, such that the cable control (20) holds the pivoted arms in the position for the sweeping position of the sweeping roller (4) by engagement with the bearing surface (11). At least one supporting element (36) for the support of the dirt container (6) is coupled to the adjusting mechanism, such that the adjustment of the latter both changes the effective length of the cable control (20) and correspondingly displaces the at least one supporting element (36). |
| US08079103B2 |
Activation means for position adjustment of a therapeutic table
The present invention is a therapeutic table with an improved position adjustment mechanism and to a method for adapting a therapeutic table to include an improved mechanism for position adjustment of a table. In an embodiment, the improved position adjustment mechanism is a ribbon switch on the top surface of a frame forming the base of the table and a ribbon switch on the bottom surface of a frame forming the base of the table, which ribbon switch when pressure is applied activates the movement of the table up and down, respectively. |
| US08079102B1 |
Table apparatus for administering to a recalcitrant person
A multifunctional table apparatus for administering to recalcitrant patients includes a rectangular table panel which can be easily pivoted from a vertical state containing the standing patient to a horizontal position which places the patient in a secured supine position. The pivoting motion is achieved by paired arcuate rocker legs associated with the front of the table and activated in cam-like manner by downward force applied to the rear of the table. |
| US08079101B2 |
Over-molded limb support
A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of locks to block vertical and horizontal pivoting of the limb support in relation to the patient-support apparatus. The lock release actuator is configured to be coupled to the frame to simultaneously unlock both the vertical and horizontal rotation locks. The limb support includes a stowable leg support configured to provide support to the leg of a patient during obstetric delivery. |
| US08079100B2 |
Apparatus for supporting a patient for radiation therapy
An apparatus for supporting a patient during radiation therapy includes a treatment table that is pivotable about a horizontal axis, and a laser measurement system which is designed to indicate a non-horizontal orientation of the treatment table to be adopted during the radiation therapy. |
| US08079098B2 |
Pull rod coupling
A pull rod coupling configured to operably couple a pull rod to a fluid control device. |
| US08079097B2 |
Child's toilet training chair
A child's toilet training chair includes a seat supporting structure and an adjustable seat that can be positioned at an acute angle relative to the horizontal. The front section of the seat is pivotally attached to a front portion of the supporting structure and the rear portion of the seat is provided with at least one engagement member that releasably mates with one of a plurality of vertically-spaced receiving elements in the chair back. |
| US08082587B2 |
Detecting content in files
A method for detecting undesirable content in a computer directory having a digital file includes performing a size check on the digital file, the size check returning a first passing condition or a first failing condition, if the size check returns the first passing condition, the method further includes performing one or more behavioral indicator checks on the digital file, and determining whether the digital file contains undesirable content based on the one or more behavioral indicator checks. |
| US08082586B2 |
Snoop echo response extractor
A mechanism is provided for identifying a snooping device in a network environment. A snoop echo response extractor generates an echo request packet with a bogus MAC address that will only be received by a snooping device. The snoop echo response extractor also uses an IP address that will cause the snooping device to respond to the echo request. Non-snooping devices discard the echo request packet. Upon receiving the response packet, the snooping device is identified. |
| US08082583B1 |
Delegation of content filtering services between a gateway and trusted clients in a computer network
Method and system for performing content filtering services in a computer network. A gateway computer may be configured to be in the data path of network communications between client computers in a private computer network and computers in a public computer network. A master entity in the gateway computer may be configured to determine content filtering services available in the client computers. The master entity may delegate to the client computers performance of content filtering services that may be reliably performed in the client computers. Each of the client computers may include a trusted agent in communication with the master entity to coordinate content filtering in the private computer network. |
| US08082577B1 |
Systems and methods for deployment of secure shell devices
A shell device with minimal software and/or hardware resources can download from a server configuration information and/or user data in order to allow the shell device to communicate with other computing devices (whether cell phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, and the like). Various security features can also be used herein, including a shell device password and a server network access password. In another aspect, any time code and/or data is downloaded from the server to the shell device, such code and/or data resides on the shell device during the time of a communication between the server and the shell device; thereafter, it can be deleted, thereby returning the shell device to its minimalistic resource state. When the shell device contacts the server again and attempts to establish another communication, such code and/or data can be downloaded anew, and after the communication it can be deleted again. |
| US08082574B2 |
Enforcing security groups in network of data processors
A technique for securing message traffic in a data network using various methods for distributing security policies and keys, where policy definition is determined in a Management and Policy (MAP) functional layer that is responsible for policy distribution; a separate Key Authority Point (KAP) that is responsible for key generation, key distribution, and policy distribution; and a separate Policy Enforcement Point (PEP) which is responsible for enforcing the policies and applying the keys. |
| US08082573B2 |
Broadcast receiving device and method of controlling a broadcast receiving device with controller for updating a panel element in a display
A controller (1) and target devices (2, 3) are connected via a network. The controller (1) displays an operation panel for controlling the target device (2) at a display device (10) based on information from the target device (2). The controller (1) is capable of changing an element and a user action of the operation panel based on data obtained by data broadcast. |
| US08082570B2 |
Method and apparatus for a self-terminating signal path
Presented are method and apparatus embodiments to terminate an interruptible signal path when the interruptible signal path is unterminated. The apparatus can comprise a signal path from a supplier-side port thru a user-side port, a signal source arranged to provide a signal to the conductor; and a signal circuit arranged in the interruptible signal path. The apparatus can determine when the signal path is unterminated and, in that case, interrupt and terminate the signal path by putting a signal switching device in the appropriate state and/or sending signals from the signal path to a prescribed signal level connection point. When a user device is not connected or connected improperly, or the signals through the signal path are otherwise unterminated, the interruptible signal path can be interrupted and terminated. The method and apparatus embodiments can be used in various combinations with multiple signal paths having multiple signal branches. |
| US08082568B2 |
Electronic program guide with integrated program listings
An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments. |
| US08082564B2 |
Method for creating a subscriber cable channel and set-top box for use therewith
Media content is received from at least one external device that is coupled to a set-top box. Subscriber channel content is generated based on the media content. The subscriber channel content is transferred to a cable network to produce a subscriber cable channel. |
| US08082561B2 |
Motor provided with chucking device and disk driving device equipped with the motor
A motor includes a rotating body including a magnet, and a fixed body including a stator. The stator includes a stator core having an annular core back portion with an upper and a lower surface, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart tooth portions extending from the core back portion in a direction away from the rotational axis, and a plurality of coils provided by winding a conductive wire around the tooth portions of the stator core with multiple turns. The rotor holder is arranged axially above the stator to cover the stator. Further, an annular or arc-shaped attracting magnet arranged to attract the rotor holder toward the stator is arranged radially inwardly of the core back portion, the attracting magnet having an upper surface axially facing toward the rotor holder, and a lower surface arranged axially below the upper surface of the core back portion of the stator core. |
| US08082559B2 |
Moveable in-vehicle apparatus operable by multiple users
Disclosed herein is an in-vehicle apparatus including, an apparatus body installed in a vehicle compartment, and a front panel disposed at a front surface of the apparatus body and provided with an operating member for operating the apparatus body, wherein a drive mechanism connecting the apparatus body and the front panel to each other is provided, and the drive mechanism is operative to move the front panel between an attached use position where the front panel is attached to the front surface of the apparatus body and an inclined use position where one of left and right side parts of the front panel projects more forwards relative to the front surface of the apparatus body than the other. |
| US08082557B2 |
Disk device
To eject an optical disk forcibly from a disk device by a manual operation, an operation pin is inserted into an emergency hole of a front bezel. Then, the operation pin causes first and second ejection levers to move rearward to push a first transmission gear down to a disengaged position. When the first transmission gear is pushed down to the disengaged position, a loading slider begins to move forward according to a biasing force of a coil spring, feeding the disk outward. After moving a distance forward, the loading slider is stopped against a receiving portion of a first ejection lever, thereby to stop the disk at a half-eject position where the disk slightly protrudes from the bezel. Thereafter, when the operation pin is pulled out, the loading slider moves forward along with the pull-out movement of the operation pin, and the disk is fed out to a full-eject position. |
| US08082556B1 |
Extending an RFID reader API
The present disclosure provides a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader software structure and method. A functionality of a reader engine is extended, enabling it to communicate via an extended standard Application Programming Interface (API) with an application software. The extended functionality supports a Partner Service Module that resides in the reader, thus allowing at least one of its Partner Software Functions to communicate with the application software over a single connection. |
| US08082542B2 |
Load time in-lining of subroutines
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for processing a class file. The class file is loaded onto a target device. A determination is made whether verification is enabled. Static constraints are checked in response to determining the verification is enabled. A determination is made whether subroutines are present in a set of methods within the class file. The subroutines are in-lined in response to determining that subroutines are present in the set of methods. |
| US08082539B1 |
System and method for managing web-based forms and dynamic content of website
The present invention is directed to method, system and computer program product for managing dynamic content of website. The proposed method employs processing of database elements by using active descriptors. The active descriptors contain the generic descriptions of the database elements, which properties may change with time. The dynamic descriptors are used for describing database objects. The controls build are universal and can be employed for processing several classes of objects. Each class object has sets of assigned attributes containing additional descriptions of the class object. The proposed method allows using a lightly loaded thin nucleus of the DBMS, which does not contain the information about the class attributes. The class attributes are defined by active descriptors of each particular instance of the class object. |
| US08082534B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating fault coverage, and fault detection method
A fault coverage calculating apparatus includes: an extraction module configured to extract information on a pair of wiring lines including a length of the pair adjacent within a predetermined distance range and a distance between the pair and bridge fault information corresponding to the pair from layout information of a semiconductor integrated circuit; a test module configured to perform a determination test for determining whether a bridge fault occurring in the pair is detected by using a bridge fault test pattern of a target; and a calculation module configured to calculate a bridge fault coverage to which the length and the distance are weighted, based on the information on the pair of wiring lines, the bridge fault information, a result of the determination test, and a bridge fault incidence depending on the distance. |
| US08082531B2 |
Method and an apparatus to design a processing system using a graphical user interface
A method and an apparatus to design a processing system using a graphical user interface (GUI) are described. The method includes allowing a user to define a transfer function via a GUI. The method may further include submitting the transfer function to a processing device maker associated with a processing device. The processing device maker may generate processing device code without intervention by the user. Furthermore, the processing device may execute the processing device code to perform the transfer function defined. |
| US08082530B1 |
Power estimation in high-level modeling systems
A computer-implemented method of estimating power usage for high-level blocks of a high-level modeling system (HLMS) circuit design can include generating a low-level circuit design from the HLMS circuit design. The method can include simulating the low-level circuit design and storing power usage data, from the simulating, for each of a plurality of circuit elements of the low-level circuit design. The circuit elements can be correlated with the high-level blocks of the HLMS circuit design. A power query of a selected block of the HLMS circuit design can be received and a measure of power usage for the selected high-level block can be determined according to the power usage data for selected ones of the plurality of circuit elements correlated with the selected high-level block. The measure of power usage for the selected high-level block can be output. |
| US08082528B2 |
Process-independent schema library
Methods are provided for utilizing a process-independent schema library that contains all the devices and all the device parameters in each of various process-specific schema libraries that a user or a group of users is working with. A process-specific schematic based on a first process technology can be converted to a process-specific schematic based on a second process technology by being first converted to a process-independent schematic that is based on the process-independent schema library, which is then converted to the process-specific schematic based on the second process technology. Circuits can be also be stored as a process-independent schematic that is based on the process-independent schema library but designed using a user interface that displays process-specific devices and device parameters. |
| US08082527B1 |
Representing the behaviors of a packet processor
Methods are provided for compactly representing behaviors of a processor of packets. A declarative description of the processor is input. The declarative description specifies rules for manipulating the packets. A dependency graph is generated from the declarative description. The dependency graph specifies each rule that depends upon another one or more of the rules. The declarative description and the dependency graph are transformed into a Petri net representing the behaviors of the processor. The Petri net includes respective transitions for the rules and places for enabling the transitions to fire. A specification of the Petri net is output. The Petri net represents the behaviors of the processor. |
| US08082526B2 |
Dedicated crossbar and barrel shifter block on programmable logic resources
A dedicated hardware block is provided for implementing crossbars and/or barrel shifters in programmable logic resources. Crossbar and/or barrel shifter circuitry may replace one or more rows, one or more columns, one or more rectangles, or any combination thereof of programmable logic regions on a programmable logic resource. The functionality of the crossbar and/or barrel shifter circuitry can further be improved by implementing time-multiplexing. |
| US08082523B2 |
Portable electronic device with graphical user interface supporting application switching
A portable electronic device displays, on a touch screen display, a user interface for a phone application during a phone call. In response to detecting activation of a menu icon or menu button, the UI for the phone application is replaced with a menu of application icons, while maintaining the phone call. In response to detecting a finger gesture on a non-telephone service application icon, displaying a user interface for the non-telephone service application while continuing to maintain the phone call, the UI for the non-telephone service application including a switch application icon that is not displayed in the UI when there is no ongoing phone call. In response to detecting a finger gesture on the switch application icon, replacing display of the UI for the non-telephone service application with a respective UI for the phone application while continuing to maintain the phone call. |
| US08082521B2 |
DVD changer UX
A user experience for displaying and organizing content available on discs in an external media changer is provided. A media content organizer for identifying discs, retrieving supplemental information, and presenting a display of the discs and disc information is also provided. |
| US08082519B2 |
Efficient display systems and methods
Methods and systems for making a more efficient use of a display area for the purpose of displaying items, for example on an Internet store web site. In one embodiment of the invention the items are displayed in rows in a manner which allows for optimization of the number of items per page through the adaptation of the display cell width allocated to each item. In one embodiment of the invention, the readability of the display is enhanced through the use of group separators and/or controlled margins. |
| US08082511B2 |
Active and passive personalization techniques
A method for personalizing content for a particular user in a computing system comprising a user interface configured to display content. The method comprises identifying a long term profile having one or more features in a feature set and a long term level of importance associated with each term in the feature set, identifying a short term profile having one or more features in the feature set and a short term level of importance associated with each term in the feature set, identifying input related to the display of the one or more content items on the user interface, and using the input to modify the short term level of importance and the long term level of importance associated with each term in the feature set to form a modified user interest set. |
| US08082508B2 |
Method and system for obtaining and modifying portlets via an application programming interface
A method and a system for obtaining and modifying a plurality of Web components, such as portlets, via an application programming interface (API) are described. The method includes permitting a portal application to invoke a portlet, wherein the portlet runs inside a portlet container and the portal application runs independently from the portlet container; providing information to the portlet container about the invoked portlet related to a runtime environment of the portal application; and modifying the provided information from the portal application to customize the portlet. The system includes a portal application, a portlet container to permit the portal application to invoke a portlet, the portlet to run inside the portlet container and the portal application to run independently from the portlet container, an interface to provide and modify information about the invoked portlet that is related to a runtime environment of the portal application, and an interface to provide a portlet mode, a window state, and a set of Uniform Resource Locator (URL) parameters to the portal application to create a valid portlet URL. |
| US08082506B1 |
Geographical vulnerability mitigation response mapping system
Systems and methods for geographically mapping a vulnerability of a network having one or more network points include receiving vulnerability information identifying a vulnerability of a point of the network, correlating the vulnerability information with location information for the identified network point, and network identification information for the identified network point, and generating a map displaying a geographical location of the vulnerability. |
| US08082502B2 |
Display control apparatus, recording media, display control method, and display control program
A display control apparatus is provided for controlling displaying of a play list specifying a reproduction sequence of a plurality of pieces of content. The display control apparatus has a play list feature extraction block configured to extract a feature of a play list on the basis of a plurality of content belonging to the play list, a display pattern selection block configured to select a display pattern for displaying the play list on the basis of the feature of the play list, the feature being extracted by the feature extraction block, and a control block configured to execute control such that the play list is displayed on a display block on the basis of the display pattern selected by the display pattern selection block. The novel configuration provides new ways of enjoying content. |
| US08082501B2 |
System and method for enabling users to interact in a virtual space
The present invention provides a highly scalable architecture for a three-dimensional graphical, multi-user, interactive virtual world system. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of users interact in the three-dimensional, computer-generated graphical space where each user executes a client process to view a virtual world from the perspective of that user. The virtual world shows avatars representing the other users who are neighbors of the user viewing the virtual word. In order that the view can be updated to reflect the motion of the remote user's avatars, motion information is transmitted to a central server process which provides positions updates to client processes for neighbors of the user at that client process. The client process also uses an environment database to determine which background objects to render as well as to limit the movement of the user's avatar. |
| US08082498B2 |
Systems and methods for automatic spell checking of dynamically generated web pages
Systems and methods for automatically spell-checking dynamically generated web pages include: generating, by a server responsive to a request from a client, a dynamically generated web page containing at least some text; transmitting, by the server to the client, the dynamic web page; intercepting, by a process, the dynamic web page; identifying, by the process, the at least some text; executing, by the process, a spelling check on the at least some text; and outputting, by the process, at least one word identified by the spelling check as potentially misspelled. |
| US08082497B2 |
System and method for adaptive document layout via manifold content
A user interface for improving document layout on arbitrary devices of different resolutions and size using manifold representations of content. Manifold representations of content are: multiple versions of anything that might appear in a document, from text, to images, to even such things as stylistic conventions. The specific content is selected and formatted dynamically, on the fly, by a layout engine in order to best adapt to a given viewing situation. A user interface for authoring and editing such manifold content is disclosed. |
| US08082492B2 |
Structured-document management apparatus, search apparatus, storage method, search method and program
A structured-document management apparatus includes data storage which stores a plurality of structured document data items each including a plurality of elements, common-structure storage which stores a common structure including a plurality of structures included in the structured document data items, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a new structured document data item, an update unit configured to update the common structure into a new common structure including the structures and a plurality of structures included in the new structured document data item, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a differential structure between the new common structure and a structure of the new structured document data item, differential structure storage which stores the differential structure, and a storing unit configured to store an array of elements of the new structured document data item into the data storage, the array being arranged based on the differential structure. |
| US08082474B2 |
Bit shadowing in a memory system
Shadow selection logic is used to select a driver bit position as a shadowed driver value, and line drivers to transmit data for the selected driver bit position and the shadowed driver value on separate link segments of a bus. In addition, shadow compare logic is used to compare a selected received value with a shadowed received value from the bus and identify a miscompare in response to a mismatch of the compare Shadow counters are used to count a rate of the miscompare relative to a bus error rate over a period of time. A defective link segment is identified in response to the rate of the miscompare within a predefined threshold of the bus error rate. |
| US08082473B2 |
Error handling scheme for time-critical processing environments
As a result of detecting an error, command routing logic for device driver logic is reconfigured so that command processing logic of the device driver is not invoked and to return from commands in a manner indicative of successful completion of command processing. |
| US08082472B2 |
System and method for testing graphics card
A system for testing a video memory reliability of a video card includes an input module, a data read/write module, a data processing module, a data comparison module, and an output module. The input module is capable of activating a testing program which includes an original image file. The data read/write module is capable of writing the original image file in the video memory from the testing program, and reading the image file data stored in the video memory during the writing process for storing the read image file data to form a new image file. The data processing module is capable of calculating hash values of the original and new image files using hash function(s). The data comparison module is capable of comparing hash values, and outputting the comparison result. The output module is capable of indicating whether the video card is normal according to the comparison result. |
| US08082470B2 |
Share resources and increase reliability in a server environment
Methods and systems for a low-cost high density compute environment with increased fail-over support through resource sharing and resources chaining. In one embodiment, one of a number of servers qualified to share resources is elected as a resource server. The shared resource can be firmware memory, hard-drive, co-processor, etc. The elected server responds to requests from individual requesters and provides the responses, such as firmware images. In one embodiment, all the blade servers on a rack use an image server for their firmware image so that these blade servers can automatically adopt a common personality across the entire rack. If the elected image server fails, a dynamic process elects an alternate image server. In one embodiment, among a set of qualified servers, only one is actively elected at a given time. |
| US08082467B2 |
Triggering workaround capabilities based on events active in a processor pipeline
A novel system and method for working around a processing flaw in a processor is disclosed. At least one instruction is fetched from a memory location. The instruction is decoded. A set of opcode compare logic, associated with an instruction decode unit and/or a set of global completion table, is used for an opcode compare operation. The compare operation compares the instruction and a set of values within at least one opcode compare register in response to the decoding. The instruction is marked with a pattern based on the opcode compare operation. The pattern indicates that the instruction is associated with a processing flaw. The pattern is separate and distinct from opcode information within the instruction that is utilized by the set of opcode compare logic during the opcode compare operation. |
| US08082466B2 |
Storage device, and data path failover method of internal network of storage controller
A storage device in which the MR-IOV is applied to an internal network of a storage controller. Data path failover can be executed in the storage device. The internal network of the storage controller is configured to enable the access of a virtual function (VF) “VF 0:0, 1” of each endpoint device (ED0-ED2) from a root port RP0. Likewise, “VF 1:0, 1” of each endpoint device can be accessed from a root port RP1. In a first data path from the RP0 to ED0 in a normal state, “VF 0:0, 1” and “MVF 0, 0” are connected by VF mapping. When a failure occurs on the first data path, the MR-PCIM executes the VF migration, whereby in the second data path from the RP1 to ED0, “VF 1:0, 1” and “MVF 0, 0” are connected by VF mapping. As a result, failover to the second data path is realized. |
| US08082464B2 |
Managing availability of a component having a closed address space
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for managing availability of a component executing in a distributed system. The component may have an address space closed to the distributed system. In one embodiment, the component may be initiated. A state of the component may be analyzed to determine the availability of the component. The determined availability may be transmitted to the distributed system. The component may also be restarted responsive to a request from the distributed system to restart the component. |
| US08082462B1 |
Direct synthesis of audio clock from a video clock via phase interpolation of a dithered pulse
An embodiment of the invention relates to a clock signal generator and a related method to produce a clock signal that is a rational but non-integer submultiple of a reference clock signal by employing a dithered pulse signal and a fractional phase signal. The rational submultiple includes an integer part and a fractional part, the fractional part including a numerator and a denominator. A dithered pulse generator is configured to produce the dithered pulse signal from a count of the reference clock signal that is reset dependent on the integer part, and a fractional phase signal from a count that is incremented by the numerator and that is reset dependent on the denominator. A phase controller is configured to delay the dithered pulse with a delay proportional to the fractional phase to produce the output clock signal. The delay may be calibrated by internal logic. |
| US08082460B2 |
Network-connectable device and method for managing power of the network connectable device using a plurality of power modes
A network-connectable device is configured to communicate with one or more computer-related devices via a network. The network-connectable device includes: a mode selector configured to select a power mode between a first power mode and a second power mode; a power state switching unit operable on the first power mode and configured to: turn on power of the network-connectable device when one of the computer-related devices is connected to the network in a state where no computer-related device has been connected to the network; and shut down the power no computer-related device is connected to the network; and a power state maintaining unit operable on the second power mode and configured to maintain the power of the network connectable device in a same state regardless of whether the computer-related devices are connected to or disconnected from the network. |
| US08082459B2 |
Power management based on policy
A machine's power usage may be managed by a power-management policy. When a program makes a request that involves use of one of the machine's power-consuming devices, the policy may take into account factors such as the program's status, where the status indicates the program's relative level of justification to consume power. A component may intercept a request to use a device before the request reaches the driver, and may deflect requests that, if carried out, are not consistent with power usage policy. Infrastructure supports the use of policies that determine whether a particular device's power state will be changed. |
| US08082456B2 |
Data controlled power supply apparatus
A power supply, and a method of controlling the power supply, in which more or less power capacity of the power supply is activated depending on the state of a digital data signal on a data bus. The power supply has a control circuit which detects the number of “zero” bits present on the data bus, and responsively activates one or more of a plurality of power supply circuits such as charge pump circuits. The outputs of the charge pump circuits are mutually connected to a driver adapted to program memory cells of a flash memory circuit. |
| US08082452B2 |
Protecting sensitive data associations
Sensitive data associations for related data values are protected. A set of related data values is received. The set of related data values include at least a first data value and a second data value. The first data value is associated with a first data field and the second data value is associated to a second data field. First encrypted data is created by encrypting the first data value using a first encryption key and a second encrypted data is created by encrypting the second data value using a second encryption key. The first data value is stored in a first data table, the second data value is stored in a second data table, the first encrypted data is stored in the second table, and the second encrypted data is stored in the first table. |
| US08082449B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program and recording medium
An information processing apparatus including a recording medium setting part in which a recording medium is set is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a validity determination part for determining validity of a program by determining validity of validity determination data, wherein the program and the validity determination data are stored in the recording medium, wherein the validity determination part determines the validity of the validity determination data on the basis of a first comparison between a hash code generated from the program and a hash code obtained by decoding the validity determination data and a second comparison between machine specific data that is specific to the information processing apparatus and machine specific data obtained by decoding the validity determination data. |
| US08082448B2 |
System and method for user authentication using non-language words
A system and method for user authentication include a user instructing component and a voice authentication component. The user instructing component generates an instruction for authenticating a voice of a user. The instruction includes a first instruction to recite one or more non-language words. The voice authentication component analyzes a sound signal which includes a response to the instruction. The voice authentication component can authenticate the voice of the user using the response to the instruction including a response to the first instruction to recite the one or more non-language words. |
| US08082447B2 |
Systems and methods for end-to-end resource reservation authentication
A network device constructs an outgoing resource reservation message and determines an authentication value, using, for example, a cryptographic algorithm and at least a portion of the outgoing message. The network device identifies a destination node for the message and inserts the authentication value in the message. The network device sends the message across a network to the destination node for authentication at the destination node using the authentication value. |
| US08082443B2 |
Pedigrees for quantum cryptography
A system stores pedigrees that include details of how and when each of multiple blocks of encryption key material were distributed between two endpoints using quantum cryptographic techniques. The system receives an indication of a possible quantum cryptographic security violation and accesses the stored pedigrees to identify one or more of the multiple blocks of encryption key material that may have been compromised. |
| US08082442B2 |
Securely sharing applications installed by unprivileged users
In one embodiment of this invention, a computer system performs a method for securely sharing applications installed by unprivileged users. The method involves the computer system receiving a user associated command from a user of the computer system. A previous application installation included installing an application manifest and application data objects in a shared repository and installing a user manifest and user configuration data objects in a private repository for an initial installing user. The computer system verifies that a digital signature of the application manifest corresponds to a public key of a user manifest for the associated user. The computer system verifies that an application identifier of the application manifest matches an application identifier of the user manifest. The computer system verifies that the data objects belong to the software application by comparing the application data objects to one or more data object identifiers in the application manifest. |
| US08082440B2 |
Managed data region for server management
Some aspects include reception of a command from one of a chassis management module and a BIOS specifying a data region to be updated and a locking policy, determination of whether the data region is locked, implementation of the locking policy and returning of a session lock handle if it is determined that the data region is not locked, reception, from the one of the chassis management module and the BIOS, of data for updating the data region, the session lock handle, and an offset, determination that the session lock handle is associated with the data region, writing of the data to the data region at the offset, reception of a request for data of the updated data region from the other one of the chassis management module and the BIOS, determination of whether the updated data region is locked, and if it is determined that the updated data region is not locked, providing of the data of the updated data region to the other one of the chassis management module and the BIOS. |
| US08082435B2 |
Memory device initiate and terminate boot commands
Memory devices and methods facilitate initiation and termination of boot data output from a memory device through the use of received commands. For example, boot data output is initiated in response to a command indicative of a desire to enter a boot mode of operation. The initiate boot command may include a base command and a unique argument indicative of a desire to enter the boot mode of operation. Boot data output may be terminated by a received command indicative of a desire to terminate the boot mode of operation. The terminate boot command may include the same base command as the initiate boot command with any argument other than the argument indicative of a desire to enter the boot mode of operation. |
| US08082434B2 |
System and method for providing a secure computing environment
A system and method for providing a secure computing environment to untrusted computer systems is described. A carrier media and an interface are provided, the interface being connectable to a computer to enable communication between the computer and the carrier media. The carrier media encodes a secure computing environment and a boot system, upon connection of the system via the interface to a computer system and booting of the computer system, the boot system is operative to take over the boot process of the computer system and to authenticate the user, wherein upon successful authentication, the boot system is arranged to load the secure computing environment on the computer system, the secure computing environment being configured to prevent predetermined interaction from outside the secure computing environment when it is running. |
| US08082430B2 |
Representing a plurality of instructions with a fewer number of micro-operations
A micro-operation (uop) fusion technique. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a technique to fuse two or more uops originating from two or more instructions. |
| US08082428B2 |
Methods and system for resolving simultaneous predicted branch instructions
A method of resolving simultaneous branch predictions prior to validation of the predicted branch instruction is disclosed. The method includes processing two or more predicted branch instructions, with each predicted branch instruction having a predicted state and a corrected state. The method further includes selecting one of the corrected states. Should one of the predicted branch instructions be mispredicted, the selected corrected state is used to direct future instruction fetches. |
| US08082427B1 |
Multithread handling
A system, apparatus and method for multithread handling on a multithread processing device are described herein. Embodiments of the present invention provide a multithread processing device for multithread handling including a plurality of registers operatively coupled to an instruction dispatch block, including thread-control registers for selectively disabling threads. In various embodiments, the multithread processing device may include a thread-operation register for selectively providing a lock to a first thread to prevent a second thread from disabling the first thread while the first thread has the lock. In still further embodiments, the multithread processing device may be configured to atomically disable and release a lock held by a thread. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08082426B2 |
Support of a plurality of graphic processing units
Included are systems and methods for supporting a plurality of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). At least one embodiment of a system includes a context status register configured to send data related to a status of at least one context and a context switch configuration register configured to send instructions related to at least one event for the at least one context. At least one embodiment of a system includes a context status management component coupled to the context status register and the context switch configuration register. |
| US08082425B2 |
Reliable execution using compare and transfer instruction on an SMT machine
A system and method for efficient reliable execution on a simultaneous multithreading machine. A processor is placed in a reliable execution mode (REM) to detect possible errors during execution of a software application. Only two threads may be configured to operate in this mode. Floating-point store and integer-transfer unary instructions may be converted to new instructions. Each new instruction has two source operands, each corresponding to a different thread is specified by a same logical register number as a single source operand of the original unary instruction. All other instructions are replicated, wherein the original instruction and its twin are assigned to different threads. Simultaneous multi-threaded (SMT) floating-point logic may only be able to provide lockstep execution when it communicates using the new instruction with instantiated integer independent clusters. The new instruction cannot begin until both source operands are ready, which are subsequently compared to determine any mismatches or errors. |
| US08082422B2 |
Pipelined processing
The invention includes receiving a first instruction in an in-order execution processing pipeline; starting execution of the first instruction; determining a first set of internal operation bits indicating a prospective value of control bits upon complete execution of the first instruction; determining whether the first instruction is a committed instruction; receiving a second instruction in the in-order execution processing pipeline before execution of the first instruction completes; determining a second set of internal operation bits based on: a) the first set of internal operation bits if the first instruction is a committed instruction; or b) a set of internal operation bits of a last committed instruction if the first instruction is not a committed instruction; and starting execution of the second instruction in the in-order execution processing pipeline before execution of the first instruction completes using the second internal operation bits. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08082417B2 |
Method for reducing pin counts and microprocessor using the same
The present invention relates to a microprocessor with reduced pin counts. The microprocessor transmits a higher bit address, a lower bit address and data via a common port so that a pin for transmitting the higher bit address is omitted. In an embodiment of the present invention, a new higher bit address latching signal is added in order to latch the higher bit address so that an original lower bit address latching signal and the higher bit address latching signal can respectively latch the lower bit address and the higher bit address. |
| US08082416B2 |
Systems and methods for utilizing an extended translation look-aside buffer having a hybrid memory structure
Extended translation look-aside buffers (eTLB) for converting virtual addresses into physical addresses are presented, the eTLB including, a physical memory address storage having a number of physical addresses, a virtual memory address storage configured to store a number of virtual memory addresses corresponding with the physical addresses, the virtual memory address storage including, a set associative memory structure (SAM), and a content addressable memory (CAM) structure; and comparison circuitry for determining whether a requested address is present in the virtual memory address storage, wherein the eTLB is configured to receive an index register for identifying the SAM structure and the CAM structure, and wherein the eTLB is configured to receive an entry register for providing a virtual page number corresponding with the plurality of virtual memory addresses. |
| US08082415B2 |
Estimating the size of an in-memory cache
This Sampling Object Cache System (“SOCS”) estimates the size of an in-memory heap-based object cache without the need to serialize every object within the cache. SOCS samples objects at a user-determined rate and then computes a “sample size average” for each type of class—whether a top class, type of top class or non top class. Using these sample size averages, a statistically accurate measure of the overall size of the cache is calculated by adding together the total size of the objects in the cache for each class type. |
| US08082413B2 |
Detection circuit for mixed asynchronous and synchronous memory operation
A memory access mode detection circuit and method for detecting and initiating memory access modes for a memory device. The memory access mode detection circuit receives the memory address signals, the control signals, and the clock signal and generates a first mode detection signal in response to receipt of the memory address signals or a first combination of control signals. An first mode initiation signal is generated a time delay subsequent to the detection signal to initiate the first mode memory access operation. In response to receipt of a second combination of control signals and an active clock signal, the memory access mode detection circuit further generates a second mode detection signal to initiate a second mode memory access operation and to suppress generation of the first mode detection signal, thereby canceling the first mode memory access operation. |
| US08082412B2 |
Method and apparatus for an improved file repository
A method and apparatus for of storing data comprising monitoring a plurality of storage units within a mass storage area and detecting when a storage unit within the mass storage area is overloaded. The method further comprising randomly distributing the data on the overloaded storage unit to the other storage units within the mass storage area. |
| US08082411B1 |
Method and system for logical unit substitution
Techniques introduced here swap logical unit meta-data of a logical unit without offlining the logical unit. In accordance with the techniques, a connection between a network storage controller and a host for the logical unit is maintained while meta-data of the logical unit are swapped with another logical unit available to the network storage controller. The swapping substitutes one logical unit for another without disconnecting the host. Advantageously, the host is not required to perform operations to re-establish a connection. Various software and hardware units can implement the techniques described herein. |
| US08082410B2 |
Address exclusive control system and address exclusive control method
An address lock register managing address exclusive control is made to retain not only an address but also a request type, an access destination, and a cache block. Upon receiving a new request, firstly, the address lock register is referred to judge whether an exclusive condition is satisfied, that is, whether an address match, CPU match, LINE match or SX-WAY match is present, and whether the address lock is busy in accordance with the output of an AND circuit. Further, the configuration is such that the address lock register is referred to confirm that the addresses are identical to each other, and, additionally, the response source is validated to be identical to a lock flag and the new request causing the lock is validated to be consistent with the response request upon receiving a response request so that the lock is not released unless a correct response is made. |
| US08082403B1 |
Method for certifying erasure of one or more data storage disk drives
A method for certifying data storage disk drive erasure including a server with a software program for erasing the disks, a step of inserting the disk drive to be erased, erasing it, and creating a printable file usable for certifying the erasure. |
| US08082401B2 |
Self-timing for a multi-ported memory system
Multi-ported memory systems (e.g., register files) employ self-timing for operational synchronization. Thus, rather than using a reference clock duty cycle for operational synchronization, as in conventional multi-ported register files, embodiments of the present disclosure employ self-timing for such operational synchronization. According to certain embodiments, self-timing is employed to synchronize all the internal events within the memory so that all the events are spaced in time for appropriate synchronization. For instance, the completion of one event leads to triggering another event, the completion of which leads to triggering another event, and so on. Thus, in one embodiment, the self-timing is achieved by referencing the operational events with the memory (or register file) to each other, rather than to a reference clock duty cycle. |
| US08082398B2 |
Data prefetching using indirect addressing
There is a need for providing a data processor capable of easily prefetching data from a wide range. A central processing unit is capable of performing a specified instruction that adds an offset to a value of a register to generate an effective address for data. This register can be assigned an intended value in accordance with execution of an instruction. A buffer maintains part of instruction streams and data streams stored in memory. The buffer includes cache memories for storing the instruction stream and the data stream. From the memory, the buffer prefetches a data stream containing data corresponding to an effective address designated by the specified instruction stored in the cache memory. A data prefetch operation is easy because a data stream is prefetched by finding the specified instruction from the fetched instruction stream. Data can be prefetched from a wider range than the use of a PC-relative load instruction. |
| US08082392B2 |
Managing storage array operations that cause loss of access to mirrored data
Storage array operations, such as code downloads and other operations of the type that cause loss of access to portions of the storage array, are managed in a manner that preserves access to other portions of the storage array so that other storage array operations, such as data synchronization, can continue. |
| US08082388B2 |
Optimizing operational requests of logical volumes
A method, system, apparatus and computer program product for determining an optimal file operational time in a data storage system for use with a tape media storing data in a serpentine pattern on tape media is provided. The operational time is optimized based on a “sequence on tape” algorithm, a “minimum reversal of direction on tape” algorithm, or a “minimum delay to next data” algorithm. A model is used to determine the predicted performance of each of the algorithms, and the algorithm that provides the minimum overall operational time is chosen and applied for carrying out an operational process on the tape media. |
| US08082385B2 |
Systematic memory shift for pre-segmented memory
A method of extending the life of a segmented memory device, consistent with certain embodiments involves providing a segmented memory device having a plurality of user defined segments with each segment having a starting and an ending address, and wherein the size and number of the segments is user defined; determining that a threshold number of write operations has been reached by reference to a write counter; copying data from a specified one of the segments to a temporary storage location; shifting the starting and ending address of each segment by a specified address increment; moving data stored in each segment except the specified segment by the specified address increment such that all data in the memory device has been shifted by the specified increment except for the data in the specified one of the segments, wherein data at a last segment is fragmented to wrap from an end of the memory device's addressable locations to a beginning of the memory device's addressable locations; copying the data from the specified one of the segments from the temporary storage location to a location shifted by the shift increment; and redefining the segments so that the user definitions remain applicable to the size and number of segments defined by the user, but with the addresses shifted by the specified increment. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08082384B2 |
Booting an electronic device using flash memory and a limited function memory controller
A BIOS may provide bad block and wear-leveling services to a flash memory during a boot cycle until a full-functioned memory controller, such as a software memory controller, is available. After the full-functioned memory controller is available, the controller may use data passed by the BIOS to determine what, if any, steps to take to account for write activity during the boot process. Alternatively, the BIOS may use a reserved portion of flash memory so that wear leveling for boot-related data, such as a shut-down flag, is not needed. |
| US08082380B2 |
Method for optimizing of communication signal
A transceiver that reduces power consumption when data is transferred between devices in different modes. The transceiver is arranged in a first node and in a second node, which communicate between each other. A first control unit generates a first signal transmitted from the first node in predetermined time intervals during a first period that establishes an environment for communication between the first node and the second node. The second node transmits a second signal transmitted in response to the first signal. The first control unit generates a third signal upon detection of the second signal. A second control unit gradually decreases amplitude of the first signal based on the third signal to set the amplitude of the first signal to a predetermined amplitude so that the second node is receivable of the first signal. |
| US08082378B1 |
Master and slave side arbitrators associated with programmable chip system components
Methods and apparatus are provided for providing a first master component with access to a first slave component while a second master component is accessing a second slave component in a system. The system may include a processor core and peripherals implemented on an integrated circuit. A slave side arbitrator corresponding to a single slave component and coupled to multiple master components can be used to provide a master component access to a slave component. |
| US08082375B2 |
Noise-tolerant data communication system
This invention offers a data communication system that can perform data communication and detection of a data read-in request signal while reducing the number of communication lines to three, and is tolerant of noise. The data communication between a microcomputer and a key scan IC and the detection of the data read-in request signal are performed through a control line, a clock line and a data line. The data communication system is provided with a data line control circuit that controls the data line so that outputting of the data read-in signal RDRQ to the data line is disabled when first command data is inputted to the key scan IC through the data line, and that the outputting of the data read-in request signal RDRQ to the data line is enabled when second command data is inputted from the microcomputer to the key scan IC through the data line. |
| US08082371B2 |
Method and circuit arrangement for the monitoring and management of data traffic in a communication system with several communication nodes
The invention describes a method for the monitoring and management of data traffic in a communication system with several communication nodes which communicate via interfaces monitored by a bus monitor, comprising the following steps: a) provision of a predefined communication time schedule for all communication nodes, b) initialization of the bus monitor, c) synchronization of the communication time schedule of the bus monitor with the predefined communication time schedule executed by the communication nodes in a distributed arrangement, the synchronization taking place on the basis of activities observed at the interfaces, d) monitoring of the activities of the communication nodes by the bus monitor, e) comparison of the activities with the predefined communication time schedule, and f) deactivation of the interface for any communication node for which an activity not compatible with the predefined communication time schedule has been detected. A circuit arrangement and its use are also described. |
| US08082368B2 |
Display device for indicating connection statuses of a communication channel provided between two systems and method thereof
A display device for indicating connection statuses of a communication channel between two systems is disclosed, the communication channel having a plurality of communication links. The display device comprises a detecting circuit coupled to the communication channel for detecting a plurality of link statuses of the communication links; an indicator controller coupled to the detecting circuit for determining the connection statuses of the communication channel according to the link statuses; and an LED indicator coupled to the indicator controller for displaying in a plurality of statuses according to the connection statuses from the indicator controller; wherein the connection statuses comprise a first connection status indicating that all the link statuses are “ON”, a second connection status indicating that all the link statuses are “OFF”, and a third connection status indicating that at least one of the link statuses is “ON” and at least one of the link statuses is “OFF”. |
| US08082367B2 |
Differential time synchronization of intelligent electronic devices
In a utility monitoring system, a network of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), including a master IED that receives master clock information from a global positioning system, includes a differential time synchronization (DTS) algorithm for automatically adjusting the corresponding clocks of each of the IEDs to be synchronized with the master clock information. A controller coupled to the network communicates instructions to the IEDs to collect frequency variation data. A known data alignment algorithm determines a point of alignment between two sets of frequency variation data, and the controller determines based on the data alignment algorithm output a time differential representing a time offset between the IED's clock and the master clock information. The time differential is communicated to the target IED, which advances or retards its clock based on the time differential. |
| US08082365B1 |
Method of using whole digital code to assign address for computer
This invention relates to a method for assigning addresses to online computers by using full digital code. The method constitutes using a full digital coding address (“FDCA”), which is the combination of an online number, telephone number and category number. An E-mail box address, which is composed of a user name digital number and a domain name digital number of the mailbox server where the mailbox is located, can also be assigned using the FDCA. The E-mail box can be accessed, or the Internet can be browsed, by inputting to the modem of the computer by dialing up a keyboard of a dial-up telephone or the keyboard of the computer; by linking the corresponding digital code; and by converting the digital code with dedicated software. The method is easy to remember and administer, and the assigned addresses are unique. |
| US08082356B2 |
Synchronizing buffer map offset in peer-to-peer live media streaming systems
A method performed by a new joining peer device in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network comprises receiving a plurality of buffer maps, each of the received buffer maps associated with a respective other peer device in the P2P network. The method also includes discerning playback positions associated with the received buffer maps, generating a starting offset for the new joining peer using one or more of the discerned playback positions. Requests for portions of a media stream are scheduled in accordance with the starting offset, and the scheduler will build a buffer map from this offset and begin to request the media buffer. |
| US08082355B1 |
Internet multimedia advertisement insertion architecture
An architecture for inserting listener targeted advertisements into Internet retransmission of terrestrial radio broadcasts is provided. An Internet server provides aggregation of a plurality of radio broadcast programming for dissemination over the Internet to a plurality of listeners/users. Each Internet provided radio broadcast includes advertisements targeted for each individual listener/user based on a demographics profile. The demographics profile for each listener/user provides a basis for the targeted advertisements. A readily scaleable architecture is capable of supporting rapid growth in listeners/users. Scheduling data is used to predict and prestage advertising content. Timestamping of the radio broadcast aids in calculating where in the broadcast data sequence to pick up after an advertisement. Scalability is preferably achieved by a multiplexer in order to support large numbers of listener connections for streaming audio. |
| US08082354B2 |
Method of notifying a communications device
In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of notifying a communications device in a network includes sending an http push request from a communications device through a network to a computing device, wherein the http push request having a first lifespan. The method also includes receiving a timeout error from the network and sending a second http push request from the communications device through the network to the computing device. The second http push request is of a second lifespan, which is less than the first lifespan. |
| US08082351B1 |
Software load balancing for session requests that maintain state information
Software load balancing is provided. In some embodiments, software load balancing includes receiving a session request from a client for a session between the client and a service associated with a set of servers, in which the set of servers includes a plurality of servers including a first server and a second server; designating the first server for the session request; sending an indication of the first server to the client in response to the session request, in which the client can communicate directly with the first server; receiving a resume session request from the client to resume the session between the client and the service associated with the set of servers; designating the second server for the resume session request; and sending a set of state information associated with the session to the second server, in which the client can communicate directly with the second server. |
| US08082350B2 |
DRM interoperable system
A DRM interoperable system is provided. The DRM interoperable system includes: a domain manager which manages a domain; first and second devices which are authenticated by the domain manager and registered in the domain; and a control unit which gathers information on entities that are to participate in transmission of data when the first device requests the second device to transmit the data, controls at least two entities so that a chain including the at least two entities is constructed by using the gathered information on the entities, and controls the at least two entities so that a plurality of data is transmitted to the second device through the chain. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a DRM interoperable environment in which data can be effectively transmitted. |
| US08082347B2 |
Providing probe signals from a node to a centralized controller
Providing probe signals from a node includes receiving at the node an instruction to send the probe signals over channels, where the instruction comprises probe parameter values describing deployment of the probe signals. The node sends the probe signals to a controller through access points. Each access point is associated with one or more channels. The controller is operable to assign an access point to the node in accordance with an analysis of the probe signals. |
| US08082346B2 |
Service providing system cooperative with VoIP and web environments and a method therefor
A communication system achieving the cooperation of communications between a SIP and a Web system through a cooperative manager. A call attempt manager of the SIP system is booted, responsive to a request from another call attempt manager, and a call attempt is registered in a SIP database. A result of the registration is sent to the Web system for display on a Web client. A task is entered and registered in a Web database. A connection or monitoring service is provided between SIP clients interconnected to the SIP system. |
| US08082345B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for communications circuit design
A method of designing a network circuit for a telecommunications network is disclosed. The method includes storing first model data in a database representing a first model of the telecommunications network. Second model data is received representing a second model of the telecommunications network. The second model data defines node groups, each representing a plurality of network nodes of the first network model, and interconnections between node groups, each representing connectivity between node groups in the first network model. The method involves searching the second model data to select a route from a start node group to an end node group, the route specifying a plurality of node groups connected by interconnections in the second network model; and searching the first model data to select a circuit from a node of the start node group to a node of the end node group. |
| US08082344B2 |
Transaction manager virtualization
A transaction manager virtualization layer is provided for supporting multiple active transaction managers in a cluster or node. By virtualizing the transaction managers, applications and services are enabled to migrate across cluster nodes or even outside a cluster that includes relevant recovery mechanisms for transactions that are not completed at the time of migration. Multiple implementations of a transaction manager may be enabled to run side-by-side in a node or cluster allowing a rolling upgrade of transaction managers in clusters. |
| US08082341B2 |
ActiveX detection and handling in mozilla-based browsers
A system and method is disclosed that allows ActiveX functionality to be conditionally invoked by a non-ActiveX-enabled browser, such as those based on Mozilla technology, through the implementation of user-defined controls to mitigate system security vulnerability. ActiveX controls can be identified from within a Mozilla-based browser and the user can be presented with a choice of actions instead of ActiveX controls being automatically downloaded and activated by a browser extension such as E View. By referencing one or more user-definable lists containing domains, URLs, and ActiveX controls along with their respective attributes the method of the invention allows a user to specify the preferred behavior of a non-IE browser when attempting to render Web pages containing ActiveX controls. |
| US08082339B2 |
Electronic device network having graceful denial of service
Disclosed herein is an electronic device network adapted to provide graceful management and graceful denial of service when incoming service requests are unable to be processed immediately. When an attempt is made to process an incoming request, upon determining that all device servers are busy, unavailable, or overloaded, the incoming request may be rescheduled. Thereafter, an appropriate message(s) and alternate request schedule(s) may be communicated to the electronic device. Upon determining that one of the device servers is available to manage an incoming request, the request may be handed over to the device server for processing and delivery. A request that has been denied service/access and rescheduled may be gracefully managed by recognizing that the request has been rescheduled and processing the rescheduled request with higher priority. |
| US08082336B1 |
Decoupled terminal server
Power agent control instructions based on one or more power agent device types and control environment instructions associated with a terminal server can be executed to instantiate a terminal server control environment in which the power agent control instructions are executed. |
| US08082334B1 |
Providing direct access to managed content
A method for providing direct access to managed content is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request to perform an operation with respect to content associated with a set of managed content and obtaining information required to respond to the request. The method further comprises providing in response to the request a content locator usable to perform the requested operation through direct communication with a content system. |
| US08082333B2 |
DHCP proxy for static host
A DHCP proxy agent is provided to send on behalf of a static host a DHCP request so that an access layer security feature such as DHCP snooping/IPSG can be applied to the static host and/or in a mixed static IP and DHCP environment. |
| US08082332B2 |
Cookie management systems and methods
A cookie management system serves as a central storage location for information and other data on users. A user's machine contains a cookie having a key and the cookie management system associates user information with this key. Upon receiving a request from a user, a web site retrieves the key from the user's machine and queries the cookie management system for the user information. The cookie management system retrieves the data associated with the key and returns the user information to the site. The sites therefore do not need to store information on all users nor do they need to place their own cookies on the user's machine. If sites obtain more data about a user during an interaction, the sites send this data to the cookie management system which updates its database. The user's machine may contain multiple cookies that correspond to different people and the site can prompt the user to select the appropriate one. The cookies may correspond to the same user and specify different amounts or categories of information. The user may supply a password to enable sites to access their data from the cookie management system. |
| US08082319B2 |
Publishing and subscribing to digital image feeds
Techniques are provided for publishing digital image feeds, where the feeds are automatically created and uploaded to a server along with the images described in the feed, along with techniques for subscribing to digital image feeds, where the feed is downloaded and the images described therein are automatically downloaded and organized. The feeds may be subscribed to and automatically updated. |
| US08082314B2 |
Portal for distributing business and product information
A portal for transferring information between a master serer and a third-party client using a transportable replicating server is provided. The portal may be particularly useful for and may provide a significant cost advantage and benefit when access to front and back-office servers is limited or not accessible. The master server may replicate information (e.g., applications and data) from the front and back-office servers to the replicating server. After replication, the replicating server appears to the third-party clients as the front and back-office servers, containing the functionality and data to facilitate front and back-office operations. Being transportable, the replicating server can move from a first location at which the replicating server can communicate with the master server to a second location at which the replicating server can communicate with the third-party clients. At the second location, the information on the replicating server may be communicated to the third party devices. |
| US08082305B2 |
Saving un-viewed instant messages
Included is a method for saving instant messages. Embodiments of the method include receiving a message from a sender, wherein the message is configured for delivery to a recipient. Embodiments of the method also include determining whether the recipient has viewed the message, and in response to determining that the recipient has not viewed the message, storing the message for subsequent delivery. |
| US08082300B2 |
Web based extranet architecture providing applications to non-related subscribers
An extranet includes a network which couples a plurality of non-related participants and a server coupled to the network. The server stores a plurality of applications including workgroup applicants, transaction applications, security applications and transport circuits and equipment. The server is programmed to load particular ones of the plurality of applications onto the network for use by the plurality of participants in response to a request by one of the participants for a particular application. |
| US08082297B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing communication between participants in a virtual environment
A method and apparatus for managing communication between participants in a virtual environment enables the participants to elect to automatically connect with each other via a preferred communication mechanism, manually connect with each other, or choose not to connect with each other. The connection may be point-to-point between two participants or may include multiple participants. Establishment of a connection, or the ability to establish a connection, may be based on the proximity of the participants, or the Avatars representing the participants, in the virtual environment. Once the connection is established, the connection may be managed so that the connection is maintained while the Avatars remain proximate each other and is automatically severed once the Avatars move away from each other. Environmental noise and other audio aspects may be included in the connection to simulate a real-world conversation. |
| US08082288B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining notable content on web sites using collected comments
A computerized method for gauging the importance of web content and presenting selected content to a user is described. Comments that have been posted by a user to a first comment-enabled entry in a web site are collected. The collected comments of the user are analyzed to gauge sentiment of the user towards the first entry and on that basis it is decided whether or not to include the first entry as part of notable web content. The notable web content is then presented to a user. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08082286B1 |
Method and system for soft-weighting a reiterative adaptive signal processor
This invention is an improvement upon the basic adaptive signal processors, the Multi-Stage Wiener Filter and the cascaded canceller. The invention combines the concepts of soft weighting the adaptive weights of either type of processor disclosed herein with reiteratively processing the outputs by returning them to the input of the chosen adaptive signal processor. The combination of these functions improves the Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), the Probability of Detection (Pd), and/or the Bit Error Rate (BER). The invention improves statistical convergence of these types of metrics such that fewer training data samples are needed to achieve a particular satisfactory value of these metrics than would occur using traditional computational adaptive signal processors. |
| US08082285B2 |
Digital sine wave generator
In accordance with described exemplary embodiments, correction is inserted into the feedback loop of a second order resonator used at the time of frequency transition. The correction is based upon parameters generated from a desired output signal frequency and a desired sampling frequency. The correction is generated to maintain i) constant amplitude, ii) continuous phase, and iii) the same sampling frequency during the frequency transition. |
| US08082281B2 |
Notification system and method
A dispatching system adjusts resources to meet real-time changes in demand. When a customer requests service, a work assignment is generated and sent to an employee. When a customer cancels the requested service, a cancellation code is sent to the employee. The cancellation code informs the employee that the work assignment has been canceled. |
| US08082278B2 |
Generating query suggestions from semantic relationships in content
A method for suggesting related queries to a user query using semantic relationships that are present in informational content stored in public domains. Semantic relationships between named entities are discovered and the named entities are extracted. The entities are indexed according to the relationships. When a user query is received that includes one of the entities, query suggestions are returned to the user based on indexed relationships corresponding to the entity named in the user query. |
| US08082272B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for managing information in a computer network
A server receives and stores a contributor's content for redistribution of the content via a distributor's web site. From the distributor, the server receives and stores a specification relating to the content and the manner in which a portion of the content is to be displayed. In accordance with the specification, the server outputs the portion of the content to the distributor. |
| US08082268B2 |
Multimedia inspection database system (MIDAS) for dynamic run-time data evaluation
An object-oriented system provides a comprehensive and integrated tool to manage, operate, analyze and inspect structures by providing 3-D visualization of the structures, a database interface, connectivity with one or more databases, a data display and analysis capabilities. The structural model is stored as an object-oriented, serialized file as a series of objects, including primitives, coordinates, object names, group names and other object identifiers. The system integrates various types of data, including tabulated textual data, annotated engineering drawings, photographic records, graphical plots, audio and videotaped records, from different tables and databases. Data are displayed to the user based on queries that the user submits to the system, which queries are evaluated at run-time. As a result, the user achieves unparalleled flexibility in data analysis and evaluation. |
| US08082263B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for multimedia model retrieval
A method, apparatus and system for multimedia model retrieval are provided. The method includes: obtaining parameters of a multimedia model to be retrieved; performing a projection on the multimedia model according to the parameters of the multimedia model so as to obtain a projection image; performing a feature extraction on the projection image; matching a feature extraction result with stored model multimedia file information to obtain a retrieval result; training a support vector machine (SVM) with the multimedia model labeled by a user upon the retrieval result as a training sample set, performing a probability-based classification on the multimedia model by the SVM, and updating the retrieval result with a classification result. The system of the present invention illustrated by embodiments achieves favorable applicability and robustness, so that users may perform a rapid and precise retrieval on massive model data in these fields. |
| US08082258B2 |
Updating an inverted index in a real time fashion
Systems and methods for regularly updating portions of a merged index are provided. Initially, upon receiving an indication that modifications have occurred to content of web-based documents, dynamic update of index (DUI) objects that identify the documents and expose the modified content are composed by ascertaining relative positions of the modified content within the documents, and packaging identifiers of the documents, the relative positions, and metadata underlying the modified content into a message. The DUI objects are applied to an overloading index that maintains structured records of recent modifications. In particular, portions of the overloading index are targeted utilizing the document identifiers and the relative positions specified by the DUI object, thereby updating the targeted portions within the overloading index corresponding to the modified content without rewriting the entire overloading index. Periodically, an association process is invoked for grouping the merged index with the overloading index for search purposes. |
| US08082257B2 |
Recording and reproducing apparatus
A data processing apparatus includes a management file creating portion for creating a first management file for managing reading of an information data file recorded on a recording medium and a second management file for managing a predetermined function related to data recorded on the recording medium, a designation portion for designating a function associated with the recording medium, and a control portion for performing the function designated by the designation portion based on the first management file and the second management file created by the management file creating portion. |
| US08082256B2 |
User terminal and content searching and presentation method
A content searching and presentation method in a terminal of an original user having a playlist includes the steps of accessing a playlist of a different user from the terminal and obtaining the playlist of the different user; computing a similarity between the obtained playlist of the different user and the playlist of the original user, which is a playlist owned by the terminal, in accordance with a predetermined computation equation; and presenting, as a searched result, content that is contained in the playlist of the different user and that is not contained in the playlist owned by the terminal when the computed similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08082252B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for searching files on a network
A system, method, and computer program product for accessing web pages on a network are provided. In use, different users are provided access to a plurality of sections of a created file based on a value for at least one dimension assigned to each section of the created file. In particular, a user is conditionally provided access to a section of a created file, based on a comparison of a user value indicating a community with which the user is associated to the value for the at least one dimension assigned to the section of the created file. |
| US08082250B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for locating network files
A system, method, and computer program product for accessing web pages on a network are provided. In use, different users are provided access to a plurality of sections of a file selected by the different users based on a community value for at least one community dimension assigned to each section of the file selected by the different users. In particular, a user is conditionally provided access to a section of a file selected by the user, based on a comparison of a user value indicating a community with which the user is associated to the community value for the at least one community dimension assigned to the section of the file selected by the user. |
| US08082248B2 |
Method and system for document classification based on document structure and written style
A classification method and system for documents containing text sentences and images having meta-data. The classification method and system categorizes document sentences into subjective and non-subjective sentences and categorizes document images into descriptive and non-descriptive. The categorization is further used to calculate subjectivity and descriptive-images classification of a document. This classification system can be used by a web search engine to filter, sort or tag a set of document references based on user selection. |
| US08082246B2 |
System and method for ranking search results using click distance
Search results of a search query on a network are ranked according to an additional click distance property associated with each of the documents on the network. The click distance is measurement of the number clicks or user navigations from a page or pages on the network designated as highest authority or root pages on the network. The precision of the results is increased by the addition of the click distance term when the site or intranet where the search query takes place is hierarchically structured. |
| US08082244B2 |
Systems and methods for determining document freshness
A system determines a freshness of a first document. The system determines whether a freshness attribute is associated with the first document. The system identifies, based on the determination, a set of second documents that each contain a link to the first document. The system assigns a freshness score to the first document based on a freshness attribute associated with each document of the set of second documents or the freshness attribute associated with the first document. |
| US08082243B2 |
Semantic discovery and mapping between data sources
In one aspect, semantics and relationships and mappings are identified between a first and a second data source. Data between the first and second data source is compared. A binding condition is discovered between portions of data in the first and the second data source based upon the comparison, wherein the binding condition identifies data within the first and second data sources that map to each other. The binding condition is used to discover correlations between portions of data in the first and the second data source, wherein the correlations identify data in the first data source that correspond to values in the second data source. The binding condition and the correlations are used to discover a transformation function between portions of data in the first and the second data source, wherein the transformation function generates data in the second data source data in the first data source. |
| US08082240B2 |
System for retrieving information units
A system for retrieving information units from a data structure. The system includes a search engine and an on-screen user interface. The data structure includes a dictionary file having keywords related to each other by a hierarchy, wherein each information unit is associated with a keyword. The user interface provides a text input zone to define a search and a user control to order the search engine to perform the search depending on the contents of the text input zone. The user interface also provides a first on-screen list display zone for showing results of the search performed by the search engine and a second list display zone for showing the results from the hierarchy related to the results shown in the first display zone. |
| US08082238B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing software copyright years in a multiple platform electronic reprographics system
The invention relates to a multiple platform architecture data reporting system for managing attribute data. The system comprises: a system manager for collecting attribute data from multiple platforms and a user interface connected to the system manager for displaying the collected attribute data to a user. Also disclosed is a method for managing attribute data in a multiple platform architecture comprising the steps of polling at least two platforms for attribute data, collecting the attribute data from the at least two platforms in response to the step of polling, and then displaying the collected attribute data on a user display. |
| US08082235B1 |
Self healing system for inaccurate metadata
Based on a probability of summary metadata associated with an entity of a media hosting service being inaccurate, a determination is made as to whether to verify the accuracy of the summary metadata. In response to determining to verify the accuracy of the summary metadata, a determination is made as to whether the summary metadata is inaccurate with respect to master metadata associated with the entity of the media hosting service. The summary metadata is updated with a correct value determined from the master metadata, in response to determining the summary metadata is inaccurate. |
| US08082230B1 |
System and method for mounting a file system on multiple host computers
Various embodiments of a system and method for enabling multiple computers to mount a file system are described herein. The file system may be mounted on one computer, and a snapshot copy of the file system may be created and mounted on a second computer. Data for a particular file in the file system may be stored at particular storage locations on a storage device. In response to a read request to access data for the particular file through the file system, the data stored at the particular storage locations may be read and returned. Similarly, in response to a read request to access data for the particular file through the snapshot copy of the file system, the data stored at the particular storage locations may be read and returned. |
| US08082228B2 |
Remote office duplication
Remote office deduplication comprises calculating one or more fingerprints of one or more data blocks, sending the one or more fingerprints to one or more backup servers via a network interface, receiving from the one or more backup servers an indication of which one or more data blocks corresponding to the one or more fingerprints should be sent to the one or more backup servers, and if the indication indicates one or more data blocks to be sent to the one or more backup servers, sending the one or more data blocks to the one or more backup servers via the network interface. |
| US08082227B2 |
Session sensitive data backups and restores
Techniques for the session sensitive data backups and restores are presented. Data having a plurality of hard linked file references are backed up and restored once during a backup operation. Any modifications to the backed up data are noted as session-specific versions and also backed up once. The hard linked file references are maintained in a data structure and managed during backups to define associations to the backed up data and to the session-specific versions of the data. The data structure is also used during restores to re-establish desired hard linked file reference associations to either the backed up data or to a particular session-specific versions of the data. |
| US08082226B2 |
Using user context information to select media files for a user in a distributed multi-user digital media system
In a distributed or multi-user system, it is possible for a user to try to access a media file that is not optimal for the user's purposes. In other words, the best quality version of some source material might not be the most optimal version for all users. For example, some users might use less network bandwidth if they used lower resolution video data. User context information is used to limit which versions of a source may be provided to a user that requests the source. The system interprets the user context information to provide the best quality version of the source for the user's purposes. Example user context information may include a specified working resolution and/or a specified target resolution for the user. The context information may be specified for the user or may be specified for a group of users, location of the user or other characteristic related to the user, from which the user in turn inherits the context information. User context information may include an identifier of an application being used by an individual. The user context information also may indicate whether the user may receive media files with data at resolutions higher than or lower than the specified resolutions. |
| US08082222B2 |
CMDB federation method and management system
This disclosure relates generally to the field of Configuration Management Databases (CMDBs). One embodiment of a user interface embodying the present invention is an extension of the process for creating CMDB classes and is therefore readily available for use by someone with knowledge of CMDB administration. The CMDB administrator is thus relieved from having to understand in detail the technologies and interfaces used by the Management Data Repository (MDR) sources. The result of setting up a relation from a CMDB data structure to an MDR data structure by a CMDB administrator may be represented by one or more new CMDB class(es) for the MDR data. The related MDR may then be accessed by an existing CMDB application using already existing CMDB interfaces. The instances of the new relationships and classes thus appear as if they were native instances stored in the CMDB. |
| US08082221B2 |
Conditional purchase offer management system
A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO is a binding offer containing one or more conditions submitted by a customer for purchase of an item, such as airline travel, at a customer-defined price. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers. |
| US08082215B2 |
Acquisition and particular association of inference data indicative of inferred mental states of authoring users
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: acquiring a first inference data indicative of an inferred mental state of a first authoring user in connection with a particular item of an electronic message, acquiring a second inference data indicative of an inferred mental state of a second authoring user in connection with the particular item of the electronic message; and associating the first inference data and the second inference data with the particular item. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08082210B2 |
Authentication for online money transfers
According to the invention, a method for processing a transaction where the transaction is initiated by a payor online, but paid to a payee in-person, is disclosed. In one step, payor information is accepted at a location that located across a wide area network from the payor. Transaction information and payment source information is also accepted at the location. The transaction information includes an amount and a payee identifier and the payment source information includes account details associated with an account of the payor at a money handler. A risk related to a likelihood that the transaction will complete successfully is evaluated. Validating that the payment source information is associated with the payor is manually performed if the risk is excessive. The risk can generally be reduced by the manual validation. The money handler is billed for at least the amount. It is determined if the money handler settles the amount. Historical information on the transaction is stored. |
| US08082209B2 |
Compliance control in a card based program
An analysis system processes financial transactions data for compliance with a payment program, such that the processing involves receiving data relating to a set of financial transactions that have been authorized by a payment processing system, and determining if one or more of the authorized financial transactions will be subjected to further processing, wherein the further processing operates on the received data and identifies authorized financial transactions that may be out of compliance with transaction rules of the payment program. |
| US08082203B1 |
System and method for displaying a view of market depth on a graphical user interface
A graphical interface and method are provided for displaying market information corresponding to a tradeable object. According to one example embodiment, a market depth indicator is displayed in relation to a value axis in a market overview interface. Then, detailed market depth is displayed in a market depth interface, and a plurality of market depth prices displayed in the market depth interface are adjustable based on a position of the market depth indicator in relation to the value axis. |
| US08082202B2 |
Market-indexed mortgage system and method
A market-indexed mortgage system and method are provided that enable one or more borrowers to finance or refinance a real estate property and have at least a portion of the payments indexed to local relevant real estate values. The mortgage loan provides upfront liquidity to purchase or refinance the property; the borrower has payment stream going back to a lender (or holder of the note) wherein one or more payments are adjusted or determined based on the index. Such market-based mortgage loans can be pooled in a fund and fund shares can be issued against the fund. The mortgage can be a residential mortgage in which the regular (e.g. Monthly) payments (interest and or principal) fluctuate with a price index for the local house market. Balance upon prepayment can also fluctuate with such an index. |
| US08082200B2 |
Information trading system and method
A system and method of collecting and trading statistical information between users is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the information is traded via a network, such as the Internet. The method for trading information includes the step of collecting information from a user at a first location, having a confidential data portion and an exchange data portion. Only the exchange data portion is transmitted to a central location. An exchanged data set is defined at the central location. The exchange data set is updated using the exchange data portion. An output data set is determined from the exchange data set, wherein the output data set is accessible by one or more users. |
| US08082198B2 |
Billing support in a media exchange network
A system providing billing support for the exchange of media is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide for the authorization of and billing for the delivery of media from a media server to local storage for consumption on a television display. The media may be audio, still pictures, video, or data. Other embodiments may provide for the authorization of and billing for the transfer of media from a media peripheral to a media server for media backup or distribution. A media peripheral may be, for example, a digital camera, digital camcorder, personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), multi-media gateway, and MP3 player. An embodiment may support pre-payment, payment at time of use, and post-use billing for the media exchange. In an embodiment of the present invention, the storing or accessing of media may be performed without identifying the user to the media server. |
| US08082197B2 |
Communication system
A communications system including at least one user device, configured to access a plurality of services in a session. An information store stores information defining an amount of money for the user device. A controller requests at least a portion of the amount of money to be reserved and controls the allocation of the reserved portion of money between the plurality of services. |
| US08082196B2 |
Financial management system, and methods and apparatus for use therein
The invention provides a financial management system wherein a real bank account is notionally sub-divided into virtual sub-accounts and transactions are effected between the virtual sub-accounts without affecting the operation of the real bank account, such a system allowing a customer to maintain an automatically updated model of the customer's finances within the single account, thus assisting visualization of his or her financial position, while retaining the benefit of the single account. |
| US08082187B2 |
Method of generating a referral website URL using website listings in a cookie
A closed loop referral system and method is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises embedding a tracking code into a first website. The tracking code communicates with a referral system. A user interface is provided on a browser for the first website. The browser is directed from the first website to a second website. Upon performance of a user action on the second website, the tracking code is executed. The tracking code communicates with the referral system to direct the browser to a third website determined by the referral system. |
| US08082185B2 |
Quotation system and method
A quotation system and method are provided (see FIG. 1). A relational database (10) allows various departments (14, 16, 18, 20) to prepare a quotation. The relational database centralizes data to increase efficiency, and the data may be modified, as needed, for particular quotation solutions. |
| US08082178B2 |
System and method for managing advertising campaign data
A method and system for managing ad campaign data. According to one embodiment, an application receives a request to store data associated with an ad campaign, and responsive to the request, stores one or more output files and context information associated with the data, the context information assembled according to a pre-defined data format defining a role of the data within the ad campaign. |
| US08082177B2 |
Integration of multiple consumer communications
A system, computer program product and method including delivering an initial promotion to a customer, determining a status of the initial promotion delivered, selecting a related promotion based on the status of the initial promotion determined, and delivering the related promotion to the customer. The related promotion is selected based on the status of the initial promotion determined by selecting a predetermined related promotion associated with the status of the initial promotion determined. Moreover, the initial and related promotions may be delivered through an electronic or hard delivery medium, and the status of the initial promotion delivered may be determined by determining a status of the initial promotion based on electronic feedback from the customer or based on predetermined status criteria assigned to the initial promotion. Promotions may be delivered primarily through an effective delivery medium for a particular customer which is determined by applying a predetermined effectiveness criteria which includes one of determining the number of occurrences of a predetermined status within a delivery medium and determining the frequency of the customer's use of the delivery medium. |
| US08082174B1 |
Arbitrating the sale of ad spots to increase offer competition
Any content provider, such as a Website that generates pageviews, with available ad spots can sell such ad spots with fine granularity such as on a per pageview basis, or even on a per ad spot basis. One or more ad spots can be sold for the highest compensation for that pageview. These sales, such as via arbitrated offers, may be dynamic, because many pageviews are not determined until a user request is received, and because the winning ad provider(s) for a pageview might not selected until the page request is known. This may be done by (a) accepting ad spot availability information from a first party, (b) multicasting ad spot requests for offers using the accepted ad spot availability information to at least two second parties, (c) receiving offers, (d) determining at least one winning ad using the offers, and (e) providing information concerning at least one of the at least one winning ad to the first party. The compensation can be made fairer for the Website owner, even in cases where there is an information disparity. This may be done by using a dominant bidding strategy. Alternatively, or in addition, this may be done by having the party with the information advantage, which will normally be the ad network, make a priori guarantees with respect to compensation. |
| US08082162B2 |
Medical implant verification card
A medical implant verification card (MIVC) having information provided on one or both sides thereof. Information for enabling access to a Medical Implant Verification Account (MIVA) of a patient is one the card. An image showing a medical implant as implanted within a body of the patient (e.g., reproduction of an x-ray image) is on the card. An image of an actual implant operation scar of the patient is on the card. The implant operation scar image shows a scar on the body of the patient resulting from implantation of the medical implant within the body of the patient. Implant identification information designating a type of the medical implant is on the card. Information designating a name of a surgeon having performed the operation for implanting the medical implant and/or information for contacting the surgeon is on the card. |
| US08082160B2 |
System and method for collection and communication of data from multiple patient care devices
A system and method for collecting, communicating, displaying, and/or analyzing data from multiple medical devices is disclosed. The system includes a local data collection module and a number of medical device adapters. The medical device adapters are coupled to respective medical devices via hardwired connections to receive data from the respective medical devices. The medical device adapters wirelessly transmit the data to the local data collection module. The local data collection module communicates the data received from the medical device adapters to an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for automatic entry of at least some of the data in the electronic medical record of a patient associated with the medical devices. |
| US08082159B1 |
Method and systems for routing items to resources
Methods, systems, and computer-program products for routing items to resources are disclosed. Potential matches between items and resources are generated and scored according to one or more match-factor criterion. An initial assignment of potential matches is made to a Match Tracker Set, and a Set of Global conflicts is created representing resources that are not matched by the members of the initial Match Tracker set. One or more augmented versions of the Match Tracker Set are created to resolve conflicts between the Match Tracker Set and the Global Conflicts Set. Items are routed to the resources based on the matches listed in an augmented version of the Match Tracker Set. |
| US08082158B2 |
Time slot position coding of multiple frame types
Spatial information associated with an audio signal is encoded into a bitstream, which can be transmitted to a decoder or recorded to a storage media. The bitstream can include different syntax related to time, frequency and spatial domains. In some embodiments, the bitstream includes one or more data structures (e.g., frames) that contain ordered sets of slots for which parameters can be applied. The data structures can be fixed or variable. The data structure can include position information that can be used by a decoder to identify the correct slot for which a given parameter set is applied. The slot position information can be encoded with either a fixed number of bits or a variable number of bits based on the data structure type. |
| US08082157B2 |
Apparatus for encoding and decoding audio signal and method thereof
A method and/or apparatus for encoding and/or decoding an audio signal is disclosed, in which a downmix gain is applied to a downmix signal in an encoding apparatus which, in turn, transmits, to a decoding apparatus, a bit stream containing information as to the applied downmix gain. The decoding apparatus recovers the downmix signal, using the downmix gain information. A method and/or apparatus for encoding and/or decoding an audio signal is also disclosed, in which the encoding apparatus can apply an arbitrary downmix gain (ADG) to the downmix signal, and can transmit a bit stream containing information as to the applied ADG to the decoding apparatus. The decoding apparatus recovers the downmix signal, using the ADG information. A method and/or apparatus for encoding and/or decoding an audio signal is also disclosed, in which the method and/or apparatus can also vary the energy level of a specific channel, and can recover the varied energy level. |
| US08082152B2 |
Device for communication for persons with speech and/or hearing handicap
A portable device enables a text to be constructed by an input interface, then to be sent on a voice synthesis engine. The synthesized voice is rendered audible through a loudspeaker. The synthesized voice can also be sent over a telephone network addressed to another telephone. The device thus enables a person with a speech handicap to communicate with a party who is not used to communication by sign language. |
| US08082148B2 |
Testing a grammar used in speech recognition for reliability in a plurality of operating environments having different background noise
Methods, systems, and products for testing a grammar used in speech recognition for reliability in a plurality of operating environments having different background noise that include: receiving recorded background noise for each of the plurality of operating environments; generating a test speech utterance for recognition by a speech recognition engine using a grammar; mixing the test speech utterance with each recorded background noise, resulting in a plurality of mixed test speech utterances, each mixed test speech utterance having different background noise; performing, for each of the mixed test speech utterances, speech recognition using the grammar and the mixed test speech utterance, resulting in speech recognition results for each of the mixed test speech utterances; and evaluating, for each recorded background noise, speech recognition reliability of the grammar in dependence upon the speech recognition results for the mixed test speech utterance having that recorded background noise. |
| US08082147B2 |
System and method for mobile automatic speech recognition
A system and method of updating automatic speech recognition parameters on a mobile device are disclosed. The method comprises storing user account-specific adaptation data associated with ASR on a computing device associated with a wireless network, generating new ASR adaptation parameters based on transmitted information from the mobile device when a communication channel between the computing device and the mobile device becomes available and transmitting the new ASR adaptation data to the mobile device when a communication channel between the computing device and the mobile device becomes available. The new ASR adaptation data on the mobile device more accurately recognizes user utterances. |
| US08082144B1 |
Tax calculation explanation generator
A method for explaining a form that includes receiving input code, wherein the input code is associated with the form, processing the input code to create an explanation dynamically associated with the form, and outputting the explanation into a natural language. |
| US08082140B2 |
Parametric analysis of real time response guarantees on interacting software components
A system and method for providing control timing for a vehicle system at the design level. The method includes defining component timing specifications in a parametric form at a system level and at a sub-system level; mathematically representing the timing specifications in a system model; providing a constraint extraction algorithm that extracts timing constraints from the mathematical representations; using the constraint extraction algorithm to generate a plurality of linear equations that define the constraints; solving for real time constraint ranges from parameters in the linear equations; and selecting values from the real time constraint ranges to be used in the mathematical representations. In non-limiting embodiments, the constraint extraction algorithm can be a boundary discovery algorithm or a proof-tree. |
| US08082133B2 |
Terrain paging during a distributed simulation involving multiple objects
A technique is described for managing loading of terrain data into working memory of a computer during a distributed simulation, in which multiple computer systems operated by multiple users participate, where the simulation involves multiple user-controlled objects simulated with a terrain database that is too large to fit in working memory of the computer system. The technique includes calculating an area of interest around each of the objects to be simulated, and then simulating the objects by loading into working memory the terrain pages of the terrain database that overlap with at least one of the areas of interest, and generally not loading into working memory terrain pages of the terrain database that do not overlap with at least one of the areas of interest. As such, at any given time, any given server can have loaded in working memory fewer than all of the pages of the terrain database. |
| US08082131B2 |
Electronic state calculation method, electronic state calculation device, computer program, and recording medium
By receiving input of a crystal structure and atom numbers, and specifying an atom group that can generate fluctuations from an electronic state calculation of a normal Kohn-Sham theory, an electronic state calculation device calculates a reference system. Next, based on an extended Kohn-Sham theory, the electronic state calculation device performs self-consistent calculation for an effective many-body system, then determines whether or not density fluctuations obtained for the reference system and density fluctuations obtained by the self-consistent calculation coincide with each other, and in a case of coincidence, acquires parameters of an exchange correlation energy and a local interaction. By the acquired parameters, an effective Hamiltonian is decided, and optimization of an electronic state is performed for a known crystal structure. |
| US08082127B2 |
Method for determining the spatial distribution of magnetic resonance signals through multi-dimensional RF excitation pulses
A method for determining the spatial distribution of magnetic resonance signals from an imaging area, wherein nuclear spins are excited in a spatially encoded fashion through multi-dimensional RF pulses, is characterized in that in a definition step, a resolution grid with resolution grid cells is predetermined, and in accordance with a predetermined phase encoding scheme, an excitation pattern is defined for each phase encoding step, in which the amplitudes within the imaging area are set in accordance with a predetermined distribution identically for each phase encoding step. In a preparatory step, the amplitude and phase behavior of the RF pulses to be irradiated is calculated in accordance with a predetermined k-space trajectory for each defined complex excitation pattern. |
| US08082126B2 |
Remote maintenance system, monitoring center computer used for the same, monitoring system and method of communication for maintenance
A remote maintenance system has a monitoring computer for monitoring a facility and a monitoring center computer for maintenance management. The monitoring computer has a database for storing image data of the monitored facility. The monitoring center computer a database for storing CAD data for the monitored facility. The monitoring center computer provides coordinates to the image data sent from the monitoring computer, and superposes the image coordinate data and CAD coordinate data for the CAD. The center computer locates a needed maintenance location on the basis of the result of the superposition processing. |
| US08082124B2 |
Method and system for diagnosing abnormal plasma discharge
Provided are a data obtaining section (21) that obtains a time-series data fluctuating in accordance with the plasma conditions, a translation error calculation section (24) that calculates a determinism providing an indicator of whether the time-series data in the plasma are deterministic or stochastic, from the time-series data that have been obtained in the data obtaining unit (21), and an abnormal discharge determination section (26) that determines that the plasma is under the abnormal discharge conditions, in the case that the value representing the determinism calculated in the determinism derivation unit is less than or equal to a given threshold value, during the plasma generation. Examples of the value representing the determinism include translation error or permutation entropy. In the case the permutation entropy is used as a value representing the determinism, a permutation entropy calculation section is provided. |
| US08082119B2 |
Method and system for mask fabrication process control
A method for controlling mask fabrication is provided, wherein the method uses statistical process control analysis. A manufacturing model is defined. A process run of a mask is performed as defined by the manufacturing model. A fault detection analysis is performed to reduce a bias in the manufacturing model. A fine-tuning signal is generated in response to a result of the fault detection analysis. The process run operation is adjusted according to the fine-tuning signal. |
| US08082113B2 |
Sample analysis system and reagent preparation device
A sample analysis system includes a reagent preparation unit and a measurement unit. The reagent preparation unit has: a state detector which detects at least one of a state of the reagent preparation unit and a state of the reagent preparation; and a transmission unit which transmits the detected state information to a computer arranged outside the reagent preparation unit. The computer displays the received state information on a display. |
| US08082108B2 |
Pairwise fragment interaction computation
An information processing system includes a processor configured for: defining a simulation space comprising a plurality of fragments and a plurality of processing nodes; determining a weight corresponding to the computational cost for a given pairwise fragment interaction; assigning the weight to the simulation space at a point between the two interacting fragments; performing a spatial partitioning of a volume of the simulation space such that all partitions have substantially the same weight; and assigning a computation of the pairwise fragment interaction to any node that has the positions of both groups of fragments. |
| US08082104B2 |
Method to determine rock properties from drilling logs
A method of identifying one or more rock properties and/or one or more abnormalities occurring within a subterranean formation. The method includes obtaining a plurality of drilling parameters, which include at least the rate of penetration, the weight on bit, and the bit revolutions per minute, and then normalizing these plurality of drilling parameters by calculating a depth of cut and an intrinsic drilling impedance. Typically, the intrinsic drilling impedance is specific to the type of bit used to drill the wellbore and includes using a plurality of drill bit constants. From this intrinsic drilling impedance, the porosity and/or the rock strength may be determined which is then compared to the actual values to identify the specific type of the one or more abnormalities occurring. Additionally, the intrinsic drilling impedance may be compared to other logging parameters to also identify the specific type of the one or more abnormalities occurring. |
| US08082103B2 |
CO2 concentration correcting apparatus and CO2 concentration correcting method
Hourly CO2 concentration, amount of solar radiation, and plant distribution information are calculated through observation from predetermined satellites. A concentration of CO2 absorbed by plant-chlorophyll per each time unit is calculated. By adding up the CO2 concentration on the earth and the concentration of CO2 absorbed by the plant-chlorophyll, a CO2 concentration obtained provided that no plant-chlorophyll exist is calculated for a certain period. Thereafter, a mean concentration of CO2 that is absorbed according to changes in the distribution of plant-chlorophyll is calculated on the basis of a monthly mean solar radiation amount and plant-chlorophyll distribution information. By subtracting the CO2 concentration, which is a mean, from the total CO2 concentration, a CO2 concentration, which is a normal, is calculated. |
| US08082096B2 |
Wireless location routing applications and architecture therefor
A system for wirelessly locating mobile station/units (MS) and using resulting location determinations for providing a product or service is disclosed. The system is useful for routing an MS user to a plurality of desired locations, alerting an MS user to a nearby desired product or service based on satisfaction of user criteria, and providing enhanced security and 911 response. In one embodiment, the system responds to MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location processing sites. A plurality of locating technologies including those based on: (1) TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) timing advance; (5) GPS and network assisted GPS, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) supplemental information from low cost base stations can be activated, in various combinations, by system embodiments. MS location difficulties resulting from poor location accuracy/reliability and/or poor coverage are alleviated via such technologies in combination with automatically adapting and calibrating system performance according to environmental and geographical changes so that the system becomes progressively more comprehensive and accurate. Further, the system can be modularly configured for use in location signaling environments ranging from urban, dense urban, suburban, rural, mountain to low traffic or isolated roadways. Accordingly, the system is useful for 911 emergency calls, tracking, routing, people and animal location including applications for confinement to and exclusion from certain areas. |
| US08082095B2 |
Enhanced passenger pickup via telematics synchronization
A system is provided for facilitating passenger pickup via telematic routing. The system includes a call center for receiving a plurality of data feeds indicative of passenger arrival time and location, a vehicle telematics unit for receiving vehicle routing instructions from the call center based at least in part on the passenger arrival time and location, the vehicle routing instructions directed to guiding a vehicle to a passenger meeting location. The system further includes a mobile device associated with the passenger, the mobile device in communication with the call center via one or more wireless networks for receiving an indicator of the passenger meeting location. |
| US08082081B2 |
Vehicle control system
A vehicle control system controls vibrations that are generated at a plurality of portions of a vehicle. An engine/drive system ECU and a brake system ECU store the same vehicle vibration model that is separated into a vehicle body vibration model, a chassis vibration model and a tire vibration model, respectively. The engine/drive system ECU controls the suppression of the vehicle body vibrations that are estimated from the vehicle vibration model and the brake system ECU controls the suppression of the chassis vibrations and the tire vibrations. Accordingly, it is easy to execute control for suppressing the respective vibrations. |
| US08082079B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
In a case where an engine ECU determines that the engine is started (restarted), the engine ECU notifies an EPSECU that cranking is to be performed to start the engine before performing the cranking. When such a notification is received, the EPSECU gradually reduces a current command limit value I*_lim and a boost voltage limit value Vbp_lim before the cranking is started. |
| US08082078B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for steering travel limit determination for electric power steering
Methods, systems, and computer program products for steering travel limit determination for electric power steering. Exemplary embodiments include a method, computer program product and system incorporating the method, for implementing steering travel limit determination for electric power steering, including measuring end of travel positions of a handwheel of a vehicle, recording the end of travel positions, comparing the end of travel positions with current travel limit values and recording new travel limits with respect to the end of travel positions. |
| US08082075B2 |
Tire sensor system and method
A tire sensor system includes a first sensor and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor. The first and second sensors are mounted to a tire. A processor receives input signals from the first and second sensors, and is programmed to determine the length of a contact patch of the tire in response to the input signals. |
| US08082074B2 |
Vehicle control system including related methods and components
An unmanned aerial vehicle variable autonomy control system is disclosed herein. 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 a target tracking mode. Also included is a target editor interface provided in response to a selection of the target tracking mode, wherein the target editor interface facilitates receipt of an input indicative of a ground based moving target. 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 a target. |
| US08082073B2 |
Electric vehicle control device
A loss reduction module of an electric vehicle control device has a function to limit a torque to not exceed a constant loss characteristic and issue a torque instruction if a requested torque exceeds the constant loss characteristic when an ecology switch is turned ON and low fuel consumption travel is instructed. More specifically, when a requested torque exceeding the constant loss characteristic is input, a torque limit is applied to a point on the constant loss characteristic. Accordingly, the torque instruction is output as a torque which is suppressed more than a characteristic curve obtained by combining the constant loss characteristic and a characteristic indicating the relationship between the torque and the number of rotations during normal travel. |
| US08082071B2 |
System and method of multi-generation positive train control system
A system and method of scheduling the movement of trains as a function of the predicted crew behavior and predicted rail conditions based on the historical behavior of the crew for specific rail conditions. |
| US08082067B2 |
Method and system of controlling a hydroelectric plant
An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate an adaptive model based control (MBC) for determining a physical parameter including: generator output, head, generator speed, or the like. The adaptive MBC may reduce the need for pre-defined control curves. The adaptive MBC may receive a plurality of data on the hydroelectric plant, and then builds a new operating model, based on that data, which controls the operation of a hydroelectric plant. This model may then be used to forecast and/or control an output variable including the generator output of the hydroelectric plant. The MBC of an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to automatically and/or continuously monitor the hydroelectric plant to determine whether the output parameter is within a desired range. |
| US08082064B2 |
Robotic arm and control system
A robotic arm and control system includes a robotic arm which moves in response to one or more command signals. One or more “active” fiducials are located on the arm, each of which emits its own light. A 3D camera having an associated field-of-view is positioned such that at least one fiducial and a target object to be manipulated are in the FOV. To determine their spatial positions, the arm fiducials are activated and the target object is preferably illuminated with a scanning laser; the camera produces output signals which vary with the spatial locations of the fiducials and target object. A controller receives the output signals and uses the spatial position information as feedback to continuously guide the arm towards the target object. Multiple active fiducials may be employed, each having respective characteristics with which they can be differentiated. |
| US08082062B2 |
Regenerative actuation in motion control
A motion controlled system for a robotic system stores energy when the robotic system uses negative power and releases the stored energy when the robotic system uses positive power. The motion controlled system calculates the power for causing the robotic system to follow a prescribed motion and applies the appropriate control signals to the robotic system in response to detected parameters of the robotic system. |
| US08082060B2 |
Mail processing system and method of loading articles with reduced speed
A mail processing system has an infeed line coupled to receive a first article from a feeder. A loading device is coupled to receive the first article from the infeed line at a first speed, and a transfer unit is coupled to receive the first article from the loading device, wherein the transfer unit is configured to transport the first article at a second speed, which is lower than the first speed. |
| US08082059B2 |
Order-picking method and order-picking apparatus
An order-picker order picks in an order-picking zone, with the result that the first number of order-picking zones is equal to the second number of order-pickers, and in that the order-picking computer sets the boundaries between adjacent order-picking zones in a variable manner by means of a zone-allocation strategy. |
| US08082042B2 |
Electrode device for electrodiagnosis and/or electrotherapy
An electrode device for cardiological or neurological electrodiagnosis and/or electrotherapy comprises an elongated electrode body (12), at least one electrode (14, 16) in the vicinity of the distal end (24) of the electrode body (12), and an electrode conductor (44) for the electrical connection of the electrode (14, 16). The electrode conductor (44) has a fibrous structure (52) with anisotropic conductivity so that the specific conductivity of the electrode conductor (44) is significantly higher in its longitudinal direction than in its transverse direction. |
| US08082032B2 |
Methods for measuring cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in luminal organs
The present disclosure comprises a system, catheter and method for measuring the cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in any hollow organ, such as, for example, blood vessels. One embodiment of such a method includes the steps of introducing an impedance catheter into a treatment site, providing electrical current flow to the treatment site, injecting a first solution and measuring a first conductance value, injecting a second solution and measuring a second conductance value, and calculating the cross-sectional area of the treatment site, in part, based on the first and second conductance values. |
| US08082031B2 |
Neurofeedback system
An apparatus and process for low energy neurofeedback includes computer and display means on a general purpose computer to calculate and display dominant brain wave frequencies as measured by an electroencephalogram. The general purpose computer is also operative to compute and display a new frequency that is offset from the dominant frequency by 5 to 20 Hz. A therapeutically beneficial low power RF field is generated in the EEG leads merely by the computation and display of the new frequency without the need to deliberately power the EEG leads. |
| US08082030B2 |
Method, user-specific performance monitor, system, and computer software product
The invention relates to a method, equipment implementing the method, and a computer software product, the method generating exercise instructions for a physical exercise. The method comprises determining the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter in a user-specific performance monitor by measuring the user's heart rate wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation; performing comparison between the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; and generating exercise instruction information for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison. |
| US08082029B2 |
Adjustable sensors for use with exercise apparatus
Adjustable sensors for use with exercise apparatus are described. An example apparatus includes a support frame to assist a user in an exercise and a sensor integral with the support frame. The sensor is to detect a physiological condition of the user through physical contact with the user, and a position of the sensor is adjustable by the user. |
| US08082023B2 |
Tissue interventions using nuclear-emission image guidance
A method and apparatus for marking a lesion in a body part is provided. The method includes the steps of obtaining a first nuclear-emission image of the body part; determining a position of the lesion from the first image; percutaneously introducing a cannula to the determined position; inserting a wire into the cannula, the wire including radioactive material; retracting the cannula while holding the wire in place; and obtaining a second nuclear-emission image of the body part. The second image includes data relating to a position of the lesion and data relating to a position of the wire. |
| US08082022B2 |
System, device, and method for determining a position of an object
A system is disclosed for determining a position and a change in the position of an anatomical structure. The system utilizes a surgical navigation system and a substrate that is capable of being removably mounted to an outer surface of a patient's body. The substrate includes a sensor that is tracked by the surgical navigation system and a fiber optic device that determines the position of an anatomical structure relative to the sensor. The concatenation of the position of the sensor and the relative position of the anatomical structure allows a global position of the anatomical structure to be determined by a computer system and displayed to the user. |
| US08082021B2 |
Markers for interventional devices in magnetic resonant image (MRI) systems
Methods and apparatuses for locating a catheter, or other medical international devices are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes providing a pressure sensitive device attached to a body of a catheter, providing a resonant circuit coupled to the pressure sensitive device in the catheter, the resonant circuit having an oscillating frequency, generating a magnetic field, the magnetic field inducing and causing the resonant circuit to oscillate, applying a pressure on the pressure sensitive device, the pressure applied on the pressure sensitive device changing the frequency of the resonant circuit, detecting the oscillation of the resonant circuit, and determining location of the catheter based on the oscillation of the resonant circuit. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08082020B2 |
Distortion-immune position tracking using redundant magnetic field measurements
A method for tracking a position of an object includes using a field sensor associated with the object to measure field strengths of magnetic fields generated by two or more field generators, wherein a measurement of at least one of the field strengths is subject to a distortion. Rotation-invariant location coordinates of the object are calculated responsively to the measured field strengths. Corrected location coordinates of the object are determined by applying to the rotation-invariant location coordinates a coordinate correcting function so as to adjust a relative contribution of each of the measured field strengths to the corrected location coordinates responsively to the distortion in the measured field strengths. |
| US08082017B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring capillary refill time and carrying out pulse oximetry with a single device
A device for measuring the capillary refill time and blood oxygenation includes light sources and a light detector. The device also includes an actuator for applying pressure to a selected portion of the body of the patient, such as the nail bed of a finger or toe of the patient, to cause the removal of blood from the nail bed when actuated. A timer commences a time interval with a deactuation of the actuator. The deactuation relieves the pressure applied by the actuator to the body portion of the patient and allows blood to return to the portion. The timing interval is terminated by a reduction in the amount of light received by the light detector as a result of the restoration of blood to the body portion. The time interval so determined comprises an indication of the capillary refill time of the patient. |