| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08088032B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
The multi-step transmission including four gear sets, eight shafts, and six shifting elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) communicates, via shaft (8) and clutch (48), with shaft (4), which communicates, via clutch (14), with shaft (1), that couples the sun gear of the gearset (P4), and communicates, via brake (04), with a housing. The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (1), and communicates, via clutch (17), with shaft (7), which couples the carriers of the gearsets (P3, P2). The carrier of gearset (P1) is connected, via shaft (6), to a component, which connects the ring gear of gearset (P4) to the sun gear of gearset (P3). The carrier of gearset (P4) communicates, via shaft(3) and brake (03), with the housing. The sun gear of gearset (P2) communicates, via shaft (5) and brake (05), with the housing. The output shaft couples the ring gears of gearsets (P3, P2). |
| US08088031B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members, five interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the five interconnecting members continuously interconnects at least one of the first, second, and third members of the four planetary gear sets with at least one other of a stationary member, the first, second, and third members of the four planetary gear sets. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. |
| US08088030B2 |
Electrically variable transmission with modular construction
An electrically-variable transmission is provided with substantially identical motor modules to simplify assembly and realize economies of scale in purchasing and testing the motor modules. First and second motor modules are packaged within a transmission casing and are operatively connecting the input member and the output member and coaxially arranged about the axis of rotation. Each motor module includes a respective motor/generator with a rotor rotatable about the axis of rotation and defining a rotor cavity. A planetary gear set is packaged within the cavity and has a first, a second and a third member. A rotor hub supports the rotor and has first and second annular end portions at opposing ends of the rotor hub, and an annular midportion connected for common rotation with the first member of the planetary gear set. A selectively engagable rotating-type clutch is packaged within the cavity and connected with the rotor hub. |
| US08088029B2 |
Chain transmission for use in an engine
In a chain transmission, the guide-contacting portions of inner and outer plates of a chain each comprise a pair of front and rear flat surfaces, an intermediate concave oil-retaining surface and convex connecting surfaces. The lengths of the flat surfaces are such that adjacent flat surfaces of overlapping inner and outer plates overlap even when the plates in contact with the portion of a convex guide surface having the smallest radius of curvature. |
| US08088025B2 |
Golf club head
An iron-type golf club head is disclosed having a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a striking face. A back wall is also disclosed in the rear portion enclosing a portion of the rear portion to create an enclosed cavity. The cavity is defined by at least a rear surface of the striking face, an inner back wall surface, and the sole portion. A plug and a filler material is located within the enclosed cavity. The filler material surrounds the plug and is configured to hold the plug in place. The plug is lighter than the filler material. |
| US08088022B2 |
Golf club head with top line insert
A golf club head having a recess located in a top portion thereof between the heel and the toe and extending toward the sole. The recess may be only in the top line of the club head or extend from the heel around the toe. An insert may be placed within the recess. The insert may have a density that is less than the density of the club head body to lower the center of gravity and moment of inertia or greater than the density of the club head body to raise the center of gravity and moment of inertia. |
| US08088019B1 |
Adjustable driver hosel
An adjustable golf club is disclosed having a hosel with a spherical section and positioning linkage that allows the face angle of the head to be changed without changing the lie angle or rotating the shaft around its axis. The hosel is fixed in place by tightening the spherical surface of a compression nut against the spherical section of the hosel and a receiving compression cup with matching spherical surface radiuses, along with a slotted rotation prevention section consisting of two flat surfaces, a threaded linkage engaging the lower hosel piece and anchored to a tube attached to the skirt of the head. The linkage is used to threadably position the angle of the hosel piece. The invention also provides a quick and easy way to remove and replace the hosel piece along with the shaft for additional customization of the club. |
| US08088018B2 |
Golf aid
The invention relates to a golf training aid comprising a frame, having retaining means, and a bar retained by the retaining means so that in use the bar can move only in a fixed plane. The bar is arranged to be coupled to a user in such a way that in use the user's shoulders are constrained to move in or parallel to the fixed plane. This allows a user to correctly learn a pendulum putting stroke. |
| US08088013B2 |
Gaming machine
A gaming machine includes a first box having inner walls, a second box, a front member, a communicating portion, and an exhausting portion. The front member has side walls, and covers components placed at a front portion of the second box. The front member defines a first space at the front portion. The communicating portion provided at the front portion allows a second space inside the second box to communicate with the first space. The exhausting portion provided in a side wall of the front member allows air sent from the second space to the first space to be discharged. The front member is arranged such that a first distance is smaller than a second distance, where the first distance starts at a first inner wall to finish at a first side wall, and the second distance starts at a second inner wall to finish at a second side wall. |
| US08088005B2 |
Convertible single-turn to multi-turn gaming steering wheel
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for operating a gaming wheel system including a steering wheel which may be a single-turn wheel (at most 360° lock-to-lock) or a multi-turn wheel (more than 360° lock-to-lock) to play a game which may be designed for a single-turn wheel (a legacy game) or a multi-turn wheel (a native game, irrespective of whether it takes advantage of the multi-turn capability or not). The system is configured to operate the gaming wheel system in one of four states. The first state is the single-turn, legacy mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a legacy game. The second state is the multi-turn, legacy mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a legacy game. The third state is the single-turn, native mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a native game. The fourth state is the multi-turn, native mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a native game. |
| US08088004B2 |
System and method for implementing environmentally-sensitive simulations on a data processing system
A system and method for implementing environmentally-sensitive simulations on a data processing system. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ambient temperature associated with a player's location is provided to an environmental module. The environmental module provides the ambient temperature information to a simulation application. The simulation application modifies the behavior of a simulation executing on the data processing system according to the ambient temperature. The data processing system displays the simulation with the modified behavior to the player. |
| US08087999B2 |
Gaming system and method of operating a gaming system providing wagering control features for wagering games
A gaming system and method provides wagering control features for application in multi-stakes, multi-player wagering games. Players have the option to choose one of a plurality of different modes at the beginning of a gaming session. Depending on which mode is selected, the wagering control feature or features available to players during game play will be different. |
| US08087995B2 |
Wagering game with persistent state of game assets affecting other players
A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines. |
| US08087994B2 |
Gaming system with event substitution feature
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines is disclosed. A first community event is triggered and two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines are selected to participate in the first community event. A second community event is triggered—prior to completion of the first community event—and at least one gaming machine is selected from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the second community event. The at least one gaming machine being different from the two or more gaming machines selected to participate in the first community event. A substitute-community-event award is provided to the at least one gaming machine without playing the second community event. |
| US08087993B2 |
Method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
A method of gaming comprising: selecting in at least one game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols copying each symbol in an original subset of the display positions to at least one clone subset of the display positions which is identical to or laterally displaced from the original subset, in response to determining that a subset of the symbols should be cloned; and determining an outcome based on the modified symbols. |
| US08087991B2 |
Gaming machine and method of play
A gaming machine includes a mechanical component for facilitating concealment of a display device during inactivity. Upon activation, a dynamic member of the mechanical component re-positions to reveal the display device showing a player award. The dynamic member and display combination facilitates an unlimited number of gaming machines. By way of example, a bonus game comprises two arms extending from a top portion of a gaming machine. In response to a primary game outcome, a player is provided with an opportunity to select one of the arms. Upon the player's selection, a hand corresponding to the selected arm, turns over and opens to reveal the display device and displayed bonus award. Other examples include flower petals opening and self-opening bottles. The use of mechanical components having one or more dynamic members attract players and facilitate a unique means of generating and displaying a primary or bonus award. |
| US08087988B2 |
Personal gaming device and method of presenting a game
A mobile game device for selective display of one or more pre-purchased games of chance thereon. The game device includes a removable communication interface adapted to communicate with a central gaming system to selectively receive gaming data controlling the play and outcome of the pre-purchased game of chance, generated at a first time. The game device further includes a display screen, and one or more input mechanisms. A game device microprocessor device is provided which is configured to: commence play, selectively activated by operation of the one or more input mechanisms, of the pre-purchased games of chance using the gaming data at a selected second time after the first time; and selectively display on the display screen the generated outcome of the game of chance. |
| US08087987B2 |
Method and system for playing a bowling game in combination with a secondary card game
A method and system for playing a bowling game in combination with a poker-type card game is disclosed. The method and system comprising the steps of initiating a conventional bowling game, filling at least one bowling frame, dealing one or more hole cards to a player, continuing the bowling game for one or more additional frames, dealing one or more community cards, continuing the bowling game for one or more additional frames, dealing another set of one or more community cards, continuing the bowling game for one or more additional frames, dealing a final set of community cards, completing the bowling game by filling a final bowling frame, determining a final bowling score, determining if a poker hand formed from a combination of hole cards and community cards is a winning hand, providing a poker award if the poker hand is a winning hand, and combining the poker award with the final bowling score to create an enhanced bowling score. |
| US08087985B2 |
Late bet Baccarat
Among other things, enabling late bets in a game of Baccarat includes accepting a first bet from one or more participants. Two cards are dealt to each of a player position and a bank position. A player position score and a bank position score are determined based on the two cards dealt to each of the player position and the two cards dealt to the bank position. Based on the determined scores for the player position and the bank position, a determination is made on whether to deal a third card to at least one of the player position and the bank position. |
| US08087983B2 |
Apparatus and methodology for electronic table game system
One possible embodiment of the invention could be an electronic table game system, and a process for operating the system, generally comprising of an electronic gaming table whose playing surface supports one or more gaming elements of a table game generally played in a gaming establishment; with one or more dealer's electronic interfaces proximate to the playing surface to generally allow input of data substantially regarding gaming action of the table game; with one or more the player's electronic interfaces proximate to the playing surface to generally input data substantially regarding information on one or more wagers placed on the table game; and a computer system connected to the electronic interfaces to substantially process the inputted data to generally indentify a winner of the table game. The system could further provide two or more electronic table games with a progressive bonus jackpot with or without a cap. |
| US08087981B2 |
Weep hole cover
An apparatus for providing ventilation in a lower level of a building and for preventing mold and mildew from building up in an interior portion of such building while also preventing entrance of small unwanted animals. The apparatus comprises a frame member having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material. A screen member is engageable with the frame member for attachment thereto, such screen member having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size and being formed of a second predetermined material. The apparatus is secured to the structure by one of masonry screws or is secured in new construction with bricks and brick mortar. |
| US08087972B2 |
Decorative element for the human body
A decorative element for the human body in the form of a breast clasp which can be worn on the person. One breast clasp can be worn in the crease beneath a female breast and is held in place by means of a clamping and adhesive effect. The breast clasp is designed as a curved element and performs a shaping or supporting function, or both, for the female breast. |
| US08087971B2 |
Doll toy
A doll toy is provided with a thigh section capable of turning further upward toward its chest section when extending ahead of its waist section. The doll toy includes a waist section, hip joint mechanisms, and thigh sections attached to a lower portion of the waist section via the hip joint mechanisms. The hip joint mechanisms include rotation links which rotate about a first rotation centerline within a predetermined rotation angular range, first connecting mechanisms which connect the rotation links to the waist section to allow the rotation links to rotate within the predetermined rotation angular range, stoppers disposed to restrict movement of the rotation links, and second connection mechanisms disposed to connect base portions of the thigh sections to the rotation links to allow the thigh sections to rotate about a second rotation centerline. |
| US08087970B2 |
Toy construction system having a rotatable connector/spinner device
A toy construction system is provided that includes, in a toy construction system having a multiplicity of interconnecting members adapted for constructing a variety of projects, a rotator head device including a device housing having a conical-shaped cavity formed therein. The housing includes a plurality of female twist-lock connectors formed on the outer surface thereof, and the female connectors are adapted for attaching a first member of the toy construction system to the rotator head device housing. A rotating member, which is conical in shape and slightly smaller in size than the cavity formed in the device housing is included. The rotating member is rotatably disposed within the cavity and has a male twist-lock connector stem extending from an end thereof for connecting a second member of the toy construction system to the rotating member, whereby the first member is rotatable with respect to the second member. |
| US08087968B2 |
Device for discharging a stream of fluid in a pattern and method of using same
A nozzle discharge assembly includes a housing having a connection for receiving a pressurized supply of liquid and a nozzle having a discharge orifice movable relative to the housing. A mechanism controls a movement of the discharge orifice so that the discharge orifice moves in a pattern relative to the housing for creating a substantially helical stream of liquid when the pressurized supply of liquid flows through the discharge orifice. |
| US08087963B2 |
Joints for multi-component molded articles
A method for sealing an automotive lamp assembly comprising a first member having a tongue assembly and a second member having a groove adapted to receive the tongue assembly of the first member. The process comprises the following steps (i) in situ injection molding a silicone composition or thermoplastic composition onto the tongue assembly (20) and/or into the groove (9) (ii) curing the silicone composition or thermoplastic composition in place to form a gasket (21,10) which is chemically and/or physically bonded to said tongue assembly (20) and/or groove (9) and (iii) sealing the automotive assembly by mechanically engaging the first member and the second member, at least one of which has a cured in place gasket produced in accordance with steps (i) and (ii) above. |
| US08087962B2 |
Manufacturing method of display apparatus
A manufacturing method of a display apparatus which comprises a plurality of display pixels including light emitting elements having a carrier transport layer includes first causing a surface of an electrode formed in a forming region of the plurality of display pixels by being enclosed by a partition wall which is provided on a substrate to have a lyophilic characteristic, making a surface of the partition wall have a repellency characteristic and second causing the surface of the electrode to have the lyophilic characteristic again by carrying out a plasma treatment in an inert gas atmosphere. |
| US08087961B2 |
Method of producing a spark plug that has a high dimensional accuracy in the spark gap
For producing a spark plug that has a high dimensional accuracy in the spark gap, a method is disclosed which comprises (a) preparing a semi-finished spark plug unit (100b) which comprises a center electrode (20) that has a leading end portion (22), a metal shell (50) that holds therein through an insulator (10) the center electrode (20) except the leading end portion (22) and a ground electrode (30) fixed to a leading end of the metal shell (50), (b) bending the ground electrode (30) so that a bent front portion (31) of the ground electrode (30) projects toward the leading end portion (22) of the center electrode (20), (c) putting an electrode tip (95) on a given part of the bent front portion (31) of the ground electrode (30) in such a manner that a front portion of the electrode tip (95) projects from the bent front portion (31) toward the leading end portion (22) of the center electrode (20) and (d) welding the electrode tip (95) to the given part of the bent front portion (31) of the ground electrode (30). |
| US08087958B2 |
Boat propulsion system
A boat propulsion system includes a drive bevel gear fixed on a lower end of a drive shaft, a forwarding bevel gear and a reversing bevel gear rotatably fitted on a propeller shaft and meshing together with the drive bevel gear, and a dog clutch mounted on the propeller shaft and rotatable with the propeller shaft, moves in an axial direction of the propeller shaft, and meshes together with the forwarding bevel gear or the reversing bevel gear to rotate the propeller shaft, in which the propeller shaft comes in contact with the forwarding bevel gear via a forwarding side buffer member having a disc spring as a component member. The boat propulsion system prevents and minimizes sound and impact even when variations in thrust force occur. |
| US08087957B2 |
Terminal member
A terminal member capable of connecting a motor and a motor control circuit unit to each other reliably and efficiently. The terminal member includes first and second terminals, a pressing member, an urging member and a holder. The first terminal and second terminals are positioned facing each other, while the pressing member is positioned above the second terminal. The pressing member presses and electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal. The urging member is positioned above and abutting the pressing member such that the pressing member urges in a direction toward the first terminal. The holder includes a recess that secures the pressing member and the urging member. |
| US08087955B2 |
Method for manufacturing conductive contact holder, and conductive contact holder
A method for manufacturing a conductive contact holder includes forming, from an insulating material, a holder member for holding a plurality of conductive contacts; forming, from a conductive material, a substrate having a hollow portion to which the holder member can be fitted; and fixing the holder member formed from the insulating material by fitting the substrate into the hollow portion of the substrate formed from the conductive material. |
| US08087954B2 |
Coaxial plug-type connector arrangement
A coaxial plug-type connector arrangement includes two plug-type connectors, which can be plugged one inside the other so as to latch in along a plug axis. Each plug-type connector includes a housing that extends in the direction of the plug axis and acts as an outer conductor. The housing has a drilled through-hole in which an inner conductor contact is held in insulated fashion with a coaxial arrangement. A coaxial contact sleeve is formed on the housing of the first plug-type connector, with which contact sleeve the plug-type connector enters the second plug-type connector so as to make contact when the two plug-type connectors are plugged one inside the other. A detachable tensioning sleeve for prestressing the two plug-type connectors with respect to one another in the plugged-in state is provided on the second plug-type connector. |
| US08087953B2 |
Surface mount device jumper and surface mount device jumper assembly
A surface mount device jumper includes a base member and an electrode member. The base member is fabricated from a resin laminate. The electrode member is fabricated from an electrically-conductive material and is formed in a generally C-shaped configuration to define an opening therethrough. The opening is sized to receive the base member such that the electrode member partially wraps around and clamps to the base member to retain the base member in the opening. |
| US08087939B2 |
Magnetic connector for electronic device
An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship. |
| US08087923B1 |
Extremely thin-walled ePTFE
An extrusion device is described herein, including an inventive die and mandrel that enable the production, using a conventional ram extruder, of strong coherent extremely thin-walled tubes having a wall thickness in the range of about 0.020 mm and about 0.080 mm. |
| US08087922B2 |
Imprint lithography with improved substrate/mold separation
In imprint lithography, a mold having a pattern of projecting and recessed regions is pressed into a moldable surface on a substrate. The thus-imprinted moldable surface is permitted to at least partially harden to retain the imprint, and the substrate and mold are separated. In accordance with the invention, the substrate is separated from the mold by bending laterally distal regions (regions away from the center toward the edges) of the mold transversely away from the interface and transversely restraining the substrate. The mold can then be easily separated from the substrate by transverse displacement. The separation can be facilitated by providing a mold having a lateral dimension that on at least two sides extends beyond the corresponding lateral dimension of the substrate. Alternatively, the substrate can have a greater lateral extent than the mold, and the mold can be restrained. The distal regions of the substrate can be bent in the transverse direction. Apparatus for effecting such separation is also described. |
| US08087919B2 |
Injection unit for an injection molding machine
An injection drive unit includes a hollow cylindrical casing rotatably supported by a housing, the cylindrical casing having an axis and a front end and a back end spaced apart along the axis; a piston in the cylindrical casing, the piston axially slidable relative to the cylindrical casing along the axis between advanced and retracted positions, and the piston rotationally locked with the cylindrical casing to rotate therewith; and a cylinder cap generally closing off the back end of the cylindrical casing and providing a first pressure chamber between the piston and the cylinder cap, the cylinder cap including a stationary part affixed to the housing and a rotary part affixed to the cylindrical casing, at least the stationary part providing a stationary end face opposed to the piston and against which fluid in the first pressure chamber bears when pressurized. |
| US08087918B2 |
Pressing mold and method for producing the same
A pressing mold for use in press working of a material includes a mold body, a coating film formed on the portion of the pressing mold that comes into contact with the material in the press working, the coating film being formed by PVD method. The coating film includes a TiN layer formed on a surface of the mold body, a Ti(CxNy) layer (wherein, x+y=1, x<1, and x gradually increases to 1 as it becomes more distant from the surface of the TiN layer) formed on the TiN layer, and a TiC layer formed on the Ti(CxNy) layer. |
| US08087913B2 |
Gear pump with unequal gear teeth on drive and driven gear
A gear pump comprises a first gear to be connected to a source of drive, and having a first plurality of gear teeth. A second gear has a second plurality of teeth engaged with the first gear teeth. The first gear teeth contact the second gear's teeth on a contact face, causing the second gear to rotate. The first plurality of teeth is greater than the second plurality of teeth. |
| US08087910B2 |
Chemical liquid supplying apparatus
A chemical liquid supplying apparatus 10 has a bellows 11, which includes a small-size bellows portion 13, a large-size bellows portion 14 with a larger volume change per axial-directional unit displacement amount than that of the small-size bellows portion 13, and a drive portion 12 therebetween. An apparatus main body 10a to which the bellows 11 is attached includes a supporting member 21 to which a fixed end portion 15 of the bellows 11 is attached and a supporting member 22 to which a fixed end portion 16 of the bellows 11 is attached. A drive sleeve 27 surrounds the bellows 11 and is rotatably supported on the apparatus main body 10a. A driven cylinder body 32 attached to the drive portion 12 converts rotation of the drive sleeve 27 to axial-directional movement of the drive portion 12. |
| US08087906B2 |
Fluid pump with disposable component
A pump having a disposable fluid contacting portion which defines a fluid inlet and outlet and a fluid path there between. The pump includes a drive portion configured to engage the disposable portion to cause fluid to be moved from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The disposable portion is configured to be selectively coupled to the drive portion. The disposable portion includes a driven membrane which forms a portion of the fluid path, and the drive portion includes a drive membrane. The two membranes are vacuum coupled to each other, whereby movement of the drive membrane causes the driven membrane to move, causing fluid to be pumped through the disposable portion. The pump has particular utility in the medical field for moving fluid from a source to a patient. The pump may include features such as an air-trap, bubble detection, fluid flow controls, and pressure detection. |
| US08087897B2 |
Fluid rotor
A rotor having at least two flightings includes a plurality of elongated support ribs rigidly interconnecting at axially spaced intervals, the outer edge of a first flighting with the inner edge of the other flighting, the ribs having a connecting boss at a distal end and a balancing mass intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. A method of forming the rib is further included. |
| US08087895B2 |
Handling system for a wind turbine nacelle, methods for transport and vertical displacement of a wind turbine nacelle and a use of a handling system
A handling system for a wind turbine nacelle in connection with self-loading or self-unloading of the nacelle to or from a vehicle. Two or more lifting apparatus are provided for displacing the nacelle substantially vertically during the self-loading or self-unloading of the nacelle. The lifting apparatus has displacing apparatus for displacing the lifting apparatus or a part of the lifting apparatus. A method for transport of a wind turbine nacelle, a method for vertical displacement of a wind turbine nacelle, and use of a handling system, are also disclosed. |
| US08087890B2 |
Turboprop having a propeller made up of variable-pitch blades
A turboprop having a set of variable-pitch rotary blades constrained to rotate with a rotary support. In order to vary its pitch, each blade of said set is coupled to a specific hydraulic actuator carried by the rotary support. |
| US08087885B2 |
Stacked annular components for turbine engines
Improved annular components and improved methods for assembling annular components into a turbine engine are described with respect to an axial compressor having a plurality of annular compressor rotor airfoil assemblies (120) as an example. Each compressor rotor airfoil assembly comprises an annular rotor portion (122), a spacer portion (124) extending axially therefrom and a plurality of airfoils (52) extending radially therefrom. The plurality of airfoils may be integrally formed with the annular portion. The compressor rotor airfoil assemblies are stacked sequentially on a center-tie (134) or outer circumferential tie. The spacer portion of one compressor rotor airfoil assembly (120a) abuts the annular rotor portion of the adjacent compressor rotor airfoil assembly (120b) to retain one another on the center-tied outer circumferential tie. By stacking the compressor rotor airfoil assemblies sequentially and then retaining them, the typical split cases, flanges and rotor bolts may be eliminated. |
| US08087884B2 |
Advanced booster stator vane
A stator vane includes leading and trailing edges extending longitudinally between a root and a tip, the trailing edge having an exit swirl angle distribution such that the exit swirl angle has a maximum value at an intermediate radius location. |
| US08087880B2 |
Active clearance control for a centrifugal compressor
Apparatus and method of operating a centrifugal compressor and active control system includes a centrifugal compressor with compressor blades mounted on an impeller, an annular cavity bounded in part by a shroud adjacent to the blades, and an active control system for controlling a clearance between the shroud and the blades by controlling a cavity pressure in the cavity. An electronic controller for controlling a control pressure valve for pressurizing using a source of compressor discharge pressure air and depressurizing the cavity respectively may open and close the valves using pulse width modulation. Pressure and clearance sensors positioned for measuring the cavity pressure the blade tip clearance respectively in signal supply communication with the electronic controller may be used. The shroud may be supported by radially spaced apart annular radially outer and inner supports connected to a casing by a bolted joint bounding the cavity. |
| US08087879B2 |
Device for cooling the slots of a rotor disk in a turbomachine having two air feeds
The invention relates to a device for cooling slots in a turbomachine rotor disk, comprising a rotor disk having a plurality of slots and a flange. The device also comprises blades, each having its root mounted in a respective slot, a retaining annulus having one end mounted against the upstream radial face of the disk, and a flange disposed around the flange of the disk and co-operating therewith to define a space forming a cooling air diffusion cavity that opens out into the bottom of each of the slots, together with air admission orifices opening out into the diffusion cavity at the upstream end thereof, the end of the retaining annulus that is mounted against the upstream radial face of the disk including a plurality of openings that open out radially into the bottom of each of the slots in the disk, at the upstream ends thereof. |
| US08087871B2 |
Turbomachine compressor wheel member
A turbomachine includes a rotor assembly including a wheel member. The wheel member includes a first portion that extends to a second portion through an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion partially defines a first wheel space and a second wheel space. The wheel member further includes a rotor inertia belt member arranged at the second portion. The rotor inertia belt member includes an extraction air cavity. The extraction air cavity includes an inlet, a first plurality of extraction air passages each including an inlet section and an outlet section, the outlet section leading into the first wheel space, and a second plurality of extraction air passages each including an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the outlet portion leading into the second wheel space. |
| US08087861B2 |
Plate member fastener
A method for making a barrel for plate member fastener and installing the barrel in a first metal plate member for enabling the plate member fastener to affix the first metal plate member to a second metal plate member is disclosed to include the step of machining a metal base material into a barrel having a bottom bonding flange and a bottom extension tube around a bottom opening thereof and then affixing a solder mask to the bottom extension tube around the bottom opening and the step of fitting the bottom extension tube of the barrel into a mounting through hole of the first metal plate and abutting the bottom bonding flange of the barrel against a solder paste at the top wall of the first metal plate member and then applying a reflow soldering process to bond the bottom bonding flange of the barrel to the top wall of the first metal plate member. |
| US08087852B2 |
Diamond cutting member and method of making the same
A shank has a mount reference surface formed with a mount seat having a mount seat surface inclined at a given inclined angle α. A diamond raw material is held on the shank in an attitude such that a first bottom surface thereof is in tight contact with the mount seat surface, and a first apex is protruded forward nearly along a centerline of the shank. A portion of the first apex, protruding from the mount reference surface, is ground and removed as a given inclined angle θ. This causes a surface or its vicinity (in a value less thank approximately ±1°) to be formed as a raked face. The first bottom surface of the diamond raw material is held intact in tight contact with the mount seat surface to be integrally bonded thereto by active metal brazing, easily ensuring an increased bonding surface area to easily obtain increased bonding strength. This results in a further remarkable reduction in manufacturing time and manufacturing cost as those achieved in a case where a portion of a seconds apex opposite to the first apex formed with the raked face is grounded and removed to forma a bonding member. |
| US08087851B1 |
Process for handling powdered material
Described is a process for conveying a powdered material from a storage bin to a delivery destination. The process utilizes an air permeation system within a hopper to facilitate the flow of material. Intermittent blasts of high pressure air are used to clean the air permeation nozzles. After the material flows from the hopper, a screw feeder with a variable speed motor is utilized for processing the material. The powdered material is then guided to a flow measurement instrument which measures the flow of the material through the process. The variable speed motor is responsive to the measurements made by the flow measurement instrument. The material is then transferred into a powdered material feeder where it is pulled through the feeder with gravity and negative pressure. The powdered material feeder then moves the material into a rotary airlock where it is deposited into a pneumatic convey airline. |
| US08087850B2 |
Rock bolt
The present invention relates to rock bolts which may be used in mining applications. The rock bolt of this invention includes a mechanical anchoring arrangement to facilitate retaining the rock bolt in a borehole, and also a drill bit to enable self drilling of the rock bolt. Rotation of the rock bolt about an axis of the rock bolt in a first direction causes the drill bit to drill into rock and to create a borehole to receive the rock bolt. Subsequently, rotation in the opposite direction actuates a mechanical anchoring arrangement to anchor rock bolt. |
| US08087849B2 |
Battered column tension leg platform
A tension leg platform includes a deck supported on the upper ends of three or more columns interconnected at the lower ends thereof by horizontally disposed connecting members. The columns are battered inwardly and upwardly from the platform base to the deck. Tendons connected at the columns anchor the platform to the seabed. The footprints of the base of the battered columns and the tendons are larger than the footprint of the deck supported on the upper ends of the columns. |
| US08087847B2 |
Wireless tire deflation device launcher
The present invention is an apparatus used to launch a tire deflation device into the path of a fleeing vehicle. The present invention makes use of a guide frame to support and guide the tire deflation device towards the intended destination. The energy storing mechanism stores the energy required to launch the tire deflation device. The push train delivers the energy to the tire deflation device. The launching of the tire deflation device is triggered by a wireless remote system, otherwise known as the wireless trigger mechanism. |
| US08087846B2 |
Bollard configured to store a bollard coupling
This application concerns traffic control devices, such as bollards, configured for storage of a bollard coupling adapted to extend between a bollard and an adjacent structure. Bollards are disclosed that comprise a body defining an interior body volume and a first aperture. A bracket fixedly attached to the body defines a second aperture. The bracket is configured to reversibly receive a bollard engaging member fixedly attached to an end portion of a bollard coupling. In a first position, at least a portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the first aperture, and in a second position, the portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the second aperture. A cap being releasably secured to the body provides access to the interior body volume and at least partially retains the bollard engaging member. Associated bollard arrangements and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08087843B2 |
Liquid dentifrice dispensing toothbrush
A dentifrice dispensing toothbrush for applying a predetermined measured amount of liquid dentifrice from a reservoir of liquid dentifrice into the toothbrush bristles by means of an in integral pump. Liquid dentifrice may be refilled using the handle portion of the toothbrush. |
| US08087842B2 |
Multi-compartment, wiper-applicator package
A multi-compartment, wiper-applicator package comprising a container holding a first formulation, a wiper, initially sealed at both ends and a barbed tool. Within the sealed wiper is a quantity of secondary ingredients that is to be mixed with the first formulation in the container. The barbed tool is able to pierce the top seal, then dislocate the bottom seal, completely separating the bottom seal from the wiper. Thereafter the barbed tool removes the top seal completely, so that, what remains, is a conventional wiper. The barbed tool can be inserted only to a defined depth in the wiper. This prevents the barbed tool from removing the wiper from the container. |
| US08087839B2 |
Printer with frame produced by press-forming sheet metal
A disclosed printer includes a frame; a thermal head attached to the frame; a platen roller drive motor attached to the frame; a reduction gear train attached to the frame and configured to reduce the speed of rotation generated by the platen roller drive motor; and a platen roller detachably attached to the frame and configured to be driven by the platen roller drive motor via the reduction gear train and to feed paper while pressing the paper against the thermal head. The frame is produced by press-forming sheet metal and includes a horizontal plate part, a backboard part rising vertically from a back edge of the horizontal plate part, sideboard parts rising vertically from corresponding side edges of the horizontal plate part, and a projecting part protruding outward from an edge of one of the sideboard parts and forming a surrounding part of a gearbox. |
| US08087838B2 |
Print media cartridge incorporating print media and ink storage
A print media cartridge includes a housing assembly that defines a region in which a stack of print media sheets can be stored. A sheet transport mechanism is mounted in the housing assembly to feed the sheets from the housing assembly. An ink storage assembly is mounted on the housing assembly and defines at least one ink chamber in which ink can be received and an ink outlet in fluid communication with the, or each respective, ink chamber. |
| US08087837B2 |
Cassette unit and printing apparatus
A cassette unit includes: a cassette case which covers a printing medium and has a feeding opening for passing the printing medium when the printing medium is fed by a feeding roller of a printing apparatus body; a cassette hopper which receives the printing medium and comes in contact with or separates from the feeding roller in a state in which the cassette hopper is mounted in the printing apparatus body; and s shutter which is switched so as to allow the printing medium to pass through the feeding opening or to prevent the printing medium from passing through the feeding opening, the cassette case, the cassette hopper, and the shutter being formed integrally. The cassette hopper is bent in a direction in which the cassette hopper approaches the feeding roller in a first joint portion jointing with the cassette case to engage with a first engagement portion. |
| US08087836B2 |
Miniature mounting apparatus
A miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In some embodiments, device may use flexible and extendable legs. |
| US08087834B2 |
Optical transmission module, connecting part, and electronic device having optical transmission module
A connection member (21), which electrically connects a package (14) on which an optical element that converts an electric signal to an optical signal or converts an optical signal to an electric signal and at least one end portion including an incident/releasing port for an optical signal of an optical waveguide (11) that is optically coupled with the optical element to transmit the optical signal are mounted, and a second substrate (2) to each other, is provided with a holding unit having elasticity, which holds the package (14), and a connection unit that is connected to the substrate (2). |
| US08087824B2 |
Aircraft brake assembly having a temperature probe and method of mounting a temperature probe in a brake assembly
An aircraft brake assembly (10) includes a torque tube (16) having a passageway (18) for receiving a temperature probe, the passageway (18) having a wall and a width (W) and a length, and a temperature probe (20) having a width (w) less than the passageway width (W) and at least one angled portion (34, 36) where a centerline (44) of the temperature probe (20) changes direction. The temperature probe (20) has a lateral offset (L) greater than the passageway width (W) so that the probe (20) cannot be inserted into the passageway (18) without flexing it at the at least one angled portion (34, 36), and the temperature probe (20) is mounted in the passageway (18) and held in a flexed state by the passageway wall. Also a method of mounting a temperature probe in a brake assembly. |
| US08087819B2 |
Direct-impulse escapement, especially of detent type, for a horological movement
This escapement comprises a balance wheel (3), an escape wheel (1), a detent rocker (4) having an arresting element (4a) and an elastic clearance element (4c), means for inserting the arresting element into the path of the teeth of the escape wheel (1), and a clearance pin (7) rotating integrally with the balance wheel (3) in order to engage with the elastic clearance element (4c) of the rocker (4) once per period of oscillation of the balance wheel. The means for inserting the arresting element (4a) into the path of the teeth of the escape wheel (1) comprise a sliding surface (4b) integral with the detent rocker (4) and arranged so as to move into the path of the teeth of the escape wheel (1) when the arresting element (4a) leaves it, this sliding surface being shaped so as to return the arresting element (4a) to the locking position. |
| US08087816B2 |
Aerator device inducing cyclonic flow
A pneumatic aerator aids in bulk material unloading, handling and transport using tank trailers, hopper cars, and other containers, as its aerator introduces a cyclonic air flow and vibration into the bulk material. This aerator has a housing, one or three guide tubes, an aerator extending through the housing, a gasket upon one end of the aerator generally within the container of the bulk material, and an optional wearplate beneath the gasket. The aerator has a stem with one vane, preferably three vanes, where the vanes and contiguous fins curve counterclockwise in a helical manner. The airflow past the fins and vanes acquires a counterclockwise rotation, rotating the air as it exits radially from the gasket increasing the bulk material unloaded per hour. This aerator also has various gasket thicknesses and edge conditions, guide tubes, and various shapes in the vanes and fins for alternate speeds and directions of airflow. This aerator increases the rate of unloading of bulk materials from tank trailers, hopper cars, and various containers and transporters. |
| US08087814B2 |
Batch mixer
A batch mixer having a barrel which forms a cylindrical sealed chamber having a section consisting of two mutually communicated circles, and two rotors housed in the chamber to mix a mixing material by rotation, at least one of the inner wall of the barrel and the surface of the rotor having a plurality of recessed parts or protruding parts. The recessed parts or protruding parts are formed of grooves or projections extended in the direction crossing to the rotating direction of the rotor rotated in the chamber to mix the material. According to this structure, a batch mixer excellent in the controllability of material temperature during mixing can be provided. |
| US08087813B2 |
Lamp holder, backlight device using the same, and display using the same
A lamp holder includes a mounting portion, a lamp holding part which is connected to the mounting portion, and includes an end capable of surrounding a peripheral surface of a lamp, and is capable of being elastically opened and deformed during attaching and detaching of the lamp. The lamp holder also includes a recessed portion positioned at a surface of the lamp holding part that is opposite to the lamp and located at a position between an end portion and a connecting region of a mounting portion, such that the recessed portion allows the lamp holding part to bend so that the end portion is displaced in a direction away from the peripheral surface of the lamp. |
| US08087809B2 |
Apparatus for illuminating brand in a bottle and method for the same
Designs of bottle sets are disclosed to highlight a sign in a transparent container. In one embodiment, a bottle set includes a bottle and a base. A fixture is provided and disposed within the bottle. The fixture includes a light guide extended from an interior bottom of the bottle. The bottle is positioned onto the base, where the base provides a light source lighting of which is guided through the light guide to shine the mark on the fixture. |
| US08087808B2 |
Flashlight with a heat sink
A flashlight has a handle assembly and a lens cover. The handle assembly has a housing, a heat sink and en electrical unit. The housing has a front end. The heat sink is mounted in the housing and has a front end and a rear end. The electrical unit is mounted in the housing and detachably mounted on the rear end of the heat sink. The lens cover is securely mounted on the front end of the housing and has an LED element mounted securely on the heat sink. The lens cover has an LED electrically connected with the electrical unit with wires. Because the LED element and the electrical unit are separated by the heat sink, heat generated from the LED can be dissipated though the heat sink, instead of being directly conducted to the electrical unit and damaging the electrical unit. |
| US08087805B2 |
Motor-driven, head-displaceable floodlight unit
A motor-driven, displaceable-head floodlight unit according to one or more embodiments is described. The floodlight unit is arranged to generate a plurality of light and projection effects used in stagecraft and performances, at least several LED sources being configured as the source of light in the floodlight unit. The light emission from several LED sources is collected by at least one first mirror and deflected to a second mirror. The second mirror is arranged to collimate the light from the first mirror incident thereon and transmit the light. |
| US08087795B2 |
Flashlight holder and assembly
A flashlight assembly provides a convenient ability to turn the flashlight on and off, particularly for flashlights with a pressure activated power switch disposed on a rear portion of the flashlight. In one version, the flashlight assembly includes a flashlight holder that has a housing for receiving the flashlight's rear portion therein. The flashlight holder also has a handle connected to the housing that includes a support arm and an actuator arm. The support arm extends outwardly from the housing, while the actuator arm extends from the support arm back toward the housing, so as to overlie the power switch in spaced relation thereto. Disposed in this manner, the actuator arm is movable between depressed and released configurations. This movement allows the power switch to be selectively depressed and released, so as to turn the flashlight on and off. Other versions and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08087794B2 |
Self-illuminating book with mode-switchable page-embedded lighting
A book is disclosed with light sources embedded in the pages, thereby providing substantially uniform illumination that eliminates any need for external lighting. Visual interest is increased by providing switchability between a plurality of illumination modes, such as Flicker, Flash, On, and Off, each mode causing all of the light sources in at least one page to behave in a substantially identical manner. The light sources can be LED lights embedded in a regular array within translucent sheets that improve the illumination uniformity. An illumination control, on/off switch, and/or power source such as exchangeable or rechargeable batteries can be included in the spine of the book, or in a separate housing in wired communication with the book. Illumination modes can be switched by moving a magnetic and/or conductive portion of a wand near sensors in the pages. Indicia can be printed directly on the translucent sheets, and/or on overlay sheets. |
| US08087789B2 |
Projection optical system and projection display device
A projection optical system includes a first refracting optical system having a plurality of lenses, a first reflecting optical system, and a second reflecting optical system. The first reflecting optical system is disposed on a side of a projection port with respect to an optical axis of the first refracting optical system, and has a positive optical power to reflect light incident through the first refracting optical system in a direction opposite to the side of the projection port. The second reflecting optical system is operable to reflect the light reflected on the first reflecting optical system toward the projection port. |
| US08087786B2 |
Projector
The projector with at least two light sources for emission of light beams and a projection unit for controllable deflection of the light beams onto a projection surface has a control device to control light output of the light sources and a deflection of the projection unit, and also at least one digital delay element and at least one analog delay element for combined time delay of at least one of the light beams and/or deflection of the projection unit. |
| US08087783B2 |
Ocular centration of visual axis and evaluation of retinal function
A method and device to assess centration of a visual axis, evaluate retinal function, foveal function, and/or visual field. |
| US08087780B2 |
High precision visual field tester with unprecedented detailed results
A visual field testing apparatus for scanning the visual field of a human eye in great detail, precision, and clarity so as to detect the smallest blind area whereby allowing users the ability of early detection of glaucoma and other eye diseases of visual loss. The apparatus is small and inexpensive so that anyone can afford to purchase it and self-test without assistance so that the user can test frequently at home which further leads to early detection of eye diseases. Because of its great precision and detail in test results, the present invention is especially useful to doctors and researchers. One embodiment of the present invention is a visual field tester which comprises: (a) a recording surface having eye fixation means to fixate an eye's visual field relative to said recording surface; (b) a handheld scanning device which has a test mark for detecting very small blind areas in said eye's visual field and marking means for mapping said detected very small blind areas onto said recording surface; and (c) a head support for supporting a user's head. |
| US08087775B2 |
Hinge arrangement for spectacles
A hinge arrangement is described in which a pair of temples (1) are connected to a frontal portion (10) of the frame by a connection of upper and lower jaws (15, 16) extending from the frontal portion and passing through one or two apertures (4) provided in the temple. The lenses, once fitted, urge the jaws against upper and lower surfaces (8, 9) of the aperture in the temple, for example against the ends a T-shaped slot, which helps to prevent the hinged connection from coming apart. The jaws also engage a portion of the temple located rearwardly of the aperture to provide frictional contact that improves the feeling of stiffness in the hinge and/or a biasing action resisting over-opening of the temples. |
| US08087771B2 |
Dual blade release agent application apparatus
A application apparatus for metering release agent onto an image forming device moving surface, such as a Solid Ink Jet drum. The application apparatus includes a blade positioning mechanism with first and second links each having three pivot connections for pivotally connecting first and second blades together in mutually exclusive cooperative movement alternating between a common working position at a first location and respective suspended positions. The application apparatus can include a doctor blade arrangement in which the blades are disposed in a doctor blade orientation in the working position. The application apparatus can include a wiper blade arrangement in which the blades are disposed in a wiper blade orientation in the working position. The first and second blades form similar blade holder angles, blade deflection angles and Working Angles when occupying the working position. |
| US08087770B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a supply unit that supplies liquid recipient particles to receive liquid; a conveyance unit that conveys the liquid recipient particles supplied by the supply unit; a discharge unit that discharges liquid droplets to the liquid recipient particles conveyed by the conveyance unit; a humidity reducing unit that reduces relative humidity inside or around the supply unit; and a humidity increasing unit, on a downstream side of the supply unit, that increases relative humidity around at least one of the liquid recipient particles conveyed by the conveyance unit and the discharge unit. |
| US08087769B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming image
An image forming apparatus includes a carriage mounted with a recording head of an ink-jet system, a carriage driving mechanism, and a sheet conveying mechanism that conveys a sheet in a predetermined direction. The carriage is moved in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet by the carriage driving mechanism. A sheet guide member is arranged in a position below the recording head and opposed to the recording head. A sheet passes over a guide section of this sheet guide member. A heater is provided in the sheet guide member. This heater heats the guide section. |
| US08087767B2 |
Inkjet ink set
An ink set is provided which produces a printed article having excellent physical durability. The ink set contains a first liquid composition containing a reactive carbonyl group and a second liquid composition containing a co-reactive amine group, at least one of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition further containing a coloring material. When the two inks are printed on a substrate in at least a partially overlapping arrangement, the reactive amine and reactive carbonyl species can crosslink to form a more durable image. |
| US08087766B2 |
Fast-drying, solvent-based inkjet composition and a method and system for printing such ink
Disclosed herein is a fast drying solvent-based inkjet ink composition for thermal inkjet printing. The ink composition includes at least 40 weight percent base solvent, a solvent-compatible colorant, not more than 25 weight percent propellant, a decap-controlling additive, from 0.5 weight % to 3.5 weight % of a binder resin and not more than 5 weight % water. The application also relates to the method and system for inkjet printing with the above-described ink. |
| US08087763B2 |
Inkjet printer with printhead cartridge and cradle that interengage via an overcentre mechanism
An inkjet printer comprising a printer body and a replaceable printhead cartridge is disclosed. The printhead cartridge has a casing that supports a printhead and a plurality of contacts for receiving print data and power. The printer body has a cradle for holding the printhead cartridge in an operative position. The printer body has corresponding contacts for connection with the plurality of contacts on the printhead cartridge when the printhead cartridge is in the operative position. During insertion of the replaceable printhead cartridge, the casing is first slid into the cradle at which point the plurality of contacts contact the corresponding contacts. Next, the casing is rotated. During the rotation the plurality of contacts remain in contact with the corresponding contacts. The rotation of the casing in the cradle forms an over centre mechanism. |
| US08087761B2 |
Liquid discharging head, method of manufacturing liquid discharging head, and image forming apparatus
A liquid discharging head includes: a plurality of nozzles that discharge liquid droplets; and a plurality of piezoelectric elements that generate pressure for discharging liquid droplets from the respective nozzles, wherein the piezoelectric elements are performed with repolarization process to set non-uniformity of the droplet discharging characteristics of the nozzles to be in a predetermined range by combining adjustment of a polarization sensitivity and adjustment of a polarization voltage for each of the piezoelectric elements. |
| US08087757B2 |
Energy control of a nozzle of an inkjet printhead
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of a control pulse. Each energy pulse has energy of less than 200 nanojoule. |
| US08087751B2 |
Thermal ink jet printhead
An ink jet printhead includes a plurality of nozzles each having a nozzle aperture; a plurality of bubble forming chambers, each corresponding respectively to one of the plurality of nozzles; an inlet for communicating printing fluid between the nozzle aperture and a printing fluid supply, the inlet and the nozzle aperture being aligned along a common central axis; and a heater element disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers. Each heater element has two bubble nucleation regions suspended within the bubble forming chamber in a plane parallel to that of the nozzle aperture. The two bubble nucleation regions are laterally offset from the central axis, such that the lateral offset of one of the bubble nucleation regions is equal and opposite to the lateral offset of the other bubble nucleation region. The bubble nucleation regions are spaced from each other such that bubbles nucleated at each will grow until they unite to form the gas bubble that causes the ejection of a drop of ejectable liquid. |
| US08087747B2 |
Ink jet recording head unit and production process thereof
In an ink jet recording head unit, on a surface of an ejection outlet surface of an ink jet recording head, a tape is applied so that a portion of the tape with a relatively high adhesiveness corresponds to an area of the ejection outlet surface with a relatively high hydrophobicity and a portion of the tape with a relatively low adhesiveness corresponds to an area of the ejection outlet surface with a relatively low hydrophobicity. |
| US08087745B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of discharging ink from recording head
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head in which a plurality of nozzle groups is formed; a waste-liquid discharging mechanism which includes a plurality of suction caps covering the nozzle groups respectively, a suction mechanism the ink through the suction caps, a plurality of first channels communicating with the suction caps respectively, and a second channel communicating commonly with the first ink channel and with the suction mechanism; and an ink flow-rate control mechanism which control a flow rate of the ink flowing in first channels. Since the image forming apparatus has the ink flow-rate control mechanism, it is capable of sucking evenly the ink from the nozzle groups, irrespective of a shape of the suction cap, and a diameter and a length of the first channels. |
| US08087743B2 |
Print control method
A print control method comprising the steps of measuring a battery remainder index correlating with a remaining capacity of a battery in a printing unit operating on the battery, specifying a number of remaining printable copies of the printing unit on the basis of the battery remainder index, and outputting the number of remaining printable copies. |
| US08087741B2 |
Liquid ejector and method for ejecting liquid
A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper, and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means. |
| US08087740B2 |
Continuous ink jet apparatus and method using a plurality of break-off times
A method of operating a continuous liquid drop emission apparatus includes providing a liquid drop emitter that emits a plurality of continuous streams of liquid through a plurality of nozzles. A jet stimulation apparatus transfers energy to the liquid sufficient to cause the break-off of the plurality of continuous streams of liquid at a plurality of predetermined break-off times into a plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes. Sensing apparatus measures a characteristic value for each of the plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes. Control apparatus provides a plurality of break-off time setting signals to the jet stimulation apparatus to cause the plurality of predetermined break-off times to be determined by the characteristic value of each of the plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes. |
| US08087739B2 |
Drawing case for electronic information storage medium
A drawing case for an electronic information storage medium comprises a case body; a panel including a holder, a locking tool slot, a first through hole and a plurality of heat dissipation holes; a locking tool mounted in the locking tool slot and connected to an engaging piece that is provided with a first resilient element; a handle including a hook, one end of the handle being pivotally disposed on the holder, wherein the hook passes through the first through hole and engages with the engaging piece and is propped against the first resilient element. In this manner, the purpose of ease of drawing can be achieved by pressing the locking tool to open the handle, thereby not only significantly reducing manufacturing costs and assembly/disassembly complexity, such as eliminating the use of screws, but also enhancing the heat dissipation efficiency. |
| US08087738B2 |
Casegoods with cable management features
Office and home office furniture casegood products having cable management features, such as a desk including pedestals with hinged access doors having one or more cable management grommets disposed in the top edges of the hinged access doors. The desk may also include a hinged modesty panel with one or more cable management grommets disposed in a top edge thereof. The cable management grommets include a plurality of cable management grommet apertures to facilitate routing of cords or cables through the cable management grommets. The desk may also include a work surface having a bottom surface with a plurality of cord troughs attached thereto. Various panels of the desk include half-round cord openings to facilitate routing of cords and cables after having been routed through the cable management grommet apertures. The modesty panel includes an offset hinge assembly, advantageously providing ease of access to a wall outlet located behind the modesty panel. |
| US08087737B2 |
Ergonomic filmless radiology work station with keyboard sanitizer
An ergonomic radiology work station has front and back tables or work platforms that can be raised or lowered electrically to adjust for optimum posture and comfort of the user. Video monitors on the rear platform displays medical images. Interface equipment, e.g., keyboard and mouse, are situated on the front work platform. A pull-out sanitizer hood irradiates the keyboard and other interface devices with ultraviolet radiation after a radiology work session. An interlock arrangement ensures that the work platforms cannot be moved up or down when the hood is pulled out, and ensures that UV lamps in the hood are disabled when the hood is pushed back in to its home or withdrawn position. The hood with slide(s) and interlock(s) may be provided as a kit to retrofit an existing work station. |
| US08087736B2 |
Stopping structure and server having the same
A stopping structure and a server having the same are provided. The server includes a rack, at least one chassis, and a stopping structure. The chassis disposed in the rack moves relative to the rack. The stopping structure is disposed between the rack and the chassis. The stopping structure includes an actuator, a guiding element, and a damper. The actuator is disposed on the chassis. The guiding element is disposed on the chassis, and the actuator moves parallelly between a first position and a second position along the guiding element relative to the chassis. The damper is disposed in the rack. When the chassis is moved out from the rack and the actuator is at the first position, the damper is interfered with the actuator. When the chassis is moved out from the rack and the actuator is at the second position, the damper is not interfered with the actuator. |
| US08087733B2 |
Braking energy recovery system for a vehicle and vehicle equipped with the same
A braking energy recovery system adapted for use on a vehicle and a vehicle having such a system installed. The vehicle has an engine-transmission assembly, a driveshaft, a braking system and an auxiliary system. The energy recovery system comprises a first pump, a hydraulic accumulator and a hydraulic motor. The first pump is a variable displacement hydraulic pump. The hydraulic accumulator is connected to the first pump and is operative to store hydraulic fluid under pressure. The hydraulic motor is hydraulically connected to the accumulator to receive hydraulic fluid. The motor is adapted to drive a second hydraulic pump, which is hydraulically connected to the auxiliary system, using hydraulic energy stored in the accumulator. |
| US08087731B1 |
Side dump body
A side dump truck or trailer comprising a wheeled frame having a plurality of side dump bodies pivotally mounted thereon which may be individually moved from a transport position to a side dumping position. Once the side dump body is in its dumping position, the side dump body may be moved somewhat upwardly and inwardly away from the pile of material which has been dumped at one side of the truck or trailer. |
| US08087725B2 |
Head rest and harness adjustment for child car seat
A car seat includes a vertically adjustable head rest and harness support apparatus that will properly locate the position of the harness relative to the child in response to the positioning of the head rest. The head rest is movable along a curved track to provide horizontal clearance with respect to the vehicle head rest when in a fully raised position. The harness belt is trapped in a length adjustment lock and follows a path that extends around a fixed guide bar at the top of the car seat frame then downwardly through a guide member that directs the belt through an opening in the seat back for engagement with the child. The guide member is supported on a harness control tube that engages a rack device to fix the position of the harness control tube when the position of the head rest is selected. |
| US08087724B2 |
Ergonomic computer chair
The present ergonomic computer chair relates to chairs for special purposes, and more particularly, to computer operator's chair which is ergonomically designed to prevention of orthopedic and cardiovascular diseases and creation of psychophysical comfort, especially as regards reduction of fatigability during long-lasting work with computer. The ergonomic computer chair includes a seat with a backrest and a pedestal with a support frame made in the circular arc form, a support ring installed on the support frame wherein said support ring can rotate around its axis. The backrest is made of a rigid part and an elastic part separated from one other by at least three elastic bladders connected to a compressor by air tubes having electric valves. The rigid part of the backrest is hinged to the seat, and the seat is hinged to a seat inclination drive and to a footrest. A mounting of the computer monitor and keyboard is made by means of a movable sector which is made as a arched pipe with centering bearings. The chair has electric drives to move the support ring along the support frame of the pedestal, to move the movable sector along the support ring, to move the monitor longitudinally and to control monitor's inclination. This makes it possible to change the user's body position within the space against the Earth's gravitational field vector during the entire time of the work with computer. The use of the proposed device reduces the probability of orthopedic diseases occurrence, creates comfort and increases efficiency of the computer user. |
| US08087719B2 |
Sandwich panel
A sandwich panel for a vehicle is provided. The sandwich panel includes a first panel defining a plurality of apertures, and a second panel attached to the first panel. The second panel and the first panel define a cavity between the first panel and the second panel. Foam is disposed between the first panel and the second panel. The plurality of apertures of the first panel are operatively configured to receive a tool for pumping expandable foam in between the first panel and the second panel. |
| US08087713B2 |
Tonneau cover storage system for motor vehicles
A tonneau cover storage system for a vehicle includes a cargo compartment having a first sidewall and a cargo opening. A cavity is formed in the first sidewall. A container is pivotably attached to the first sidewall proximate the cavity at a first pivot point, and has a container opening sized and shaped to selectably fit into the cavity. A lid to selectably close off the container opening is also pivotably attached to the first pivot point and is pivotable independently of the container. A flexible tonneau cover is selectably configurable between a stowed condition within the container and a deployed condition closing off the cargo opening. The container is movable to a position within the cavity when the tonneau cover is in the stowed condition, and is further movable to a position outside the cavity when the tonneau cover is in the deployed condition. |
| US08087712B2 |
Windshield deicer
A pair of vertically disposed handlebars spaced laterally apart mounting a plurality of vertically spaced flexible cords. |
| US08087711B1 |
Golf cart windshield assembly
A golf cart windshield assembly is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the assembly includes a longitudinal U-shaped channel, where a first longitudinal slot is disposed adjacent to the U-shaped channel and the first slot is adapted to receive an edge of a lower windshield pane. A second longitudinal slot is disposed adjacent to the first slot, where the second slot is adapted to slidingly engage an edge of an upper windshield pane. A flange is joined along a longitudinal edge of the second slot and extends generally at a right angle to the second longitudinal slot and includes at least one aperture. The assembly also includes a spring loaded pin secured to the upper windshield pane, where the pin is adapted to engage the aperture of the flange to restrain the upper windshield pane in a desired vertical position. |
| US08087708B2 |
Handling device and handling method for wafers
The invention relates to a handling device and to a handling method for wafers, in particular for wafers with a thickness of less than 100 μm. According to the invention it is provided that an adhesive membrane is arranged so as to delimit at least one workspace, the volume of which can be changed by supplying or removing pressurising medium, and in that the size of the contact surface between the adhesive membrane and the wafer can be adjusted by changing the workspace volume. |
| US08087707B1 |
Multifunction device for people with limited mobility
A multifunction device for people with limited mobility allows a person to perform a variety of everyday activities with greater ease using a single device. The device has a gripper, which may be used as a shoehorn or to pick up small items; a leg lift, which may be used to reduce stress on the hip and/or knee when making leg movements; and a finger assembly, which may be used to push or pull light objects such as bedding and clothing. |
| US08087706B2 |
Bumper beam
A bow-formed bumper beam for a vehicle has a hat profile with a central flange (11), two webs (12, 13), and side flanges (14, 15). The beam has fastening portions (20, 21) at its sides where the side flanges form fastening areas (30-33) for fastening the beam to the vehicle with the central flange facing outwards. In the area between the fastening areas, the side flanges have bent edges (26, 27) and in association with the beginning of the bent edges, they have transverse dents (29). These dents will easily be flattened out when the beam is bent in a collision so that the local tension in these sensitive areas is reduced. Thereby, the risk of cracking is reduced. |
| US08087704B2 |
Latch for aircraft oven
A latch for a pivotal door has a respective pair of bolts on each of two opposite edges of the doors. The bolts are independently movable between latching positions projecting from the respective door edge and freeing positions at least partially recessed in the respective door edge, respective rods having outer ends connected to the bolts and inner ends. Respective actuating elements each connected to two of the inner ends are independently operable to shift the respective bolts between the respective latching and freeing positions. Respective adjacent handles coupled to the actuating are both shiftable independently of each other in generally the same direction between an unactuated position with the respective element setting the respective bolts in the latching positions and an actuated position setting with the respective element setting the respective bolts in the freeing positions. |
| US08087703B2 |
Component connecting structure
A component connecting structure includes a first component having a flange portion, a second component having a flange portion, and a clip for holding the flange portions in a butted state. The clip formed into a generally polygonal shape has a spring body having first and second circumferential end portions overlapped with each other in a diameter reduced free state. The spring body has slits for inserting the flange portions butted against each other in the diameter reduced free state. The first and second circumferential end portions have a temporary engaging protrusion and a temporary engaging ledge, respectively. The temporary engaging ledge is engaged with the temporary engaging protrusion to hold a diameter expanded state of the spring body. |
| US08087700B2 |
Hydraulic coupling member with bidirectional pressure-energized probe seal
A female hydraulic coupling member includes a bidirectional, pressure-energized probe seal for sealing between the body of the female coupling member and the cylindrical probe section of a male coupling member seated in the receiving chamber of the female member. In one embodiment, the pressure-energized seal comprises a first curved section which is oriented towards the external end of the receiving chamber in which it is installed and a second curved section oriented towards the interior end of the receiving chamber. The two curved sections are joined by a substantially straight back section. When the pressure of fluid within the coupling member is above the ambient fluid pressure, the first curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness. When external pressure (e.g., the hydrostatic head) exceeds the pressure of fluid within the coupling member, the second curved section is pressure-energized so as to increase its sealing effectiveness. In another embodiment, the pressure-energized seal comprises a curved back section joining the first curved section and the second curved section. When the curved back section moves radially outward against a circumferential wall under the influence of fluid pressure within the seal, it effects a slight rotation of the first and second curved sections, thereby increasing their sealing effectiveness. |
| US08087695B2 |
Mobile machine with supporting legs
The invention relates to a mobile work machine, particularly a concrete pump truck. The work machine comprises a chassis (10) that has at least four wheels (11) that belong to a wheel axle, in pairs. Furthermore, at least two support legs (20) disposed laterally on the chassis, in pairs, are provided, which legs have a telescope segment configured as an extension tube (28) articulated onto the chassis (10), and a foot part (24) that can be extended downward, in telescope-like manner, and supported on the ground, preferably by hydraulic means. In order to guarantee simple handling of the support mechanism, it is proposed, according to the invention, that the extension tube (28) of the support legs (20) is configured in the manner of a two-arm lever, forming a lower lever arm (40), with reference to the pivot axis (34), which contains the foot part (24), and an upper lever arm (42), preferably spring-supported in the pivoting-out direction. |
| US08087694B2 |
ATV roll bar system
An ATV safety roll bar system including a safety belt, a seat back, and a collapsible emergency shelter adapted to secure to the roll bar and ATV. The roll bar may prevent injury or death in cases of ATV rollover accidents or crashes by absorbing the brunt of the force from the rolling or falling ATV. The seat back may include a rope or strap laced between metal bars having a series of holes, the metal bars being integrated onto the roll bar. The safety belt may be attached to the roll bar at various points and may be configurable to meet the preference of the ATV operator. The system may include a seat belt retractor to secure the operator on the ATV. The system may include rollover stop bars that extend in response to near rollover conditions. The system may include a tilt sensor and alarm warning system. |
| US08087690B2 |
Airbag system for vehicle
An airbag system for a vehicle may include an inflator for supplying gas pressure, an airbag housing installed in a vehicle roof above a seat, and an airbag cushion installed in the airbag housing, wherein the airbag is deployed by tearing a roof headliner using the gas pressure provided from the inflator in such a way as to enclose upper portion of an occupant sitting on the seat. |
| US08087683B2 |
Bicycle trailer and hand cart mobile transport
A mobile transport has a frame on which two wheels are mounted. A basket type container is permanently affixed to a portion of the frame, which also includes a foot rest section for child passengers. A receptacle post is provided which can support either a bicycle type seat for transporting a child or a container which doubles the carrying capacity of the transport. The frame of the transport also includes a frame extension, removeably attached to the frame, with a towing hitch for connection to a bicycle. Upon removal of the frame extension, the transport can be used as a manual cart, with the upper end of the frame providing the handle for pushing or pulling the cart. |
| US08087676B2 |
Suspension height adjustment mechanism
This disclosure relates to a suspension height adjustment mechanism comprising a main body, a rotatable assembly being rotatably mounted to the main body and having a first threaded portion, a tool engagement portion for rotating the rotatable assembly, a spring support having a second threaded portion engaging the first threaded portion, an anti-rotation means on the spring support adapted to cooperate with a corresponding anti-rotation means on the main body to prevent rotation of the spring support with respect to the main body, such that, in use, rotation of the tool engagement portion causes the spring support to axially translate along the rotatable assembly, thus adjusting the height of the suspension. This disclosure also relates to a vehicle suspension system comprising the suspension height adjustment mechanism and to a vehicle comprising the vehicle suspension system. |
| US08087672B2 |
System and devices for real-time electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage
A hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable between a recording mode and at least one other mode is described. The apparatus is adapted to uniquely identifying a user and includes an interface for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by the user. A mechanism is provided for the apparatus to switch between the at least one other mode and the recording mode upon a player making a first move in a new game. The recording mode further includes a security module so that only authorized features are accessible when the apparatus is in the recording mode. The apparatus includes a power module and a communication module for securely communicating chess moves to a central location. The moves are recorded in a universal language. The invention also concerns a chess game tournament management system, as well as a system for recording and publishing chess moves. |
| US08087668B2 |
Transport diverter and paper sheet processing unit
A conveying and dividing mechanism in which a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path facing each other can bidirectionally convey banknotes between each other and that can divide into multiple-direction banknotes conveyed from both the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path. A first dividing member is rockably provided at the intersection of the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path, a third conveyance path, and a fourth conveyance path. The first dividing member enables banknotes to be bidirectionally conveyed between the first and second conveyance paths. Further, the first dividing member enables bank notes conveyed from the first and second conveyance paths to be divided into the third and fourth conveyance paths. |
| US08087660B2 |
Single motor document jogger/feeder
A compact, desktop document processor for use on a counter-top is provided. A low-profile document feeding machine includes a feeder, a hopper, at least one processing device, and an output pocket. The apparatus further includes a reversible motor including a shaft, a first one-way clutch, a second one-way clutch, a nudger device, and a jogging device. The nudger device is drivingly connected to the motor through the first one-way clutch such that driving the motor in a forward direction drives the nudger device to urge a document from a document stack in the hopper into the feeder. The jogging device is drivingly connected to the motor through the second one-way clutch such that driving the motor in a reverse direction drives the jogging device to align the documents in the document stack prior to feeding. |
| US08087659B2 |
Conveying device, method of controlling the conveying device, and recording device using the conveying device
A conveying device in which positional displacement of a sheet may occur due to, for example, backlash of a mechanical system is provided. In the conveying device, when the speed of an encoder is decelerated to a predetermined speed after an edge of a sheet abuts against a roller during conveyance of the sheet, an encoder position is obtained. After the roller stops due to the backlash, an encoder position is obtained again. An amount of conveyance of the sheet to a print start position is corrected on the basis of the two encoder positions that have been obtained. |
| US08087658B2 |
Image forming device with open/close cover and manual paper feeding tray
A multifunction peripheral includes a main body, a jam access cover, and a manual paper feeding tray. The jam access cover can expose the interior of the main body by being rotated. The manual paper feeding tray is attached to the jam access cover so as to be rotatable with a tray rotation shaft at a position that is different from a jam access cover rotation shaft as a center. A projection is arranged on the manual paper feeding tray so as to contact with a recess on the main body side to regulate the rotation of the manual paper feeding tray when the jam access cover is opened. The manual paper feeding tray includes a distal end that is located a higher position than the jam access cover rotation shaft when the projection contacts with the recess. |
| US08087656B2 |
Cash handling system
A cash handling system 10 has an upper unit 100 mounted on a lower unit 200. The upper unit 100 has a cash slot 110, first bill transfer openings 160a to 160c, and a conveyor line 120. The lower unit 200 has a second bill transfer opening 210, cash cartridges 240, and a conveyor line 220. The conveyor line 120 has multiple conveyance branch paths 120a to 120c provided corresponding to multiple first bill transfer openings 160a to 160c. This arrangement enables the position of the cash slot to be readily changeable relative to the cash cartridges. |
| US08087654B2 |
Post-processing device
A post-processing device include a conveyed medium stacking portion, a medium bundle stapling member, a medium bundle stacking portion and a medium bundle stacking control unit. A plurality of recording mediums, on which images are recorded, are conveyed and stacked into the conveyed medium stacking portion. The medium bundle stapling member staples a medium bundle, which is a bundle of the plurality of recording mediums stacked on the conveyed medium stacking portion, with staples. The stapled medium bundle is conveyed and stacked into the medium bundle stacking portion. The medium bundle stacking control unit stacks a second medium bundle on a first medium bundle under the condition that a second stacking stapling position deviates from a first stacking stapling position in a width direction by a distance not less than a staple width. |
| US08087647B2 |
Fluid filled type cylindrical vibration damping device
A fluid filled type cylindrical vibration damping device, wherein a circumferential end of a stopper member is formed as a mating element smaller in diameter than a circumferentially center section of the stopper member, and is juxtaposed against and supported on a bottom face of a mating groove in a communication passage, to form the communication passage along an entire area between diametrically opposed faces of the mating element and an outer tubular member. A cutout portion is formed extending in a circumferential direction from a circumferential end in a widthwise medial section of the mating element, with the communication passage opening into and communicating with a first fluid chamber at a distal end section of the cutout portion, and at two widthwise side sections of the mating element, respectively, thereby defining an orifice passage connecting the first fluid chamber with a second fluid chamber. |
| US08087645B2 |
Humidifier
This invention is a humidifier used to increase and maintain the humidity of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The humidifier is a container made of a water vapor permeable material that contains a water absorbent material such as acrylate polymer. The container is held within the body of the instrument by being mounted onto the strings of the instrument. The container is filled with water by an opening that is sealed with a cap. The water absorbent material can hold water without dripping, but will allow the water to evaporate. |
| US08087641B2 |
Fluid control valve with a holding member to prevent loosening of threaded engagement
For providing a fluid control valve capable of preventing looseness of a screw part between a valve main body and a valve upper body, the fluid control valve comprises a resin valve main body wherein a valve seat comes into or out of contact with a diaphragm, and a resin valve upper body engaged with the valve main body. The fluid control valve comprises a holding member to keep the valve main body and the valve upper body threadedly screwed together. |
| US08087640B2 |
Flow valve for example for faucets
A flow valve for faucets such as kitchen and bathroom faucets includes an inlet and outlet and a transverse valve mechanism where a valve element moves toward and away from a valve seat at least partly transverse to incoming inlet flow and/or outgoing outlet flow. |
| US08087638B2 |
Apparatus to control a fluid flow characteristic of fluid regulator bypass valves
Apparatuses to control a fluid flow characteristic of fluid regulator bypass valves are described. An example apparatus includes an insert having a body sized to be inserted in a passage of a bypass valve. The body includes an opening to fluidly couple a bore of the body to an outer surface of the body. The opening being shaped to produce a predetermined flow characteristic in response to at least a portion of a restrictor of the bypass valve moving relative to the opening to vary a fluid flow through the opening and the bypass valve. |
| US08087630B1 |
Wind-resistant stackable cup holders
A cup holder includes a base having a cup-receiving central portion, a number of cup holding elongated members extending upward around the central portion to hold a cup in place so that it is not overturned or blown away by the wind, and a number of openings extending upward from a lower surface of the base to receive the cup holding elongated members of another, similar cup holder so that the cup holders can be stacked for storage. The cup holder may include a removably attached, downward extending member for attachment to a soft soil surface. In one version, the cup holding elongated members and the openings are tapered, with the openings extending within the cup holding elongated members. In other versions, the openings are placed within the base in patterns similar to the pattern of the cup holding elongated members, with the patterns being spaced apart from one another. |
| US08087626B1 |
Camera mounting apparatus
A camera mounting apparatus includes a bracket having an opening extending therethrough to receive a T-post. At least one fastener is extended through the bracket and frictionally engaged with the T-post. A shaft has a pair of threaded shaft ends one of which is attached to the bracket. A mounting panel has a peripheral edge having a threaded aperture therein. One of the shaft ends is extended into the threaded aperture and threadably coupled to the mounting panel. The mounting panel has at least one hole extending therethrough. A camera is mountable on the mounting panel after the drill head is extended into a tree to couple the camera to the tree. |
| US08087622B2 |
Adjustable golf bag stand
A golf bag support for releasably retaining a golf bag having a longitudinal axis includes a base, a foot, and a pair of arms. The base has a bottom for contacting a surface. The foot is connected to the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the second position arranging the foot to stabilize the base on the surface. The pair of arms extends from the base. The arms are spaced from each other to define a seat sized to receive the golf bag. The arms are movable relative to each other. |
| US08087621B2 |
Holder for fixing components, in particular lines, inside an aircraft without using holes
Disclosed is a holder for fixing all types of component, in particular lines, without using holes and largely without using tools inside a conventional fuselage structure of an aircraft with stringers and annular formers, the formers each being provided with an angle bracket at crossing points between a stringer and an annular former. The holder is configured so as to be split in two with a lower part and an upper part which can be connected thereto, the lower part being slidable onto an angle bracket. By attaching the upper part to the lower part, the holder is positionally fixed at the crossing point in the top region of an annular former. It is fixed in its final position by connecting the holder to a transverse line holder as a function element by means of an expansion pin or other connection elements. Other alternative function elements for fixing the components, such as a longitudinal line holder, a transverse batten or a longitudinal batten for specific installation requirements, may, if necessary, be combined with at least one holder so as to form holder arrangement with any desired degree of complexity. |
| US08087619B2 |
Active control stick assembly including traction drive
An active control stick assembly. In one embodiment, the active control stick assembly includes a housing assembly, a control stick coupled to the assembly housing for rotation about at least a first rotational axis, a first artificial force feel (AFF) motor disposed in the housing assembly, and a first traction drive mechanically coupling the first AFF motor to the control stick. A controller is operatively coupled to the first AFF motor. The controller is configured to selectively activate the first AFF motor to supply a torque through the first traction drive and acting on the control stick about the first rotational axis. |
| US08087615B2 |
Window installation method
A particular method includes installing a window assembly in a structure by coupling a window frame body of the window assembly to a first surface of an interior side of an outer skin of the structure. The method also includes coupling the window frame body to a second surface of an interior side of an inner skin of the structure. The method also includes coupling the window frame body to a portion of the structure between the outer skin and the inner skin. |
| US08087614B2 |
Stringer for an aircraft wing and a method of forming thereof
The present invention relates to a stringer for an aircraft wing and a method of forming such a stringer in which the stringer is formed form a single piece of material and has differential strength along its length. |
| US08087613B2 |
Modular passenger seat for an aircraft
An aircraft passenger seat assembly as described herein is formed from two primary and modular components: a structural frame that provides passenger support and dynamic load paths for the seat assembly; and a comfort frame that provides the passenger seating surface and the external upholstery layer for the seat assembly. If the seat assembly is designed for multiple passengers, then a separate comfort frame is used for each passenger seat location. The structural frame can be formed as a molded composite construction, and the comfort frame can also utilize a molded composite support frame. The support frame is used as a mounting shell for a fabric carrier that includes the external upholstery layer. The modular design and use of composite materials results in a significant weight and parts count savings relative to conventional seat designs. |
| US08087611B2 |
Galley unit with cart lift for elevated cart storage
A galley unit with a cart lift is provided for elevated storage of a food and beverage cart. The galley unit includes a mounting rack configured for mounting at least one first galley component thereon. The cart lift includes a platform for supporting a second galley component thereon. The platform is movable between a fully lowered, fully extended position and a fully raised, fully retracted position with the second galley component supported thereon. A support pillar is positioned to one side of the mounting rack and is operable to support and manipulate the platform in a fore-and-aft motion between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, and in an up-and-down motion between a fully lowered position and a fully raised position. The support pillar may include an operator controlled passive lifting system for assisting manipulation of the platform. |
| US08087607B2 |
Airplane configuration
An aircraft configuration that may reduce the level of noise, infrared radiation, or combination thereof directed towards the ground from an aircraft in flight. An embodiment of an aircraft includes a fuselage, two forward swept wings, at least one engine mounted to the aircraft and higher than the wings, and vertical stabilizers mounted on each wing outboard of the outermost engine. The leading edge of the wing may extend forward of the leading end of the engine, and the trailing edge of the aft deck may extend aft of the trailing end of the engine. The aft deck may include an upwardly rotatable pitch control surface at the trailing edge of the deck. Engine types may vary, including but not limited to turbofans, prop-fans, and turbo-props. Main wings may be mounted above the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and canards may likewise be mounted above or below the axis. |
| US08087606B2 |
Drag-reduction, propulsion, and lift generating system
A motion generating system for propelling and/or lifting a craft exploiting explosive and implosive processes, whereby a propulsive or lifting force on the craft arises from two sources: generation of a stream of fluids which imparts thrust to the craft; and generation of zones of reduced pressure and density in front of and above the craft allowing the craft to be thrust forward and lifted by ambient pressure on the rear and underside of the craft. Furthermore, reduction of fluid density in front of the craft results in a reduction of frontal drag allowing the attainment of higher speeds. The motion generating system may have other applications; for example, the motion generating system may be used to propel a stream of liquid in the manner of a pump. |
| US08087604B2 |
Rolling mill pouring reel and its method of operation
A pouring reel for forming a long product moving at an incoming velocity into an annular coil comprises a central mast lying on a vertical axis. A cylindrical tub surrounds and cooperates with the mast to form an annular chamber, the bottom of which is closed by a coil plate. An entry pipe is arranged to deliver the product downwardly for accumulation in the chamber as a series of superimposed rings forming the annular coil. A first drive mechanism rotates the tub about the vertical axis, and a second drive mechanism rotates the mast about the same axis. The first and second drive mechanisms are operable independently of each other to thereby permit the tub and the mast to be rotated at surface velocities substantially matching the incoming velocity of the product.The tub and entry pipe may also be vertically adjustable in unison relative to the central mast and coil plate in order to maintain the free fall distance of product being delivered into the chamber at a predetermined substantially constant minimum. |
| US08087603B2 |
Sealing enclosure for a blender
An enclosure for a blender including a body portion adapted to be secured to a base, and a cover pivotally attached to the body portion. The body portion includes sidewalls, a back wall, and an abbreviated top wall. The cover includes sidewalls, a front wall, a top wall, and an abbreviated back wall. A flange extends outwardly from the sidewalls and the top wall of the body portion and a gasket is provided thereon to create a seal between the cover and the body portion of the enclosure. |
| US08087600B2 |
Food waste disposal unit
A food waste disposer has a housing 12 defining a grinding chamber 14 having an inlet 16 and an outlet 18. A grinding mechanism including a shredder ring 20 and a grinding disc 22, is disposed within the grinding chamber 14. A liner 21, preferably of a plastics material, extends from the shredder ring 20 to the inlet 16. The liner 21 reduces the noise generated by the disposer when in use. |
| US08087599B2 |
Anti-paper jam protection device for shredders
The present invention relates to an anti-paper jam protection device for shredders comprising a paper thickness detecting device, an indicating device and a controlling device, wherein the paper thickness detecting device is an electromagnetic induction paper thickness detecting device comprising a contact element, an electromagnetic element and an electromagnetic induction element, the contact element is connected rotatably to the body of the shredder, one end of which is positioned in the paper inserting passage, on the other end of which is mounted the electromagnetic element, the electromagnetic induction element is mounted on the body of the shredder and spaced with the electromagnetic element face to face, and the controlling device is in line connection with the electromagnetic induction element, the present invention controls the thickness of the paper to be shredded during the paper inserting stage, and shreds paper automatically only in a predetermined value range, to avoid abnormalities that result in failure of the machine such as jam and tooth breaking when the shredder is shredding many pieces of paper, so as to reduce maintenance times and cost, extend service life, and make application of shredders safer and more reliable, more convenient and simpler, then to achieve better protection of shredders. |
| US08087591B2 |
Method for producing a portable data carrier
Proposed is a method for producing a portable data carrier (100) starting out from a film carrier (10) having disposed on its upper side (14) a contact layout (28), and on its underside (16) a semiconductor circuit (20) connected to the contact layout. The thus prepared film carrier (10) is put into an injection mold (30) where an injection molding process is performed in which a molded body (40) having an outer contour (102) corresponding to a standard specification for the outer dimensions of a portable data carrier is formed on the underside (16) around the semiconductor circuit (20). |
| US08087590B2 |
Indicia reading terminal including frame quality evaluation processing
There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to capture a succession of frames of image data and that can be operative so that a certain frame of the succession of frames is subject to quality evaluation processing where a result of the quality evaluation processing is responsive to one or more of an incidence and sharpness of edge representations of the frame of image data. |
| US08087589B2 |
Laser barcode scanner employing heterodyning techniques
A system and method of scanning machine-readable symbols with a signal source modulated by a local oscillator to create by heterodyne mixing upconverted signals at the sum and difference frequencies of the local oscillator frequency and the frequency of the time-varying reflectance off the scanned symbols is disclosed. The reflected heterodyned signal is detected by a receiver. Ambient noise is filtered out from the reflected signal, and the received signal at the sum and difference frequencies is processed. |
| US08087588B2 |
Digital image capture and processing system having a single printed circuit (PC) board with a light transmission aperture, wherein a first linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the rear side of the PC board for producing a linear targeting illumination beam, and wherein a second linear array of visible LEDs are mounted on the front side of said PC board for producing a field of visible illumination within the field of view (FOV) of the system
A digital image capture and processing system having single printed circuit (PC) board with light transmission aperture, wherein a first linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the rear side of the PC board for producing a linear targeting illumination beam, and wherein a second linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the front side of the PC board for producing a field of visible illumination within the field of view (FOV) of the system. The linear targeting illumination beam is centrally disposed within the field of visible illumination. |
| US08087587B2 |
Dual laser aiming patterns for an imaging-based bar code reader
An aiming pattern assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader including: a laser assembly laterally offset from an imaging lens assembly optical axis, the laser assembly including a first laser light source and a second laser light source; and a focusing lens defining an optical axis and positioned proximate to the laser assembly, the focusing lens focusing the laser light generated by the first laser light source to generate a first aiming pattern traversing along a first beam path and focusing the laser light generated by the second laser light source to generate a second aiming pattern traversing along a second beam path, the first laser light source being aligned with the focusing lens optical axis and the second laser light source being laterally offset from the focusing lens optical axis resulting in the second beam path crossing the imaging lens assembly optical axis in a near working range. |
| US08087586B2 |
RFID transponder transmitting concatenation of pages
Disclosed is a transponder of a radio frequency identification system. Connected to a controller is a memory storing r-pages of k-bits of data. A first page includes an ID code relating to an integrated chip forming part of the transponder. The controller is configured, after the transponder has been interrogated by a reader, automatically and on a transponder talk only basis, to transmit transponder ID data including a concatenation of pages. Each page is led by a respective m-bit header. The header includes: (a) a first part having a random number, (b) a second part having for the first page in the ID data, a total number of pages in the ID data and for any subsequent page, a page number of the page in the memory and; (c) a third part having a sequential number for the page in the ID data. |
| US08087585B2 |
Baggage handling system and method
A label for tracking and tracing baggage in a baggage handling system is disclosed. The label includes resonators doped into the label. The resonators providing the label with a unique signature and are capable of being read from approximately 2 meters. A baggage handling system incorporating a resonator based label system is also disclosed. The system includes at least one piece of baggage, a label for tracking and tracing baggage in the baggage handling system, at least one reader for reading the label in order to properly direct the attached at least one piece of baggage, and at least one baggage mover suitable for moving the at least one piece of baggage within the baggage handling system. The label includes resonators doped into the label that provide the label with a unique signature, the label being attached to and referenced with said at least one piece of baggage. |
| US08087584B2 |
Invasive surgical instrument equipped with a transponder
The present invention concerns a read system (4), and the use of the latter, which is intended to communicate with a transponder (2) placed on a surgical instrument so as to quickly identify the surgical instrument by bringing the read system (4) close to the transponder (2) of the surgical instrument and then reading the information associated with the instrument contained in the transponder (2), and communication with a computer system (5), wherein the transponder (2) is housed in a compartment (13), formed in the instrument, said compartment (13) being closed off in a sealed manner by a thin lid (14) welded or affixed (3) to the body (10) of the surgical instrument so that the outer surface of the surgical instrument has no projecting sharp points, and with the transponder (2) communicating or recording, via the read system (4), information concerning clinical history. |
| US08087577B2 |
Radio frequency identification tag reader and method
A system that includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader, said reader includes a reading section, a processing section, memory and a transmitting section; wherein the reading section is configured to read tag data stored on one or more RFID tags, the processing section is configured to process this data and the transmitting section is configured to transmit the result as transmitted data; such that the transmitting section is also configured to transmit updated tag data to the or each of the RFID tags, said updated tag data replacing some or all of the tag data stored on the RFID tag to be updated. The system further includes one or more RFID tags, an intermediate database and a customer database such that the intermediate database is configured to receive the transmitted data, convert it into intermediate data, which is in a format accepted by the customer database, then transmit this to the customer database. |
| US08087570B2 |
Carton with dispenser, display features and/or corner features
A carton has a multi-ply configuration formed by overlying a primary blank with one or more reinforcing blanks. A separable section can formed in one or more side panels of the carton to allow for removal of articles from the carton. |
| US08087568B2 |
Collapsible carton
A carton includes scores that create pleats fashioned in the walls of the carton. As weight from subsequently stacked materials impinge on the carton, the side walls collapse in a substantially uniform manner leaving the carton top in tact and substantially level with the bottom of the carton. |
| US08087565B2 |
Process of filling openings in a component
A process for filling openings, including blind holes, through-holes, and cavities, in high temperature components. The process entails forming a powder mixture by mixing particles of at least a base alloy and a second alloy that contains a sufficient amount of a melting point depressant to have a lower melting temperature than the base alloy. The powder mixture is combined with a binder and compacted to form a compacted preform, which is then heated to remove the binder and form a rigid sintered preform. The sintered preform is produced, or optionally is further shaped, to have a cross-sectional shape and dimensions to achieve a clearance of up to 200 micrometers with the opening, after which the preform is placed in the opening and diffusion bonded within the opening to form a brazement comprising the particles of the base alloy dispersed in a matrix formed by the second alloy. |
| US08087563B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus
A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device. |
| US08087562B1 |
Anvil for surgical instrument
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include an anvil with a body having a cavity defined therein, and at least one insert fixed within the cavity. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include an anvil with an upper layer composed of a first material, and a lower layer composed of a second material different from the first material, where the lower layer is fixed to the upper layer. A method of manufacturing a surgical apparatus may include fabricating an anvil that includes a insert composed of a first material, the insert located within a cavity in a body composed of a second material, where the first material and the second material have different properties. |
| US08087561B2 |
Powder-actuated fastener-driving device capable of power adjustment
A powder-actuated fastener-driving device includes a barrel mounted in a housing. The barrel has a barrel wall formed with a through hole communicating with a radial vent hole. The through hole and the vent hole constitute an exhaust passage. A driving piston is mounted movably within the barrel, and has a rear end portion cooperating with an inner annular surface of the barrel wall to define an annular gap therebetween. A power adjusting unit includes an adjusting member disposed movably in the housing, and operable to move a control end portion thereof within the through hole so as to control an effective open area of the exhaust passage such that combustion gases discharge from a firing chamber defined between the driving piston and a rear end portion of the barrel through the gap and the effective open area, thereby controlling venting of combustion gases from the firing chamber. |
| US08087556B2 |
Power tool
An electric driver includes a hook portion which is constituted by a deformable hook-like portion and a connecting portion for connecting the hook-like portion to the handle. The hook-like portion is constituted by a base portion connected to the connecting portion and a bent portion continuous to the base portion, and a front end portion continuous to the bent portion and arranged at a position substantially opposed to the base portion. The front end portion and the base portion can be proximate to and remote from each other. The connecting portion holds the hook-like portion in a direction substantially the same as a direction in which the handle extends. The hook-like portion is pivotably held on a first rotating axis center extending in substantially the same direction as the handle. |
| US08087554B2 |
Multifunction pouring spout with pivoting handle
An inventive pouring spout that is selectively attachable to a container and fitted to the opening of the container with which it is used. In a preferred embodiment, the pouring spout is fitted to the dimensions of a one-quart container and includes a wall, a sealing member, a mouth and a handle. The handle is connected to the wall with a hinge that enables the handle to pivot away from the container to allow the sealing member to be appropriately positioned while the container rests flat on a surface. After the sealing member is in place, the handle is then pivoted back in position to securely hold the container. The handle includes a plurality of upwardly extending projections adapted to securely engage the bottom rim of the container. Furthermore, thermoplastic material is applied at the handle area forming a handle cover that is comfortable and easy to grip. Thermoplastic material is also preferably utilized in the construction of the sealing member for forming a seal between the spout and opening of the container. |
| US08087553B2 |
One way valve assembly
A one way valve assembly flows a sterile flowable substance from a source to an outlet orifice and prevents any backflow of contaminants through the one way valve assembly when the flowable substance ceases to flow. The valve assembly includes an elastomeric membrane which aids in preventing any backflow of contaminants when dispensing of the flowable substance is stopped. |
| US08087552B2 |
Adapter for aerosol cans
The invention relates to an adapter (1) for aerosol cans, particularly for discharging mounting foams, said adapter comprising a receiving device (2) for the valve of the aerosol can, a conveying tube (3) for can content to be discharged which is arranged at the receiving device (2), a connection (4) on the conveying tube (3) to accommodate a trunk (16) used to enable the can content to be discharged in a well-aimed manner, a handle (5) to actuate the receiving device (2) counter to the valve of the can as well as holding means (6) for fixing the adapter to a crimping lip of the dome (15) of the can, with the receiving device (2) interacting with and having a sealing effect on the valve disk of the aerosol can and the receiving device (2) being flexibly integrated into the adapter (1). |
| US08087551B2 |
Tool for deactivating small arms
A device and method for deactivating firearms is described herein. The device includes a casing having a nozzle and a plunger for dispensing a bonding material out of the nozzle. The device is inserted into the barrel of a weapon, and the material is injected into the barrel near the bolt face of the weapon. The bonding material enters the working mechanism of the firearm and hardens, interfering with operation of the firearm. |
| US08087545B2 |
Counter mounted dispensing system
A combination product container and pump includes a product container including a neck providing an open top, and a lug proximate a base of the neck. A pump is fitted within the open top and includes a piston. A cap provides a piston aperture and secures the pump to the container. The piston of the pump extends through the piston aperture. A dispensing tube port is offset from the piston. A collar key is fitted over the cap. The collar key includes an actuator aperture, and the piston extends through the actuator aperture. The collar key further includes a dispensing tube slot, and the dispensing tube port extends through the dispensing tube slot. The collar key also includes a notch that is circumferentially offset from the dispensing tube slot, the notch being fitted over the lug of the product container such that the dispensing tube slot and the dispensing tube port must occupy a particular orientation with respect to the lug. |
| US08087541B2 |
Automatic product vending machine
The present invention relates to an automatic product dispenser, i.e. vending machine featuring improved product delivery ability. The vending machine according to the present invention comprises at least one tray (5) for supporting the products (2) to be dispensed, which is arranged in a substantially horizontal manner and is subdivided into a plurality of compartments (6), at least a conveyor belt (9) for handling the products (2) within said compartments (6) and conveying said products (2) towards a release section (35); the inventive vending machine further comprises delivery means (17) provided close to said release section (35). The inventive vending machine is characterized in that at least one of said compartments (6) is so configured as to be able to receive products (2) arranged along two rows, and in that it comprises selection means (19) adapted to arrange said products (2) into a single row in proximity of said release section (35). |
| US08087536B2 |
Pressurizable structures comprising different surface sections
Composite pressurizable structures overwound with fibers or braided bundles of fibers are described. The pressurizable structures comprise one or more axial sections which themselves comprise both concave and convex surfaces. The shape characteristics are related to geodesic as well as to non-geodesic trajectories of the fibers. Axial sections of the pressurizable structures can be rotated, expanded, or bended with respect to their longitudinal axis. Such pressurizable structures may be used in pressure vessels, flexible pipelines, spring elements, robotic actuators, adaptive buildings among other uses. Manufacturing techniques facilitated by the present structures allow for the construction of very large structures. |
| US08087535B1 |
Serving dish with dispensing ramps
A serving receptacle dispenses food therefrom onto a diner's plate while overcoming the problem of food being dropped onto the table during dispensing. At least one dispensing ramp is coextensive with the serving dish upper surface and extends upward and horizontally over the edge of a diner's plate. Each ramp has two opposed side edges that extend upwardly from the ramp surface to reduce the chances of food or fluid dropping off the ramp during dispensing. The food is moved onto the ramp and then past the leading edge of the ramp, where it will then fall onto the diner's plate. There may be two opposed ramps that also serve as handles. The ramps have an upper surface that is slightly sloped upwardly as it approaches the outer edge of the ramp. This enables liquids to flow back into the dish instead of dripping over the edge. A drip projection under the free edge of the ramp causes liquid at the edge to drip down onto the plate. |
| US08087533B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a removable sliding access door for an ice storage bin
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for providing a removable sliding access door for an ice storage bin. In one embodiment, an access door is provided for use with a storage bin. The access door can include protrusions that engage corresponding recesses on tracks located adjacent to an access opening of the storage bin. The sliding access door can permit a user to access or view the contents of storage bin, and can be easily removed from the storage bin without the use of tools. |
| US08087529B2 |
Safety closure for steam pressurized containers of household appliances
A safety closure for steam-pressurized containers of household appliances, such as steam irons, steam cleaners and the like. The safety closure is provided with an inner part that can be screwed onto the filling hole of the container, and with an outer part in the shape of a grip cap. A coupling element is provided between the inner part and the outer part and can be axially displaced against the effect of a spring by a drive controlled by the internal container pressure in such a manner that the outer part and the inner part are interconnected in a rotationally fixed manner when the container is not pressurized The connection being neutralized when the container is pressurized. The aim of the invention is to provide a safety closure whose components that are exposed to the pressure are more solid and therefore function more reliably and whose drive at the same time serves as a protection from an inadmissibly high excess pressure. For this purpose, the drive for the coupling element is configured by a valve support which is axially mobile inside the inner part and which can be placed on the coupling element against the axial effect of a spring. |
| US08087528B1 |
Stabilizer cup holder
The invention is a beverage container holder sized to secure a beverage container with a variance in diameters, with frictional fin appendages securing the beverage container in the cup holder. The holder is composed of a soft, flexible, non-slip material. The holder is surrounded by a stabilizer to enhance stability and protect from liquid spills. The bottom is also textured to provide a sticky surface that does not readily slip over flat surfaces. |
| US08087525B2 |
Multi-panel plastic container
A container adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure having four panels that are adapted to contract inwardly from vacuum forces created by contraction of container contents. The container has a sidewall including four panels. The four panels are vacuum panels, including vertical transitional walls disposed between and joining the panels and the body is adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure. The panels are adapted to contract inwardly in response to internal negative pressure created during hot-fill processing and subsequent cooling of a hot liquid in the container. |
| US08087521B2 |
Storage systems and methods of use of the same
Storage systems and methods of use of the same are disclosed. The storage systems are configured to be connected to wall structures and to be modular in construction, so as to be able to use a plurality of horizontally disposed hang rails and/or a plurality of vertical standards, and/or modular storage components that are received on a hang rail or a vertical standard, or that may be connected directly to a wall structure. |
| US08087519B2 |
Dishwasher basket
A dishwasher basket for securing baby bottle and drinking cup components is disclosed. The basket includes multiple compartments, with at least one split compartment serving as a hinged lid for another compartment. The basket first compartment is defined by sidewalls and a bottom wall, and is open at a side opposite the bottom wall, while the split second compartment is attached to a sidewall of the first compartment and is defined by two sub-compartments capable of movement between an open and a closed position, which when either sub-compartment is in a closed position at least a partial cover to the open top end of the first compartment is formed. The two sub-compartments are open on only one side such that as they adjoin when both sub-compartments are in a closed position a single compartment is formed. The basket is stable when either or both sub-compartments is opened as well. |
| US08087514B1 |
Broom with interchangeable accessories and carrying case therefor
A cleaning system stored within its own storage case having an integrated and collapsible handle, a dustpan, and a broom head specifically designed to sweep under furniture and other obstacles is herein disclosed. When in a broom configuration, a curved handle portion and the bristled broom head allows cleaning beneath objects. The handle can be removed from the broom portion and attached to the dustpan to remove dirt and debris. The broom head, with its own separate angled handle, may also be utilized as a whisk broom to collect the dirt and refuse into the dustpan. All components are stored in a self-contained carrying case. The storage case also has internal fasteners to secure the components of the apparatus securely therewithin. |
| US08087512B2 |
Carton with handle, central flap and divider
A carrier comprises a first side panel, a second panel, and at least one handle panel. A central flap is foldably connected to the at least one handle panel, and the central flap divides the interior of the carrier into at least a first container-receiving space and a second container-receiving space. A divider comprises at least one divider panel, wherein the at least one divider panel extends generally parallel to the central flap, and at least one divider flap foldably connected to the at least one divider panel to divide a respective one of the first container-receiving space or the second container-receiving space into at least two container compartments. |
| US08087510B2 |
Sorting conveyor system
A conveyor system for sorting items that are supplied in a random sequence via a conveyor including a plurality of conveyor sections 4, and including individual sorting means arranged in a row for directing the items to specific receiving positions at least one side of the sorting means. The sorting means are constituted by relatively short individually driven belt conveyor sections which are pivotably suspended on mainly vertical turning shafts (8), and which at a foremost end part (5) project in over a next belt conveyor section (4) in the row. By means of simple technical measures it is possible to counteract the drawbacks of corresponding prior art conveyor systems and to achieve further advantages that are very essential and new. |
| US08087500B2 |
Vibrational energy absorbing apparatus
A vibrational energy absorbing apparatus 1 includes: a reciprocating member 2 which is reciprocatable in H directions between positive and negative maximum displacement positions D±max with respect to an origin position O; a damping-force generating means 3 for generating a damping force R with respect to the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member 2 in the H directions; and a controlling means 4 for controlling the damping-force generating means 3 so as to cause the damping-force generating means 3 to generate a fixed damping force R in the respective movement of the reciprocating member 2 in the H direction from the positive and negative maximum displacement position D±max to the origin position O in the reciprocating motion thereof in the H directions, while causing the damping-force generating means 3 to substantially not generate the damping force R in the respective movement of the reciprocating member 2 in the H direction from the origin position O to the positive and negative maximum displacement position D±max following that movement in the H direction. |
| US08087495B2 |
Safety device for stairlifts
The invention describes an over-speed governor (21) for a stairlift (10) which not only triggers upon the carriage (12) exceeding a pre-determined speed, but also triggers in the event the chair (11) departs from the horizontal by more than a predetermined angle. The speed determining function is preferably electronic and the governor operates in both directions without adaptation. Other aspects are described including a trip speed check facility. |
| US08087494B2 |
Method of making a composite panel having subsonic transverse wave speed characteristics
A method of making a composite panel having subsonic transverse wave speed characteristics which has first and second sheets sandwiching a core with at least one of the sheets being attached to the core at first regions thereof and unattached to the core at second regions thereof. |
| US08087493B2 |
Sound absorber for a pipe-shaped, cavity-forming body
The present invention relates to a coolant circuit of a cooling system including a pipe-shaped body defining a cavity. It has a sound absorber defining a flow channel and at least one resonator chamber which is connected to the flow channel via a connection channel. The sound absorber is an insert in the cavity of the pipe-shaped body, which forms the flow channel, the at least one resonator chamber, and the at least one connection channel. |
| US08087491B2 |
Vane type silencers in elbow for gas turbine
A silencer for a gas turbine includes a first duct portion; a second duct portion connected to the first duct portion, the first and second duct portions forming an elbow region at the connection; and a plurality of elbow shaped vanes provided in the elbow region. The plurality of elbow shaped vanes have equal lengths and are spaced equally apart. |
| US08087488B2 |
Steering apparatus for vehicle that detects an anomaly of the connecting-disconnecting device between the steering wheel and the turnable wheels
A steering-by-wire-type steering apparatus for a vehicle which can detect an anomaly of a connecting-disconnecting device which selectively connects and disconnects an input member on a steering wheel side and an output member on a turnable wheel side based on a steering input operation quantity or a steering state quantity. |
| US08087486B2 |
Vehicular canister mounting structure
A vehicular canister mounting structure includes a vehicle body floor provided on rear frames, a canister being provided underneath the vehicle body floor for treating gasoline vapor produced within a fuel tank, a guide pipe for protecting the canister, and a support for supporting the guide pipe and the canister on a vehicle body. The support includes a guide pipe bracket welded to the vehicle body floor for supporting the guide pipe, and a canister bracket welded to the guide pipe bracket for supporting the canister. Strength with which the canister bracket is welded to the guide pipe bracket is smaller than a strength with which the guide pipe bracket is welded to the vehicle body floor. |
| US08087485B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle that effectively cools an engine using running wind while inhibiting damage to the engine caused by contact with the road surface or objects thrown up by a front wheel. An under cover is disposed beneath a leg shield. An opening that opens toward the front of the vehicle is formed in the under cover. A fender lower end section is positioned above a lower end section of the under cover. An engine is disposed to the rear of the opening. |
| US08087484B2 |
Method for limiting setpoint torques during engine control
A method for controlling a motor vehicle drive, in particular a hybrid drive, is provided, the motor vehicle drive having at least two individual motors. In a first method step, at least one total setpoint torque is calculated. In a second step, the at least one total setpoint torque is split into at least two individual setpoint torques of the at least two individual motors. Subsequently, in a first individual torque comparison step, the sum of the at least two individual setpoint torques is compared with the total setpoint torque. In the event of a difference by more than a predefined tolerance value, a limitation step is initiated. In this limitation step, the at least two individual setpoint torques are each multiplied by a limiting factor to generate at least two limited individual setpoint torques. |
| US08087483B2 |
Hybrid powertrain with torque-multiplying engine starting mechanism and method of controlling a hybrid powertrain
A hybrid powertrain is provided that provides engine starting from an electric-only mode with a reduced torque load on the motor/generator. The powertrain includes an engine and a motor/generator, which may be a single motor/generator in a strong or full hybrid, but is not limited to such. The motor provides propulsion torque in an electric-only operating mode, and is configured to apply torque to a transmission input member. A first clutch is selectively engagable to connect the engine output member for common rotation with the transmission input member. An engine starting mechanism is provided that multiplies motor torque used to start the engine so that less is diverted from propelling the vehicle, enabling a smaller motor/generator to be used. A method of controlling such a powertrain is also provided. |
| US08087478B2 |
Cutting elements including cutting tables with shaped faces configured to provide continuous effective positive back rake angles, drill bits so equipped and methods of drilling
A cutting element for a drag-type earth-boring drill bit includes a cutting table with a face including a region that is configured to cut into a formation at a positive back rake angle and to direct formation cuttings, or chips, that have been cut from the earth formation toward the hydraulics of the drill bit. Drill bits may include one or more cutting elements that have been configured in this manner. Such a drill bit may also include a wear pad for limiting the depth to which a cutting element penetrates a surface of a bore hole in an earth formation. Such a wear pad may have a substantially constant thickness. |
| US08087474B2 |
Hammer drill
A hammer drill having a clutch pin and a clutch mechanism is provided. By switching the clutch mechanism, a selection can be made between a hammer drill mode and a hammer mode. The clutch pin is configured to be slidable to a sliding position where the clutch pin runs through the reduction shaft so as to be capable of protruding beyond the reduction shaft, and at the sliding position, the clutch pin engages with an engagement hole provided on the tool holder side so that a rotation of the tool holder can be locked, whereby in the hammer mode, a selection can be further made between a neutral state where the clutch pin does not engage with the engagement hole and a rotation locked state where the clutch pin engages with the engagement hole. |
| US08087472B2 |
Vibration dampening system for a power tool and in particular for a powered hammer
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a power tool comprising a housing, an electric motor, a tool holder for supporting a tool bit and a conversion mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor into a reciprocating movement of the tool bit when being supporting in the tool holder, wherein oscillations of an element of the power tool are detected, wherein a quantity characterizing the oscillations is monitored and wherein the rotational speed of the electric motor is controlled such that the quantity does not exceed a preset value. |
| US08087468B2 |
Methods and apparatus for hazard control
A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure and configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A fire detector may also detect a fire condition associated with fire. A valve may be coupled to the fire detector and the pressure tube. The valve is configured to change the internal pressure and generate the pneumatic signal in response to a signal from the fire detector. The pneumatic signal triggers a delivery system to deliver the control material. |
| US08087467B2 |
Compact pendant sprinkler head
A pendant sprinkler head includes a sprinkler body, with an orifice that forms an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is movably supported by a deflector support assembly and is movable between a retracted position wherein the deflector is adjacent the outlet and an extended position where the deflector is spaced from the outlet. At least a portion of the deflector support assembly is located in the orifice when the deflector is in its retracted position. |
| US08087464B2 |
System for installation and replacement of a subsea module and method applied thereby
A system for installation of a subsea module of great length by means of a vessel, using a cable for its installation and/or retrieval, and methods applied therein. The system allows transporting the subsea module on the vessel to a location in the sea and descending the subsea module into the sea at a vertical position for installation on the seabed. |
| US08087456B2 |
Method for manufacturing heat sink having heat-dissipating fins and structure of the same
A method for manufacturing a heat sink having heat-dissipating fins and a structure of the same are provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate comprising a center portion and a plurality of extending arms, a gap being provided between each two adjacent extending arms; providing a plurality of heat-dissipating fins, the heat-dissipating fins being inserted into the gaps between the extending arms, each heat-dissipating fin comprising a base piece and two heat-dissipating plates; and bending and pressing each extending arm of the substrate with one of the two opposite side walls of each extending arm abutting against one of the two opposite surface of each heat-dissipating plate. Via the above arrangement, the present invention has an effect of avoiding the heat transfer loss. |
| US08087451B2 |
Pull release connectors
An apparatus for connecting two devices with a quick disconnect feature. A male plug is insertable into a female receiver and latched into position with a latch. The male plug is disconnected from the receiver by pulling the male plug out of the receiver with a force greater than an operating force. The male plug has a groove that engages a latch in the female receiver. The interface of the groove and the latch includes a bevel engaging a corner joining a surface perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and a surface parallel to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08087443B2 |
Retractable safety barriers and methods of operating same
A retractable barrier system includes an example gear assembly that can be manipulated for rapidly deploying a flexible barrier, exerting high torque for the initial tightening of the barrier, maintaining high static tension in barrier when in use, and/or rapidly retracting barrier for storage. In some examples, the gear assembly is a worm drive with a worm that can be selectively disengaged from a worm gear. Other optional features of the barrier system include selective right-hand/left-hand configurations, an electric switch that can be added to indicate whether the barrier system is in use, an intermediate coupling that joins the distal ends of two barriers for creating an extra long barrier system, and removable vehicle-mounted posts for certain loading dock applications. |
| US08087441B2 |
Material placement method and apparatus
A material placement head for dispensing and compacting a plurality of strips of a material onto a surface with a plurality of independently movable roller assemblies. Each roller assembly of the placement head comprises a compacting roller and may be rotatably and linearly moved in six-degrees of freedom independent of the other roller assemblies of the placement head. The roller assemblies may be arranged in a staggered configuration and substantially simultaneously apply the plurality of strips of the material to the surface, such that the strips of the material are applied to adjacent paths on the surface. Each compacting roller may be malleable and substantially crowned around its outer circumferential surface to provide even compaction to the strips of the material. |
| US08087439B2 |
Wheel with integrated and non-integrated central tire inflation
This wheel has features allowing both integrated and non-integrated Central Tire Inflation (CTI) systems to be installed, without the need for a specialized manifold, adapter, or unique wheel to accommodate each specific system. Thus, a single, light-weight wheel in accordance with this invention can accept either non-integrated or integrated CTI valves, allowing the wheels of the invention to be used on newer vehicles with integrated CTI systems, as well as on older vehicles with non-integrated (external) CTI systems. In addition, a wheel with both integrated and non-integrated Central Tire Inflation (CTI) systems is much simpler to assemble since the valve mounts directly to the wheel and no brackets are required, unlike prior two-piece bolt-together wheels. |
| US08087438B2 |
Detection systems for power equipment
Methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as power saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood. Woodworking machines and memory devices for use in woodworking machines having safety systems designed to detect a dangerous condition between a human and a dangerous portion of the woodworking machine and to trigger some action to mitigate the dangerous condition are also disclosed. |
| US08087437B2 |
Router
A router includes a base, a motor housing supported by the base for movement along a first axis, and an adjustment mechanism having a shaft, with a thread portion, connected to the motor housing for rotation about a second axis. The adjustment mechanism also includes a unitarily formed lock mechanism supported by the base. The lock mechanism includes a thread-engaging member that, when engaged with the thread portion, causes small changes to the position of the housing relative to the base in response to rotation of the shaft. The lock mechanism is movable between an engaged position, in which the thread-engaging member engages the thread portion, and a disengaged position, in which the thread-engaging member disengages the thread portion and the housing is freely movable relative to the base to provide course adjustment of the position of the housing relative to the base. |
| US08087434B2 |
Filler neck for the fuel tank of a vehicle
The invention refers to a filler neck for the fuel tank of a vehicle that encompasses a refueling channel (2), a first opening (3) and below it, arranged in a transversal wall (11), a second opening (7) that can be closed by a closing device. In a longitudinal section (27) of the refueling tank (2) that extends between the transversal wall (11) and the first opening (3), ends a drainage channel (10) via a drainage opening (12). In addition, a closing element (15) has been arranged in the longitudinal section (27), movable between a position that closes the drainage opening (12) and one position that releases it. |
| US08087433B2 |
Methods and apparatus for forming cable media
An apparatus for forming a cabling media using a wire pair including first and second conductor members, each of the first and second conductor members including a respective conductor and a respective insulation cover surrounding the conductor thereof, includes a wire pair twisting device and a wire pair twist modulator. The wire pair twisting device is adapted to twist the first and second conductor members about one another to form a twisted wire pair. The wire pair twist modulator is upstream of the wire pair twisting device. The wire pair twist modulator includes an engagement member to hold the first and second conductor members at a hold location to restrict rotation of the first and second conductor members about one another. The apparatus defines a twist zone extending from the hold location to a twist initiation location of the wire pair twisting device. The wire pair twist modulator is operable to move the engagement member along a control axis to modulate the length of the twist zone and thereby the twist length of the wire pair to form the twisted wire pair with a twist length that purposefully varies along a length of the twisted wire pair. |
| US08087432B2 |
Flexible heat-insulated conduit and method of making same
A flexible heat-insulated conduit is described, made up of at least one medium-carrying internal tube, an external tube surrounding the at least one internal tube, and a heat-insulating layer based on polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate foam and located between the at least one internal tube and the external tube, in which 0.1 to 7.5% by weight of hollow spheres are added into the foam, the hollow spheres comprising a casing made of a thermoplastic and being filled with a medium that brings about an inflation of the casing at an elevated temperature. |
| US08087431B2 |
Wear pad
A wear pad for a piping structure which is supported by a support structure is disclosed. A wear pad according to the present invention comprises a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure for attachment to the piping structure where the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure has a shape conforming to the shape of the exterior of the piping structure. A stand-off patch is adhesively bonded to one side of the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure, and this stand-off patch defines the thickness of the bond between the piping structure and the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure when it is in attached to the piping structure. SMP adhesive material is used to adhesively bond the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structure to the piping structure. |
| US08087428B1 |
High pressure inlet regulator
A two-stage regulator having a piston situated in a first stage for substantially reducing high pressures introduced into the regulator. The reduced pressure is exerted against the second stage that includes a plunger-actuated diaphragm that urges an actuator to open a ball valve at a selected pressure to allow fluid to flow out of the regulator at a desired reduced pressure. |
| US08087427B2 |
Vapor phase epitaxy apparatus and irregular gas mixture avoidance method for use therewith
A vapor phase epitaxy apparatus having a processing chamber with a target workpiece such as a wafer being received therein is disclosed. This apparatus includes a first flow path which supplies the chamber with a gas needed for vapor phase epitaxial film formation on the wafer, and a valve unit for controlling the gas flow in the first flow path. The apparatus also includes a second flow path for supplying into the chamber a cleaner gas for cleaning of the interior of the chamber, and a third flow path for exhaust of residual gases within the chamber. The valve unit has a series combination of two-stage valves with a pressure switch being provided therebetween. An irregular gas mixture avoiding method for use with the apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08087426B2 |
Toilet fill valve lock and method
Various embodiments of a toilet fill valve lock and method for adjusting the fill water level in a toilet are provided. In one embodiment a toilet fill valve includes a riser that extends along an axis and an inner shaft that is disposed along the axis between the axis and the riser. The toilet fill valve further includes a lock that is moveable toward and away from the axis and which can limit the movement of the riser relative to the inner shaft about the axis when in a locked position. |
| US08087424B2 |
Subsea valve actuator apparatus
A subsea valve actuator apparatus is disclosed for actuating a subsea valve. The valve actuator apparatus includes a housing which defines an enclosure and a rim. A cover cooperates with the rim for sealing the enclosure. A gearbox is disposed within the enclosure the gearbox including a worm wheel which is connected to the subsea valve for actuating the valve. The gearbox includes a seal which is disposed between the worm wheel and the housing for sealing the worm wheel relative to the housing so that lubricant disposed within the enclosure for lubricating the gearbox is sealed within the enclosure. A pressure compensator is disposed within the enclosure for maintaining pressure of the lubricant disposed within the enclosure at substantially the same pressure as the pressure of seawater outside the gearbox. |
| US08087410B2 |
Method and portable system for cooking
A portable cooking system has a heating chamber supported by retractable legs that rest on a lid. A fire pan also resting on the lid and partially within the heating chamber is adaptable to burn charcoal, wood, or compressed gas. The lid supports and isolates the fire pan from the ground. The fire pan may be adapted for grilling. An alternate lid may contain an electric heating element. Thermometers and a vent on the heating chamber allow regulation on temperature within the heating chamber. The system may be adapted to provide uniform, controlled heat for Dutch ovens contained within. The system may also function as a smoker. |
| US08087409B2 |
Heater for footwear
A heater for footwear includes a seat having a space centrally defined therein. A spring is compressively received in the space in the seat. A friction mechanism is received in the seat. A cap is sleeved on the seat. The cap has a driving unit longitudinally extending therefrom. The driving unit extends through the friction mechanism for movably abutting against the spring in the space in the seat. When the cap is pressed/released, the driving is unit moved relative to the seat for engaging the friction mechanism to warm up the footwear. |
| US08087408B2 |
Safety system for a stove
A system for improving the safety of a stove by preventing unwanted movement of cooking vessels in use on the stove. The system includes independently extendable posts that are adjacent to the cooking areas of the stove. The extendable posts may be retracted to a position wherein the top surface of the post is at or below the surface of the stove so as to enable easy cleaning and provide an attractive appearance. The posts are easily moved between their extended and retracted positions and are biased upwardly. |
| US08087404B2 |
Slingshot pouch
A slingshot pouch is disclosed. The pouch is configured to minimize contact with a projectile when it is being shot, thereby eliminating spin imparted on the projectile. This is accomplished using a pouch design configured to spring open immediately after release of the projectile. Several embodiments of such a pouch are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments comprise hinged members having various shapes, sizes and combinations of slits, opening and pockets configured to avoid imparting spin on the projectile. Also disclosed is a locking clip configured to secure such pouches to a slingshot band. |
| US08087403B2 |
Heating apparatus of electromagnetic PCV valve
An electromagnetic PCV valve includes a valve seat, a valve element, a step motor for moving the valve element, and a housing that houses the valve seat, the valve element, and the step motor. When the valve element is moved by the step motor, a size (an opening degree) of a blow-by gas passage defined between the valve seat and the valve element is changed. The step motor is configured to selectively receive energization for moving the valve element and energization for holding the valve element in a fixed position. A heating apparatus of the PCV valve 1 includes a cover member and an output shaft that conducts heat generated in the step motor by energization to the valve element and the valve seat, and an electronic control unit (ECU) for conducting energization of the step motor to hold the valve element in the fixed position. |
| US08087401B2 |
Automotive supercharging apparatus
An electric motor-generator and an engine are linked using a first belt that is looped around a crank pulley that is mounted to a crank shaft and a one-way clutch pulley that is mounted to a rotating shaft. An electronic control unit drives the electric motor-generator as an electric motor and drives the compressor by the electric motor-generator if engine speed is less than or equal to a predetermined value. |
| US08087399B2 |
Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engine
An injection valve (62) has an injection body (38) with a first cavity (7), wherein a valve body (4) is at least partially disposed and wherein an armature collar (28) is axially movable. The valve body (4) has a second cavity (8), wherein a valve needle (10) is axially movable. An armature (12) is axially movable at least partially within the first cavity (7) and has a first cylindrical portion (32) and a second cylindrical portion (34), which is mechanically coupled to the valve needle (10). A coil assembly (40) is operable to magnetically actuate the armature (12) and the valve needle (10). The armature collar (28) partially takes in the second cylindrical portion (34). An armature collar spring (20) is adopted to supply the armature collar (28) with a spring load to push the armature collar (28) towards the first cylindrical portion (32). |
| US08087398B2 |
Fuel system for a direct injection internal combustion engine
A fuel system for a direct injection engine having a fuel rail and a plurality of direct injection fuel injector assemblies mounted to the fuel rail. Each fuel injector assembly includes a mounting surface and a dampener made of a resilient material is disposed around this mounting surface. A bracket is secured to the engine and has a recess for each fuel injector assembly. Each fuel injector assembly is positioned in its associated recess so that at least a portion of the dampener is sandwiched between the fuel injector assembly mounting surface and a complementary mounting surface formed on the recess. A holder secures the injector assembly in its associated recess. |
| US08087397B2 |
Method and system for controlling vacuum
An engine with a two vacuum sources is disclosed. In one example, a valve position is adjusted in when engine load is low and intake manifold pressure is low to arbitrate vacuum between the two vacuum sources. The approach may increase engine operating efficiency during at least some conditions. |
| US08087396B2 |
Universal energy-saving system for multiple working conditions
A universal energy-saving system for multiple working conditions includes an electronic control unit and an actuator. The electronic control unit is adapted to sample, process running information of a vehicle and an instruction of a driver, control on and off of a fuel injector, and adapted to drive the actuator to lock or release an exhaust valve after opening the exhaust valve, so as to realize working under multiple working conditions. The features include: fuel of the engine is cut off when gliding, the exhaust valve is constantly half open, the engine races with reduced pressure; the inlet valve opens and closes normally, an inlet manifold is vacuum, direction and braking are not affected. When needing to do work or brake, the engine switches to the normal working condition automatically. Even if a fuel saving system fails, only the fuel saving function is lost, whereas other functions are normal. |
| US08087395B2 |
Multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine
A multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part and a lower piston part. The upper piston part and the lower piston part each have an inner and an outer support element, which elements delimit an outer circumferential cooling channel and an inner cooling chamber, whose cooling chamber bottom has an opening. The opening is closed off with a separate closure element, which has at least one cooling oil opening. |
| US08087389B2 |
Two-cycle, opposed-piston internal combustion engine
In a two-cycle, opposed-piston internal combustion engine, opposed pistons disposed in a cylinder are coupled to a pair of side-mounted crankshafts by connecting rods that are subject to substantially tensile forces acting between the pistons and the crankshafts. This geometry reduces or eliminates side forces between the pistons and the bore of the cylinder. The cylinder and the pistons are independently cooled to reduce cylindrical deformation caused by thermal expansion during engine operation. |
| US08087388B2 |
Water heater
The object is to provide a water heater capable of efficiently transmitting radiation heat of a burner to hot water in a hot water storage chamber with improved thermal efficiency. In the water heater, a second restriction part having a shallower depth than a first restriction part is arranged along a peripheral edge of a lower mirror plate of a hot water storage chamber with a protrusion part protruding in a ring shape toward the center side of the lower mirror plate. The protrusion part is further arranged between the first restriction part and the second restriction part, and a burner is positioned so that the burner combustion surface faces the protrusion part. |
| US08087384B2 |
Systems and methods for boat anesthetization of aquatic animals
A boat holding tank for anesthetizing fish is described having a pulsator, with the pulsator having an anode output and a cathode output; a holding tank capable of receiving an aquatic animal, the holding tank further comprising an anode probe and a cathode probe, with the anode cathode probe of the holding tank switchably connected to the anode and cathode output of the pulsator, such that when the pulsator is activated the aquatic animal in the holding tank is anesthetized. |
| US08087375B2 |
Measurement device and method of measuring fluid level
A method of measuring a fluid level comprises providing a measuring device comprising a first material that changes appearance upon exposure to a first fluid, introducing the measuring device into a location comprising the first fluid and at least one other fluid, waiting for the first material to change appearance upon exposure to the first fluid, and withdrawing the measuring device from the location to determine the depth of the first fluid and the at least one other fluid. A measuring device for performing the method of measuring is also disclosed. |
| US08087374B2 |
Cable-concealing fittings and fitting system for watercraft
Specialized cable-concealing fittings and couplings suitable and a fitting system for use in forming cable runs comprising tubular framing and rails wherein the fittings, framing and rails can serve a as a conduit for cable. In particular, the cable concealing fittings are utilized in association with a cable from an electrical device such as a solar panel that is connected to an electrical system of a watercraft, such as sailboat or powerboat. The fittings and system utilizing the fittings serves both protective and aesthetic purposes. |
| US08087371B1 |
Deployable and inflatable fendering apparatus and method
A deployable and inflatable/deflatable fendering apparatus capable of providing protection for watercrafts and docks. The apparatus has an inflatable cylindrical body, an outer collar body, and a water reservoir with an inflating and deflating means. The collar body circumferentially surrounds the cylindrical body, and is made of abrasion resistant materials and protects the cylindrical body from punctures, tearing and abuse. The collar body may be inflatable or filled with foam-like material. The reservoir comprises a one-way valve, a series of ballasts and is attached to the cylindrical body and is expandable to provide stabilization of the fendering apparatus. The fendering apparatus can be deflated for storage. |
| US08087370B2 |
Ship stability recovery system and car carrier equipped with the same
[Object] Conventionally, measures for securing stability of a ship when it is damaged are required.[Solution] The invention is characterized by having a remotely openable seawater inlet means provided to a lowermost watertight deck that forms a void space at the bottom of the ship. Thereby, when a side shell plate or the like of the ship is damaged and seawater enters the ship, the seawater that has entered the ship can be introduced into the void space by opening the seawater inlet means provided to the lowermost watertight deck, so that the void space, which usually provides a huge auxiliary buoyancy, can be made to function as a sort of a seawater ballast tank, whereby the ship's stability can be recovered. |
| US08087369B2 |
Modular ship and floatable modules intended to be part of the ship
A modular ship complex includes a basic vessel provided with water height adjusting elements for varying the height of the waterline with respect to a pool of water forming a housing. The bottom of the housing is formed by a platform that is moved between a raised position and a submerged position by operating the water height adjusting elements to vary the height of the waterline. The ship complex includes equipped floating modules suitable for being inserted into the housing and to be extracted from the housing when the platform is in the submerged position. The modules rest on the platform when the platform is in the raised position. The modules include active operating elements integrated therein. |
| US08087368B2 |
Indicia and method for piercing patchwork quilts
A series of pattern indicia are detachably affixable to multiple blocks of fabric in accordance with a formatting sequence that encodes an overall decorative pattern of a patchwork quilt top. A method of piecing the blocks to form the quilt top uses the pattern indicia to keep track of the position of each block in the decorative pattern, so that the pattern layout may be disassembled to facilitate sewing the blocks together. |
| US08087365B2 |
Table furniture configurable into three separate arrangements and modes of use
A configurable table (100) includes a first table portion (102) and a second table portion (104). The first table portion includes a first upper region (106) and a first plurality of leg members disposed perpendicular to the first upper region. The second table portion includes a second upper region (108) and a second plurality of leg members disposed perpendicular to the second upper region. At least one leg member from each of the first and second pluralities of leg members are matched to each other. One of each two matched leg members includes a channeled portion along the length of the leg member. The other matched leg member includes a mating portion such that the channeled portion and the mating portion mate with each other. A method of configuring a table into two separate tables, and vice versa, is provided. |
| US08087362B2 |
Cart and track arrangement
A cart and track arrangement includes a track unit having a straight track and a curved track, the straight track having an oblique bearing portion, the curved track having a horizontal bearing portion, and a cart having a cart frame and a wheel set, the wheel set having a wheel axle arranged in parallel to the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a wheel pivotally mounted on the wheel axle, the wheel having a first tread disposed in parallel to the wheel axle for rotatably supporting on the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a second tread for rotatably supporting on the horizontal bearing portion of the curved track. In an alternate form, the straight track has a horizontal bearing portion, the curved track has an oblique bearing portion, and the wheel has a first tread disposed in parallel to the wheel axle for rotatably supporting on the horizontal bearing portion of the straight track and a second tread for rotatably supporting on the oblique bearing portion of the curved track. |
| US08087361B2 |
Device, particularly for safety braking of vehicles on rails
The invention relates to a device, particularly for safety braking of vehicles on rails having at least one flap unit (1) connected in a rotatable fashion to a rail, wherein the flap unit (1) may be moved into a locking position and a release position by rotation about a rotational axis (D), wherein, in a locking position, the balance point SPK of the flap unit (1) is located above a horizontal plane (E) in which the rotational axis (D) is located. |
| US08087360B2 |
Universal brake assembly
A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like. |
| US08087359B2 |
Hunting bullet comprising an expansion ring
Ammunition consists of a full-caliber or sub-caliber bullet, of the type comprising a substantially rigid bullet body and a deformable part, the deformable part consisting of an approximately cylindrical expansion ring, the rear part of which is fitted onto the front part of the bullet body. |
| US08087358B2 |
Textile printing method and apparatus
To enable fabric of any length to be continuously printed without causing a textile printing unit to cease its operation, a textile printing method is provided in which fabric is conveyed by a conveyer belt and passed through a printing section to print on the fabric, the printing section having a textile printing ink jet printer disposed opposite the conveyer belt, wherein the printing section is continuously supplied with the fabric comprising a plurality of successive sheets of fabric, each sheet having a given length, such a sheet of fabric for supply into the printing section having a terminal end tied with a starting end of a sheet of a fabric for continuous succeeding supply in the state that the terminal and starting ends are in contact with each other. |
| US08087352B2 |
Rotisserie spit
A rotisserie spit including a spit rod for supporting food, a carrier bracket for mounting the spit rod in cantilever fashion by bearings to permit rotation of the spit rod, the bracket being mounted to an upright support post such that the bracket and spit rod carried thereby can swing about the axis of the post, and a motor coupled to the spit rod for driving the spit rod in rotation about its axis. |
| US08087350B2 |
Prepayment device for delivery of french fries
The invention concerns a prepayment device for dispensing French fries. The pre-cooked and frozen French fries are discharged from storage, and a determined amount is weighed corresponding to one or more portions. The French fries are then received by a receiver which moves between the weighing zone, and the cooking zone, followed by conveyance of the discharged and transported cooked French fries to a container from storage. The device uses a swinging movement of the receiver, enabling the French fries to be mixed and turned ensuring that they are homogeneously cooked. An additional feature of the device is that the cooked French fries are discharged with a tilting movement about an axis towards the transport for the cooked French fries to the container. |
| US08087345B2 |
Positive displacement injection pump
A reciprocating drive mechanism having a housing with upper and lower internal chambers with a spool slidably positioned inside the upper internal chamber. There is at least one fluid inlet and fluid exhaust communicating with the upper internal chamber and at least one slide valve positioned within the upper internal chamber and traveling with the spool. A piston positioned in the lower internal chamber divides the lower internal chamber into an upper and lower cylinder space. There is at least one fluid conduit communicating between the upper internal chamber and the upper cylinder space and at least one fluid conduit communicating between the upper internal chamber and the lower cylinder space. A valve stem is connected to the piston and includes a bore communicating with the upper internal chamber and an exhaust passage is positioned between the upper and lower internal chambers. A first side passage is formed on the valve stem and connects to the bore in the valve stem and a second side passage formed in the valve stem below the first passage and shaped to bridge a seal positioned between the exhaust passage and the upper internal chamber. |
| US08087344B2 |
Recoil operating pistol with nestable barrel and slide
A recoil operating pistol has a barrel and slide with at least a pair of flat mating surfaces extending along a substantial length of both the barrel and slide parallel to each other on opposite sides of the barrel. The matching flat surfaces of the barrel and slide allow relative sliding motion between the slide and the barrel when the at least a portion of the barrel is received in the hollow interior of the slide. |
| US08087343B2 |
M240 rifle with select fire mechanism for selective fully-automatic and semi-automatic operation
A trigger assembly for a trigger housing for an M240 Assault Rifle is provided having a switch accessible at the outside of the trigger housing for changing the firing of the rifle between semi-automatic and fully-automatic fire. |
| US08087336B2 |
Rotating and sliding hatch door for a launcher system
A system and method for actuating a hatch door. One embodiment includes a vertical launcher system that has a hatch door disposed in a plane at the top of a hold. The hatch door includes a leading edge and a trailing edge at opposite ends of the hatch door. When an actuator arm for maneuvering the hatch door is extended, the leading edge is lifted away from the plane by the actuator arm while the trailing edge remains in the plane and slides across the top of the plane toward the point where the leading edge was first lifted away. Such a sliding hatch mechanism allows for quick opening and closing of a hatch door while providing more efficient use of mechanical energy for breaking ice build up or prevent intrusion. |
| US08087324B2 |
Cast cones and other components for earth-boring tools and related methods
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for forming a bit body for an earth-boring bit. The bit body may comprise hard particles, wherein the hard particles comprise at least one of carbide, nitride, boride, oxide and solid solutions thereof, and a binder binding together the hard particles. The binder may comprise at least one metal selected from cobalt, nickel, and iron, and, optionally, at least one melting point reducing constituent selected from a transition metal carbide in the range of 30 to 60 weight percent, boron up to 10 weight percent, silicon up to 20 weight percent, chromium up to 20 weight percent, and manganese up to 25 weight percent, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the binder. In addition, the hard particles may comprise at least one of (i) cast carbide (WC+W2C) particles, (ii) transition metal carbide particles selected from the carbides of titanium, chromium, vanadium, zirconium, hafnium, tantalum, molybdenum, niobium, and tungsten, and (iii) sintered cemented carbide particles. |
| US08087322B1 |
Tilt and turn assembly
A mechanism for a window is provided including a mechanism case, a spindle inserted into the case, a screw mounting plate for mounting the mechanism to a surface by a pair of screws, the screw mounting plate having an aperture through which the spindle in the case freely passes, a cover plate having an aperture through which the spindle freely passes and sized to substantially cover the mechanism and screw mounting plate, and a retaining ring for fixed engagement with the aperture of the screw mounting plate. The retaining ring has an internal aperture through which the spindle passes and provides for the spindle to freely rotate within the internal aperture. The retaining ring is incapable of passing through the aperture in the cover plate. The retaining ring secures the cover plate to the screw mounting plate and the screw mounting plate secures the mechanism case to the surface. |
| US08087317B2 |
Interface system for control lever
The invention relates to an interface system for a vehicle having a starter motor and a transmission control lever. There is a need for such an interface system which senses control lever position and prevents starter motor operation unless the control lever is in a park position. The interface system includes a plurality of magnet members generating magnetic fields, and a plurality of magnetic sensors or Hall effect switches mounted to the lever so that movement of the lever causes the magnetic sensors to move through the magnetic fields. An interface circuit is connected to the starter motor and to the magnetic sensors. The interface circuit and the sensors cooperate to generate lever position signals. The interface circuit and the sensors also cooperate to prevent activation of the starter motor unless the lever is in its park position. Thus, the same lever position sensors are used by the transmission control system and are used to control operation of the starter. |
| US08087302B2 |
Hands-free push-to-talk device
A push-to-activate device is disclosed. The push-to-activate device may comprise a mounting bracket coupled to a surface, and an adjustable hinge coupled thereto. The push-to-activate device may also feature a measuring instrument coupled to the mounting bracket and a deflectable arm coupled to the adjustable hinge, wherein the deflectable arm can be engaged in a hands-free manner. A method is also disclosed which comprises providing an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a mounting bracket coupled to a surface, an adjustable hinge coupled to the mounting bracket, a measuring instrument disposed within the mounting bracket, and a deflectable arm coupled to the adjustable hinge, wherein the deflectable arm can be engaged in a hands-free manner. The method also comprises utilizing the adjustable hinge to adjust the deflectable arm to fit a size constraint of an operator. |
| US08087299B1 |
Target pressure detection device
A target pressure detection device (1) includes a housing (10), a resilient membrane (12), and a pressure detection unit (14). The housing (10) forms a chamber (102) having an open end and the housing (10) forms a through hole (104). The resilient membrane (12) is mounted to the housing (10) to cover and close the open end of the housing (10) so as to set the chamber (102) in an air-tight condition. The pressure detection unit (14) is mounted to the through hole (104) and forms therein an accommodation compartment (140) that movably receives therein a floating element (142). The accommodation compartment (140) receives therein a sensor (144). The sensor (144) can effectively detect a movement of the floating element (142) and thus the precision of detection of the target can be improved through detecting change of airflow. |
| US08087294B2 |
Discharge inspection mechanism, recording device, discharge inspection method, and discharge inspection program
When vibrations that may adversely affect the results of inspecting recording fluid discharge occur during the discharge inspection, properly discharging nozzles may be determined to be not functioning normally or faulty nozzles may be determined to be functioning normally. A vibration sensor is therefore used to detect vibrations in the inspection box during discharge inspection of a plurality of nozzles. Whether vibration adversely affecting inspection results was detected during the discharge inspection is then verified after discharge inspection is completed, and the cleaning process is applied to the faulty nozzles that need cleaning if such vibration was not detected. If such vibration was detected, the cleaning process is not executed and discharge inspection is repeated. |
| US08087291B2 |
Method for performing a diagnostic on an exhaust gas analyzer probe disposed in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and device for implementing the method
A method for performing a diagnostic on an exhaust gas analyzer probe disposed in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, and a device for implementing the method are provided. The method performs the evaluation of the exhaust gas analyzer probe after recognition of a special operating phase, e.g., an overrun phase, of the internal combustion engine by setting off a specifiable injection that is torque-neutral or not perceptible for the operator, on the basis of the predicted probe signal pattern and taking into account the delay time of the probe signal. |
| US08087288B1 |
Scanning stylus atomic force microscope with cantilever tracking and optical access
A scanned-stylus atomic force microscope (AFM) employing the optical lever technique, and method of operating the same. The AFM of the invention includes a light source and a scanned optical assembly which guides light emitted from the light source onto a point on a cantilever during scanning thereof. A moving light beam is thus created which will automatically track the movement of the cantilever during scanning. The invention also allows the light beam to be used to measure, calibrate or correct the motion of the scanning mechanism, and further allows viewing of the sample and cantilever using an optical microscope. |
| US08087287B2 |
Method for analyzing engine oil degradation
The present disclosure provides a method for detecting degradation of an engine oil, by separation into a polar component and a non-polar component via admixture with a polar solvent having a polarity index greater than or equal to 5 and optionally a non-polar solvent having a polarity index of less than or equal to about 1. The polar component is analyzed for one or more degradation indicators selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, acid content, and combinations thereof. Such degradation indicators relate to a degree of engine oil degradation. The polar component may be analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for the one or more degradation indicators, which can provide a semi-quantitative level of such degradation indicator species. The non-polar component identifies combustion products that help to explain the level of degradation. |
| US08087282B2 |
Test management method for indentation tester and indentation tester
Disclosed a test management method for an indentation tester which includes a control section and forms an indentation on a surface of a heated or cooled sample by pressing an indenter to which a load is applied onto the surface of the sample, the test management method including the steps of: measuring a predetermined reference block as the sample under a plurality of temperature environments to obtain a test result; calculating a test error caused by temperature environment based on the test result by the control section; and judging whether or not the test error is within a predetermined range by the control section. |
| US08087281B2 |
Method to continuously form surface mount flanged pins
A method to make a flanged pin is described. The method includes feeding wire through a forming die whereby the wire is deformed to create a straight pin. The straight pin is then fed from the forming die to a heading die having a pre-formed cavity where a first portion of the straight pin is located in the forming die and a second portion of the straight pin is located in the heading die. A portion of the pin is secured in the forming and heading die, having a portion of the straight pin disposed in a gap defined by a space between the heading die and the forming die. As the die gap is closed, the portion of the straight pin is displaced into a pre-formed cavity thereby creating a flange. |
| US08087280B2 |
Spreading pliers
The invention relates to pliers for changing the distance of two activation surfaces of a connection or fitting for conduits. The change of the distance correlates with an elastic or plastic deformation of at least one component of the fitting including a radial crimping process. The inventive pliers comprise two hand levers linked by a transfer mechanism with two spreading jaws. According to the invention, a closing movement of the hand levers results in a spreading movement of the spreading jaws. Such spreading movement of the spreading jaws is used for plastically deforming at least one of the components of the connection by a radial crimping process. |
| US08087277B2 |
Method for correcting metal tube and corrective press die
The forming recesses of a lower die and an upper die are formed to have a semi-oval profile so as to provide a forming space almost oval in section with the dies closed. The parting line between the lower die and the upper die is deviated as much as h from the major axis of the forming space toward the upper die side, and the opening width of the forming recess of the lower die is set to be slightly larger than the opening width of the forming recess of the upper die. A metal bent tube is plastic-deformed into an almost oval shape in section by closing the dies while being compressed in a peripheral direction by the lower and upper dies to eliminate spring-back caused by bending, whereby the buckling and pinching toward the outer side of the tube wall is prevented by the expanded portion of the lower die and buckling toward the inner side of the tube wall is prevented by a step difference formed by the difference in opening width between the lower die and the upper die. |
| US08087276B1 |
Pin tumbler lock releasing method
A pin tumbler lock releasing method involves cooperatively using keyway insertible and universally configured lift, key and shim devices to raise the pin stacks within a pin tumbler lock to just above the lock's shear line and then rotating the lock's plug element within its outer easing in order to disengage its locking mechanism. |
| US08087274B2 |
Lock structure with auto-reset function
A lock structure including an activation device, a combination lock, and a setting device is provided. The combination lock has a plurality of dials, a shaft passing through the dials, and a plurality of first gears disposed on one side of each dial. Each first gear further includes a missing tooth. One end of the shaft is connected to the activation device. The setting device has a plurality of second gears corresponding to the first gears and a setting shaft, wherein one end of the setting shaft passes through the second gears and the other end is connected to the activation device. When the activation device is activated, the second gears are driven to rotate the first gears, so that when each second gear runs free with the missing tooth of each first gear, the dials are in a predetermined position. That is, by means of the activation device and the setting device, the dials of the combination lock can automatically return to the predetermined position after opening or closing the lock. |
| US08087273B2 |
Lock with a support structure
A lock with a support structure includes a tubular element connected to a handle having a positioning hole and a center hole. The center hole contains a lock set having a rotatable lock core connected to a transmission element. The transmission element has separated first and second sides. A transversally slidable element is installed to the tubular element for receiving a bias pressure of an elastic element, and includes a protruding portion and a bearing portion. The protruding portion can be moved between engaged and non-engaged positions of the positioning hole of the handle. The support structure includes a support portion. If the first side of the transmission element approaches the support portion of the support structure, the bearing portion of the transversally slidable element will approach the second side of the transmission element for limiting the displacement of the transversally slidable element when an external force is applied. |
| US08087272B1 |
Locking mechanism
A locking mechanism is provided that has an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking mechanism comprises the following. A first handle. A first rose attached to the first handle with the first handle adapted for rotational movement relative to the first rose. A first longitudinal slot in the first rose. A locking cartridge cylinder at least partially contained within at least the first handle or the first rose. A locking tab operably connected to the locking cartridge cylinder adapted for movement: at least partially into at least the second slot in the first rose in a locked position; and completely out of the first longitudinal slot in the first rose in an unlocked position. |
| US08087271B1 |
Remote keyless system
A lid has a planar front face corresponding to the upper extent of the front surface. The front face terminates in a front free edge. The lid has a rear face corresponding to an upper portion of the upper extent of the rear surface. The rear face terminates in a back free edge. The lid also has a periphery. The periphery includes a top with sides. The periphery terminates at an angled edge. A hinge couples the back free edge of the rear face of the lid and the back surface of the device in proximity to the forward edge. In this manner the lid is adapted to pivot to a closed lower orientation to cover the buttons and an open raised orientation to expose the buttons. |
| US08087268B1 |
Thread retained security bolt system
A thread retained security bolt system has a bottom collar and a top collar, the bottom collar fixed to one element of an enclosure and the top collar affixed to a mating element of the enclosure. The top collar carries a minor part of a securing bolt bearing surface and the bottom collar carries a major part of the securing bolt bearing surface and when the mating element of the enclosure is brought into engagement with the one element of the enclosure, the minor part is aligned with and contiguous to the major part upon joinder of the top collar with the bottom collar. A bearing surface of a head of a bolt is then moved into engagement with the minor part and the major part to secure the one element to the mating element. |
| US08087267B2 |
Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine has a cabinet forming an outer appearance of the washing machine, a tub fixed inside the cabinet for storing the washing water, a drum disposed in the tub and having both side surfaces supported by the cabinet to be rotatable and an inlet through which laundries come in/go out on a circumferential surface thereof, and a driving motor fixed on one side surface of the drum to rotate the drum. Washing capacity can be increased while maintaining the entire size of the washing machine by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing the size of the cabinet, and the entire size of the washing machine can be compacted by minimizing the installation space of the driving motor. |
| US08087261B2 |
Defroster for evaporator in refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided that includes a cold air duct that receives cold air circulating inside of a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, an evaporator in the cold air duct, at least one defrosting heater in the cold air duct that selectively emits heat, a fan in the cold air duct, that selectively directs the cold air in an upward or downward direction, a motor that drives the fan, and an open/close device that closes a space having the evaporator, the defrosting heater, and the fan positioned therein selectively, thereby providing an improved defroster for an evaporator. |
| US08087258B2 |
Air conditioner, refrigerant filling method of air conditioner, method for judging refrigerant filling state of air conditioner as well as refrigerant filling and pipe cleaning method of air conditioner
An air conditioner is arranged so as to be able to accurately judge a refrigerant filling state within the air conditioner regardless of environmental and installation conditions. The air conditioner has a computing section 102 for computing a condenser liquid phase area ratio that is a value related to an amount of liquid phase portion of the refrigerant within a high pressure-side heat exchanger, based on refrigerant condensation temperature of the high pressure-side heat exchanger, outlet super-cooling degree of the high pressure-side heat exchanger, intake air temperature of the high pressure-side heat exchanger, a difference of enthalpy of inlet and outlet of the high pressure-side heat exchanger and specific heat at constant pressure of a refrigerant solution at the outlet of the high pressure-side heat exchanger and a judging section 106 for judging the refrigerant filling state within the air conditioner based on a comparison of the value computed by the computing section 102 with a predetermined value. |
| US08087257B2 |
Air conditioner integrated management system and control method of the same
Disclosed are an air conditioner integrated management system and an operational method of the same according to the present invention. The present invention can promptly detect and repair the device, where an error really occurred, by determining the error as an upper unit's in the case that the error occurred at the whole devices belonging to a lower unit managed by the upper unit. |
| US08087253B2 |
Methods, apparatus and systems concerning the circumferential clocking of turbine airfoils in relation to combustor cans and the flow of cooling air through the turbine hot gas flowpath
A method of operating a turbine engine, wherein the turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, a plurality of successive axially stacked stages that include a row of circumferentially spaced stator blades and circumferentially spaced rotor blades, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced injection ports disposed upstream of a first row of stator blades in the turbine; the injection ports comprising a port through which cooling air is injected into the hot-gas path of the turbine, the method comprising: configuring the stator blades in the first row of stator blades such that the circumferential position of a leading edge of one of the stator blades is located within +/−15% pitch of the first row of stator blades of the circumferential location of the injection port midpoint of at least a plurality of the injection ports. |
| US08087250B2 |
Duplex tab exhaust nozzle
An exhaust nozzle includes a conical duct terminating in an annular outlet. A row of vortex generating duplex tabs are mounted in the outlet. The tabs have compound radial and circumferential aft inclination inside the outlet for generating streamwise vortices for attenuating exhaust noise while reducing performance loss. |
| US08087248B2 |
Method and apparatus for the utilization of waste heat from gaseous heat sources carrying substantial quantities of dust
An apparatus, system and method for transferring heat from a hot flue gas stream from a cement plant including large particles and dust to a working fluid of a power plant via a high temperature heat transfer fluid without exposing all or most of the equipment to the erosive force of the particles and dust is disclosed where the apparatus includes a cement plant, a particle separation and heat transfer system and a power plant. |
| US08087246B2 |
Solar thermal electric power generation system, heating medium supply system, and temperature fluctuation suppressing device
A temperature fluctuation suppressing device for a heating medium is provided which is capable of sufficiently suppressing temperature fluctuations of the heating medium at the time of supplying collected solar heat for steam generation. The temperature fluctuation suppressing device includes a heating medium mixer provided on a heating medium supply passage configured to supply a liquid heating medium to a heat exchanging device, the heating medium mixer including: a heating medium passage forming member having plural heating medium passages; an inlet member and an outlet member provided separately from the inlet member, whereby the heating medium continuously flowing into the heating medium passage forming member through the inlet member passes through the plural heating medium passages with time-lags to form respective streams, which are then joined together before flowing out through the outlet member. |
| US08087245B2 |
Solar concentrator plant
Which, using a heat transfer fluid in any thermodynamic cycle or system for using process heat, comprises: two-dimensional solar concentrator means for heating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T1 to a temperature T2; three-dimensional solar concentrator means for overheating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T2 to a temperature T3; such that the advantages of working at high-temperatures of the three-dimensional solar concentrator means are taken advantage of with overall costs similar to those of two-dimensional solar concentrator means. In a specific application for generating electric power, the two-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a parabolic trough collector (1), while the three-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a heliostat field and central tower (2) for generating overheated steam that expands in a turbine (6) coupled to an electric generator (7). |
| US08087240B2 |
Control apparatus for work machine
A speed of a hydraulic actuator is matched with that of an electric actuator when the hydraulic actuator and the electric actuator are concurrently actuated. When determination units (71, 72) determine that a boom hydraulic cylinder (31) and a rotation generator motor (11) are concurrently actuated based on a controlled variable of a boom control lever (41) and a controlled variable of a rotation control lever (42), a torque of the rotation generator motor (11) is restricted based on a pump discharge pressure (Pp). Therefore, for example, a torque limit command is generated and output such that a torque limit value (TL2) of the rotation generator motor (11) is decreased with a decrease in discharge pressure (Pp) of a hydraulic pump (3). |
| US08087239B2 |
Fluid supply connection for reductant delivery unit for selective catalytic reduction systems
A reductant delivery unit (16) is provided unit for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles. The unit includes a solenoid fluid injector (18) associated with an exhaust gas flow path (13). The injector has a fluid inlet (28) and a fluid outlet (30) with the fluid inlet receiving a source of urea solution and the fluid outlet communicating directly with the exhaust flow path so as to control injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. Supply structure (32) defines the fluid inlet and includes a cup (37) coupled to a body (18) of the injector and a supply tube (29) integral with the cup to define a single member. The supply tube is coupled with the source (27) of urea solution to deliver urea solution to the fluid inlet. The supply tube is heated by a heat source (33) so that an entire volume of the urea solution delivered to the fluid inlet is heated. |
| US08087238B2 |
Method and device for the counterpressure-safe separation out and elimination of particles from fluid streams
A method for operating a filter includes forcibly passing a stream of a fluid through a filter wall of the filter from a raw gas side to a clean gas side of the filter so as to separate out particles and particle constituents from the stream, wherein the particles and particle constituents are collected on the raw gas side and performing a regeneration process on the filter during operation of the filter. The regeneration process includes removing particles and particle constituents from the raw gas side of the filter and moving the removed particle constituents to a receiving device disposed on the raw gas side. Alternatively, the filter walls includes a plurality of channels on the raw gas side, each channel closed by a closure wall configured to be partially opened to enable the disposing of the particle constituents. |
| US08087237B2 |
Secondary-air supply system for internal combustion engine
A secondary-air supply system for an internal combustion engine, including a catalyst provided in an exhaust passage and configured to purify exhaust gas from the engine, and a secondary-air supply source and a secondary-air valve provided in a secondary-air passage connected upstream from the catalyst. A secondary-air supply device is configured to drive the secondary-air supply source and to open the secondary-air valve to supply secondary air to the exhaust passage upstream from the catalyst under a warm-up condition of the engine. Secondary-air supply control means is configured to control the secondary-air supply device to drive the secondary-air supply source and to open the secondary-air valve under a high-load operating condition where a flow rate of the exhaust gas is high, the high-load operating condition being different from the warm-up condition. |
| US08087232B2 |
Exhaust system of internal combustion engine
In an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, a control valve is disposed downstream of a junction point of one of two exhaust passages of the engine, and a control valve and a catalytic converter are disposed downstream of a junction point of the other of the exhaust passages. The control valves of the two exhaust passages are controlled so that exhaust gas of all of the cylinders mainly passages the catalytic converter of the other exhaust passage during startup of the engine. |
| US08087223B2 |
Chopper assembly for a harvesting implement
A chopping assembly for a harvesting implement having a blade assembly, a housing, and a guide. The blade assembly is disposed within the housing and the guide directs cornstalks toward an input port on the housing. The blade assembly not only cuts the cornstalk from its root but also chops the stalk into stover. A fluid dynamic force is created by the blade assembly to direct the stover with the aid of the housing to an output port. |
| US08087218B2 |
Packaging method with void-fill density determination
A system, and associated components and methodology, that provides for automatic determination and supply of an amount of dunnage to fill the void left in a container in which one or more objects have been placed. The system comprises a dunnage dispenser which is operable to dispense a controlled amount of a dunnage, a container scanner, and a logic device. The container scanner includes a height sensor for sensing a height characteristic of a container, a width sensor for sensing a width characteristic of the container, and a contour sensor for sensing a contour characteristic of the objects in the container. The logic device can (1) process sensed characteristic information from the height sensor, width sensor and contour sensor, (2) determine the amount of dunnage needed to fill the void not occupied by the objects, and (3) command the dunnage dispenser to dispense the determined amount of dunnage. |
| US08087216B2 |
Cotton harvester for producing modules which can be automatically identified and oriented
RFID tags pre-installed on bale wrap segments provide location information for a specific area of the bale wrap. RFID tag readers located on the cotton harvester provide signals for use by the module wrapping apparatus for initiating a cutting or separating operation, once a module has been wrapped, and for warning an operator of a situation where the wrapping function has not proceeded in an orderly fashion after a signal for starting the wrapping function has been received. A wrapped module carries the pre-installed RFID tags which are readable by RFID readers carried by module handlers in the field and/or at the gin input which identify the modules and establish a position to which the module may be automatically oriented so that an ideal module wrap cutting location is easily calculated. The RFID tag reading taken in the field or at the gin thus senses the number on the tag as well as the location of the tag, and the module identification is input to an electronic database. |
| US08087212B2 |
Method of making multi-ply door core, multi-ply door core, and door manufactured therewith
The present invention concerns a method of forming a multi-ply core component. A mold press is provided having an upper die and a lower die defining a mold cavity. At least one of the upper die and the lower die has a plurality of protrusions. A first wood composite board and a second wood composite board are disposed within the mold cavity. The first and second boards are fused proximate the plurality of protrusions by compressing the boards in the mold cavity through application of heat and pressure. |
| US08087211B2 |
Composite anchor bolt and method for installation
A post-construction composite anchor bolt is provided having great resistance to a bending moment, even when the reinforcement covering margin is small, and reduces the transformation force caused by the bending moment acting on the joining point between the connecting part and the second anchor bolt, even if the size of the anchor bolt is increased. A post construction anchor bolt in the concrete frame comprising: a first anchor bolt installed projecting outside of a concrete frame; and a second anchor bolt which is eccentrically positioned to the axis of said first anchor bolt and is installed embedded in the concrete frame, and a connecting part which links said first anchor bolt and said second anchor bolt, and is installed embedded in the concrete frame together with said second anchor bolt. Said connecting part is formed to have a portion projecting in the opposite direction to the first anchor bolt, and thus reduces the bending moment which is exerted locally on the connecting part due to the load on said first anchor bolt. |
| US08087209B2 |
Edging rail for a flooring
An edging rail for a flooring (2) has a base member (3) and a covering member (4). These are integrally joined together. In order to fix the edging rail effectively to the flooring (2), at least one drive channel (10) is supported on the base member (3). Engaging in this drive channel (10) is at least one screw (11), which passes through a bore (12) in the covering member (4). |
| US08087207B2 |
Deck spacer
An apparatus includes a predetermined size, shape, and thickness with a bolt hole adapted to receive a bolt therein and a method of attaching the apparatus to a ledger board sufficient to prevent rotation of the apparatus with respect to either the ledger board or the bolt hole. Modifications include securing the apparatus to the ledger board by the use of screws passing through a plurality of mounting holes provided in the apparatus or by the use of pointed protrusions that extend from the apparatus and which are pounded into the ledger board. Other modifications are described that include the use of intermediate shim spacers to vary the overall thickness of the spacer and of angled spacers for use with beveled types of siding. |
| US08087201B2 |
Method for irrigating and fertilizing rice
A method for irrigating and fertilizing rice using a sprinkler irrigation system. The method includes the steps of providing a sprinkler irrigation system, determining an amount of water to be applied to the rice, determining an amount of fertilizer to be applied to the rice, and applying the water and fertilizer to the rice through the sprinkler irrigation system. Depending upon rainfall, the irrigation water may be applied to the rice an average of about one to two times per week between its planting and emergence, about two to three times per week between its emergence and its panicle initiation stage, about three to five times per week between its panicle initiation stage and its initial ripening stage, and about three to four times per week between the rice's initial ripening stage and its harvest. |
| US08087200B1 |
Fishing lure weight
A fishing lure weight includes a weight body, a hook tip opening extending through the weight body and a barb notch extending through the weight body and communicating with the hook tip opening. |
| US08087194B1 |
Firearm barrel retaining system
A barrel retaining system for a firearm includes a firearm receiver having a barrel nut coupled thereto and a barrel assembly, which in one embodiment may include a barrel with a barrel extension coupled thereto. The barrel extension includes a plurality of barrel locking lugs that rotatably engage corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut. The barrel extension may further include a flange that may engage one end of the locking elements of the barrel nut and the barrel locking lugs may engage an opposite end of the locking elements to wedge the locking elements therebetween for securing the barrel extension to the barrel nut. The firearm may be an autoloading rifle in some embodiments. |
| US08087192B2 |
Flat panel display mount and methods of making the same
Flat panel display mounts configured to rotate about a vertical axis and at least substantially maintain rigidity about a horizontal axis comprise a mounting member configured to receive a flat panel display thereon, and an arm member attached to the mounting member. The arm member includes at least one hinge on at least one of a first and second coupling members. Methods of forming a flat panel display mount are disclosed. A modular sign including a housing, at least one sign panel, and a flat panel display mount is also disclosed. |
| US08087190B1 |
Clothing coordination system
A clothing coordination system comprising first placards labeled with a color and number; second placards labeled with a color; third placards labeled with a number; label apparatuses for attaching to a closet rod to group together pants, shirts, or sweaters of a color, the apparatuses each comprises an elongated base with a rail adapted to display a first placard or a second placard and at least one third placard, wherein the placards corresponds to the color of the pants, shirts or sweaters; and a plurality of clothing boxes for grouping shirts or sweaters of a certain color, the clothing boxes each have at least one rail for displaying a second placard and at least one third placard; wherein a coordinated outfit can be chosen by selecting a pair of pants and then selecting a shirt that has a third placard that matches the assigned number of the pants. |
| US08087188B2 |
Weight-activated tying shoe
A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body. |
| US08087185B2 |
Clothes dryer door hinge
A clothes dryer has a reclined front panel and a door mounted thereto by a hinge assembly. The assembly has a support plate and a pivoting member. The support plate is mounted to the rear of the front panel and has upper and lower hinge locating seat portions respectively recessed from the reclined front panel by first and second predetermined distances. The pivoting member has first and second end portions pivotally connected together along a vertical axis. The first end portion is mounted to the door. The second end portion is mounted with the front panel via the support plate. The second end portion has upper and lower horizontally extending arms respectively connected to the upper and lower hinge locating seat portions. The arms have lengths chosen relative to the first and second predetermined distances so as to vertically locate the vertical axis adjacent the reclined front panel. |
| US08087183B2 |
Clothes dryer drum bearing assembly
A clothes dryer front bearing structure that fits within an open end of the dryer drum has wear resistant bearing glides attached to an upper arcuate wall portion without the use of an additional fastener. The upper arcuate wall portion has one or more pairs of spaced apart apertures that define between them a glide wall supporting portion. The bearing structure also has pairs of spaced apart curb walls for each pair of apertures that extend below the upper arcuate wall portion adjacent to the apertures. The bearing glide has an intermediate portion overlying the glide wall supporting portion for rotatably supporting the open end of the drum, and opposing end portions that each pass through a corresponding aperture for engagement with a corresponding curb wall to thereby limit longitudinal movement of the glide and restrain the opposing end portions of the glide in the apertures and within the curb walls. |
| US08087182B2 |
Method for operating a condenser tumble-dryer comprising condenser tumble dryer that is suitable for said method
A method for operating a condenser tumble dryer is provided and includes a drying chamber for containing objects to be dried, a process air circuit having a heating element, a fan for conducting heated process air over the objects, a heat pump circuit having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser, and sensors for determining the humidity in the objects to be dried. According to the method, the humidity is determined and the process air is heated by the condenser until the humidity ranges between about 0% and about 12%. In the event that the humidity drops below the predetermined value, the heating element is activated and operated for at least five minutes so that the air temperature in the drying chamber reaches at least 70° C. |
| US08087178B2 |
Artist relative measure device
This invention provides a series of evenly spaced marks disposed on an art implement handle which allow an artist to accurately compare the relative sizes of different portions of their subjects so that they may depict them to scale. |
| US08087177B2 |
Level
A combination level/try square includes an elongated body with an arm at one end thereof. The arm is rotatable between a non-use position against the body and a use position in which the body and the arm define a try square. The body incorporates three indicators, namely a plumb indicator, a level indicator and a slope indicator. In a second embodiment, a laser pointer is provided on one end of the body. |
| US08087174B2 |
Shape memory safety utensil
A spoon having: a handle portion; and a head portion connected to the handle portion, the head portion being at least partially fabricated from a shape memory material, the head having a first shape to hold a liquid when the temperature of the liquid is less then a predetermined threshold temperature and a second shape so as to not hold the liquid when the temperature of the liquid is greater than the predetermined threshold. The first shape is preferably a concave shape and the second shape is a substantially flat shape. Alternatively, the first shape is a concave shape and the second shape is a concave shape having at least one opening in the concave shape. A fork is also disclosed having times that change shape when the temperature of food held thereon is greater than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08087173B2 |
Modular tool system
A modular tool system includes a plate for carrying a tool, a top plate and a base plate. A pair of locking members is disposed at two opposite ends of the tool-carrying plate. Each lock member is rotatably mounted in the tool-carrying plate, and has an axis of rotation perpendicular the tool-carrying plate. Each locking member has a keyway for receiving and locking a corresponding key of the top plate, and a key for inserting and locking in a corresponding keyway of the base plate. Turning of the keys of the top plate relative to the keyways of the tool-carrying plate locks the top plate and the tool-carrying plate together, and further turning of the keys of the top plate turns the keys of the tool-carrying plate relative to the keyways of the base plate and locks the tool-carrying plate and the base plate together. |
| US08087171B2 |
Method of installing axially adjustable driveshaft assembly
A method of installing an axially adjustable driveshaft assembly in a drive train system is described. Two hollow driveshaft sections, where one has a valve through an aperture in it and each has an end fitting, engage each other to form an axially adjustable driveshaft assembly that has a sealed internal chamber within. When a pressurized air or vacuum source is connected to the valve, air fills the chamber or air is removed from the chamber, which correspondingly increases or decreases a drive train system length. This results in facilitating the installation of the driveshaft assembly between a transmission and an axle assembly in a drive train system. |
| US08087165B2 |
Lightweight audio system for automotive applications and method
A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration. The major components and subassemblies are self-fixturing during the final assembly process, eliminating the need for dedicated tools, fixtures and assembly equipment. The major components and subassemblies self-interconnect by integral guide and connection features effecting “slide lock” and “snap lock” self-interconnection. The radio architecture includes improved push buttons employing 4-bar living hinge linkage and front loaded decorative trim buttons. |
| US08087156B2 |
Methods of manufacturing fluid-dynamic-pressure bearing and spindle motor incorporating the bearing, and spindle motor and recording-disk drive incorporating the bearing
In spindle motors journaled on fluid-dynamic-pressure bearings, especially in such spindle motors employed in recording-disk drives in implementations that subject the drives to vibration and shock, sealing performance of a capillary seal formed between motor rotor-side and stator-side bearing surfaces, cohesiveness of oil-repellant on rotor-side/stator-side dry-area surfaces adjoining the capillary seal section, and motor inter-component adhesive strength are improved. The capillary-seal-constituting rotor-side/stator-side surface(s) are exposed to a plasma or to ultraviolet rays under predetermined conditions to improve the wettability of the surface(s) for the bearing fluid. The dry-area surface(s) are similarly irradiated so as to improve their wettability for the oil-repellant. Adhesively bonded component surfaces are likewise irradiated so as to improve their wettability for the adhesive, enhancing adhesive strength. Exposed surfaces may be constituted of a synthetic resin to enhance their wettability further, or may be made of metal, to yield a cleaning efficacy from the plasma/UV exposure. |
| US08087155B2 |
Method of forming an integrated circuit with MM-wave antennas using conventional IC packaging
A method of forming the integrated circuit. The method includes, in an integrated circuit package, forming each bond to or from an integrated circuit pad that is intended to be an antenna connection to be elongated compared to other bonds, and arranged in an approximately perpendicular direction to the plane of the integrated circuit; encapsulating the top of the integrated circuit package with a dielectric material at a height greater than a desired antenna length; and milling the dielectric encapsulation down to a pre-selected and calibrated height, such that the elongated bond wire to/from the integrated circuit pad that is intended to be an antenna connection is severed, such that the approximately vertical bond wire to/from the integrated circuit pad that is intended to be an antenna connection forms a quarter wave monopole. |
| US08087153B2 |
Manufacturing method of an electromechanical transducer
A handling member is prepared that provides a channel that can withstand subsequent back face processing as to a substrate having elements made up of a substrate and a membrane, and the handling member is fixed to the substrate so that at least a portion within the elements are supported by the handling member. This provides a manufacturing method wherein the physical strength of an element at the time of manufacturing an electromechanical transducing apparatus is strengthened, and the handling member is easily detached in a short time after processing of the element. |
| US08087144B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting a substrate
A method and apparatus for capping and encapsulating a shaped wooden workpiece or substrate to protect against environmental elements and prevent splintering of the wooden substrate in the installed condition is disclosed. An inventive end cap having a melt ring integrally formed therewith is installed on a portion of the substrate, such as a terminus of the substrate. According to the invention, the wooden substrate is sheathed during a polymeric extrusion process with a substantially continuous, unbroken polyethylene or other polymeric layer extending from and continuous with the inventive end cap. During the extrusion process, the melt ring integrally formed along the annular walls of the end cap melt the encapsulant and form a substantially sealed configuration with the polymeric layer applied to the substrate. The melt ring is engineered to sealingly incorporate with the polymeric extrusion as the molten encapsulant is applied to the wooden substrate, to provide a substantially uniform sealed joint between the end cap and the polymeric layer while maintaining a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the wooden substrate following completion of the encapsulation process. |
| US08087133B2 |
Transport carriage for needle boards
The transport carriage (1) for the accommodation of a needle board (2) comprises a console (21) that is preferably supported so as to be pivotable about a rotational axis (22). Clamping jaws (24, 25) are provided on the console (21), with the clamping jaws clamping the needle board (2)—preferably in a force-limited manner—between each other and thus holding said needle board in a frictionally engaged manner. |
| US08087132B2 |
Vessel for interring cremated remains and associated methods
A cremated remains containment vessel may include an outer shell including a base and sidewalls extending upwardly from the base. The sidewalls may be defined by a lower portion positioned adjacent the base and an upper portion positioned opposite the base. The outer shell may also include a plurality of interior walls extending upwardly from the base, interior the sidewalls, to define a plurality of compartments. The vessel may also include a top that is removeably connected to the upper portion of the sidewalls, and a pair of handles connected to the sidewalls of the outer shell to oppose one another. The vessel may further include a pair of grooves formed in a bottom portion of the base and aligned substantially parallel with one another. The vessel may still further include a liner carried by the outer shell adjacent an inner portion of the sidewalls and the base, and a data plate carried by a bottom portion of the top. The vessel may also include a frame member carried by an outer portion of the sidewalls. Contact between the top and the outer shell may form an airtight or watertight seal. |
| US08087131B1 |
Stretching assembly for cloth
A stretching assembly for cloth has a heating furnace, a pressing device and a shaping device. The heating furnace has two opposite sidewalls and a channel. The channel is formed through the opposite sidewalls of the heating furnace and has an inlet and an outlet. The pressing assembly is set to face the inlet of the heating furnace and has a first pressing wheel and a second pressing wheel. The first pressing wheel has multiple annular protruding segments formed on an external surface of the first pressing wheel. The second pressing wheel parallel the first pressing wheel to form a curved clearance between the pressing wheels and has multiple annular concave segments formed on an external surface of the second pressing wheel. The shaping device is set to face the outlet of the heating furnace, aligns with the pressing device and has two shaping wheels. |
| US08087128B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly includes a base, a joint member, a pintle, and a coiling spring. The joint member is rotatably connected to the base. The pintle runs through the base and the joint member. The coiling spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed relative to the base, and the second end is fixed relative to the joint member. |
| US08087126B2 |
Bed immobilization system integrated into chassis feet
A bed leg with a caster, equipped with a braking mechanism that allows the bed to be immobilized is provided. The bed leg comprises a housing, which houses a caster, an actuating mechanism installed in the housing, a pedal joined to a lever and a braking pad mounted on the lower part of the actuating mechanism. |
| US08087123B2 |
Floor cleaning appliance
The invention relates to a floor cleaning appliance comprising a housing, on the underside of which is arranged at least one drivable cleaning tool for removing dirt from a surface to be cleaned, and further comprising a suction unit for vacuuming-off the dirt and a dirt container for receiving the vacuumed-off dirt. In order to so develop such a floor cleaning appliance that it is easier to service, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the housing comprise a dirt container receptacle in which the dirt container is releasably positionable, and, in addition, at least one functional device receptacle for at least one functional device, the at least one functional device or a cover of the at least one functional device being freely accessible after removal of the dirt container from the dirt container receptacle. |
| US08087120B1 |
Baby bottle cleaning brush with reversible splash guard
A baby bottle cleaning brush which includes a reversible cover between the brush and handle that covers the opening of a baby bottle, so when the action of the brush on the lip of the baby bottle opening would tend to spray water, the brush cover envelops the bottle opening and prevents the spray from spreading out and hitting the user or surroundings. |
| US08087117B2 |
Cleaning robot roller processing
A coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller including an elongated core with end mounting features defining a central longitudinal axis of rotation, multiple floor cleaning bristles extending radially outward from the core, and at least one compliant flap extending radially outward from the core to sweep a floor surface. The flap is configured to prevent errant filaments from spooling tightly about the core to aid subsequent removal of the filaments. In another aspect, a coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, a controller, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller. The coverage robot includes a roller cleaning tool carried by the chassis and configured to longitudinally traverse the roller to remove accumulated debris from the cleaning roller. |
| US08087114B2 |
Thin pocket mattress, and method and device for its manufacturing
A spring mattress includes a plurality of strings interconnected side by side, each string including a continuous casing material with a plurality of pockets, said pockets being defined by at least one longitudinal connecting line extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the string and a plurality of transverse connecting lines extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the string, and coil springs arranged in the pockets of the string. For at least one of the springs, casing material portions arranged at the ends of the spring are moved towards each other, through the spring, and connected to each other. The connecting lines are arranged at the side of the springs and, thus, between neighboring springs. The interconnected casing material portions are thus at the ends of the springs essentially free of other connections. |
| US08087112B2 |
Portable collapsible stretcher
A lightweight, collapsible and portable stretcher for effective use under extreme circumstances such as use in disaster and war affected terrains. The stretcher includes a wheel assembly having an alternative use as a container for the collapsible stretcher. The invention has particular advantages in military or disaster environments in that it allows one person, a carrier, to perform an evacuation of an injured person, whereas prior art stretchers require two or more persons to effectuate an evacuation of an injured person. Additionally, the carrier person can utilize the stretcher to transport or pull an injured person while reserving independent functions of his or her hands. Accordingly, the lightweight collapsible and portable stretcher can be operated hands-free by a single carrier person. |
| US08087109B2 |
Patient positioning device
A patient positioning device for restoring a patient to a desired position in a hospital bed. An example patient positioning device may include a flexible track positioned along each of the lateral edges of a sleep surface and extending substantially the entire length of the sleep surface, a sheet including beaded edges for slidably engaging the tracks such that the sheet spans between the first track and the second track on the sleep surface, and/or a drive mechanism located proximate a head end of the sleep surface and configured to pull the sheet towards the head end of the bed. |
| US08087107B2 |
Dual flush valve refill
A dual flush valve is provided for refilling fluid in a toilet bowl. The dual flush valve includes a refill mechanism configured to refill the toilet bowl with a substantially same volume of refill fluid for both a full flush and a half flush, a first valve connected to the refill mechanism, the first valve operates to control flow of fluid into a bowl, a fluid input is connected to a first port of the first valve, and a fluid output is connected to a second port of the first valve. The level of fluid in the bowl is refilled to a same level for both a full flush and a half flush. |
| US08087101B2 |
Impact shock absorbing material
Impact shock absorbing material to be incorporated into protective gear or clothing. The impact shock absorbing material is a laminated material, having a shear-thickening layer and a shock absorbing layer, that is a honeycomb material. The laminated material is incorporated into protective headgear, sports gear, clothing, and a host of other articles that are worn for protection against impact shock. The shear-thickening layer shunts the local impact forces over a greater area of the underlying shock absorbing layer, thereby reducing the force at the point of impact. The vertical walls of the honeycomb layer buckle under the incoming force, thereby diffusing the direction of force away from direct alignment with the body wearing the impact-shock-absorbing material. Protective gear made of the impact shock absorbing material significantly reduces forces imparted to the body as a result of a fall, blow, or other sudden impact. |
| US08087098B2 |
Multi-sectional waistband quick release undergarment
A multi-sectional waistband quick release undergarment is provided. The multi-sectional waistband quick release undergarment includes a multi-sectional waistband having a first waistband section and a second waistband section for securing the undergarment to a wearer's body. An undergarment body includes a front panel and a rear panel, which are joined to the first waistband section and the second waistband section, respectively. At least a portion of the first waistband section is releasably secured to at least a portion of the second waistband section, and at least a portion of the front panel is releasably secured to at least a portion of the rear panel. When a predetermined breakaway force is exerted on the second waistband section, the second waistband section releases from the first waistband section and the rear panel releases from the front panel; and thereby provides effective protection against wedgies. |
| US08087096B2 |
Slip resistant multi-layered articles
Multiple-layered articles are provided which do not suffer from interlayer slippage upon application of a normal force and which are flexible and particularly well suited for use as dexterous hand coverings. |
| US08091137B2 |
Transferring a data object between devices
A playable copy of the digital content object is stored at a first device. A data object associated with the digital content object is sent to a second device. The playable copy of the digital content object is disabled at the first device, such that only an authorized, playable copy of the digital content object is operable to be stored on the first and second device at any given time before, during and after sending the data object. |
| US08091135B2 |
Computer system and virus-scan method
A computer system uses a virus-scan method capable of full-scanning the logical volume of a SUTOSEN PC with high frequency while limiting the number of virus-scan devices. The computer system includes a primary volume storing data from a personal computer, a snapshot volume storing the status of the primary volume at a given point in time, and a save destination volume storing an updated memory area within the primary volume as information on an updated block address reflected in a bitmap. The updated block address corresponds to a memory area within the primary volume. The computer system detects only an updated file in the primary volume from the snapshot volume and the save destination volume, creates an updated volume for storing a relevant updated file, and thereby executes a virus-scan on the updated volume. |
| US08091133B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting malicious process
Provided are an apparatus and method for detecting a malicious process. The apparatus includes: a process monitoring unit for monitoring a process generated in a computing environment; a target process setting unit for previously setting a test target process among the processes confirmed by the process monitoring unit; a process generation time change monitoring unit for monitoring if the target process set by the target process setting unit requests to change a generation time; a generation time change preventing unit for preventing a change in the generation time of the target process when the target process requests to change the generation time; and a malicious process detecting unit for determining that a child process of the target process set by the target process setting unit is a malicious process if the child process is generated within a predetermined reference time. |
| US08091132B2 |
Behavior-based traffic differentiation (BTD) for defending against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
Embodiments are directed toward a method for Behavior-based Traffic Differentiation (BTD) that initially receives incoming packets and performs traffic classification to determine the protocol of the incoming packets. In addition, BTD performs bandwidth division/allocation to further support traffic classification amongst non-TCP traffic such as UDP and ICMP. For TCP traffic, the method for BTD determines whether a TCP connection has been established and performs at least one of rate limiting, waiting time reduction for half-open connections, and incrementing backlog queue size when the TCP connection has not been established. If the TCP connection has been established successfully, the method for BTD further includes proactive tests for traffic differentiation which identify normal traffic, which is admitted, and attack traffic, which is dropped. |
| US08091130B1 |
Geographical intrusion response prioritization mapping system
Systems and methods for geographically mapping an intrusion into a network having one or more network points include receiving intrusion information identifying a intrusion into a point of the network, correlating the intrusion 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 intrusion. |
| US08091129B1 |
Electronic message filtering enhancements
In some embodiments, techniques for filtering electronic messages may include various enhancements. |
| US08091123B2 |
Method and apparatus for secured embedded device communication
In a computing device that includes a host operating system and a management engine separate from the host operating system, if the primary operating system is not operating, a management engine may obtain from a credential server via a first network connection logon information for a secured network and the management engine connects to the secure network through a secured connection using the logon information. If the operating system is operating the operating system provides the logon information to the management engine. Certificate verification may be performed by a remote server on behalf of the management engine. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08091119B2 |
Identity based network mapping
Techniques for identity-based network mapping are provided. A principal is associated with a resource identifier via a mapping. Conditions of a network are dynamically evaluated in response to policy and actions taken against a resource associated with the resource identifier of the mapping. The principal and the hardware resource of a machine are associated with two different types of resources and the mapping is used to manage security and maintenance associated with a network for shutting down the principal from accessing the network when an issue is detected with the hardware resource and the hardware resource is shut down when the issue is with the principal. |
| US08091118B2 |
Method and system to optimize efficiency when managing lists of untrusted network sites
A computer readable storage medium including a set of instructions executable by a processor, the set of instructions operable to determine if a network location included in a request to connect to the network location, is included in a first list of untrusted network locations stored on the client computer and send a request to determine if the network location is included in a second list of untrusted network locations stored remotely from the client computer when it is determined that the network location is not included in the first list. |
| US08091114B2 |
Integrated security event management system
An integrated security event management system (ISEMS) is disclosed and is based on service-oriented architecture (SOA) and includes one or more computers connected to one or more service-providing devices. At least one of the computers comprises one or more modules that are adapted to perform the following tasks: tasks to dynamically discover the service-providing devices and their services within a transit security domain in about real-time; tasks to acquire asynchronous state information notifications in about real-time from the discovered services; tasks to determine one or more Boolean outcomes from the asynchronous state information in about real-time via a configurable rules engine; and tasks to evaluate the one or more Boolean outcomes in about real-time via a configurable policy engine to determine state changes of one or more security policies. |
| US08091110B2 |
Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. |
| US08091107B2 |
Methods and apparatus for presenting a digital video work customized to viewer preferences
Methods for producing a digital video work to be presented in potentially viewable scenes with the ability to customize the scene sequences presented to individual viewers based upon expressed or imputed viewer preferences, and to the articles on which such work is stored and played. The content of the scene sequences may vary to match viewer preferences while maintaining the overall message of the digital video work. |
| US08091097B2 |
Distributed virtual machine architecture
A distributed virtual machine architecture includes a virtual machine client (16) and a virtual machine server (32). The virtual machine client provides a platform upon which an application may be run on a host device (12). The virtual machine server may appear anywhere within the network to which the host of the virtual machine client is connected (14). When the application request a class, the virtual machine client determines such class exists on the local host (12) or a client proxy exist for the class. If neither exists, the virtual machine client connects to the virtual machine server to send a request for the class. If a proxy does exist, a proxy is returned to the virtual machine client. However, if a proxy does not exist, the virtual machine server dynamically generates the proxy (34) to be returned to the virtual machine client. |
| US08091088B2 |
Method and system for hierarchical resource management involving hard and soft resource limits
The present invention manages resources in a computing device to facilitate the allocation of resources amongst competing clients operating on the device. A hierarchy of budgets is constructed to encode restrictions on the aggregated use of a resource allocated by a resource provider to one or more clients. A resource manager validates and arbitrates requests to allocate resources to the one or more clients by resource providers in accordance with the budgets comprising the hierarchy. The resource manager notifies clients of availability and shortages of resources to promote compliance with the restrictions encoded in the budgets of the hierarchy. |
| US08091087B2 |
Scheduling of new job within a start time range based on calculated current load and predicted load value of the new job on media resources
Method for scheduling a new backup job within a backup application to optimize a utilization of a media resource of said backup application. The backup application includes one or more previously scheduled backup jobs. The backup application calculates a current load of the media resource as a function of the previously scheduled backup jobs and the media resource and predicts a load value for the new backup job as a function of job parameters associated with the new backup job. Then, the backup application schedules the new backup job as a function of the calculated current load and the predicted load value such that the resulting load on the media resource will yield a minimum peak percentage utilization of the media resource. Alternatively, the backup application schedules the new backup job and previously scheduled backup jobs as function of the calculated current load and the predicted load value such that the resulting load on the media resource will yield a minimum peak percentage utilization of the media resource. |
| US08091085B2 |
Installation of updated software for server components
A target server is queried to build an inventory of components installed within the target server. The target server has a boot process by which it is employed within a production environment. Updated software is received for each component from an update server, based on the inventory built. The boot process is configured so that the target server installs the updated software for each component the next time it boots, instead of being employed within the production environment. The target server is caused to boot such that it installs the updated software for each component. Upon completion of the target server installing the update software for each component, the boot process is reconfigured so that the next time the target server boots it is again employed within the production environment. The target server is again caused to boot such that it is again employed within the production environment. |
| US08091080B2 |
User process object code installer
A computer implemented method of computer implemented method for installing a code object in a user process virtual memory space, while the user process is running is provided. The user process is run in a virtual memory space. A controller process is run in a different virtual memory space than the user process. The control process requests to a kernel module to install the code object into the virtual memory space of the user process. The kernel module installs the code object into the virtual memory space of the user process, while the user process is running. |
| US08091075B2 |
Method and apparatus for breakpoint analysis of computer programming code using unexpected code path conditions
A conditional breakpoint for debugging computer programming code includes a condition identifying of one or more expected code paths used to reach the breakpoint. The breakpoint is triggered if it is reached during execution using an unexpected code path. Preferably, an expected code path is identified by specifying the expected preceding breakpoint, by specifying basic code blocks which should or should not be encountered before the breakpoint, or some combination thereof. The expected code path condition may be used alone or in conjunction with any conventional breakpoint condition. |
| US08091074B2 |
Execution-centric source code view
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing an execution-centric view of source code. Source code is reconstructed in an execution-centric format from a prior execution of an application. Trace data is used to determine which code addresses were executed during a prior execution of an application. Addresses in the trace data are mapped back to source code to reconstruct the source code in the execution order. The source code is then displayed in the execution-centric format. Other events that occurred at different points in time can be overlaid in the display of the execution-centric source code. |
| US08091073B2 |
Scaling instruction intervals to identify collection points for representative instruction traces
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for identifying instructions to obtain representative traces. A phase instruction budget is calculated for each phase in a set of phases. The phase instruction budget is based on a weight associated with each phase and a global instruction budget. A starting index and an ending index are identified for instructions within a set of intervals in each phase in order to meet the phase instruction budget for that phase, thereby forming a set of interval indices. A determination is made as to whether the instructions within the set of interval indices meet the global instruction budget. Responsive to the global instruction budget being met, the set of interval indices are output as collection points for the representative traces. |
| US08091072B2 |
Framework for testing API of a software application
A test executor for testing an application programming interface of a software application includes a plurality of invokers, a mapper/converter, and a comparer. The plurality of invokers includes a software application invoker and a database application invoker. The software application invoker is adapted to communicate with a software application through an application programming interface of the software application while the database application invoker is adapted to communicate with a database application through an application programming interface of the database application. The mapper/converter is in communication with the plurality of invokers. The mapper/converter converts results from at least one of the software application invoker and the database application invoker into a common data format. The comparer is in communication with the mapper/converter and compares the results in the common data format to assess the functionality of the application programming interface of the software application. |
| US08091070B2 |
Deep embedding of program languages
A programming language is implemented in terms of another programming language via deep and/or modified shallow embedding. Embedded language control structures and/or type system are decomposed to primitive features. These features are semantically mapped to host language features. Other embedded language features are explicitly constructed in the host language. A map can also be constructed as a function of implementation to facilitate mapping embedded language applications to host language applications. |
| US08091068B2 |
User configurable language independent code assist method, system, article of manufacture, and computer program product
A code assist function which suggests candidates responsive to a parsing of a partial program instruction statement by determining a current cursor position in the partial program instruction statement; parsing the partial program instruction statement before the current cursor position; generating a list of candidates to be inserted at the current cursor position responsive to the parsing of the partial program instruction statement; applying a user-selected preference to the list of candidates to generate a suggested list of candidates; displaying the list of suggested candidates; allowing a user to select one of the list of suggested candidates; and inserting at the current cursor position the user-selected suggested candidate. User-selectable preferences may be selected such as a longer or shorter list of candidates; a longer or shorter representation keyword candidates; a full syntax or partial syntax representation of a candidate; and a character case representation of a candidate. |
| US08091067B2 |
Method and system for hosting a programming environment
A method for hosting a programming environment and processing user input includes the step of receiving, during a first session between a user and an interaction environment, via one of a plurality of media gateways, a definition of an expression type, the definition specifying an expression format and a response type. The definition is stored. During a second session between a second user and the interaction environment, an expression having a semantic structure is received, from a user, via one of a plurality of media gateways. The semantic structure of the expression is evaluated. An expression format of the received expression is identified as the expression format specified by the definition of the expression type, responsive to the evaluation. A response to the expression is generated responsive to an execution of a computer program associated with the response type specified by the definition of the expression type. |
| US08091065B2 |
Threat analysis and modeling during a software development lifecycle of a software application
Systems and methods relating to a method for generating a threat analysis and modeling tool are described. In an implementation, aggregate analysis is performed upon applications of an enterprise for complete risk management of the enterprise. The threat analysis model is generated by defining the application, its attributes and the rules related to the application. An application task list is generated from a common task list for the application. Countermeasures for known attacks pertaining to the application are described in the application task list, which allows the developer to reduce the risk of attacks. |
| US08091063B2 |
Method and apparatus for characterizing an integrated circuit manufacturing process
A system that characterizes an integrated circuit manufacturing process is presented. During operation, the system receives a layout which includes a plurality of test structures for semiconductor devices, wherein each test structure varies one or more design variables. The system then fabricates a plurality of wafers based on the layout, wherein each wafer in the plurality of wafers is fabricated using one of a plurality of process settings. Next, the system obtains performance characteristics for the plurality of test structures on the plurality of wafers. The system then generates a process model that is based on at least the effect that values for the one or more design variables and the plurality of process settings have on the performance characteristics of the plurality of test structures. |
| US08091062B2 |
Logic circuits having dynamically configurable logic gate arrays
A logic gate array for implementing logical expressions is provided. The array includes a dynamically configurable logic gate having a chaotic updater for causing the logic gate to alternately operate as one of a several different logic gate types, the dynamically configurable logic gate alternating from operating as one logic gate type to a different logic gate type in response to one or more reference signals. The array also includes one or more additional logic gates. |
| US08091060B1 |
Clock domain partitioning of programmable integrated circuits
A computer-implemented method of partitioning a circuit design into clock domains for implementation within a programmable integrated circuit (IC) can include storing a plurality of constraints that depend upon a plurality of variables, wherein the plurality of constraints regulate placement of components to different clock regions of the programmable IC. The method can include storing an objective function and determining a result indicating whether a feasible solution exists for clock domain partitioning of the circuit design by minimizing the objective function subject to the plurality of constraints. The result can be output. |
| US08091058B2 |
Methods, computer-readable media and computer-implemented tools for pre-route repeater insertion
A method of performing a pre-route repeater insertion methodology for at least part of a circuit design may include: partitioning at least part of a circuit design into a plurality of tiles; determining at least one attribute of one or more individual tiles of the plurality of tiles; and determining a repeater solution based at least in part on the determined attributes of the one or more individual tiles. A computer implemented tool for performing a pre-route repeater insertion methodology for at least part of a circuit design may include: a module configured to partition at least part of a circuit design into a plurality of tiles; a module configured to determine at least one attribute of one or more individual tiles of the plurality of tiles; and a module configured to determine a repeater solution based at least in part on the determined attributes of the one or more individual tiles. |
| US08091056B1 |
Apparatus and method for automated determination of timing constraints
A method and apparatus is provided for the automatic creation of timing constraints that are based upon input interface timing parameters entered through a graphical user interface that is associated with the one or more input interfaces. Ideal timing constraints are created from the input interface timing parameters for the one or more input interfaces, thereby enabling the analysis of the input interface(s) without requiring explicit constraints to be defined by the designer of the input interface(s). Timing constraints may, therefore, be automatically generated by the designer without the need for the designer to possess any detailed knowledge of the associated constraint language parameters. Once created, the automatically generated timing constraints are graphically displayed to the designer for verification and/or modification. The automated process removes any potential for improperly defining the input constraint language parameters associated with the input interface(s). |
| US08091052B2 |
Optimization of post-layout arrays of cells for accelerated transistor level simulation
A method for optimizing post-layout array for accelerated transistor level simulation is provided. In some embodiments of the present invention, a post-layout array of cells having a plurality array lines is optimized by forming array line models for the array lines of the post-layout array of cells. Ideal sub-arrays are formed with the cells of the post-layout array. The ideal sub-array can be simulated using conventional techniques such as HAR or SOFA. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention also detect and optimize parasitic capacitors to facilitate formation of the ideal sub-arrays. |
| US08091046B2 |
Set of masks, method of generating mask data and method for forming a pattern
A method of generating mask data, for a set of masks used to transfer a pattern for delineating a circuit pattern of a semiconductor integrated circuit, includes preparing design data having a design pattern corresponding to the pattern to be transferred on a semiconductor substrate; generating resized data by enlarging the design data by a resizing quantity; generating first mask data by filling a space area having a space width of a space quantity or less of the resized data; and generating second mask data, to be aligned with the first mask data, having a window portion for selectively exposing an area determined by enlarging the space area by the resizing quantity. |
| US08091045B2 |
System and method for managing lists
A computer-implemented method for displaying and managing lists on a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display includes displaying a list of items, detecting a finger contact on a moving-affordance icon, detecting movement of the finger contact on the touch screen display, and in response to detecting the movement of the finger contact, moving the moving-affordance icon and the corresponding item in the list in accordance with the movement of the finger contact. In some embodiments, at least some of the items have corresponding moving-affordance icons. |
| US08091043B2 |
Modeling environment graphical user interface
A first element in a graphical modeling environment is selected by a user which results in a plurality of speed buttons adjacent to the first element being displayed. Such speed buttons define operations to be conducted on the first element in connection with a second element. After one of the displayed speed buttons is selected, it can be dragged to a display point. A second element is generated at the display point based on the selected displayed speed button which is linked to the first element. The link can be characterized by the operations defined by the selected displayed speed button. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and products are also described. |
| US08091042B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying selectable icons in a toolbar for a user interface
A user interface display provides selectable icons and a control symbol in a toolbar. The control symbol can be selected by a user to display additional selectable icons within the toolbar. The additional icons can be inserted adjacent the control symbol or in another location on the toolbar. A user can associate a set of one or more selectable icons with a control symbol. In one implementation, reselecting the control symbol removes the additional icons from the toolbar. In another implementation, the additional icons are removed when one of the additional icons is selected. If the icons are positioned adjacent to their corresponding control symbol, the display position of other icons on the toolbar is adjusted to allow room for the additional icons. When a set of the additional icons is removed from the display, the position of the other icons on the toolbar is re-adjusted. |
| US08091040B2 |
Method and system for displaying a plurality of discrete files in a compound file
A method for managing and displaying related information in a graphical user interface includes storing each of a plurality of related datasets in a discrete file. A compound file is stored linking the discrete data files to each other. A common window for the combined file is displayed in the graphical user interface. A discrete window for each discrete file is displayed within the common window. |
| US08091039B2 |
Authoring interface which distributes composited elements about the display
Techniques are described for providing a display of visual elements representing various media elements on a composite media presentation, wherein the display may be altered such that the visual elements transition from an overlapping arrangement to an arrangement where the overlap is minimized or eliminated. Once in the non-overlapping arrangement, a particular element may be selected or manipulated, for example applying an effect to the underlying media element, and the display returns to the original overlapping arrangement of visual elements, in some embodiments ending with the selected visual element at the top of the overlapping arrangement where before the visual elements may have been partially or completely obstructed from view. |
| US08091032B2 |
Automatic generation of content recommendations weighted by social network context
Embodiments of the present invention provide users with suggested content that is weighted based on the social network context of the suggestion. In particular, the suggested content is selected based on incorporating the preferences of users having a relationship with the user. For example, content recommendations from a family member or known friend of the user may be highly weighted over other recommendations. |
| US08091028B2 |
Method and apparatus for annotating a line-based document
To facilitate the use of audio files for annotation purposes, an audio file format, which includes audio data for playback purposes, is augmented with a parallel data channel of line identifiers, or with a map associating time codes for the audio data with line numbers on the original document. The line number-time code information in the audio file is used to navigate within the audio file, and also to associate bookmark links and captured audio annotation files with line numbers of the original text document. An annotation device may provide an output document wherein links to audio and/or text annotation files are embedded at corresponding line numbers. Also, a navigation index may be generated, having links to annotation files and associated document line numbers, as well as bookmark links to selected document line numbers. |
| US08091025B2 |
Systems and methods for processing content objects
Watermark encoders and decoders can be integrated into operating systems, Internet browsers, media players, and other applications and devices. Such integration enables the watermark-enabled application or device to provide additional functionality and information available via the watermark. The watermark, for example, may link to metadata or actions related to a media object. To exploit this watermark enabled functionality, the integrated application uses a watermark decoder to access the related metadata and actions. The user interface of the integrated application is enhanced to present metadata and actions linked via the watermark. Similarly, watermark encoders may be integrated into applications to convert media objects into enhanced, watermarked objects. A variety of other arrangements and features are also detailed. Many arrangements can be implemented using object identifiers other than watermarks. |
| US08091020B2 |
System and method for updating a table-of-contents in a frameset
A self-updating frameset having a target document in one frame and a Table-of-Contents (TOC) document in another frame hyperlinked to the target document. A reference document (RD) field is inserted into the TOC document to identify the target document as the target of the TOC. A TOC field in the TOC document scans the target document to identify selected headings as entries in the TOC document. When the selected headings are identified, the TOC field creates hyperlink entries in the TOC document, each hyperlink entry having a corresponding anchor at a selected heading in the target document. The hyperlink entries in the TOC document can be automatically updated each time the fields in the TOC document are recalculated. |
| US08091019B2 |
Supporting variable data structures and constant data structures in a hardware-based extensible markup language (XML) post processing engine (PPE)
A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for supporting variable data structures and constant data structures in a hardware-based XML PPE. The method may include inserting one or more constant Type-Length-Attributes (TLAs) into an output stream. The constant TLAs are inserted from one or more constant node-sets referenced from a constant table. The method may also include creating one or more variable node-sets. Each variable node-set includes one or more variable TLAs (TLAs saved from a base XML document) and is mapped to a variable table. The method may also include inserting one or more variable TLAs into the output stream inserted from one or more variable node-sets referenced from the variable table. |
| US08091015B2 |
Digital document management system, digital document management method, and digital document management program
A digital document management system is capable of guaranteeing that a partial correction has been made according to a proper procedure and achieving a third-party certification of the validity of the guarantee. The digital document management system manages document information created in a digital form, and includes partial identification information generation section that generates partial identification information that represents, in an identifiable manner, respective parts of the document information. A partial correction information generation section generates partial correction information which is information related to a correction history of a corrected part in the case where any correction has been required for the document information; and an original document information management section manages the document information, partial identification information, partial correction information, and prescribed policy information in an associated manner. |
| US08091014B2 |
Electronic apparatus in which functioning of a microcomputer is monitored by another microcomputer to detect abnormal operation
In an electronic apparatus, a first microcomputer is monitored by a second microcomputer, which periodically transmits data relating to a main function to the first microcomputer to be processed. The first microcomputer periodically updates a variable value, performs a predetermined calculation operation whose final result should be a specific fixed value, adds that final result to the updated variable value to obtain a sum value, and transmits the sum value and updated variable value concurrently to the second microcomputer. The second microcomputer determines that the first microcomputer is operating abnormally if the difference between the received sum value and variable value is not equal to the specific fixed value. |
| US08091011B2 |
Method and system for dynamically adjusting forward error correction (FEC) rate to adapt for time varying network impairments in video streaming applications over IP networks
Certain aspects of a method and system for dynamically adjusting forward error correction (FEC) rate to adapt for time varying network impairments in video streaming applications over IP networks may be disclosed. At a server side of a client-server communication system, a rate of transmission of forward error correction (FEC) packets to one or more clients may be dynamically adjusted based on receiving at least one upstream FEC packet from a plurality of clients. The rate of transmission of the FEC packets to the plurality of clients may be increased when a rate of occurrence of lost data packets is above a particular threshold value. The upstream FEC packets may comprise an urgent packet requesting transmission of a particular FEC packet in order to recover one or more particular lost data packets. |
| US08091006B2 |
Spherical lattice codes for lattice and lattice-reduction-aided decoders
Methods and apparatus for designing spherical lattice codebooks for use in data transmission systems are provided. A spherical lattice codebook is constructed by determining the channel statistics of one or more channels, which can be accomplished by observing a sufficiently large set of channel realizations. After determining the channel statistics, an expression for the error probability of the decoder or expressions for bounds on the error probability and expressions for the corresponding gradients are determined. The gradient is then used in an optimization technique to produce a spherical lattice codebook which is subsequently used for transmission. |
| US08091001B2 |
FPGA programming structure for ATPG test coverage
Testing of combinatorial logic in a programmable device is provided by routing input and/or output test values as signals from and back to dedicated logic through programming circuitry in programmable logic. Some embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for testing functional logic block of an application-specific standard product (ASSP) in a programmable logic device, the method comprising: storing an input value into a register; passing the input value from the register to combinatorial logic; producing an output value from the combinatorial logic; passing the output value from the combinatorial logic to the register; saving the output value in the register; and reading the output value out of the register. |
| US08090997B2 |
Run-time fault resolution from development-time fault and fault resolution path identification
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to fault handling and provide a method, system and computer program product for run-time fault resolution from development time fault and fault resolution path identification. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for run-time fault resolution from development time fault and fault resolution path identification can be provided. The method can include detecting a recoverable fault condition in a computing system, selecting a fault resolution path from amongst a multiple development time specified fault resolution paths to match the recoverable fault condition, prompting an operator with the selected fault resolution path, and resuming operation of the computing system without restart subsequent to the operator performing the selected resolution fault path. |
| US08090996B2 |
Detecting soft errors via selective re-execution
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining a vulnerability level for an instruction executed in a processor, and re-executing the instruction if the vulnerability level is above a threshold. The vulnerability level may correspond to a soft error likelihood for the instruction while the instruction is in the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08090995B2 |
System monitoring
Disclosed are methods, systems and products, including a method that includes monitoring one or more service providing components implemented using at least one processor-based device, the one or more service providing components being connected to an interfacing system configured to control requests for service received from client units that require servicing from at least one of the one or more service providing components. The interfacing system is also configured to assign the requests to the one or more service providing components. The monitoring is initiated by equipment associated with one or more of the interfacing system and at least one of the one or more service providing components. The method also includes generating information regarding the operability of at least one of the one or more service providing components based on data generated in response to monitoring the one or more service providing components. |
| US08090992B2 |
Handling of clustered media errors in raid environment
A method, apparatus, and system of improved handling of clustered media errors in raid environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes starting a command timer when a firmware accepts a command from a host, tracking an amount of time the command spends on handling of a clustered media error through the command timer, and stopping the command timer when at least one of the command is completed and a time limit expires. The method may complete a read as a success when a host IO is a read command. The method may complete a write as a success, after writing parity, and data when the host IO may be a write command. |
| US08090990B2 |
Abnormal pattern detection program for function call in source program
Disclosed is an abnormal pattern detection program for a function call in a source program that makes a computer, which is connected to a main memory and an output device, execute the following processes. (1) A reading process for reading the source program onto the main memory. (2) A sentence extracting process for extracting previous and next sentences of every function call of each function from the source program read onto the main memory. (3) A setting process for setting common appearance patterns, which are included in the previous and next sentences of every function call extracted through the sentence extracting process and appear in a high frequency, on the main memory. (4) An output process for outputting a warning message from the output device when a function call whose previous and next sentences do not include any of the common appearance patterns is found in the source program. |
| US08090984B2 |
Error detection and communication of an error location in multi-processor data processing system having processors operating in Lockstep
A system and method are provided. The system comprises a first and second processor, and a cross-signaling interface. The first processor executes instructions. The second processor executes the instructions in lockstep with the first processor. The cross-signaling interface is coupled between the first and second processors and is for signaling both an unanticipated altered state a location of the unanticipated altered state in the first processor to the second processor to cause the second processor to emulate the unanticipated altered state in lockstep with the first processor. The method comprises: executing instructions in a first processor; executing the instructions in a second processor in lockstep with the first processor; detecting an error condition in the first processor; transmitting information about the error condition to the second processor; processing the error condition in the first processor; and causing the first and second processor to emulate the error condition in lockstep. |
| US08090978B2 |
Protection of data on failing storage devices
A management apparatus operable for protecting data on a failing storage device in a data processing system including a storage array having at least one of a plurality of storage devices. The management apparatus includes a receiver component for receiving a failure message indicating that the plurality of storage devices comprises the failing storage device. An analyzer component is in communication with the receiver component and responsive to receipt of the failure message, for analyzing the failure message. A sender component is in communication with the analyzer component. The sender component is adapted for, in response to the analyzer component determining the failing storage device, sending a zoning message, the zoning message instructing the storage array to isolate the failing storage device, and sending a protect message. The protect message instructs the storage array to protect data on the failing storage device. |
| US08090973B2 |
Skew management in an interconnection system
An interconnection system is described where data lanes may be exchanged between lines at intervals along a transmission path so that the differential time delay between bits on a plurality of the lines is reduced when determined at a receiving location. The data lanes may be bound to the lines through the operation of a configurable switch, or by a configurable switch in conjunction with predetermined manufactured connections, or a combination of the techniques. The wiring of a connectorized node module, which may include a memory device, may be configured so that the differential time delay between pairs of input lines of a node, as measured at the output of a node, is reduced. |
| US08090972B2 |
Method and system for registering events in wind turbines of a wind power system
The invention relates to a method of registering events in a wind power system comprising at least two data processors, wherein the data processors of said wind power system are mutually time synchronized, wherein events are registered in said at least two data processors, wherein the timing of said events registered in different of said at least two data processors is established according to said time synchronization. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, events may be registered and preferably analyzed according to a common timing. This analyzing makes it possible to establish an analysis where events of different wind turbines are basically interrelated and where information regarding such interrelation is important or crucial for establishment of control or fault detection based on correctly timed events from different wind turbines. |
| US08090967B2 |
Power state transition initiation control of memory interconnect based on early warning signal, memory response time, and wakeup delay
A proposal for power management control of an interconnect structure based on power state transition control. The power state transition is based on generating early warning signals and an idle timeout value setting based on response time and detection of subsequent requests. |
| US08090965B1 |
System and method for testing memory power management modes in an integrated circuit
A memory controller, a method of testing memory power management modes in an integrated circuit and an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the memory controller includes a power management mode test controller couplable to a test access port and at least one memory core and configured to respond to a signal provided via the test access port by providing an ordered signal-setting sequence to the at least one memory core to cause the at least one memory core to enter into and exit from at least one memory power management mode. |
| US08090961B2 |
Security switch
A system and method for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation. The system and method use a switch, included fully or partially within an envelope of the device and which cannot be affected in its operation by either the device core or the peripheral device. The switch may be activated by an authorized user of the personal device either preemptively or in response to a detected threat. |
| US08090959B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting .net programs
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for protecting .net programs, relating to software protection. The method mainly includes: selecting a binary code segment from a .net program; transforming the binary code segment, and removing it from the .net program; writing the binary code segment to a shell of the .net program, and writing a shell calling instruction to the .net program; and executing the .net program, and calling a .net virtual machine to execute the binary code segment. The apparatus includes a selecting module, a transforming and removing module, a writing module, and an executing module. The programs running on the .net platform can be protected simply by being transformed. |
| US08090953B2 |
Information storage system
A system for storing information having a predetermined use which requires the information to be secured. The information may comprise credit card details used to complete a transaction. The system includes: (a) A client system for storing an encoded version of the information and an identifier. The encoded version is generated from first data of the information and an encoded version of the second data of the information. The information can be generated from the first data and the second data, and the predetermined use is infeasible with only one of the first data and the second data. (b) A remote server for storing the second data and an encoded identifier generated from the identifier. The client system sends at least the encoded version of the second data to the remote server. The client system or the remote server is able to generate the information from the first data and the second data. Accordingly, only part of the information to be secured is stored locally on the client system, while the other part is stored on the remote server, and neither the client system nor the remote server have a record of the entire information. |
| US08090952B2 |
Counterfeit prevention system based on random positioning on a pattern
A genuine detection part for a product formed by a label with a continually repeating pattern and with a sticker over the pattern. The position of the sticker is converted to a number, and encrypted with a private key, to form a signature. The product is only legitimate if the signature matches the position of the sticker on the pattern. |
| US08090950B2 |
System and method for authenticating documents
A data processing system for distributing and authenticating documents from a plurality of parties to a recipient data processing apparatus is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of document distribution devices each configured to generate an original hash value from the content of a file containing a document to be distributed. A recipient data processing apparatus is configured to generate an original super hash value from the plurality of the original hash values, and to distribute the original super hash value to each of the document distribution devices. The system provides assurance that distributed documents have not been tampered with during communication, by an unscrupulous distributing party, or by an unscrupulous recipient by only submitting a hash value of the document to be distributed. The hash value provides for assurance at the eventual recipient of the document that no changes to the document have been made. |
| US08090947B2 |
Key agreement and transport protocol with implicit signatures
A key establishment protocol between a pair of correspondents includes the generation by each correspondent of respective signatures. The signatures are derived from information that is private to the correspondent and information that is public. After exchange of signatures, the integrity of exchange messages can be verified by extracting the public information contained in the signature and comparing it with information used to generate the signature. A common session key may then be generated from the public and private information of respective ones of the correspondents. |
| US08090944B2 |
Method and apparatus for authenticating users of an emergency communication network
An authentication system is configured to weight multiple available network supplied and user supplied authentication factors to determine whether a user should be provided with access to an Emergency Communication Network (ECN). The multiple factors may include the location of the user, MIN, short PIN, token, biometric information, and other information. The level of access to be provided to the user may be tiered based on the authentication level achieved during the weighting process. Authentication information may be shared between groups of individuals, so that the authentication requirements for group members may be reduced as other members of the group supply authentication information to the ECN. Group authentication may be used to enable group services such as conferencing and push-to-talk to be set up automatically for the group. |
| US08090943B1 |
Preventing unauthorized access of routines in a library
A system, such as a database system, includes a shared library having plural routines. A linking procedure is used in which a routine (referred to as a “first routine”) is linked to a stub library containing stub programs corresponding to other routines that the first routine is authorized to invoke. If no linking error occurs, the first routine is then linked to the shared library. In some implementations, the first routine is one of a user-defined method (UDM), user-defined function (UDF), or stored procedure created in response to a database query language (e.g., Structured Query Language or SQL) statement. |
| US08090941B2 |
Deployable secure communication system
A secure Voice-Over-IP (VOIP), video and data network functionality in a single, small size deployable case, for a remote user. While capable of secure communications, the disclosed system also provides communication capability (VOIP, video and/or data) in a non-secure manner if desired. Most importantly, bulk encrypted (i.e., secure) data may be routed over a public network, e.g., the Internet. |
| US08090940B1 |
Method and system for verifying identification of an electronic message
An electronic message is accessed. The message comprises a number of headers and a signature comprising a digital signature and a version of the headers. The message is verified based on analysis of the version of the headers and the digital signature. The version of the headers is compared with the headers and a policy is applied based on results of the comparison to determine further processing of the electronic message. |
| US08090935B2 |
Direct register access for host simulation
Methods and apparatuses are provided that enable software designed to be operated with an embedded system to be tested in the absence of a physical embodiment of the embedded system. A simulation of the embedded system may be employed to operate the software. Various implementations of the invention provide for the processing of requests by the software to access memory within the embedded system. Still, various implementations of the invention provide for the identification of these memory access request and for the mapping of the desired memory location to a valid memory location. |
| US08090934B2 |
Systems and methods for providing security for computer systems
Hardware and/or software countermeasures are provided to reduce or eliminate vulnerabilities due to the observable and/or predictable states and state transitions of microprocessor components such as instruction cache, data cache, branch prediction unit(s), branch target buffer(s) and other components. For example, for branch prediction units, various hardware and/or software countermeasures are provided to reduce vulnerabilities in the branch prediction unit (BPU) and to protect against the security vulnerabilities due the observable and/or predictable states and state transitions during BPU operations. |
| US08090928B2 |
Methods and apparatus for processing scalar and vector instructions
In one embodiment of the present invention, a processor includes a scalar computation unit; a vector co-processor coupled to the scalar computation unit; and one or more function-specific engines coupled to the scalar computation unit, where the engines are adapted to minimize data exchange penalties by processing small in-out bit slices. |
| US08090926B2 |
Hybrid replicated shared memory
A multiple computer system with hybrid replicated shared memory is disclosed. The local memory (10, 20, . . . 80) of each of the multiple computers M1, M2, . . . Mn is partitioned into a first part (11, 21, . . . 81) and a second part (12, 22, . . . 82). Each of the first parts are identical and each of the second parts are independent. The total memory available to the system is the first memory part plus n times the second memory part, n being the total number of application running multiple computers. |
| US08090925B2 |
Storing data streams in memory based on upper and lower stream size thresholds
Data is stored in streams of varying size and an operating system transfers data between storage and a client application in the form of an application file. Instructions are received to write a stream of data to storage and the size of the stream of data is identified. The stream of data is written to storage as an operating system file if the identified size is larger than an upper threshold, in a first treated way if the identified size falls within a predetermined range, and in a second treated way if the identified size is smaller than a lower threshold. |
| US08090922B2 |
Chip cards and related method for memory management
A method for the processor controlled administering of a memory of a chip card. Initially, available free memory capacity is determined. Then, the memory is released for storing data. The data in the memory can be deleted. The memory can also be used by new data. A stored indication of the actual amount of free memory space is adapted to the current free memory space. The free memory space is reorganized and allocated. Furthermore, the invention relates to a chip card. The chip card comprises a chip with a memory wherein the memory is managed by a processor-controlled memory management system. An arrangement for identifying used and unused memory are provided. The actual free memory space is displayed by means for displaying. |
| US08090921B2 |
Processing device, computer system, and mobile apparatus
A processing device included on a single chip includes processors capable of executing tasks in parallel and a cache memory shared by the processors, wherein the cache memory includes single-port memories and read data selection units, each of the single-port memories have one data output port, and each of the read data selection units is in a one-to-one association with each of the processors and selects a single-port memory which stores data to be read to a associated processor, from among the single-port memories. |
| US08090919B2 |
System and method for high performance secure access to a trusted platform module on a hardware virtualization platform
A system and method for high performance secure access to a trusted platform module on a hardware virtualization platform. The virtualization platform including Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) managed components coupled to the VMM. One of the VMM managed components is a TPM (Trusted Platform Module). The virtualization platform also includes a plurality of Virtual Machines (VMs). Each of the virtual machines includes a guest Operating System (OS), a TPM device driver (TDD), and at least one security application. The VMM creates an intra-partition in memory for each TDD such that other code and information at a same or higher privilege level in the VM cannot access the memory contents of the TDD. The VMM also maps access only from the TDD to a TPM register space specifically designated for the VM requesting access. Contents of the TPM requested by the TDD are stored in an exclusively VMM-managed protected page table that provides hardware-based memory isolation for the TDD. |
| US08090918B2 |
Electronic storage device with improved storage method
An electronic storage device includes a first memory segment having at least one source block to store information, a second memory segment having at least one backup block corresponding to the source block to make a backup of the information in a LSB memory page of the source block and a control unit connecting with said first memory segment and second memory segment. The control unit reads/writes the first memory segment and second memory segment through two different signal channels respectively. The information can be simultaneously written into the first and second memory segment to get a backup of the information so that the information can be stored safely. The control unit recycles the backup block of the second memory segment not only after the source block of the first memory segment entirely finishes writing the information but also after the source block is erased up in order to release the storage space of the backup block. |
| US08090916B2 |
In-circuit programming architecture with processor and delegable flash controller
An architecture for an integrated circuit with in-circuit programming allows real-time modification of the in-circuit programming code and other code stored on the chip. The architecture utilizes a microprocessor and control logic on an integrated circuit having a single non-volatile memory that stores instructions and data, such as in-circuit programming and user code, and input/output ports and related structure for exchanging data with an external device. Using in-circuit programming code stored on the chip, the chip interactively establishes an in-circuit programming exchange with an external device to update data and instructions including the in-circuit programming code. Input/output conflicts during in-circuit programming can be avoided by employing a memory controller to handle at least part of the in-circuit programming operations. The memory controller allows the in-circuit programming code to be updated in real time. |
| US08090914B2 |
System and method for creating ordering points
A system comprises a first node operative to provide a source broadcast requesting data. The first node associates an F-state with a copy of the data in response to receiving the copy of the data from memory and receiving non-data responses from other nodes in the system. The non-data responses include an indication that at least a second node includes a shared copy of the data. The F-state enabling the first node to serve as an ordering point in the system capable of responding to requests from other nodes in the system with a shared copy of the data. |
| US08090913B2 |
Coherency groups of serially coupled processing cores propagating coherency information containing write packet to memory
A system has a first plurality of cores in a first coherency group. Each core transfers data in packets. The cores are directly coupled serially to form a serial path. The data packets are transferred along the serial path. The serial path is coupled at one end to a packet switch. The packet switch is coupled to a memory. The first plurality of cores and the packet switch are on an integrated circuit. The memory may or may not be on the integrated circuit. In another aspect a second plurality of cores in a second coherency group is coupled to the packet switch. The cores of the first and second pluralities may be reconfigured to form or become part of coherency groups different from the first and second coherency groups. |
| US08090912B2 |
Multiprocessor system, system board, and cache replacement request handling method
A request issued by the CPU is output from the local arbiter by way of the CPU bus and the CPU-issued request queue. The cache replacement request loop-back circuit determines at the loop-back determination circuit whether the outputted request is a cache replacement request or not. A request other than a cache replacement request is output onto the local bus. A cache replacement request is output to the selector and sent to the request handling section when there is no valid request on the global bus. |
| US08090911B2 |
Selecting a target number of pages for allocation to a partition
In an embodiment, a target number of discretionary pages for a first partition is calculated as a function of a number of physical page table faults, a number of sampled page faults, a number of shared physical page pool faults, a number of re-page-ins, and a ratio of pages. If the target number of discretionary pages for the first partition is less than a number of the discretionary pages that are allocated to the first partition, a result page is found that is allocated to the first partition and the result page is deallocated from the first partition. If the target number of discretionary pages for the first partition is greater than the number of the discretionary pages that are allocated to the first partition, a free page is allocated to the first partition. |
| US08090908B1 |
Single nodename cluster system for fibre channel
A system and method provides a single system image for a clustered storage network including techniques for processing data access commands between storage appliances over the cluster interconnect. The system is configured such that the cluster is assigned a single world wide nodename. Requests coming to the cluster from client initiators are directed to one or the storage appliances in the cluster, i.e. the “receiving” storage appliance. Commands received by the receiving storage appliance are examined to determine LUN value(s) in the request. If the LUN value is associated with a local storage device, the request is processed by the receiving storage appliance. If the LUN value is not associated with the receiving storage appliance, the request is conveyed over the cluster interconnect to the partner storage appliance to be processed and the appropriate data written or retrieved. |
| US08090901B2 |
TCAM management approach that minimize movements
Methods for efficiently managing a ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) by minimizing movements of TCAM entries include determining a first node and a second node in the TCAM, determining if there is a free TCAM entry between the first node and the second node, and storing the new entry in the free TCAM entry. Upon determining that a free TCAM entry does not exist between the first node and the second node, further determining a chain of nodes and then determining if there is a free TCAM entry in the chain of nodes. Upon determining that there is a free TCAM entry within the chain of nodes, moving the TCAM entries identified as the nodes in the chain of nodes to generate a free node nearest to the new entry and inserting the new entry in the free node. Moving the TCAM entries identified as the nodes in the chain of nodes preserves the order of the nodes. |
| US08090900B2 |
Storage device and data management method
A storage device includes two flash memories of different flash memory types, and respectively including multiple data blocks. Each data block corresponds to a physical and a logical block address. The storage device further includes a processing module including a controller, which is capable of accessing two mapping tables respectively corresponding to the two flash memories and respectively recording the physical block addresses and the logical block addresses that correspond to the data blocks of the two flash memories. The controller is configured to determine, upon receipt of a command that contains a target logical block address therein, a selected one of the flash memories according to the target logical block address, and to locate a selected one of the physical block addresses by searching one of the mapping tables that corresponds to the selected one of the flash memories with reference to the target logical block address. |
| US08090898B2 |
Nonvolatile memory system and method of decentralizing the peak current in a nonvolatile memory system
A nonvolatile memory system has a controller chip connected to a memory medium and several nonvolatile memory chips. The memory medium stores program codes for the controller chip to distribute an operation of the nonvolatile memory chips upon an instruction over time, so as to decentralize the peak current caused by the operation and thereby improve the stability of the system. |
| US08090895B2 |
Information processing system, information processing device, control method for information processing device, and computer-readable recording medium
An information processing system including plural information processing devices multi-dimensionally connected with one another, where each of the information processing devices includes first and second receiving storage devices to store data allocated to first and second virtual channels in respective data transmitting and receiving directions, a virtual channel control unit to compare a position in a dimension of a destination information processing device with a position in the same dimension of an own information processing device, and if the comparison result indicates that the position of the own information processing device matches a position one information processing device before the position of the destination information processing device, change one of the first and the second virtual channels to the other one, and a data storage unit to store the allocated data in a corresponding one of the first and second storage devices. |
| US08090893B2 |
Input output control apparatus with a plurality of ports and single protocol processing circuit
The input output control device is provided with a plurality of fiber channel interface circuits and a protocol processing circuit capable of sequentially executing the protocol processing of each port, and is provided with a reception port identification register capable of identifying the port handling data to be received and a transmission port designation register designating the port handling data to be transmitted. In addition, it is possible to provide a controller using jointly the data buffers concerned with the plurality of ports. Control of a plurality of fiber channel interfaces with a low component count is possible, as is also the provision of an input output control device making an adequate capacity distribution with respect to the protocol processing between the plural fiber channel interfaces. |
| US08090891B2 |
Method of providing communication in distributed systems
Described is a method of providing the communication between two or more control units of a control apparatus that controls at least one electronic device which comprises two or more peripheral units. The method is characterized by comprising the steps of: providing a common bus; connecting said two or more control units by way of said common bus; controlling, through each control unit, at least one peripheral unit of the device to provide data necessary for the operation of the peripheral unit and to detect possible data variation of said peripheral unit; and providing for a master controller connected to the common bus, and further by the steps, carried out by each of said control units, of submitting to said master controller, information related to data consumed and to data provided by the peripheral units controlled by said control units; and sending a message over the bus whenever at least one of the data provided by the peripheral units controlled by said control units changes. |
| US08090886B2 |
Direct secondary device interface by a host
A device has a controller and a function module configured to be in communication with the controller as a result of the controller receiving a pass-through vendor specific command. In some embodiments the controller may configured to strip data intended for the function module from the vendor specific command and send the stripped data to the function module. |
| US08090880B2 |
Data consistency within a federation infrastructure
In some embodiments, it is determined that a primary node has been elected from among a plurality of nodes in a replica set of nodes. The primary node accepts and processes client data access requests. The replica set includes the primary node and other secondary nodes. The primary node receives client data access requests. The primary node assigns a data sequence number to each client data access request that mutates state in the order the client data access requests are received. The data sequence numbers include a linearized processing order that is to be followed by each of the nodes in the replica set. The primary node sends the mutating client data access requests including any corresponding data sequence numbers to the secondary nodes. The primary node receives, from a threshold number of secondary nodes, an acknowledgement indicating reception of the client data access request. The primary node commits the data mutating access request. |
| US08090879B2 |
Multiband communication device with graphical connection interface and methods for use therewith
A communication device includes an RF transceiver for communicating first data with a first remote communication device via a first protocol and a first frequency band in a first mode of operation. A millimeter wave transceiver communicates second data with a second remote communication devices via a second protocol and a 60 GHz frequency band in a second mode of operation. A communication control module coordinates the communication of the first data and the second data with the at least one of the plurality of remote communication devices. A graphical interface device selects the first remote communication device and the second remote communication device and selects at least one of the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation, based on actions of a user. |
| US08090877B2 |
Systems and methods for fine grain policy driven cookie proxying
The present solution enables a client that is not configured to use cookies to access resources of the server that uses cookies for communications with the clients. An intermediary deployed between a client and a server intercepts and modifies transmissions between the client and the server to compensate for the mismatch in configuration of the cookies between the client and the server. The present disclosure relates to a method for managing cookies by an intermediary for a client. An intermediary receives a response from a server to a request of a client. The response may comprise a uniform resource locator (URL) and a cookie. The intermediary may modify the response by removing the cookie from the response and inserting a unique client identifier into the URL. The intermediary may store the removed cookie in association with the unique client identifier and forward the modified response to the client. |
| US08090872B2 |
Visual media viewing system and method
A visual media viewing system comprises a server (102) and a viewing unit (106), connected via a network (104). The server (102) includes an image processor (108) and a data storage device (110) for storing visual media data. The viewing unit (106) includes a screen (112) for viewing at least a portion of a piece of visual media and a data storage device (120) for storing visual media data. Both of the respective data storage devices (110,120) are arranged to store data (124) corresponding to the same piece of visual media, locally. The image processor (108) is arranged to select a portion of the piece of visual media automatically and to generate a control data set (126) corresponding to the location of the portion of the visual media within the visual media data (124) and any operations performed thereupon. The server (102) is arranged to transmit the control data set (126) to the viewing unit (106) such that the screen (112) is arranged to display the portion of the piece of visual media that is stored locally. A method of viewing visual media over the network (104) is also disclosed. |
| US08090871B2 |
Determining a remote management processor's IP address
A method and system for providing an address of a remote management processor to a management server. When setting up a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, an administrator configures a private Option in the DHCP server. The Option data contains the IP address of the management server designated to use the remote management processor. When the remote management processor powers up, it sends a request for an IP address to the DHCP server, which returns both the requested IP address as well as the Option data. Firmware in the management processor is capable of reading and interpreting the Option data, and sends the management server, plus any other configured destinations, the IP address of the remote management processor in an Alert packet The management server is thus notified that the remote management processor is on-line and available to manage the remote hardware server for the management server. |
| US08090870B2 |
Method and system for adaptive data transfer over packet networks
There is provided a method for adaptive data transfer over packet networks. The method comprises selecting a first communication path for transferring the data to the second computer, starting to transfer the data over the first communication path to the second computer, monitoring transfer characteristics of the first communication path related to the data transfer, storing the transfer characteristics associated with the first communication path in a database, comparing the transfer characteristics against one or more previously stored transfer characteristics related to one or more prior data transfers, and determining whether to alter a transfer algorithm being utilized for transferring the data to the second computer based on the comparing. |
| US08090869B2 |
Priority-biased exit queue arbitration with fairness
Priority-biased compound arbitration at a switching fabric ingress. The ingress includes a plurality of ingress queues and a priority-biased arbitration engine configured to arbitrate between the ingress queues. The ingress further includes exit first-in-first-out queues (FIFOs) configured to forward cells from the ingress queues to a switching fabric and a throughput-biased arbitration engine configured to arbitrate between the exit FIFOs. |
| US08090868B2 |
Load balancer having band control function and setting method thereof
A load balancer includes a configuration information receiving unit that receives configuration information having address information of all the servers to which a request is directed and the type of service provided by each server, a load balance setting unit that configures so that a request transmitted from a client is transmitted to one of the servers corresponding to a service type specified in a message in accordance with the configuration information, and a band setting unit that calculates the number of the servers for each service type in accordance with the configuration information and assigns a band of a line to each service in accordance with the calculated number. |
| US08090865B2 |
Systems and methods for selecting buffering time for media data
The invention is related to methods and apparatus for tailoring an amount of Pre-Data that can be used in media clip streaming applications. A variable-bit-rate encoded media clip can be encoded at an average playback bit rate. When the actual transmission bit rate exceeds the average playback bit rate, a maximum bit deficit computation that uses the average playback bit rate overestimates the amount of Pre-Data that can be used to buffer the media clip. Embodiments of the invention tailor the amount of Pre-Data at least in part to the amount of data used to encode intervals of data and to actual transmission bit rates or to predictions of actual transmission bit rates, thereby decreasing the amount of Pre-Data that can be used and decreasing a latency time before play of the media clip begins. |
| US08090864B2 |
Media exchange network supporting varying media guide based on viewing filters
Systems having a user interface comprising a filtered view of media available for consumption are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may provide a first user with a view that enables consumption of only the available media that matches characteristics of a media filter. The characteristics of the media filter may be specified by a second user, and the second user may define the characteristics of the media filter remotely, via a communication network. The user interface may support separate media filters for each of a number of different users. Filter characteristics such as type of media channel, the language of any dialogue, an industry rating, an overall viewer rating, and the media format may be supported. The media filter characteristics may be applied not only to what is displayed on the user interface, but also the media available for selection via a remote control. |
| US08090862B2 |
Initiating an alternative communication channel for receiving streaming content
Systems and methods are disclosed for streaming content over a network that enables communication between a first consumer node, a second consumer node, and a production node. In one embodiment, a method includes initiating, from the first consumer node, a first connection to the second consumer node, and receiving one or more data packages corresponding to part of the content. The method also includes initiating, from the first consumer node, a second connection over the network to a production node, and receiving one or more data packages corresponding to at least a part of the content. The method also includes making incoming content received from the second consumer node ready for processing and play-back at the first consumer node, so that part of the content is streamed to a stream target at the first consumer node, while another part of the content is being received from the production node. |
| US08090855B2 |
Replenishing a user account with more access resources needed for accessing network services
A network access server (NAS) determines the status of availability (e.g., how much more quota is unused) of an access resource, and sends a notification embedded in a point-to-point protocol (PPP) packet. The format of the packet is chosen such that definition/use of higher layers (e.g., HTTP) is not required to communicate the status to a client system. As a result, the user may be notified even if software such as web browser is not being executed on the client system. |
| US08090853B2 |
Data access control
A data access control method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor from a requestor, a request for access to data. The computer processor extracts from the request, a requestor identification string associated with the requestor. The computer processor verifies a match for the requestor identification string, a service requestor identification string, a requestor software component operating process identification string, a requestor server identification string, a requestor hardware device network address and a requestor MAC address, and a requestor hardware device identification string against a plurality of registries. The computer processor generates an access point door associated with a specified logical storage room representation comprising the data. The computer processor enables access to the data via the access point door and the specified logical storage room representation based on enabling a logical lock with a logical key and a valid timestamp. |
| US08090847B2 |
Session broker extensibility application program interface
Described are techniques for providing an application program interface that leverages the terminal services session broker infrastructure to support third party plug-in applications. In a typical scenario, when a user requests for a connection to access third party plug-in applications, the application program interface may override the session broker logic and interacts with the session broker process to identify sessions or suitable servers to which the user can be connected. The user may access the third party plug-in applications through the identified sessions or suitable servers. |
| US08090842B2 |
Method of interaction with physical elements forming the content of a machine
The invention concerns a method for interacting between a handheld device and a machine. The handheld device has an Internet browser for interacting with a physical element that is part of the machine. The physical element is a smart card web server for establishing a near-field wireless connection with the handheld device when the handheld device is in proximity of the machine. The physical element communicates over the air with at least a distant server, the server being able to update the content of the physical element. |
| US08090839B2 |
XML message validation in a network infrastructure element
A network infrastructure element such as a router or switch performs transparent and optimized validation of XML schemas of XML payloads received in the network element. The network element comprises logic for receiving and storing one or more validation scope rules that define a portion of an extensible markup language (XML) schema for validation; receiving and storing the XML schema; receiving over the network an application-layer message comprising one or more of the packets; identifying a particular XML element in an XML payload of the application-layer message, wherein the particular XML element is within the portion of the XML schema defined in the one or more validation scope rules; determining whether the particular XML element conforms to the XML schema; and performing a responsive action based on whether the particular XML element conforms to the XML schema. |
| US08090835B1 |
Optimizing website traffic among content sources
Systems and methods are provided in which performance is simulated for each of a plurality of traffic allocation models during each of a plurality of historical time segments to obtain a performance metric for each time segment. Thereafter, an allocation value is calculated for each model based on the performance metrics. Once the allocation value has been established for the models, allocations are auctioned among the plurality of models during a plurality of auction rounds. These auctioned allocations are used to determine traffic allocation probabilities among the plurality of model so that traffic can be served on at least one website according to models corresponding to the determined traffic allocation probabilities. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US08090833B2 |
Systems and methods for abstracting storage views in a network of computing systems
A storage tool can determine and provide an abstract view of storage systems in a network of computing system. The storage tool can utilize the abstract view in order to identify the storage systems based on the performance and capabilities of the storage systems without regard to the configuration of the storage system, storage devices in the storage system, or the details of the storage devices. |
| US08090828B2 |
Method and apparatus for reusing DHCP addresses in home addresses of mobile IP clients
Methods and apparatuses for conserving addresses. The invention allows a mobile node to manage its own address, shifting responsibility away from the home agent. The home agent is able to detect when a mobile node has already been assigned an address for use of resources on the network. When the home agent recognizes that the mobile address has already been assigned an address, it allows the mobile node to use its already-assigned address in connection with mobile IP services. Additionally, the mobile node can be notified that it is now responsible for renewing the address. |
| US08090816B1 |
System and method for real-time triggered event upload
A method, system, and computer program product reports malware events in real-time and does not cause network congestion that adversely affects the usability of the network. A method of reporting malware events comprises the steps of detecting a malware event, determining a level of the detected malware event, comparing the level of the detected malware event to an event trigger threshold, and transmitting a notification of the detected malware event, based on the comparison of the level of the detected malware event to the event trigger threshold. |
| US08090812B2 |
CAE analysis progress management system
Progress management of analysis task is performed in CAE analysis. A system is provided in which a plurality of terminal apparatuses 10A, 10B and 10C storing an analysis procedure of CAE analysis as a program are connected to a management apparatus 20 managing a state of progress of CAE analysis via a communication network N. The management apparatus 20 generates progress management information in which an analysis task of CAE analysis is divided into a plurality of steps and transmits the progress management information to each of the terminal apparatuses 10A, 10B and 10C. Each of the terminal apparatuses 10A, 10B and 10C transmits to the management apparatus 20 progress state information of analysis task for one or a plurality of steps allocated to the terminal apparatus at a predetermined timing in accordance with the received progress management information. The management apparatus 20 uniformly manages a progress state of CAE analysis task performed by the terminal apparatuses 10A, 10B and 10C in association with each other by aggregating the progress state information transmitted from the terminal apparatuses 10A, 10B and 10C. |
| US08090811B2 |
Service provider for embedded devices using a message store
A service provider for embedded devices is disclosed for controlling, monitoring and/or updating embedded devices. The service provider includes a computer having communications hardware for communicating over a computer network. The computer also includes a storage device and a processor. The computer network communication module is also configured to communicate via the computer network with a message store and transmit component, wherein the message store and transmit component is capable of communicating with one or more embedded devices through the computer network. A database of service information obtained from the computer network is also added to the service provider. This database of service information is available to the embedded devices through the message store and transmit component. In general, communications between the service provider and the embedded device occur by having information or data be sent from the provider to the message store and transmit component and then, in turn, this information or data is sent by the message store and transmit component to the embedded device. |
| US08090810B1 |
Configuring a remote management module in a processing system
A remote management module (RMM) can be configured, in one embodiment, via the processing system that the RMM is monitoring. In one embodiment, the present invention includes allowing a user access to a processing system being monitored by a RMM, and configuring the RMM without the user accessing the RMM. |
| US08090802B1 |
Smart super-distribution of rights-protected digital content
Disclosed is a system and method for super-distribution of rights-protected digital content. A first terminal offers digital content to a second terminal, using a unique content identifier to identify the content in the request. The second terminal requests information regarding the content from a service provider platform. The content information request includes a terminal type identifier for the second terminal. The service provider platform obtains format capabilities information for the second terminal from a terminal capabilities database, and selects a format type for the content using the format capabilities information. The service provider platform obtains a content object in the selected format type from a content storage database. The service provider platform then delivers the content object in the selected format to the second terminal. |
| US08090795B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing media content
Various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to methods and systems for distributing media resources used for worship services. In particular, various embodiments provide systems and methods that include a library of diverse types of media resources and an interface through which a user searches the library for diverse sets of media resources based on a theme, such as the topic of a particular worship service. In addition, various embodiments allow the user to select and purchase one or more media resources displayed in the diverse sets of media resources found during the search. Furthermore, various embodiments allow the user to distribute the purchased media resources to one or more individuals. In various embodiments, the distribution may be performed by e-mailing the resources, downloading the resources, providing a link to the resources, physically mailing a copy of the resources, or any combination thereof. |
| US08090792B2 |
Method and system for a self managing and scalable grid storage
The present invention generally provides a method for grid storage including balancing read and write requests from applications across a first group of nodes in a grid storage system for avoiding hot spots and optimizing performance through smart caching; balancing storage capacity across a second group of nodes in the grid storage system, nodes in the first and second groups being at least one of hardware interchangeable online, capable of being added to change performance or capacity of the grid storage system and capable of being removed to change performance or capacity of the grid storage system; and self managing of the first and second groups of nodes for providing at least one of scalability, self healing after failure of components in the grid storage, non-disruptive upgrades to the grid storage system, and eliminating duplicate data on an object or sub-object level in the grid storage system. |
| US08090791B1 |
Active requesting of information for pseudo-live performance
Mass amounts of information, such as entire libraries of songs or movies, for example, may be stored locally near end-users, and this information may be accessed and reproduced in response to commands received from a transmitting station via a network. When a radio or television station desires to transmit a song or movie, for example, the radio or television station can, rather than transmitting the entire song or movie, merely transmit a command for reproducing the song or movie. An end-user's performance reproduction device, such as an enhanced radio or a television set, then accesses and reproduces the locally stored song or movie. Since the radio or television station need not transmit the entire performance, network traffic can be significantly reduced. The performance reproduction device may actively request information from the radio or television station when fresh or additional information is needed. |
| US08090780B2 |
Device, time, and location based notification content transfer and presentment system and method
A notification system, including a notification database and a notification application, receiving notification content from a sending device and provides the notification content for rendering on a target receiving device. The notification database may store, for each of a plurality of instances of notification content, the notification content in association with a target receiving device identifier and rendering instructions. The rendering instructions may comprise at least identification of a rendering time and a rendering location. The notification application i) receives, from the sending device, the notification content, the target receiving device identifier, and the rendering instructions; and writes such notification content, target receiving device identifier, and rendering instructions to the database. |
| US08090778B2 |
Foreign network SPAM blocker
A method involves blocking unsolicited e-mail being transmitted from a remote server when a roaming customer of the ISP logs onto the Internet through the foreign NAS. The roaming customer first logs onto the ISP through the foreign NAS by providing a user identification (USERID) and password, which are sent to the ISP. The ISP uses the USERID and the password to authenticate the roaming customer as a valid subscriber of the ISP. An IP address is assigned by the foreign NAS to the roaming customer and is dynamically added to a pool of IP addresses used by the mail server. The roaming customer can then log onto the mail server to send and receive email messages. Once the roaming customer terminates the session, the IP address assigned to the roaming customer is removed from the pool of valid IP address that can be used to access the mail server. |
| US08090774B2 |
Methods for transmitting multimedia files and advertisements
In one implementation a method of transmitting a file having an advertising portion and a requested portion different from the advertising portion is provided. The method includes receiving a request to transmit the file, via a streaming protocol allowing non-sequential access, transmitting the advertising portion of the file, receiving a request to transmit a portion of the requested portion of the file prior to completing transmitting the advertising portion of the file, completing the transmission of the advertising portion of the file, and transmitting the requested portion of the file. In another implementation a method of transmitting streaming data from a server to the data storage medium of a device having a multimedia player is provided. The streaming data having at least one advertising-sponsored content portion and at least one associated obligatory advertising portion. Upon the server determining that the playing of all or part of the obligatory advertising portion is attempting to be avoided by the multimedia player, the server sends to the multimedia player or device a message with data storage medium control information for the purpose of inhibiting the advertising-sponsored content portion stored in the data storage medium from being played by multimedia player. |
| US08090773B1 |
Context-aware processes for allowing users of network services to access account information
A system provides account statistics to a user of a network service. The system provides access, to a user, to the network service. The system determines one of an environmental attribute or context associated with the user's access of the network service. The system provides, contemporaneously with the access of the network service, a document to the user, where the document includes account statistics related to the one of the determined environmental attribute or content. |
| US08090768B2 |
Media content device and system
A device for obtaining media content from a source and storing the media content for subsequent playback. A response mechanism enables a listener to generate response information associated with particular media content that is being rendered by the device. This response information can be delivered to a third party system for triggering the performance of specific actions related to the media content. A content system interfaces to the device and to the Internet. The content system obtains media content from one or more sources via the Internet and delivers the content to the device. |
| US08090765B2 |
System and method for reproducing information stored on a data recording medium in an interactive networked environment
A method of reproducing information stored on a data recording medium accessible via a communication network comprises loading first information stored on the data recording medium for reproduction, determining if second information associated with the first information is available through the communication network; and synchronizing the reproduction of the first information and the second information with respect to a timing information embedded in the second information. The timing information is relative to a play start time associated with the first information. |
| US08090763B2 |
Method and apparatus for cross-domain communication using designated response processing page
Cross-domain communication between a sender domain and a receiver domain includes: receiving, in the receiver domain, a data request from the sender domain, the data request being directed to a designated request processing page in the receiver domain; processing the data request to generate a response; and sending the response to the sender domain, the response being directed to a designated response processing page in the sender domain. Alternatively, cross-domain communication includes receiving, in the receiver domain, a data request from the sender domain, the data request being directed to a designated request processing page in the receiver domain; processing the data request to generate a response; and sending the response to the sender domain, the response being directed to a designated response processing page in the sender domain. |
| US08090759B2 |
System for preserving message order
Order associated with messages is preserved in an environment wherein a message includes an associated order identifier; a receiver is operable to receive a first message associated with a first order identifier and a selection component is operable to select a first entity for processing the first message. The system includes a determination component for determining whether a notification associated with completion of processing of the first message has been received by the receiver; and a controller for controlling the selection component to select a second entity for processing the second message, in response to a combination of receipt of the notification and a second message associated with the first identifier being received by the receiver preceding the receipt of the notification. |
| US08090756B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating trigonometric results
A method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus for generating a trigonometric value. The method includes receiving a request to calculate a trigonometric value for an angle value and calculating a fractional value from the angle value. The fractional value corresponds to one of a first quadrant value, a second quadrant value, a third quadrant value, and a fourth quadrant value. The method also includes using the fractional value to determine whether to perform at least one of inverting the fractional value and negating the trigonometric value. The method further includes generating the trigonometric value from the fractional value by adding at least a portion of the fractional value with at least one of a shifted fractional value produced by shifting the portion of the fractional value and a constant value and providing the trigonometric value in response to the request. |
| US08090755B1 |
Phase accumulation
A method for accumulation of information is described. The information is separated into first portions of MSBs and second portions of LSBs. The first and second portions are respectively input to a first adder and a second adder to provide first and second sums. The first and second sums are output from a first and a second storage device for feedback input respectively to the first and second adder to provide the first and second sums. A carry bit output from the second storage device is generated responsive to each wrap condition associated with the storing of the second sums in the second storage device. The carry bit is fed back to the first adder and fed forward for subsequent consolidation with the first sums respectively output from the first storage device. The first sums and the second sums are respectively accumulated as numbers represented in a redundant number system. |
| US08090749B2 |
System and method of managing safety information
A safety management system for use in industry, such as the oil and gas industry, is disclosed. The system comprises a database component for storing safety information including project information comprising at least one project entry. Each project entry has a unique project identifier and project data. The database component further includes safety card information comprising at least one safety card entry, and a unique safety card identifier, a project identifier selected from the unique project identifiers of the at least one project entries and safety card data. The database component further comprising notification information comprising at least one notification entry. Each notification entry comprising a unique notification identifier, a project identifier selected from the unique project identifier of the at least one project entries and notification card data. The safety management system further comprises a control component for generating notifications and providing notification information to the database component. |
| US08090748B2 |
Method for efficient collection and storage of experimental data
Methods and system for efficient collection and storage of experimental data allow experimental data from high-throughput, feature-rich data collection systems, such as high-throughput cell data collection systems to be efficiently collected, stored, managed and displayed. The methods and system can be used, for example, for storing, managing, and displaying cell image data and cell feature data collected from microplates including multiple wells and a variety of bio-chips in which an experimental compound has been applied to a population of cells. The methods and system provide a flexible and scalable repository of experimental data including multiple databases at multiple locations including pass-through databases that can be easily managed and allows cell data to be analyzed, manipulated and archived. The methods and system may improve the identification, selection, validation and screening of new drug compounds that have been applied to populations of cells. |
| US08090747B2 |
Method, system, computer-accessible medium and software arrangement for organization and analysis of multiple sets of data
Exemplary embodiments of system, computer-accessible medium and method can be provided for organizing or analyzing at least two sets of data. The sets of data can be organized and/or analyzed by generating a data structure for the sets of data and comparing the data structure for the at least two sets of data. The data structure can be in the form of a phylogenetic-type tree, and at least one of the sets of the data can include time series data. |
| US08090746B2 |
System and method for maintaining consistent behavior when in different table modes
A system and method are described for maintaining consistent table behavior when in different modes of operation. For example, a computer-implemented method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: generating a table containing a selection column comprised of selectable cells, the table having a current lead selected row; providing a user with the option to select between an editable mode and a read only mode for the table, wherein, when in the editable mode the user is permitted to edit one or more cells within the table; detecting user input in relation to the table, wherein: if the user selects an editable cell when in the editable mode, allowing the user to edit the contents of the cell without changing the lead selected row; if the user selects a cell in read only mode, maintaining the current lead selected row; and changing to a new lead selected row in both the editable mode and the read only mode only if the user selects the new lead selected row from a cell within the selection column. |
| US08090745B2 |
K-nearest neighbor search method, k-nearest neighbor search program, and k-nearest neighbor search device
Provided is a k-nearest neighbor search method of searching for a query number k of nearest points to an arbitrary point in a DBMS for creating a spatial index from multidimensional points, comprising setting a search conditions, judging which of a lowest branch and an intermediate branch of the spatial index a nearest region to the query point is, calculating, when the nearest region is judged to be the lowest branch, a distance between the query point and a child region of the nearest region, storing information of a divided region which has become a calculation target, calculating, when the nearest region is judged to be the intermediate region, a distance between the query point and a point included in the nearest region, storing information of the point which has become a calculation target, finishing search processing when the search conditions are satisfied, and obtaining a search result from the DBMS. |
| US08090743B2 |
Document management system and method
Provided are a document management system and method. The document management system including a database storing documents and a document classification unit for automatically classifying the documents stored in the database, wherein the document classification unit comprises a feature extraction module extracting features based on a keyword included in the documents and vectorizing the extracted features, a similarity judgment module judging similarity among the documents using vectors formed by the feature extraction module, and a classification system module classifying the documents stored in the database according to a preset classification system, the document classification unit performing document classification according to the classification system with respect to documents provided to the database. |
| US08090736B1 |
Enhancing search results using conceptual document relationships
A system identifies user-defined organizational relationships between documents in a collection of documents. The system ranks the documents based on the identified relationships. In response to a user search query, a listing of matching documents is identified. The listing of matching document is presented to the user based on document ranks. |
| US08090733B2 |
Statistical measure and calibration of search criteria where one or both of the search criteria and database is incomplete
Disclosed is a system for, and method of, identifying an entity representation. In some embodiments, search criteria are used to identify an entity representation in a universal database, and this identification is then used to identify a corresponding entity representation in a foreign database. Certain embodiments provide assurance, with a know probability of error, that the entity representation identified in the universal database is correct. |
| US08090728B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium that stores program thereof
Conventionally, there are problems in that object data extracted from an original document is not object data divided into object units a user desires, and that scan data cannot be handled in the object data units when reusing the scan data. To solve these problems, the image processing apparatus extracts each object included in the original document; stores object data of each extracted object with a keyword in a storage device; and visualizes each object data on a display unit. When making multiple selection of the visualized object data individually in accordance with a user instruction, the keywords associated with the plurality of object data selected are displayed. Besides, it is made possible to change the keywords associated with the plurality of object data selected. |
| US08090727B2 |
Methods for automatically generating natural-language news items from log files and status traces
Methods, for automatically generating natural-language news items from log files, including the steps of: gathering at least one data record; filtering at least one data record according to at least one rule to produce at least one filtered data set; aggregating at least one filtered data set; analyzing at least one filtered data set for at least one statistical trend; and automatically generating a news item based on at least one statistical trend. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: customizing the news item based on a relative importance of at least one statistical trend. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: performing a drill-down analysis on at least one statistical trend. Most preferably, the method further includes the step of: enriching the news item based on the drill-down analysis. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: embedding at least one graphical element into the news item. |
| US08090724B1 |
Document analysis and multi-word term detector
A term analyzer receives an ordered collection of text-based terms. The ordered collection can contain terms from a document that have been filtered to remove “noise” such as stopwords. The term analyzer analyzes groupings of consecutive text-based terms in the ordered collection to identify occurrences of different combinations of text-based terms in the ordered collection. In addition, the term analyzer maintains frequency information representing the occurrences of the different combinations of text-based terms in the collection. The frequency information can then be used to determine relatively significant keywords and/or keyword phrases in the document. In an example configuration, the term analyzer creates a tree in which a first term in a given grouping of the groupings is defined as a parent node in the tree and a second term in the given grouping is defined as a child node of the parent node in the tree. The method of the analyzer generalizes to create a tree of multi-word terms in which the terms can be efficiently ranked by occurrence. |
| US08090723B2 |
Index server architecture using tiered and sharded phrase posting lists
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are extracted from the document collection. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases, using phrase posting lists. The phrase posting lists are stored in an cluster of index servers. The phrase posting lists can be tiered into groups, and sharded into partitions. Phrases in a query are identified based on possible phrasifications. A query schedule based on the phrases is created from the phrases, and then optimized to reduce query processing and communication costs. The execution of the query schedule is managed to further reduce or eliminate query processing operations at various ones of the index servers. |
| US08090722B2 |
Searching related documents
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with logically expanding a document and determining the relevance of the logically expanded document to a query are described. One method embodiment includes searching an index to locate a document identifier for a document in which a query term appears. The method includes determining whether the index entry includes an expansion identifier, and, if so, producing a logically expanded document. The logically expanded document may include both a document associated with the document identifier and a document associated with the expansion identifier. The method may then determine a relevance value of the logically expanded document with respect to the query and may provide a signal corresponding to the relevance value. |
| US08090721B2 |
Method and device for clustering categorical data and identifying anomalies, outliers, and exemplars
One aspect of the invention is a method for assigning categorical data to a plurality of clusters. The method may include identifying a plurality of categories associated with the data. The method also may include, for each category in the plurality of categories, identifying at least one element associated with the category. The method also may include specifying a number of clusters to which the data may be assigned. The method additionally may include assigning at least some of the data, wherein each assigned datum is assigned to a respective one of the clusters. The method further may include, for at least one of the clusters, determining, for at least one category, the frequency in data assigned to the cluster of at least one element associated with the category. Further, the invention may provide for detecting outliers, anomalies, and exemplars in the categorical data. |
| US08090717B1 |
Methods and apparatus for ranking documents
Methods and apparatus are described for scoring documents in response, in part, to parameters related to the document, source, and/or cluster score. Methods and apparatus are also described for scoring a cluster in response, in part, to parameters related to documents within the cluster and/or sources corresponding to the documents within the cluster. In one embodiment, the invention may detect at least one document within the cluster; analyze a parameter corresponding to the document; and compute a cluster score based, in part, on the parameter, wherein the cluster score corresponds with at least one document within the cluster. |
| US08090708B1 |
Searching indexed and non-indexed resources for content
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for searching indexed and non-indexed content. One method includes updating an index of a corpus of resources from time to time to generate an updated index for use by a search engine. Change data specifying changes made by users affecting resources are recorded. An index search result based on the most-recently updated index is received in response to a user search query. The change data is searched to identify any changes to the resources made by the user that relate to the search query and if any such changes are found, a revised search result is generated from the changes and the index search result and provided to the user as a response to the first query. |
| US08090703B1 |
Overlapping experiments
User queries are received, with each query requesting a service from a server. Overlapping experiments are performed on at least a portion of the queries, with each experiment modifying one or more parameters associated with the queries or parameters associated with processing of the queries, and with the experiments organized into layers. Two or more experiments in different layers are allowed to be performed on the same query, and for any given layer, at most one experiment is allowed to be performed on the same query. |
| US08090700B2 |
Method for updating databases
Techniques for batch-updating one or more structured query language (SQL) statements in a database are provided. The techniques include identifying a set of one or more data types, wherein the set comprises one or more columns that are each updated, respectively, by a SQL statement, identifying a set of one or more tables, wherein each of the one or more tables are updated, respectively, by a SQL statement, identifying a set of one or more columns used in a WHERE clause of each of one or more SQL statements, and batch-updating the one or more SQL statements, wherein batch-updating comprises creating a UNION ALL view comprising the set of one or more data types, the set of one or more tables and the set of one or more columns used in a WHERE clause, and wherein each SQL statement is mapped to each set of the UNION ALL view. |
| US08090699B2 |
Automatic generation of application pod
Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically uploading information about a program or blog, and allowing third parties to develop the program or blog and allow users in a mobile community to have access to the developed product. |
| US08090697B2 |
Mechanism for executing nested transactions in an execution environment supporting flat transactions only
Disclosed is a means and a method for executing a nested transaction in an execution environment supporting flat transactions only. To process a StartTransaction operation within a nested transaction it is suggested to check whether the StartTransaction operation is on the first nesting level of the nested transactions. An actual transaction within the execution environment by issuing a corresponding StartTransaction is started only in the affirmative case but not otherwise. To process a CommitTransaction operation within a nested transaction to successfully terminate a transaction it is suggested to check whether the CommitTransaction operation is on the first nesting level of the nested transaction. An actual transaction within the execution environment will be terminated only by issuing a corresponding CommitTransaction operation in the affirmative case but not otherwise. To process a RollbackTransaction operation within a nested transaction aborting a transaction as unsuccessful, it is suggested to issue a corresponding RollbackTransaction operation within the execution environment independent from the nesting level of said RollbackTransaction operation. |
| US08090695B2 |
Dynamic restoration of message object search indexes
As described herein, a high-availability server system includes at least a source server system and a target server system that dynamically restore message object search indexes. Both the source server system and the target server system store copies of a mailbox database and a search index for the mailbox database. As changes are requested to the mailbox database, events are added to event lists maintained at the source node and the target node. When the data storage system at the target server system enters an error state, the source server system sends to the target server system a set of data that the target server system can use to generate a copy of search index. The target server system may then resume applying events in the event list to the search index. In this way, it may not be necessary to completely re-index the mailbox database at the target node. |
| US08090693B2 |
System, method, and article of manufacture for maintaining and accessing a whois database
Methods and systems are provided for maintaining and accessing a whois database. In one embodiment, modifications to a registrar database that includes information about domain names are tracked, and based on the tracked modifications, one or more records that include modified information about the domain names are identified. Unique identifiers for the identified one or more records are determined and are used to reflect the modifications in the whois database. The modifications are tracked on a real-time basis and are reflected in the whois database on an hourly or a real-time basis. |
| US08090692B2 |
Method for using an OTP storage device
The invention provides a method of managing data updates in DOS-based data storage device having an OTP memory die that includes a code region having a first memory capacity and a code region access resolution and a data region having a second memory capacity and a data region access resolution. The second memory capacity is larger than the first memory capacity and the code region access resolution is finer than the data region access resolution. The method includes chronologically writing a log entry in the code region indicating the change in FAT and root directory for each change in user data written in the data region. |
| US08090691B2 |
System and method for variable block logging with log-ahead buffers
A system for logging database transactions comprises a memory (comprising a direct access storage device) operable to store a database, a database log, and a plurality of log buffers associated with the database log. Each log buffer is operable to store at least one log record associated with a database transaction. The system further comprises a processor operable to log a first record of a first database transaction using the database log and write the database log to the storage device. The processor is further operable to log a second record of a second database transaction in a first of the plurality of log buffers substantially concurrently to the database log being written to the storage device. |
| US08090687B2 |
Just-in-time publishing via a publish/subscribe messaging system having message publishing controls
A system and program product having at least one subscriber subscribing to topics from one or more data sources. The number of subscriptions for each data source are registered in a table in real time. Upon detecting subscription activity, a matching routine compares the number of subscriptions registered for the available data source with a predetermined value, and if the number of subscribers exceeds the predetermined value a data source process corresponding to the data source will be started, and messages from the data source will be sent to the data source subscriber/s, otherwise, the data source provider will be stopped and not longer send messages. |
| US08090685B2 |
Knowledge based synchronization of subsets of data with no move condition
An efficient way is provided to represent and exchange knowledge and/or partial knowledge across nodes when synchronizing between any two nodes. A first node sends a second node its knowledge and/or partial knowledge, including objects and versions of those objects. The second node compares its knowledge and/or partial knowledge with the knowledge and/or partial knowledge of the first node, and then sends the first node any latest versions of objects of which the first node is unaware. In addition, the second node sends its knowledge and/or partial knowledge to the first node. The first node then performs a similar object-by-object version comparison to determine any conflicts due to independent evolution of objects and any changes that should be sent to the second node in order to bring the objects of the second node up to date with the knowledge and/or partial knowledge of the first node. |
| US08090684B2 |
System and method for asynchronous crawling of enterprise applications
Methods and systems for providing searchable data associated with enterprise applications are provided. An asynchronous feed may be generated from data stored in a database and searched by search engine crawlers. The feed may be populated with searchable data based on a searchable object definition that describes the location of searchable data within the database. The feed also may enforce access restrictions set by the enterprise applications to prevent unauthorized access to the searchable data. |
| US08090682B2 |
Method and device for editing composite content file and reproduction apparatus
A composite content file editing method includes the steps of dividing each media data included in the composite content file on the time base so as to generate a first composite content file to be reproduced first on the time base and a second composite content file to be reproduced later, and adding, as synchronizing information, information about a position shift on the time base at reproduction start of each media data included in the second composite content file to the second composite content file. |
| US08090680B2 |
Method and system for locating data
A system is provided for locating data in a distributed data environment, in which at least two users share a common data requirement. The environment comprises a plurality of network-connected data terminals. The system comprises at least one of the network-connected data terminals, which includes means for each of the at least two users to submit a data locating query, means for each of the at least two users to receive a query result, means for each of the at least two users to input respective relevance feedback data in response to the received query result, means for combining the respective relevance feedback data in real time, and means for processing data locating queries with the combined respective relevance feedback data. A method is also provided for locating data in the distributed data environment. |
| US08090679B2 |
Method for measuring web site performance
An approach for systematically and objectively assessing the health of a web site, or other complex system, using two layers of information. A scoring method is used to provide an objective qualitative judgment, together with detailed areas of analysis if desired. A set of metrics is identified, and a health score for each metric is calculated based upon assessment parameters or angles, based upon the actual data and upon the expectations. The overall health score of the system is then calculated as a composite metric based upon the individual metric health scores. A total score, together with a visual representation of the individual metric scores, is presented to the end user. The two layers of information utilized in the general framework include the domain (which determines the set of metrics and assessment parameters, e.g., web site analysis) and the model (or processing desired, e.g., a scoring model or alert model). |
| US08090677B2 |
Method and system for altering the configuration of a data warehouse
Disclosed are methods usable by non-experts for altering a configuration of a data warehouse. The initial configuration of the data warehouse is represented in terms of metadata, and that metadata configuration is presented to a user. The user can choose to alter the metadata configuration. If alterations are made to the metadata, then the underlying configuration of the data warehouse is altered accordingly. Because there may be multiple users wishing to alter aspects of the data warehouse, some embodiments of the present invention enforce approval guidelines so that proposed changes to the data warehouse configuration are only implemented after the appropriate approvals have been secured. By presenting a metadata representation of the data warehouse configuration, the present invention both allows non-experts to have a hand in converting a data warehouse and prevents user errors from corrupting the data warehouse conversion process. |
| US08090676B2 |
Systems and methods for real time classification and performance monitoring of batch processes
Systems and methods (300) for offline/online performance monitoring of batch processes (BPs) involving obtaining archived data (AD) obtained during runs of BP and including information defining a batch quality attribute for each run. The method also involves forming clusters by classifying AD for the runs into classes based on the batch quality attribute(s) and building a first multivariate statistical model (MSM) using AD. The method can further involve building a wavelet analysis based feature matrix (FM) using AD, forming a first projection (1200) by projecting FM onto a first MSM, building a second MSM (1300) using information obtained from the first projection, and computing centroids (C902, . . . , C918) and boundary profiles for the clusters (902, . . . , 918). The method can involve performing an online/offline performance monitoring (700/800) using an integrated version of the first and second MSM, a classification algorithm, centroids, and boundary profiles. |
| US08090675B2 |
HVAC system that controls an asset via a wide area network in accordance with a business strategy using predictor and responder data points
Included are embodiments for asset commissioning. At least one embodiment of a method includes classifying at least one data point of an environment controlling asset as a responder data point and classifying at least one other data point of the environment controlling asset as a predictor data point, the at least one predictor data point configured to provide operation validation data regarding the at least one responder data point. Some embodiments include validating operation of the at least one responder data point by monitoring sensor data associated with the at least one responder data point and the at least one predictor data point. |
| US08090673B2 |
Scoring content recommendations for user-specified topics via trust ratings
A recommendation network is described. In some embodiments, the recommendation network includes recommenders that explicitly or implicitly recommend, rate or refer items and recommendation receivers that receive the recommendations. In some embodiments, the recommenders can be recommendation receivers, and vice versa. In some embodiments, recommendation receivers assign rust ratings to recommenders. The recommendation receiver can assign separate trust ratings to individual topics for which the recommendation receiver trusts the recommender. The separate trust ratings represent the recommendation receiver's amount of trust in the recommender to makes valuable recommendations for the specific topic. The recommendation network can use the separate trust ratings, along with ratings provided by the recommender, to rank recommendations per the separate topics. The recommendation receiver can assign the recommender to different bundles, topics, channels, etc. to which other recommendation receivers can subscribe. |
| US08090671B2 |
Dynamic performance modeling of computer application services using a serial parallel queueing network (SPQN) modeler
A generic queueing network model of a Web services environment is introduced. The behavior of a service is abstracted in three phases: serial, parallel and dormant, thus yielding a Serial Parallel Queueing Network (SPQN) model with a small number of parameters. A method is provided for estimated the parameters of the model that is based on stochastic approximation techniques for solving stochastic optimization problems. The parameter estimation method is shown to perform well in a noisy environment, where performance data is obtained through measurements or using approximate model simulations. |
| US08090670B2 |
System and method for remote usage modeling
Remote control units are used to interact with a variety of devices. Modeling of the usage of a remote control unit while interacting with a device helps in (a) redesigning the remote for better usability; (b) dynamic adapting of the remote to provide improved interactions; and (c) characterizing the usage behaviors. In particular, it is very popular to use remote control units to interact with TVs and PVR devices. A system and method for the modeling of a remote usage involves the use of both pre-defined models and discovered models. Specifically, a pattern of usage of a remote control unit is abstracted to be one of either a pre-defined model or a discovered model. The model discovery involves the process of generalization based on a set of particular remote control unit usage patterns. The labels associated with the models help in characterizing the remote control unit usage patterns. |
| US08090669B2 |
Adaptive learning framework for data correction
Architecture that employs adaptive learning algorithms to adapt a data correction tool to user-specific behavior during runtime. The architecture includes a framework for training and measuring adaptive learning algorithms, adapting the current text correction tool codebase, and one or more different adaptive learning algorithms. This enables a text correction system to adapt the behavior of the text correction system to an individual user based on the user's interaction with the data correction system. This also facilitates the testing and improvements in an adaptive learning algorithm at the vendor before shipping in a product to the end-user. This reduces the risk of shipping a feature the precise behavior of which is different for each user. |
| US08090667B2 |
Charging in a communication system
This invention relates to a method of charging in a communications network, said method comprising including a first charging identity in at least one of a plurality of messages relating to a service, said first charging identity being specific to said at least one message, including a second charging entity in said at least one message, said second charging identity being specific to said service, charging for said service based on at least one of said first and second charging identities. |
| US08090654B2 |
Techniques for transaction adjustment
Techniques are provided for transaction adjustment. A payment device, having an offline balance, is presented to an offline terminal in connection with a putative transaction. If an irregularity with the putative transaction is detected, the offline balance is adjusted responsive to the detection. In one aspect of the invention, such adjustment can be carried out, via offline-terminal interaction, substantially without the use of a security module and cryptographic keys in the offline terminal. |
| US08090650B2 |
Secure payment service and system for interactive voice response (IVR) systems
A secure payment method, system or computer readable medium for a merchant's interactive voice response system are disclosed. The merchant's interactive voice response system receives customer calls and requests a payment from the customer. The customer responds to the request by providing over a data network authentication information and payment amounts for a payment service. The payment service provides the customer with a token which is communicated to the merchant's interactive voice response system, and the merchant's interactive voice response system transmits the token back to the payment service. Upon validating the token, the payment service issues an electronic payment or payment information to the merchant. The merchant's interactive voice response system announces a successful payment to the customer. |
| US08090645B1 |
Order centric tracking system and protocol for communications with handheld trading units
A computerized method and system for tracking orders implemented on a trading floor exchange is disclosed. The system is order-centric and is configured to route orders to a booth and floor broker in accordance with a symbol associated with the particular security being traded. Floor brokers communicate with the trading system through handheld devices connected to a handheld server via a wireless interface. A specific protocol for messaging protocol for communications between the handheld devices and the handheld server is also disclosed. |
| US08090642B1 |
Option computation for tangible depreciating items
A system for computing option prices for tangible depreciating items is described. Describing information of the tangible depreciating item is determined. Historical sales data of sold tangible depreciating items from marketplaces are collected. A present resale value of the tangible depreciating item is computed based on the historical sales data. A depreciation rate of sold tangible depreciating items having similar attributes as the tangible depreciating item is extrapolated from the historical sales data. A predicted resale value of the tangible depreciating item is computed based on the computed present resale value and on the extrapolated depreciation rate. |
| US08090641B1 |
System and method for trading order priority levels in an electronic trading environment
A system and method for trading order priority levels in an electronic trading environment are described. In one embodiment, a trader who is willing to have his order moved from a high priority level to a lower priority level in an order queue may advertise his willingness to do so, and other traders can place bids for the high priority level. In such an embodiment, for example, a bidder who places the highest bid or whose bid is received first may get the high priority level in the order queue in exchange for the paid fee. |
| US08090632B1 |
Providing a package identifier
A package identifier for a package having at least one sub-package is generated. A package identifier generating function is performed on at least one sub-package identifier of the at least one sub-package to generate the package identifier. In addition, the generated package identifier is stored for use in authentication. |
| US08090629B2 |
Co-branded internet service provider and retailer internet service site with retailer-offered incentives for member use
A system and method for a retailer to sell merchandise over the Internet in affiliation with an Internet service provider. The co-branded Internet site is accessible through the Internet service site of the Internet service provider. The co-branded Internet site includes designations of both the retailer and the Internet service provider. The co-branded Internet site including one or more links to the Internet shopping site of the retailer. Client software for accessing the co-branded Internet site is distributed at retailer locations. Members of the co-branded Internet site are provided with incentives to access and shop on the Internet shopping site of the retailer through the co-branded Internet site. |
| US08090626B1 |
Item substitution for unavailable items relating to a customer order
A technique is disclosed for automatically implementing item substitutions for unavailable items in a customer order. According to one embodiment, line item orders from selected customer orders may be aggregated and processed for substitution analysis. Substitutions for unavailable items of selected customer orders may then be automatically implemented based upon substitution instructions, business rules, and/or other predefined criteria. |
| US08090623B2 |
Method and system for conducting an auction over a network
A method and system for enabling a user or bidder to purchase an option on auction merchandise or services in an online auction are provided, thus allowing the option winner to purchase the merchandise in the event the original auction bidder (i.e., the highest bidder for the merchandise) defaults on his purchase. The method and system also provides an incentive to the users purchasing the option(s), e.g., bid optionees, by partially distributing the option pool of monies collected to the user who purchases the option at the price closest to the final auction price. |
| US08090621B1 |
Method and system for associating feedback with recommendation rules
A recommendation system uses feedback from users on specific item recommendations to assess the quality of the recommendation rules used to generate such recommendations. The feedback may be explicit (e.g., a user rates a particular recommended item), implicit (e.g., a user purchases a recommended item), or both. The system may use these assessments to modify the degree to which particular recommendation rules are used to generate recommendations. For instance, if a particular recommendation rule leads to negative feedback relatively frequently, the system reduce or terminate its reliance on the rule. In some embodiments, the system may also increase its reliance on recommendation rules that tend to produce positive feedback. |
| US08090617B1 |
Determining if a potential customer is a desirable customer
A method is taught of determining if a potential customer is a desirable customer. The manufacturer can determine if the potential customer is a potential competitor. If the potential customer can receive technical information from the potential customer and provide a price quotation for certain goods (or services). The manufacturer can determine if the potential customer intends to use a product other than for its intended application. In an embodiment, the potential customer can initially contact the manufacturer through an electronic communication network.In accordance with one feature of the invention, a design is prepared. The design can be prepared in cooperation between the manufacturer and the potential customer or a third party can be included. In accordance with another feature, the potential customer can agree not to disclose technical information. In accordance with a feature of the invention the manufacturer can communicate with the potential customer and internal organizations as the method progresses. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a customer can track work-in-progress after manufacturing has begun. A feature also allows a customer to approve a sample received from the manufacturer. |
| US08090615B1 |
Controlled offer redemption system with dynamic cooperative and charitable offer management
A controlled offer redemption system used to create dynamic cooperative offers and charitable offers, and to validate, verify, and redeem manufacturers' offers, retailers' offers, cooperative offers, dynamic cooperative offers and charitable offers, to restrict the redemption of cooperative, dynamic cooperative and retailers' offers to particular retailers and to authenticate the offer redemption transactions. The system includes a master registry, an offer redemption terminal in communication with a retailer's point-of-sale (“POS”) system, a store portal and an offer clearinghouse. The offer system includes a means to generate an encrypted identifier (“token”) which is unique to each offer redemption transaction. The clearinghouse independently recreates the token based on the offer redemption record and the purchase event transaction log and authenticates the transaction as having originated under the controlled conditions imposed by the system. |
| US08090613B2 |
System and method for real-time management and optimization of off-line advertising campaigns
An improved method for managing advertising campaigns is provided. The method includes defining an advertising campaign, uploading a multi-media file of each member of the campaign; linking each of the multi-media files of the advertisements and associating the media files with a data capture template based on the media type; configuring the scheduling and promotion details for display of the media ad; associating survey questions with respondent incentives; calculating the present cost of the campaign; capturing consumer responses to individual members of the campaign; aggregating and analyzing the cumulative responses; making program adjustments to the type, location, and schedule for the campaign members based on these real-time results; and transmitting the revised campaign management instructions and adjusted media files to remote systems at the media channels thereby optimizing in real-time the overall ad campaign. A computer program product which incorporates this method increases effectiveness of managing advertising campaigns through all off-line media channels beyond conventional means. |
| US08090611B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for enabling workflow applications
A facility is described for enabling workflow applications. The facility receives a request to identify an optimized resource list that identifies resources capable of performing a workflow process task. The workflow process task can be associated with a document type relating to a document associated with a workflow envelope. The workflow envelope can store multiple documents of at different document types. The facility includes a workflow engine and a simulation engine. The workflow engine performs workflow process tasks based on the tasks identified in the workflow envelope. The simulation engine can employ modeling and historical data from a workflow metrics data source to generate the optimized resource list and identify identifying resources matching the workflow process tasks identified in the workflow envelope. |
| US08090607B2 |
Re-optimization technique for use with an automated supply chain optimizer
An explanation device operates to generate explanatory information for a user regarding the cause of any demands that could not be satisfied by an automated supply chain optimizer. The explanation device identifies the cause for any unsatisfied demands by successfully relaxing various supply chain constraints while controlling the supply chain optimizer to re-optimize the supply chain subject to the relaxed constraints. If a previously unsatisfied demand is satisfied during re-optimization by relaxing a given constraint, then that constraint is deemed to have been a factor in the original, unsatisfied demand. If so, explanatory information is output to the user regarding the constraint. The amount by which the constraint was originally violated during the initial optimization may also be determined and provided to the user as further explanatory information. |
| US08090603B2 |
System and method for selecting event tickets
A system is provided that enables customers to search for event tickets for purchase. A computer interacts with the user to allow the user to specify criteria for event tickets the user wishes to purchase. The system presents relevant event ticket results, and provides filters for the user to further refine those search results. The user selects an event, and then selects tickets for that event. Ticket availability is shown, with seat locations indicated directly on an interactive venue map. For purchase, the user is directed to the selling ticket provider. |
| US08090601B2 |
System and method for determining a premium for insurance for a security
A method for determining a premium for insuring a security comprising the steps of determining an insurance risk premium based upon a security to be insured, determining an expense and profit load, and combining the insurance risk premium and the expense and profit load to determine a total gross premium. A system for determining a premium for insuring a security comprises a computer system capable of having entered information related to a security to be insured, the computer system having a program for calculating an insurance risk premium based upon a security to be insured, for calculating an expense and profit load, and for combining the insurance risk premium and the expense and profit load to determine a total gross premium. |
| US08090600B2 |
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for building a risk evaluation product
The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of a risk rater data-structure, which comprises an abstracted representation of a risk rating scheme that may be loaded into and/or interpreted by other system components to generate a user interface for processing risk information and generating insurance quotes. |
| US08090599B2 |
Method and system for computerized insurance underwriting
This invention relates generally to a computer system and method for integrating insurance policy underwriting. In one aspect it integrates the older legacy insurance policy generating systems to on line systems where users access the system through browsers. The computer system to perform the process of underwriting, rating, quoting, binding, and booking an insurance policy includes browsers, data bases, processors and a dispatcher that parses the information to select an insurance process. Suitable software programs review messages received from users to determine if certain messages are less than a prescribed limit. If a message is greater than the limit, then the message is parsed into a header information and one or more data fields whereby the header information is provided to a legacy processor and to policy generation software for further creation of policy related information and documentation. |
| US08090597B1 |
System and method for providing reduced insurance premiums
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing insurance coverage to a customer. The method includes providing a field for an input of a limitation relating to a desired insurance coverage. The limitation includes at least one of a time period indication of a time period less than a month and a geographical region indication of a geographical region smaller in size than an entire nation. The method further includes receiving the limitation at a central processor. The method additionally includes performing processing in relation to the limitation to determine whether the desired insurance coverage as restricted by the limitation can be provided. The method further includes sending a confirmation concerning whether the desired insurance coverage corresponding to the limitation can be provided. |
| US08090595B2 |
System and method for analyzing and improving business performance
The invention describes a system and methods for analyzing and improving business operations. The system includes a plurality of business operations databases that contains a plurality of operational data obtained from a plurality of business organizations. The system provides for flexible user defined input and output of data and information flows that contribute to improving the operational effectiveness and productivity of a business entity. One method defines the process for identifying, analyzing and selecting the existing business process databases and information flows for performance, productivity, cost and organizational improvement. The other method includes the steps of gathering, storing and outputting a plurality of operational data obtained from a plurality of businesses in a flexible and confidential manner for each business entity. This method also includes the de-identifying of the database for a variety of secondary purposes, including research and development. |
| US08090593B2 |
Multiple resource planning system
A system for managing remote doctor medical request workflow may include a workflow module that optimizes assignments of medical requests to remote doctors based on parameterized doctor and scheduling information and may further include a forecasting module that predicts the hospital credentials, state licenses or doctors needed to fulfill a projected volume of future medical requests. In one embodiment, radiologists are parameterized and then matched with requests for radiological readings based on information extracted from DICOM image headers and merged with associated information contained in a medical work order. In this embodiment, the radiologists are parameterized based on their locations, schedules, hospital credentials, state licensing, compensation metrics, and performance metrics and incoming requests for review of CT scans and the like are filtered based on the parameterized radiologist information to identify one or more radiologists who are to fulfill the medical request. |
| US08090592B1 |
Method and apparatus for multi-domain anomaly pattern definition and detection
Disclosed herein is a multi-domain anomaly pattern definition and detection module. The module receives raw data from different kinds of anomalies from a variety of detection algorithms and generates scores associated with the data. If one or more scores exceed a threshold, then the algorithm gathers further information which may include counts or listings of detailed data for a geographic region which may include such information as emergency department and lab department data related to a particular health concern such as a respiratory syndrome. Summaries are provided which may identify anomalies and numbers of events according to geographic region and utilizing probability algorithms. Other databases such as animal data collected under the Department of Agriculture may also be utilized. The data is presented in a familiar form such as a map or a table such that a subject matter expert may determine whether to further investigate an anomaly as a potential risk, for example, a health risk. |