Document Document Title
US08087648B2 Hydraulic bushing
A hydraulic bushing including an elastomeric bellows having radially spaced axially extending arcuate chambers fluidly connected with axially spaced radially extending chambers to dampen axial as well as radial loads imposed upon the bushing.
US08087646B2 Hydropneumatic suspension with load-dependent damping control
A piston-cylinder unit for installing between a vehicle body and an axle includes a cylinder filled with damping medium, a piston dividing the cylinder into working spaces, and a piston rod. A first damping valve assembly in the piston damps movement of the piston in tension and in compression. A load dependent valve includes a valve body which can be moved axially by pressure in the damping medium, the valve body having axially opposed first and second actuation surfaces. The first actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a first accumulator, which is connected to one of the working spaces, and the second actuation surface is exposed to pressure of a second accumulator.
US08087644B2 Shaped packing element
The present invention provides a packing element comprising at least one sheet having a plurality of deformations, the sheet being operable to form a folded or helical configuration wherein adjacent portions of the at least one sheet are spaced to allow for flow of at least one of fluid, air and gas therebetween.
US08087635B2 Pneumatic pinch valve
A pneumatic pinch valve assembly having a lever, a piston supporting a pressing piece, and a fluid tube receiving space formed between the lever and the pressing piece for receiving fluid tubes is disclosed. Air is introduced into a cavity to actuate the piston in order to pinch a fluid tube between the lever and the pressing piece to intercept a fluid flow through the tube. A pinching action control feature is located between the piston and the pressing piece and is used to protect the fluid tube by limiting one or more amounts of compression of the fluid tube during operation. The amount of compression of the fluid tube is able to be adjusted so that the fluid tube is not easily deteriorated during long-time operation.
US08087633B2 Canvas carrier and holder
The present invention is a novel canvas carrier and holder formed of a single handle apparatus to which is anchored one or more flat J-Hooks and a method of using the canvas carrier holder.
US08087632B2 Laptop stand with heat dissipation device
A stand for a portable device includes two supporting members with two supporting surfaces for loading the portable device, and a heat dissipation device detachably attached between the two supporting members. The heat dissipation device comprises at least one fan and defines a plurality of holes.
US08087629B2 Stand apparatus
The present invention is a stand apparatus for a display screen (such as a computer monitor or a TV) having an arcuate arm member, a base adapted to accept the arm member and allow for tilting movement of the arm member in relation to the base, and a contoured clamp member operable to engage and grip the arm member. The curvature of the clamp member matches the curvature of the arm member and prevents damage to the finish of the arm member. The clamp member is coupled with an arm screw member that is readily accessible to a user. The cross-section of the arm member prevents lateral movement of the arm member in relation to the base. The base is operable to freely swivel 360 degrees and can be readily fixed in relation to a base ring once it is in a desired position. Cabling channels are also provided within the arm member to house cables from the display screen.
US08087625B2 Article holder with suction cup
A holder includes a suction cup comprising a circular plate formed of resilient material and a rigid bell wherein the plate includes a central coupling member including outer threads, and the bell includes a hollow cylinder including two opposite openings with the outer threads disposed thereat; a manipulation assembly comprising a tube including an internal threaded section threadedly secured to the outer threads, a sleeve securely put on the tube, and a coupling mechanism seated upon the sleeve; and a pivot assembly comprising a pivot mechanism pivotably secured to the coupling mechanism, an arm extended upward from the pivot mechanism, and a seat assembly rotatably, pivotably secured to the arm. Preferably, the holder is adapted to hold an article (e.g., mobile phone) when it is immovably and captively retained on a dashboard of a motor vehicle.
US08087623B2 Vertical display mounting device
The vertical display mounting device 100 comprises a vertical mounting attachment member 200 and at least one display mount 300 wherein the vertical mounting attachment member 200 may be the combination of a vehicle attachment member 400 and a vertical mounting member 500. The vertical display mounting device 100 may further include brackets 600 for attaching the vehicle attachment member 400 with the vehicle cab attachment points 14, 16 when the vehicle attachment member aperture 414, 416 and the vehicle cab 12 attachment points 14, 16 are not in alignment; an electrical mount 800; and a kit embodiment.
US08087620B2 Retaining device
A retaining device includes a fireproof core enclosed by a non-fireproof case, wherein a pre-tensioned fireproof device is integrated in the case and attached to the core. The fireproof device relaxes in such a way, when the case melts, that a construction element is reliably held between the carrier and the device.
US08087616B2 Method and system for aviation navigation
A system operates to guide an aircraft to or along a route designed to maintain the aircraft within a safe glide distance of an acceptable emergency landing area. The system uses a database of emergency landing areas with glide characteristics of an aircraft to determine a route that minimizes travel time or other specified parameter, while keeping the aircraft within a safe glide distance of a landing area in the database meeting the landing requirements for the aircraft.
US08087610B2 Aircraft shock strut having fixed upper bearing
An aircraft shock strut includes a cylinder and a piston movable within the cylinder. A lower bearing and an upper bearing provide sliding engagement between the cylinder and the piston. The upper bearing is fixed to the cylinder and provides sliding engagement with an outer surface the piston. An upper bearing that is fixed to the cylinder facilitates use of lighter weight materials for the cylinder without sacrificing durability.
US08087609B2 Dynamic human/wind powered flying suit
A completely dynamic human powered flying suit comprising of a pair of bat wings and an interconnecting flexible main sheet with the body of the pilot-operator lying on top of and in the center of the non-rigid section of the apparatus when in flight. Each wing has a front section or a wing paddle with supporting spar network and a similar but smaller rear section with the pilot-operator's arms and legs respectively operating the front and rear sections in a swimming motion in order to make lift and thrust. A rear air dam extends along the trailing underside edge of the central part of the apparatus to slow passing air. Large straps extend from wing tip to wing tip at radial intervals down the underside of the aircraft to prevent hyper-extension of the large wing paddle outer ends from bypassing behind the pilot-operator to ensure capturing lift and for the making of thrust. A body harness is provided with quick disconnect clips to hold the pilot-operator onto the suit. A pilot-operator manipulates the rigid and non-rigid sections in concert to radically change the shape of the body wing chord or angle of attack on the wind by bending at the waist and legs to maneuver from high lift shapes to lower lift shapes for takeoff, flight, stunts and landing. A pilot-operator can sweep the wings down and forward or down and backward in a delta shape to bypass wind to safely walk on the ground when wearing the suit into or away from the wind.
US08087602B1 Mortar and pestle
A mortar and pestle, the pestle having a dome-shaped top formed to be cupped within the palm of the hand, a body, and a bottom portion, the bottom portion formed to include a male apex. The interior of the mortar is formed to include an inverted frustum-shaped wall and an interior bowl extending from the interior inverted frustum-shaped wall. The bowl includes a female apex which cooperates with the male apex and into which the male apex may nest. The pestle has an external surface profile which is substantially similar to, and cooperates with, a mortar internal surface profile. Rotating the top of the pestle in a smooth, continuous motion about a circular locus processes material placed in the mortar as the pestle profile sweeps the mortar profile.
US08087598B2 Nozzle module for an injection valve
A nozzle module for an injection valve has a nozzle body with a recess with a wall, being operable to hydraulically couple the recess to a high pressure fluid circuit, a seal seat embodied on the wall, at least one nozzle needle arranged in an axially moveable fashion in the recess. The needle has a seat area with a sealing surface interacting with the seal seat to open and close the valve, respectively, and a supporting area, arranged radially outside and axially at a distance from the seat area and supporting the needle against the wall when the needle closes. The needle has at least one needle recess, which when the supporting area rests against the wall of the body recess, an area of the body recess facing axially away from the seat area is hydraulically coupled to an area of the body recess which axially faces the seat area.
US08087595B1 Combination rinse pitcher and shower spout
A combination rinse pitcher, particularly for rinsing shampoo from the head of a child during “bath time.” A main container body is made of relatively rigid material, and has a bottom and a plurality of main body sidewalls. A lip element is attached to the main container body and defines a rim of the rinse pitcher. The lip element is made of a relatively soft material which is sufficiently flexible such that at least a first portion of the rim can conform to the shape of the child's forehead. The first portion of the rim can be pressed against the child's forehead forming a seal to prevent poured water from flowing down the forehead of the child. A second one of the lip element sidewalls has apertures through which water can be poured to provide a shower-like flow.
US08087581B2 Banknote handling device
In addition to storing cassettes (16a) to (16f) that store banknotes that are dispensed when money is normally dispensed, a bait money storing portion (14) is provided that stores bait money serving as an emergency banknote to be dispensed in case of an emergency. When the bait money is requested to be dispensed in case of an emergency, the bait money is forcibly transported from the bait money storing portion (14) to a banknote outlet, with the result that the bait money is dispensed quickly.
US08087579B2 Systems and methods for verifying branding of pharmaceutical/medical containers
Systems and methods for verifying branding of pharmaceutical/medical containers are provided. In some embodiments, systems for verifying branding of at least one medication container associated with at least one of a prescription and medication order are provided. The systems including: a scanning system including at least one scanner for determining the branding of at least one of a first medication container and a cap used to cover the first medication container; a transport system that transports the first medication container; and a control system that: controls the transport system to transport the first medication container to the scanning system; and controls the scanning system to determine whether the branding of at least one of the first medication container and the cap correctly matches a predetermined branding among a plurality of brandings based on predetermined criteria.
US08087576B2 Data storage device and method for determining the dependency of the risk for prostate cancer, device and method for indicating a risk for a disease of an individual
A data storage device comprises a memory in which a collection of prostate cancer screening data is stored. The screening data is obtained from a selection of the general male population without medical pre-selection. A device for indicating a risk for a disease of an individual, comprises an indicator for indicating a determined value for said risk. The indicator comprises a risk scale representing a range of values of said risk, and at least one dialler for entering a value of a diagnostic parameter of an individual. The dialler comprises a parameter scale representing a range of values of said diagnostic parameter. The dialler is movable with respect to said indicator such that when a parameter value on said parameter scale is selected, an associated risk value is indicated on said risk scale according to a predetermined mathematical relationship.
US08087575B2 Printer with a touch panel
A printer has a base, a cover, a touch panel, a printing module and a detachable bracket. The base has two mounting rails. Each mounting rail has an engaging slot and an engaging protrusion. The cover is mounted detachably on the base. The touch panel is mounted on the base. The printing module is mounted detachably on the base and covered by the cover. The detachable bracket is mounted securely on the printing module and has a bottom plate and two opposite side plates. Each side plate has an engaging tab and an engaging notch detachably engaging the engaging slot and protrusion of a corresponding mounting rail. The printer with the mounting rails and detachable bracket allows the printing module to be repaired independently without disassembling the touch panel.
US08087573B2 Slide in locking newspaper box
A support for a newspaper box includes a support attaching to a post, a slide for sliding the newspaper box within the support, and a tab for locking the newspaper box within the support.
US08087572B2 Container blank for a storage container
The present invention is directed toward a blank of material configured to form a storage/display container. The blank includes fold lines at predetermined locations to provide panels selectively foldable into a predetermined configuration. Specifically, the blank forms a container having a pedestal, a tower, and a lid hinged to the tower. The container defines a cavity in which items are selectively stored and accessed. The container, moreover, may function as a component of an award given to an award recipient. In one embodiment, the container is stylized as a trophy housing items related to an accomplishment or an occasion reached by the recipient.
US08087571B2 Pouring package and pouring member formed from a wall extending over an opening
A pouring package for a fluid comprises a container (10) substantially impermeable to the fluid and having a pouring opening (11). The pouring opening is hermetically sealed by means of a breakable seal (30) in at least unopened state of the container. The container is provided with a pouring member (20) at the position of the pouring opening. Situated between a wall of the pouring member and the seal is a breaking member (21) which is awe and adapted to act on and break the seal when an external pressure is exerted on the wall.
US08087569B2 Polygonal tray having reinforced corners
A tray includes a bottom panel having first, second, third and fourth edge portions. The tray further includes at least one end wall that extends perpendicularly outward from one of the first, second, third and fourth edge portions of the bottom panel, and at least one side wall that extends perpendicularly outward from another of the first, second, third, and fourth edge portions of the bottom panel. The at least one side wall is perpendicular to the at least one end wall. At least one corner extends between the at least one side wall and the at least one end wall. The at least one corner includes an outer member and an inner member. The inner member is folded onto the outer member to reinforce the at least one corner.
US08087564B2 Apparatus for forming a metallic container
A method of forming a metallic container by placing body and lid portions together, keeping parts of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and vibrating the lid with respect to the body, thereby generating frictional heat to form a friction metallic weld therebetween. Apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of the metallic container includes a body supporting base, an assembly to support a flange of the body, a sonotrode to contact a flange of the lid so that wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonotrode. A motor vibrates the sonotrode relative to the support assembly to thereby move the flanges relative to one another generating sufficient frictional heat to create a friction metallic weld therebetween.
US08087560B2 Accessory attachment system
An accessory system has one or more accessory elements which are removably attachable to a waist belt. A loop is fastened to the rear wall of each accessory element to define a passage between the rear wall and the loop which extends generally perpendicularly to the direction of the belt. A first part of a two-part fastener such as a snap is attached to an exterior surface of the loop. A strap is fastened to the accessory element rear wall spaced from the loop. A second part of the two-part fastener is configured to mate with the first part of the two-part fastener. The second part is fixed to the strap, so the strap is capable of passing through the loop, and around the loop to bring the first part and the second part of the fastener into engagement to retain the belt between the strap and the accessory rear wall.
US08087559B2 Wheelchair vehicle ramp
A loading apparatus for allowing wheelchair access to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus attaches to the hitch receiver of the vehicle, such as a van, truck or similar vehicle. The apparatus includes three ramp section pivotably connected such that the apparatus does not obstruct vision through the rear of the vehicle but also provides sufficient ground clearance for operation of the vehicle.
US08087557B2 Load carrier for fixed roof rail
A load carrier that includes a load carrier bar with a load carrier foot at each end of the load carrier bar. Each load carrier foot has a fixed clamping jaw and a movable clamping jaw configured to be arranged on an upper side and an opposite lower side of the respective roof rails and to cooperate with a clamping device that is configured to move the movable clamping jaw towards the fixed clamping jaw. The movable clamping jaw is pivotally connected at the load carrier foot and in a first mounting position. The movable clamping jaw is firmly connected to at least one guiding protrusion, located on a distance from the movable clamping jaw and in a first mounting position is arranged so that the distance between the guiding protrusions, which are located at each end of the load carrier, is larger than the distance between the roof rails.
US08087548B2 Spray products with particles and improved valve for inverted dispensing without clogging
A product is disclosed for inverted spray dispensing of material that comprises at least some particulate matter. The dispensing end of the container is connected to a valve, which includes a valve that moves from a biased closed position to an open position to discharge the product downward through the valve, when the dispensing end of the container is directed downward. An inlet end of the valve is spaced vertically above the dispensing end of the container when the dispensing end of the container is directed downward. The inlet end of the valve or spring cup is connected to a mesh filter having a pore size at least as large as an average diameter of the solid particles. Even when the container and a layer of settled particles forms at the dispensing end of the container, valve and mesh filter are designed so that at a portion of the proximal end of the mesh filter is disposed above the layer of settled particles to prevent clogging of the mesh filter.
US08087546B2 Dispenser for containing and dispensing a liquid or pourable solid product
A dispenser is provided for containing and dispensing a liquid or pourable solid product. The dispenser includes a shell having a bottom and a continuous side wall, which together define a hollow cavity. A lid assembly covers the rigid shell and includes a central opening. A flexible pouch is arranged for locating within the hollow cavity and for containing the product to be dispensed. The flexible pouch includes a pouring spout having an outlet opening. The pouring spout is arranged for extending through the lid assembly opening when the flexible pouch is situated within the hollow cavity. The lid assembly additionally includes a set of clamping members positioned to surround the pouring spout. The clamping members are responsive to actuation and arranged to move from a retracted position to a clamping position to prevent movement of the pouring spout when situated within the opening.
US08087544B2 System for mixing beverage components in a predetermined ratio
A system for mixing beverage components in a predetermined ratio is characterized by a housing having a mixing chamber therein, first and second inlets to the chamber and an outlet from the chamber. A first beverage component is flowed through the first inlet to the mixing chamber and a second beverage component is flowed through the second inlet to the chamber for mixing of the components in the chamber and exit of the mixture from the chamber through the chamber outlet. The pressure of the second beverage component in the second inlet is sensed upstream from the chamber and the flow of at least one of the first and second beverage components to the chamber is controlled in accordance with the sensed pressure to deliver to the mixing chamber a predetermined ratio of the first and second beverage components.
US08087543B2 Electric soap dispenser
An electric soap dispenser that includes sensors for detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can include various features for enhancing the performance thereof. For example, the dispenser can include an additional button for manual operation of the pump. Additionally, the dispenser can detect the voltage of a power supply and compensate for a drop in voltage of the power supply so as to produce more uniform dispensations of the liquid product.
US08087542B2 System for whipping a fluid slurry and method therefor
An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry mix with water to produce a whipped fluid slurry for a beverage. The mixing apparatus includes an inlet for receiving an unwhipped fluid slurry and an outlet for discharging the whipped fluid slurry. A whipping chamber is connected to the inlet for whipping the unwhipped fluid slurry and further includes an impeller that induces fluid turbulence to produce the whipped fluid slurry when the impeller rotates above one or more indentations in the surface of the whipping chamber.
US08087532B2 Waste container
A waste container includes a top chamber, a base chamber, upper and lower lids, and a drive mechanism mechanically coupling the lower lid with the upper lid. The upper lid is disposed on the top chamber and moves between a closed position covering a first opening and an open position exposing the first opening. The lower lid is disposed on the base chamber and moves between a closed position covering a second opening and an open position exposing the second opening. The drive mechanism is actuated so as to move the lower lid to the open position when the upper lid moves to the closed position from the open position. The lower lid returns to the closed position when the upper lid is in the closed position.
US08087531B1 Anti-splash/spill container lid
A container lid for dispensing a pourable substance is disclosed, the lid comprising a flexible closure tab having a snap, a lid opening closure, an opening actuator disposed on a planar cantilever section of the flexible closure tab between the snap and the lid opening closure; a lid base having a snap receptacle for releasably retaining the snap, a lid opening for receiving the lid opening closure, and an actuator guide cutout for enclosing the opening actuator.
US08087530B2 Container lid with integrally molded utensil
A container closure includes a utensil formed of a first polymer material, and a lid formed of a second polymer material, the utensil being detachably adhered to the lid by a chemical bond between the first and second polymer materials in the absence of any adhesive or bonding agent. A method for making the closure comprises the steps of introducing a quantity of a first polymer material into a mold to form a utensil, transferring the utensil from the first mold into a second mold or structurally modifying the first mold, and introducing a quantity of a second polymer material into the second mold or modified first mold to form a lid in such a manner that the utensil is detachably adhered to the lid by a chemical bond between the first and second polymer materials in the absence of any adhesive or bonding agent.
US08087527B2 Interconnecting container system for food or other product
A container system for containing a product. The container system includes a primary container containing a primary product and at least one secondary container containing a secondary product. The secondary container is releasably connected to the primary container.
US08087526B2 Knockdown storage vessel
A knockdown storage vessel has an internal bladder and external barrel sections. The ends of two barrel sections include a centrally-located bush that can be engaged by a handle so as to secure the barrel sections and allow for rolling transport of the vessel. The vessel barrel sections are dimensioned so as to nest within one another for compact storage.
US08087523B2 Closure assembly
A closure assembly (11) for a baby's bottle (10) comprising a regulator cap (16) which is adapted to be mounted to the bottle (10) and having one or more apertures (22), a teat collar (17) threaded to the bottle and moveable between an open and closed position and a teat (18) coupled to the teat collar (17) and having an outlet (45) for passage of fluid, the teat having (17) a base flange (38) adapted for cooperation with the regulator cap (16) such that in the open position of said teat collar (17) fluid can pass through the one or more apertures (22) and through the teat outlet (45) and air can pass between the base flange (38) and regulator cap (16) into the bottle (10) through one or more of the apertures (22). In the closed position, fluid is prevented from passage through the one or more apertures (22) into the teat (16) and air is prevented from passing between the base flange (38) and regulator cap (16) into the bottle (10).
US08087522B2 Quick secure shelving
A shelving system includes a product, a base, a tray insert, a template, and a placement clip. The base has a top surface forming a receptacle and includes a hanger assembly for releasably securing the base to a shelving unit positioned in a retail environment. The tray insert is releasably secured into the receptacle formed in the top surface of the base. The tray insert has a plurality of slots spaced along a length of the tray insert. The template is received over the tray insert to cover the tray insert. The template has a plurality of openings through the tray insert to selectively expose a desired subset of slots. The placement clip is releasably secured through one of the openings in the template into a pair of the desired subset of slots. The placement clip acts to releasably secure the template to the tray insert and is adapted to maintain the product.
US08087520B2 Locking automobile mat hanger and display device
A locking automobile mat hanger and display device consists of two hanger housings that cooperate with an interchangeable adapter insert to secure a plurality of automobile floor mats. The device includes housings having a retaining portion and an adapter insert, whereby the adapter insert and the retaining portion of the housing create channels in which automobile floor mats may be inserted and retained. The device also has a cutout section in the housings whereby a user may easily grasp and carry the entire mat hanger assembly. The device further contains a hook section disposed on the housings, which allows for the entire mat hanger assembly to be hung from retail displays, and also allows for efficient storage. The label application section of the hanger aids inventory organization.
US08087513B2 Music instrument case with interchangeable lids
A flexible music instrument case uses an interchangeable lid system to allow different types of lids to be attached to a main body depending on the particular needs of the user. The main body of the music case has an internal chamber configured to closely contain and protect the musical instrument or instruments, depending on the particular instruments being carried. The main body is somewhat structured to maintain a container shape, and may include various levels of rigidity. In addition, the main body further has at least one attachment mechanism attached to a portion thereof, to allow an interchangeable lid to be removably attached to the main body. The interchangeable lid has a similar attachment mechanism attached thereto to allow for the removable attachment of various lid elements. The interchangeable lids are configured differently to allow a user to configure the carrying case as necessary, and may include accessory compartments, sheet music pockets, or extended accommodations to allow portions of the musical instruments to extend beyond the open top while also being contained. Additional handles, wheels and straps are also included to increase the ease of use for the musical instrument case.
US08087508B2 Torsional vibration damper hub for a vehicle clutch
A torsional vibration damper hub for a vehicle clutch includes a first row of springs extending substantially in the clutch rotating direction and disposed in openings formed in a first inner annular plate and a first pair of outer annular plates; a second row of springs extending substantially in the clutch rotating direction and is disposed in openings formed in the second inner annular plate and the second pair of outer annular plates; the first and second row of the springs being arranged on a same radius from a center of rotation of the clutch; the springs in the first row of springs arranged in one first axial level are axially overlapping the springs in the second row of springs arranged in a second axial level with the purpose to decrease a total axial length of the clutch. In an alternative embodiment the damper hub is substantially identical to a dual damper hub in conventional twin-plate clutches.
US08087507B2 Release bearing assembly
A release bearing assembly has a roller bearing, an enclosure and a slinger. The enclosure has first and second flange portions. The slinger has a body portion sized for radial disposition within an inner diameter of the first flange portion. A lip portion extends from the body portion and defines a channel between itself and the enclosure.
US08087506B2 Multiple-disk brake in an automatic transmission having controllable cooling oil supply and method for operating the same
The invention concerns a multi-disk brake (1) in an automatic transmission, with an inner disk carrier (4) and an outer disk carrier (6), with inner disks (3) and outer disks (5) arranged axially in alternation on the disk carriers (4, 6), with friction linings (7) on the inner and/or outer disks (3, 5), with a piston (10) of a pressure-medium-actuated piston-cylinder arrangement such that the inner disks (3) and outer disks (5) can be acted upon by a force to close the multi-disk brake, with an end disk (9) or support disk (11) that forms an axial abutment for the disk set (14) formed by the disks (3, 5, 9, 11), and in which the disk brake (1) and/or the components around it are so configured that the disks (3, 5, 9, 11) can be wetted by a cooling oil. To cool the disk multi-brake (1) even in slip operation phases and in the engaged condition, it is provided that depending on the operating condition of the brake, the cooling oil (13) can be passed over and/or through the disk set (14) in radially different directions. The invention also concerns a method for operating such a disk brake.
US08087504B2 Friction clutch and vehicle equipped with the same
A friction clutch includes clutch housing having a friction plate, a clutch boss having a clutch plate, a pressure plate, a sub clutch, and a power-assist mechanism. The power-assist mechanism receives torque from the pressure plate when the clutch is disengaged and converts the torque into a force for moving the pressure plate in a direction which separates the pressure plate from a plate group. A cam surface, which supports and guides one or more roller weights, is formed on the pressure plate. The one or more roller weights move outward in a radial direction by a movement amount according to the magnitude of centrifugal force and press the pressure plate toward the plate group with force according to the movement amount.
US08087503B2 Driving mechanism and wheel assembly for toy car
A driving mechanism for driving a wheel of a toy car includes a motor, a first clutch, a second clutch, a guide shaft, a spring, and a limiting element. The first clutch driven by the motor has an engaging end surface defining a center hole thereon. The second clutch capable of latching with the wheel for driving the wheel has an engaging surface engaging with the engaging end surface. The second clutch defines a stepped hole substantially perpendicular to the engaging surface thereof, the stepped hole includes a first portion and a second portion. The guide shaft is disposed running through the stepped hole and has an end thereof fixed in the center hole. The spring sleeves the guide shaft and is compressed between the limiting element secured on the guide shaft and a stepped surface in the stepped hole.
US08087502B2 Actuator for shifting a selectable one-way clutch
An actuator shifts a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) between a plurality of operating modes. A first spring has a preload compression that is equivalent to a first start pressure. A second spring, disposed adjacent to the first spring, has a preload compression that is equivalent to a second start pressure. A plunger movably contacts the first spring and a slide plate movably extends from the plunger. The slide plate engages the SOWC such that the SOWC shifts between the operating modes in response to movement of the slide plate. The first spring is compressible from beyond the preload compression to a first stop position as the pressure is increased from the first start pressure to a first stop pressure. The second spring is compressible from beyond the respective preload compression to a second stop position as the pressure is increased from the second start pressure to a second stop pressure.
US08087499B1 Vibration wave controlled variable stiffness structures and method of making same
In some embodiments, a variable stiffness structure is provided having a plurality of constant stiffness members. The plurality of constant stiffness members are movably adhered together through a friction force generated by a normal force. Vibration generators are operatively coupled to the plurality of constant stiffness members. The vibration generators can vibrate at a plurality of frequencies. The friction is responsive to the plurality of frequencies whereby providing a change in stiffness of the variable stiffness structure. The variable stiffness structure may have different shapes, for example, beam, rod, plate, or cylindrical. The vibration generators may be ultrasonic resonators in some embodiments.
US08087498B2 High power/weight ratio braking device based on shape memory material technology
The braking device is provided a set of shape memory alloy activators positioned, in an agonistic-antagonistic configuration on each side of a brake lever. Braking and releasing phases are dictated by the austenitic transformation of the shape memory alloy activators. During brake activation, shrinking of the braking activator brings the friction pad in contact with a rotating drum creating a braking friction torque. Once the brake has been activated, deformation of a flexible fiberglass component prevents brake releasing by applying sufficient normal force between the drum and the friction pad. Conversely, upon heating of the releasing activator, the pad looses its grip and the drum is free to rotate.
US08087497B2 Compensation in an elevator system having multiple cars within a single hoistway
An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (28). A first compensation member (40) is associated with a first counterweight (24). A second compensation member (50) is associated with a second one of the elevator cars (32). Each compensation member has one end that moves with the associated elevator system component and an opposite end (44, 54) secured in a fixed position within the hoistway. In one example, a compensation member has a linear density that is approximately four times a linear density of a corresponding load bearing member.
US08087492B2 Methods and systems for integrating sound attenuation into a filter bank
A filter bank is provided. The filter bank includes a housing having a front face and a back face. Air flows along an air flow path from the front face to the back face. A filter layer is held in the housing. The filter layer is oriented between the front and back faces such that air flows through the filter layer before discharging from the back face. An attenuation layer is positioned within the housing to attenuate sound as the sound propagates between the front and back faces. The attenuation layer is oriented to extend along the air flow direction.
US08087489B2 Articulated construction vehicle including a lever-operated electrical Control device
An articulated construction vehicle is provided with an articulated, self-propelled body, body-articulating hydraulic cylinders for articulating the self-propelled body, a pilot-operated directional control valve for controlling a flow of pressure oil to the body-articulating hydraulic cylinders, and a steering-wheel-operated control device for outputting a pilot signal to corresponding one of signal-receiving ports of a directional control valve by rotational operation of a steering wheel. The articulated construction vehicle includes a lever-operated, electrical control device for outputting an electrical signal by tilt operation of a lever, a controller for receiving the electrical signal from the control device to output an electrical signal concerning the operation of the lever, a signal converter for converting the electrical signal into a pilot signal and outputting the pilot signal to a corresponding signal-receiving port of the directional control valve to switch the control valve, and a selector of an operation system.
US08087481B2 Dual lever steering controls with control stops
Dual lever steering controls with control stops are provided for a zero turning radius mower. Each control arm is mounted to a neutral position lever that is pivotable between a full forward drive position and a full reverse drive position. Each control stop is mounted to block the control arm and neutral position lever from pivoting to a position under a minimum forward speed. Each control stop may be biased to the minimum forward speed position, and also may be pivotable between an operating position and a non-operating position.
US08087479B2 Drill bit with an adjustable steering device
A drill bit is provided that includes a force application device on a body of the drill bit. The force application device includes a force application member pivotally coupled to the drill bit and configured to extend from the drill bit body to apply force on a wellbore wall when the drill bit is used to drill a wellbore, and an actuator configured to actuate the force application member to apply force on a wellbore wall during drilling of the wellbore.
US08087477B2 Methods and apparatuses for measuring drill bit conditions
Drill bits and methods of measuring drill bit conditions are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit bearing at least one cutting element and adapted for coupling to a drill string. The drill bit may also comprise a chamber formed within the bit and configured for maintaining a pressure substantially near a surface atmospheric pressure while drilling the subterranean formation. In addition, the drill bit may comprise at least one optical sensor disposed in the chamber and configured for sensing at least one physical parameter exhibited by the drill bit while drilling a subterranean formation.
US08087476B2 System and method for damping vibration in a drill string using a magnetorheological damper
A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a magnetorheological fluid valve assembly having a supply of a magnetorheological fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil for inducing a magnetic field that alters the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to flow between the first and second chambers, thereby increasing the damping provided by the valve. A remnant magnetic field is induced in one or more components of the magnetorheological fluid valve during operation that can be used to provide the magnetic field for operating the valve so as to eliminate the need to energize the coils during operation except temporarily when changing the amount of damping required, thereby eliminating the need for a turbine alternator power the magnetorheological fluid valve. A demagnetization cycle can be used to reduce the remnant magnetic field when necessary.
US08087471B2 Agricultural implement with improved tillage point
An agricultural implement includes a framework configured to be towed behind a vehicle, and a plurality of shanks mounted to the framework and configured to engage the soil. A tillage point is mounted on each shank. Each shank tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.
US08087466B2 Centralization and running tool and method
The invention relates to a centralization and running tool (CTR) in a subsea installation in connection with offshore related oil and gas exploration, where the subsea installation (SCM) is arranged to be placed on the ocean bottom or a drilling template and comprises a pipe-formed body (10), at least partially open at the top and extended, arranged to receive and carry through a drill stem (12) from a drilling rig or a drilling vessel. The centralization and running tool (20) is arranged to surround the drill stem (12) and to be placed in the pipe-formed body (10), and the centralization and running tool (20) comprises, together with the drill stem (12), a rotary packing housing (22) with a number of seals (24,26) that lie against the drill stem (12), and the packing housing (22), in accordance with the movements of the drill stem (12), is arranged for radial movement to take up angular deviations of the drill stem (12). The invention also relates to a method to provide a fluid-tight seal against a drill stem (12) and against the surroundings in a subsea installation.
US08087463B2 Multi-position hydraulic actuator
A method of actuating a well tool utilizing first and second pressure sources includes the steps of: placing an actuator chamber in communication with the first pressure source, thereby displacing a piston from a first position to a second position; and then placing another chamber in communication with the second pressure source, thereby displacing the piston to a third position. A multi-position actuator includes an operating member which displaces to operate a well tool, a first position of the operating member corresponding to a pressure source being in communication with a chamber and another pressure source being in communication with another chamber, a second position of the operating member corresponding to the same pressure source being in communication with both of the chambers, and a third position of the operating member corresponding to the pressure sources being connected to the chambers oppositely to that of the first position.
US08087461B2 Logging while producing apparatus and method
Production logging apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises a coupling module, an electronic module, a micro-winch, a docking station, and a micro-production logging tool. The coupling module provides mechanical support for the production logging apparatus below a pumping arrangement disposed in a wellbore, and allows flow to enter the pumping arrangement. The electronic module comprises a winch controller, a powering module and a telemetry module, and adapted to automate the micro-winch. The docking station comprises a latching mechanism for ensuring positive engagement of a micro-production logging tool with the production logging apparatus during docking. And the micro-production logging tool comprises at least one sensor and is coupled to the micro-winch by a cable for regular production logging runs to measure the evolution of well characteristics.
US08087460B2 Granular electrical connections for in situ formation heating
A method for heating a subsurface formation using electrical resistance heating is provided. In one aspect, the method includes creating a passage in the subsurface formation between a first wellbore located at least partially within the subsurface formation, and a second wellbore also located at least partially within the subsurface formation. An electrically conductive granular material is placed into the passage so as to provide electrical communication between the first wellbore and the second wellbore. Electrically conductive members are provided in the first wellbore and second wellbore so as to form an electrically conductive flow path comprised of the electrically conductive members, the granular material, and a power source. An electrical current is established through the electrically conductive flow path, thereby resistively heating at least a portion of the conductive members which in turn heats the subsurface formation.
US08087457B2 Method for a short-term well operation by means of an electrically-powered submersible pumping unit (Kuzmichev method)
A method of short-term well operation using a submersible impeller pump unit is disclosed, the method includes the steps of alternating pumping a liquid out of a well and accumulating a liquid in the well, and adjusting an average integral-in-time capacity of the unit by changing a proportion between time intervals of pumping the liquid out and accumulating the liquid. The method further includes adjusting a pressure produced by the unit during the time interval of pumping the liquid out of the well, selecting a time interval of a complete operational cycle of the unit to have a production rate reduction factor greater than 0.95 as compared to continuous well operation, and selecting a factor of cyclic time interval of unit-turning-on equal to a ratio of the time intervals of pumping the liquid out and the complete operational cycle of the unit such that the factor is less than 50%.
US08087453B2 Programmable controlled heat dissipating fan
A programmable controlled heat dissipating fan is comprised of a base, a stator assembly, a magnet frame assembly, a fan blade assembly, an inductor set, a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The stator assembly is firmly installed in the base, while the magnet assembly is sleeved into the periphery of the stator assembly. The fan blade assembly is rotated through the alternatively changing magnetic field produced by the stator winding and magnet frame, while the second circuit board is rotated and powered by electromagnetic coupling. The data content stored in the data repository is loaded by the microprocessor to drive the light emitting unit to display.
US08087452B2 Contact cooling device
A high performance cold plate cooling device including multiple, relatively thin plates, each having patterns formed thereon that, as arranged within the device, cause turbulence in a fluid passing within the cooling device. Adjacent plates within the cooling device are arranged such that fluid channels within their patterns are arranged crosswise. One or more barriers extending at least a portion of the length of the device separate the crosswise channels into two or more flow sections and increase uniformity of thermal performance over the active plate area. Manufacturing of the device includes stacking the plates in an alternating fashion such that the channels within the pattern of each plate are crosswise with respect to the channels in the pattern of an adjacent plate and adjacent barrier walls abut.
US08087447B2 Method for checking wall thickness of hollow core airfoil
A molding technique is utilized to form the cooling channels in an airfoil for a gas turbine engine. The cooling channels are formed by lost core mold cores, which are leached away after metal has been molded around them. At least one of the mold cores is provided with a cone which will extend into the airfoil. The cone forms an opening in a wall of the airfoil, and the size of this opening is indicative of the thickness of the wall. By comparing the size to expected sizes, a determination can be made of whether the wall is of an acceptable thickness at locations where it is difficult to otherwise measure the wall.
US08087446B2 Method and apparatus for production of a cast component
A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential.
US08087436B2 Modular connector
A modular connector system that permits changes to the connector, for example changes in the type of connection interface that is used and/or changes in the type of actuator that is used to actuate the connector. By making parts of the connector changeable, the connector can be changed so as to be able to connect to different fluid systems. This eliminates the need to have separate connectors for different fluid systems.
US08087430B1 Leak detecting hose
A leak detecting hose for transporting fluid. The hose has an inner and outer layer. The outer layer circumscribes the inner layer. A transition layer is located between the inner and outer layer, and the transition layer provides a flow path for the fluid in the hose when the inner layer is breached. A first conductive wire is placed in contact with the transition layer, and a second conductive wire is placed in contact with the transition layer. The conductive wires are adjacent to and spaced from each other. When the inner layer of the hose is breached, the first and second wires will contact the fluid in the flow path. The conductive wires are radially equidistant from the center of the hose and helically wound around the inner layer. The transition layer may include reinforcement material, which can have filaments that provide a flow path for the fluid.
US08087429B2 System and method for a pump with reduced form factor
Embodiments of the present invention provide pumps with features to reduce form factor and increase reliability and serviceability. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide features for gentle fluid handling characteristics. Embodiments of the present invention can include a pump having a motor driven feed stage pump and a motor driven dispense stage pump. The feed stage motor and the feed stage motor can include various types of motors and the pumps can be rolling diaphragm or other pumps. According to one embodiment, a dispense block defining the pump chambers and various flow passages can be formed out of a single piece of material.
US08087425B2 Hose and tubing assemblies and mounting systems and methods
A hose assembly includes a length of hose and a bracket. The bracket includes a rigid insert and a resilient overmold encapsulating at least a portion of the insert and mechanically bonding with at least a portion of an exterior of the hose. A method to produce this assembly may employ thermoplastic injection molding and include the steps of associating the rigid insert with the length of hose and overmolding the rigid insert and a section of the length of hose associated with the rigid insert with the resilient material, thereby encapsulating a portion of the insert and mechanically bonding the resilient material with the section of the length of the hose. A portion of the rigid insert may extend from the bracket and provide amounting holes and a bearing surface for mounting fasteners.
US08087418B2 Deaeration device and ultrasonic cleaning device using the same
A deaeration device for bubbling dissolved air in the cleaning liquid by cavitation is connected on a cleaning-liquid circulation path so as to bubble the dissolved air in the cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning-liquid circulation path, and the bubbled dissolved air flows back to the cleaning tank together with the cleaning liquid so that the bubbled dissolved air is ejected from the liquid surface of the cleaning tank to the outside of the tank. Moreover, a propeller-type pump is used as the circulating pump, and the dissolved air concentration of the cleaning liquid is controlled within a range of 2.5 to 3.5 mg/l.
US08087417B2 Cosmetic applicator
The applicator for cosmetics has one or more plies with scoring to form a handle area and a sample area. The scoring upon the top ply guides the applicator to bend into a handle area grasped by a woman's fingers and the sample area has a slight bow to apply eye shadow or other powdered cosmetic as the woman sees fit. The sample area has embossing in the bottom ply to retain pre-deposited cosmetics for further sampling.
US08087414B2 Machine for styling hair in the form of long locks of hair entwined in dreadlocks
Machine for styling hair in the form of long locks of hair entwined in dreadlocks includes a container body accommodating an electric or pneumatic motor. There is a handle which, in its lower front part, forms a nose through which an interchangeable harpoon needle projects, the needle being provided with at least one traction harpoon and being installed in a particular rotary position with the aid of removable device. The container body has a switch above and behind the nose. The electric or pneumatic motor has a regulator for the speed and has a shaft, which extends parallel to the interchangeable harpoon needle, rotationally coupled to it.
US08087407B2 Conveyor oven apparatus and method
An oven according to some embodiments includes an oven chamber in which food is cooked, a heating element, a fan, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the oven chamber, a remote input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the remote input device and to change the fan or heating element based at least in part upon the signal received from the remote input device. In a method of operating the oven according to some embodiments, the oven enters an operating mode from an energy-savings mode responsive to receiving an signal from a remote device.
US08087405B2 Bow-type soft projectile launcher
A projectile launcher for launching soft projectiles. The projectile launcher features a pump assembly having a cylinder and piston. The piston includes a pump grip so that a pressure charge is generated when the user moves the piston. The pressure charge is released into a chamber which contains a soft projectile. The chamber includes a radius bend joining a projectile receiving orifice to a projectile discharging orifice. The pressure charge is introduced proximate the apex of the radius bend.
US08087394B2 Dual-level combustion chamber system, for fastener driving tool, having dual-level rotary valve mechanism incorporated therein
A combustion chamber system, for use in connection with internal combustion powered fastener-driving tools, comprises a dual-level combustion chamber comprising first and second pre-combustion and main combustion chambers, and a dual-level rotary valve mechanism which is operatively connected to the dual-level combustion chamber so as to control the intake of the air/fuel mixture as well as the scavenging or purging of the exhaust gases or combustion products. The first and second pre-combustion and main combustion chambers are also separated by a plate having a plurality of apertures defined therein whereby multiple jets or flame fronts are defined throughout the combustion chamber system.
US08087393B2 Zero float valve for internal combustion engine and method of operation thereof
A valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine, the valve apparatus including: a main part having a wall section defining a valve cavity extending along a longitudinal length of the main part and an opening located in the wall section of the main part, the opening flow connected to the combustion chamber; an outer part configured and arranged so as to be reciprocally located in the valve cavity, the outer part having a wall section defining an inner passage extending along a longitudinal axis thereof; an inner part having a first end situated outside of the cavity and a second end situated within the cavity and the inner passage of the outer part, the inner part having a wall section defining an inner passage, a first opening at the first end, and one or more openings in that part of the walled section which is situated within the cavity.
US08087392B2 Variable valve actuation system
A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system may comprise a rocker arm that includes first, second and third contact surfaces. The first contact surface may contact the engine valve. A hydraulic lost motion system may contact the rocker arm at the second contact surface, and a mechanical valve train element may contact the rocker arm at the third contact surface. The lost motion system may include a slave piston with a valve seating device incorporated therein. The lost motion system and the mechanical valve train element may be provided side by side at the end of the rocker arm opposite that of the engine valve.
US08087391B2 Apparatus and methodology for rocker arm assembly
One possible embodiment of the invention is essentially an apparatus and methodology for mounting a rocker arm assembly to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine comprising of at least a unitary stanchion to which multiple rocker arms may be moveably connected. In least one embodiment, the unitary stanchion may comprise a base from which project multiple rows of pedestals. Two of more of these rows may be set in essentially parallel orientation, which further defines a primary space in which a portion of the rocker arm is located. The unitary stanchion may be secured to the cylinder head thorough multiple rows of fasteners. The footprint of the base of unitary stanchion could allow the unitary stanchion to possibly act as generally efficient external buttress for generally providing greater support across the top of the cylinder head.
US08087387B2 Special rawhide holding device for pets
A unique pet device that is used to hold “chewable” objects for pets such as rawhide bones, carrots and other consumables. The device for pets may be used with dogs, cats, ferrets and other animals that have a proclivity to chew. The device is comprised of a unique combination of a base support with special features, a bone or object holding structure with special integral or discrete components and features, and an optional hold down lid or top to assist the containment of the rawhide or chew toy that is being held by the device. The device is made of high quality, durable material that is pet safe and non-toxic to animals and humans.
US08087385B2 Pet carrier access portal
An access portal for a pet carrier allows a pet owner to insert a hand into the pet carrier but prevents the animal contained therein from escaping through the access portal. The access portal may be blocked by an elastic barrier with an aperture that stretches to allow the pet owner to gain access to the interior of the pet carrier. Doors covering the access portal on the inside and/or the outside of the carrier may also be used instead of, or in conjunction with the elastic barrier.
US08087382B2 Method and arrangement for animal management
A method is provided for managing animals (10) in a milking system which comprises a milking stall (11) provided with a milking apparatus (13) for milking the animals, a gate arrangement (18a-b; 18a-b, 32; 55a-b) allowing the animals to enter said milking stall, one at a time, from at least two different locations, and a control device (15) which holds and updates a milking suitability index for each of the animals. According to the method a first animal is identified and received at a first location, and a milking suitability index for the first animal is retrieved. A second animal is identified and received at a second location, and a milking suitability index for the second animal is retrieved. The milking suitability indexes for the first and second animals are compared and an animal at either one of said first and second locations is allowed to enter the milking stall depending on the outcome of the comparison.
US08087380B2 Evaporative system for solar cell fabrication
A plurality of chamber are arranged about a transport chamber. The linear transport chamber may include a linear track supporting robot arms. The robot arms transport substrates to and from the chambers. Each chamber includes a plurality of evaporators, each controlled independently. Each substrate positioned in the chamber is coated from a plurality of the evaporators, such that by controlling the operation of each evaporator independently the formation of the layers and the concentration gradient of each layer can be precisely controlled.
US08087379B2 Localized plasma processing
A method of localized plasma processing improves processing speed and reduces work piece damage compared to charged particle beam deposition and etching. In one embodiment, a plasma jet exits a plasma generating chamber and activates a reactive gas. A jet of plasma and reactive gas impacts and processes the work piece. Because the plasma and the ions in the reactive gas can have low kinetic energy, there can be little or no surface damage. This is particularly useful for deposition processes. When it is desired to etch material, the reactive ions can be more energetic to enhance etching.
US08087376B2 Coating apparatus
The present invention has as an object to provide a coating apparatus for forming a coating film on each of many lenses in a short time. To attain this object, in the coating apparatus for a lens according to the invention, a lens support portion of a lens centering device, a lens support portion of a lens spinning device, and a lens support portion of a lens drying device are arranged at equal distances. A pair of lens holding portions of a lens transport device are provided at the same distance as the distance between the lens support portions. The first lens holding portion of the lens holding portions transports the lens from the lens support portion of the centering device to the lens support portion of the applicator device, and the second lens holding portion of the lens holding portions simultaneously transports the lens from the lens support portion of the applicator device to the lens support portion of the drying device.
US08087366B2 Needle threader for sewing machine
A needle threader for a sewing machine includes a threading mechanism including a threading hook mounted on a lower end of a threading shaft and a thread guide member. The threading hook and the thread guide member are movable among a thread guide preparation position where the threading hook and the thread guide member are located near a height position of a needle clamp, a threading operation position where a threading operation is carried out with the threading hook being level with an eye of a needle, and a retreat position which is located above the thread guide preparation position and to which the threading hook and the thread guide member are retreated. A vertical moving mechanism moves the threading shaft vertically so that the threading mechanism is moved among the thread guide preparation position, the threading operation position and the retreat position.
US08087364B2 Assembly of pallet component and fasteners
An assembly of a pallet component and fasteners makes a pallet on which various kinds of objects can be placed and which is movable by a forklift. The pallet component includes two outer unit members and an intermediate connector. Each outer unit member has an inner side formed with spaced projections and concavely provided with spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto. The spaced projections of each outer unit member correspond in position to and are therefore receivable in the spaced receiving recesses of the other outer unit member. The intermediate connector is bilaterally provided with connecting sections that have different orientations. The working end of each connecting section has spaced projections and spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto so as to connect with the corresponding outer unit member. Thus, a pallet can be easily made according to the widths of objects to be placed on the pallet.
US08087363B2 Rail car collision system
A rail car collision system is disclosed that includes a front face and an underframe having a first anticlimber. The first anticlimber protrudes from and extends across at least a portion of the front face at a first position. At least one second anticlimber extends along at least a portion of the front face at a second position that is vertically different than the first position.
US08087357B2 Process for creating a unit dose product with a printed water soluble material
A process for selectively and repeatedly printing at least two graphics onto a water soluble material to create a randomized print for unit dose products.
US08087356B2 Handling device of a printing press
A handling device of a printing press, in particular for handling printing plates during an automated change of printing plates on a printing unit of a printing press, is disclosed. The handling device has a manipulator arm, where a manipulator head is allocated to one end of the manipulator arm, which head features a handling element, in particular a holding element for printing plates. The manipulator arm is of a multi-piece design of several segments, where a swivel axis is included on each end of each segment, around which axis at least the respective segment can be swiveled, and where a separate drive for providing the respective swivel motion is allocated to each swivel axis.
US08087355B2 Method of treating on-press developable lithographic printing plate
A method of treating an on-press developable lithographic printing plate with a treating solution after imagewise exposure and before on-press development is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer developable with ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a radiation. The plate is imagewise exposed with a radiation, overall treated with a treating solution to cause at least one chemical or physical change in the photosensitive layer or on the substrate surface, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. Such a treatment allows improvement on the performance of the imagewise exposed plate by, for example, improving the white light stability, forming visible imaging, increasing the hydrophilicity of the substrate, or increasing the developability of the photosensitive layer.
US08087354B2 Method of forming visible image for on-press developable lithographic printing plate
A method of forming visible image on an on-press developable lithographic printing plate is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer developable with ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a radiation. The plate is imagewise exposed with a radiation, overall treated with a discoloring agent to form visible image or enhanced visible image, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. The formation of visible image allows easy identification or inspection of the plate by the pressman before mounting on press.
US08087351B2 Passive thermal insert for temperature-controlled trays and food service counters
Temperature control is provided to food dispensing vessels like condiment dispensers that are too tall to be stored in a shallow, temperature-controlled tray or basin by using inclined or tilted, thermally-conductive tubes placed inside a temperature-controlled tray. Thermal insulating covers improve the thermal efficiency of the tubes.
US08087349B2 Rotary screw blancher
A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.
US08087347B2 Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages
An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head suitable for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid cartridge. The brew head comprises an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head, a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine, and a closure mechanism moveable between open and closed configurations. The insert comprises a receptacle and sealing means, the receptacle having an opening through which, in use, a quantity of beverage ingredients may be loaded into the receptacle, a lower portion of the insert comprising an inlet and an outlet. In use, on insertion of the insert into the brew head of the beverage preparation machine and movement of the closure mechanism into the closed position the sealing means is contactable with, and sealable against, the brew head to thereby close the opening of the receptacle to define a I brewing volume containing the quantity of beverage ingredients, and on inserting the insert into the brew head the inlet and outlet of the insert are arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head such that, in use, water from the inlet of the brew head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew head.
US08087341B2 Personal protection apparatus for vehicles
The invention provides a personal protection apparatus for use in vehicles comprising: a behind-the-seat ballistic shield provided with support means extending to the floor of the vehicle for distributing a weight component of the shield, and a deployable protective ballistic shield and visor articulately linked to the behind-the-seat ballistic shield for protecting the upper chest, neck and head areas of a driver and displaceable between an active deployed position in front of the driver and a storage position.
US08087340B2 Composite treatment of ceramic tile armor
An improved ceramic tile armor has a core of boron nitride and a polymer matrix composite (PMC) facing of carbon fibers fused directly to the impact face of the tile. A polyethylene fiber composite backing and spall cover are preferred. The carbon fiber layers are cured directly onto the tile, not adhered using a separate adhesive so that they are integral with the tile, not a separate layer.
US08087339B2 Armor system
An armor system and method for the interior of a structure to be protected wherein releasable fastener material is secured to an inside wall of the structure and at least a first armor panel includes, in one example, a spacer layer, a ceramic hard face layer behind the spacer layer, a ballistic material behind the ceramic energy absorber layer, an encapsulant about the spacer layer, the ceramic energy absorber layer, and the ballistic material. Releasable fastener material is on the encapsulant adjacent the spacer layer for mating the panel to the inside wall of the structure.
US08087338B1 Firearm suppressor with slip and capacitance chambers
A firearm noise suppressor having an internal base frame member with a plurality of inserts mounted thereto. In one form the suppressor is provided with a slip chamber allowing gas to be forwarded to a longitudinally forward chamber for pre-compression of gas therein.
US08087335B2 Systems and methods for repeating area denial
Systems and methods inhibit locomotion of a human or animal target in a denial zone. Acquiring the target includes forming a prediction of at least two locations of impact on the target and testing the prediction according to criteria that may include whether the locations are within a boundary corresponding to the target and whether the locations are separated by a minimum physical and/or electrical distance. The two locations may serve for conducting a current through the target for impeding locomotion by the target. The current may be repeated in response to determining that locomotion was not sufficiently impeded. Determination may depend on analysis of video of the target.
US08087334B2 Sectioning instrument
A sectioning instrument fabricates a section having an accurate and uniform thickness to be carried to a next step automatically without deforming a surface of an embedded block and while observing the surface of the embedded block. The sectioning instrument includes a sample base for fixing an embedded block, a cutter for fabricating a section by sectioning the embedded block, a carrier for carrying the section, and a feed mechanism for moving the sample base in a predetermined feed direction. The carrier includes a belt, a direction switching portion provided on an upper side of the cutter, and a rear roller. The belt is inserted to between the cutter and the direction switching portion from a rear side of the cutter, folded back to an upper side by the direction switching portion and is reeled back to the rear side of the cutter by the rear roller substantially in parallel with the feed direction of the feed mechanism in a plane view.
US08087333B2 Method for press punching a hole in sheet metal and press die
A punch unit for a press die is provided for punching a hole in sheet metal. The punch unit includes a piercing punch provided with a sharp projection, a plunger for pressing the piercing punch, a cylinder for supporting the piercing punch and the plunger slidably in a punching direction, and a coil spring for retracting the piercing punch and the plunger. Also disclosed is a press die for punching a hole in sheet metal using the punch unit.
US08087332B2 Lathe
In order to improve a lathe comprising a machine frame, a spindle housing which is arranged on the machine frame and in which a workpiece spindle rotatable about a spindle axis is arranged, as well as at least one functional unit designed as a tool carrier and/or as a workpiece transport device in such a manner that as efficient a machining as possible of the workpiece is possible, it is suggested that the spindle housing be designed as an upright housing member, that the upright housing member be arranged on one side of a working space and border on it and that several functional units be arranged on the upright housing member.
US08087329B2 Screwdriver for bone screws
In a screwdriver for bone screws, having a handle and rotationally fixedly held thereon a shaft, the free end of which has a non-circular cross section and is insertable in a positively locked manner in a non-circular receiving opening in the head of a bone screw, at least one expander element being mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction in the shaft and so as to slide, when displaced in the longitudinal direction, along a slide surface in the area of the free end of the shaft in such a way that it projects laterally over the contour of the shaft, in order to simplify the actuation of the at least one expander element, it is proposed that the at least one expander element be pretensioned by an elastic spring element in the direction towards the free end of the shaft and be retractable against the action of the spring element in the shaft until it no longer projects laterally over the contour of the shaft.
US08087328B2 Adjustable one way screw remover
A tool for removing conventional one way fasteners that includes, generally, a member, a collar, and, a shaft that can be removably received by the collar, wherein in the shaft is configured to engage regions of the fastener head. The collar is adjustable to fit fastener heads of different sizes. The member can be configured to correspond to a threaded portion of the outer surface of the collar. The collar may also have a bottom portion that includes multiple splines.
US08087326B2 Low profile wrench and method
A member may be rotated by engaging the member with a drive element and rotating the drive element in a single direction such that rotation in an opposite direction is prevented.
US08087323B2 Gear transmission with reduced transmission wall housing deflection
A gear transmission is provided including at least a first and a second shaft with substantially fixed and substantially parallel axes of rotation, a transmission housing with a first and a second wall that extends perpendicular to the axes of rotation, and a plurality of gearwheels that are rotationally fixed or rotationally fixable to the shafts. The shafts include at least one input shaft and at least one output shaft, the shafts being suspended by bearings that are seated in the first and second walls. The first wall is connected to the second wall with at least one rod in order to reduce deflections in operation of the first and second walls.
US08087320B2 Special path generating device
A special path generating device includes a base, a first axis slide assembly, a second axis slide assembly, a working portion, a driving portion, a first cam and a second cam. This first axis slide assembly includes a first bar and a first slide. The second axis slide assembly includes a second bar and a second slide. This working portion is mounted on the second slide that has two contacting portions. The driving portion is mounted on the base. When the driving portion drives the driving shaft rotating, the first cam and the second cam rotate accordingly and makes the working portion generating a special path. It can generate a constant-speed circular movement. It is easy to control. In addition, its volume is small.
US08087319B2 Transmission including a park arrangement with combination detent/latch
A transmission for a vehicle includes a shift rail movable in a longitudinal direction. The shift rail carries a fork engaging a shift collar. A shift block carried by the shift rail includes a latch and a detent. The latch is latchable with the shift rail for preventing longitudinal movement of the shift rail. A cross shaft extending transverse to the shift rail carries a shift arm engageable with the shift block.
US08087316B2 Flat yoke valve actuator
A Scotch yoke actuator is disclosed with a dual yoke and a diagonally symmetric design. A pair of shafts and pushing devices apply equal, opposing forces to the yoke, causing end loading forces applied to a rotatable shaft attached to the center of the yoke to be cancelled. In embodiments, the weight of the pushing devices is balanced about the yoke, each shaft extends in only one direction from the yoke, and/or the shafts are supported only by the yoke and the pushing devices. In embodiments that use yoke pins, the yoke pins include rollers or bearings to reduce friction, and/or two pair of yoke pin slots support protruding ends of the yoke pins. The yoke pin slots can extend to edges of a yoke housing face, allowing easy shaft removal and reinstallation, and each shaft can include a split end with extensions on opposing sides of the yoke.
US08087313B2 Method for determining expected water uptake in hygroscopic material
Some embodiments relate to methods and processes for determining how a range of weather conditions can affect a selected physical parameter of a material. In some embodiments the weather conditions can include relative humidity and/or temperature, and the selected physical parameter can be mass and or dimensions. For instance, some embodiments can be used to estimate the amount of water that a material may be expected to absorb under in-service conditions. In some embodiments the amount of water can defined by a range bounded by amounts observed at opposing extremes of simulated conditions.
US08087312B2 Automotive transmission shift system linear measurement device
A measurement device includes a base extending along a longitudinal axis, an input connector configured for attachment to a shifter assembly of a vehicle and a clamp configured for attachment to a linkage support bracket of the vehicle. The measurement device measures the linear displacement of a linkage interconnecting the shifter assembly and a transmission of the vehicle in response to movement of the shifter assembly between a first position and a second position. A scale is attached to the input connector and slideably supported by the clamp. A scale reader is attached to the base for measuring linear movement of the scale in response to movement of the shifter assembly between the first and second positions. Preferably, the scale and the scale reader comprise a digital measuring unit having a digital display for displaying the measured linear movement.
US08087311B2 Remote pipe inspection using a mounted camera and sensor
Inspecting an interior portion of a pipe system. An imaging device includes a camera that is fixedly attached to an interior surface of a pipe. The camera captures a plurality of images of an interior portion of a pipe. The imaging device is connected to a data communication network and transmits data over the data communication network. The data includes image signals representative of the captured images. A computing device, also connected to the data communication network, receives the data transmitted over the data communication network by the imaging device. The computing device is remotely located with respect to the imaging device.
US08087310B2 Interconnect for MEMS device including a viscoelastic septum
Provided is a micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) device for use with an elongate structure. The MEMS device includes a generally planar substrate, a device wall layer formed upon the substrate, a septum cavity formed in the device wall layer, a channel formed in the device wall layer in fluid communication with the septum cavity, and a septum element disposed in the septum cavity. The septum element is formed of a viscoelastic material. The septum element defines a septum entry surface and a septum exit surface with the septum exit surface being exposed to the channel and disposed between the septum entry surface and the channel. The septum element is without any openings formed through the septum element extending between the septum entry and exit surfaces. Methods of manufacturing and interacting with the MEMS device are also provided.
US08087309B2 Hermetic sample holder and method for performing microanalysis under controlled atmosphere environment
A hermetic sample holder for use in performing microanalysis of a sample under a controlled atmosphere environment. The sample holder comprises a sample holder body with a sample cavity to receive the sample and a cover movably mounted to the holder body between an open position to allow access to the cavity and a closed position to seal the cavity. The cover is secured in and released from the closed position at least in part by a pressure differential between the cavity and the ambient atmosphere. The cover may be biased toward the open position. The cover may be pivotally mounted about an axis that is perpendicular to a sealing surface of the cover and/or movable in a direction along the pivot axis. A valve may be provided to allow direct evacuation of the cavity to create a pressure differential. An adjustable clamp may be located in the cavity to secure the sample.
US08087307B2 Removal of particulates from gas sampling stream
A sample probe includes a sample probe tip filter and a deflector disposed in relation to the sample probe tip filter, where the deflector is operable to deflect particles in a gas stream away from the sample probe tip filter.
US08087303B2 Product dispensing system
A flow sensor includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. A diaphragm assembly is configured to be displaced whenever the fluid within the fluid chamber is displaced. A transducer assembly is configured to monitor the displacement of the diaphragm assembly and generate a signal based, at least in part, upon the quantity of fluid displaced within the fluid chamber.
US08087300B2 Edible wafer products produced by extrusion
The present invention relates to edible wafers, in particular to extruded wafers and to the use of these wafers in confectionery.
US08087297B2 Vibrating debris remover
A system and a retrofit kit for removing debris from a surface of a material. At least one vibration subunit is provided which is either embedded within or operatively connected to a back surface of the material. The vibration subunits are capable of converting a driving energy to a vibrating mechanical output energy which is coupled to the material. At least one external energy source is provided which is operatively connected to the vibration subunits. The external energy source is capable of providing the driving energy to the vibration subunits. The vibrating mechanical energy is capable of causing debris to be removed from the surface of the material.
US08087286B2 Method for checking the permeability rate of a closed container
In a method for checking the permeability rate of a closed container (3) with respect to a medium, in particular for checking the permeability rate of a film-type container for accommodating a film container for accommodating a pharmaceutical active constituent formulation, the container (3) is filled with a medium, charged with a gas, and the increase in the amount of medium in the gas is then analysed.
US08087285B2 Apparatus and method for a seal immersion test with aerated fluid
A test apparatus for testing fluid seals within an aerated fluid includes a container and a fluid located within the container. A plurality of seal coupons are submerged within the fluid in the container. An air supply is connected to the container to aerate the fluid within the container. Testing the seal coupons includes flowing air from the air supply through the fluid to contact the seal coupons. After the air has contacted the seal coupons then the plurality of seal coupons are removed from the fluid. A value for at least one characteristic of the seal coupons is then compared with a standard value.
US08087284B2 Method and apparatus for measuring particle characteristics through mass detection
Method for measuring a target particle property. A suspended microchannel resonator is calibrated to determine the relationship between a detected mass and a resonance frequency shift of the resonator. The target particle is suspended in a fluid and introduced into the resonator, and the resonator frequency shift due to the particle is measured. Target particle mass is calculated from the resonator frequency shift, the target particle density, and the fluid density. A target particle property such as size or volume is determined from the calculated target particle mass.
US08087279B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing a legged annular member
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a legged annular member. In one aspect, a work member is formed from a ring-like raw material, and has an annular part and an outer wall part, which is formed from a leg part and a connecting part. The connecting part is removed from the work member to form an intermediate legged annular member having an annular part and a leg part. An inner diameter of the leg part of the intermediate legged annular member is expanded while a burr is removed to form a carrier, which serves as a legged annular member. Therefore, the number of manufacturing processes until completion of the carrier can be reduced, compared to performing separate processes to expand the diameter of the leg part and remove the burr. Thus, it is possible to shorten the period of time needed for completion of the carrier.
US08087266B2 Laundry machine
A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam generation unit for generating steam, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam generation unit into the lower part of the drum.
US08087256B2 Cooling methods and systems using supercritical fluids
The methods and systems using supercritical fluids for cooling of objects with high thermal emissions are disclosed. The unique thermodynamic properties of supercritical fluids combined with microchannel cooling technology allow effective absorption of the waste heat and exclude “vapor lock”, “boiling crisis”, and other deficiencies of conventional two-phase liquid cooling.
US08087255B2 Air-conditioning system for aircraft
Air-conditioning system (10) for aircraft, in particular for commercial aircraft, with a bleed air source (12), a bleed air line (22-30) comprising a main valve (16), and an air-conditioning unit (32), wherein a mass air flow conveyed from the bleed air source (12) through the bleed air line (22-30) to the air-conditioning unit (32) can be controlled by means of the main valve (16). According to the invention it is envisaged that a by-pass line (36-50, 58, 60) comprising a by-pass valve (34) and by-passing at least a part (22-26, 16) of the bleed air line, is present between the bleed air source (12) and the air-conditioning unit (32).
US08087252B2 Turbomachine combustion chamber
An annular combustion chamber for a turbomachine is disclosed. The combustion chamber includes radially internal and radially external cylindrical walls which are fixed by bolting at their upstream ends to an internal and an external annular flange of an annular chamber end wall, and an annular fairing extending in the upstream direction from the chamber end wall. The internal and external annular ends are fixed by bolting to the flanges of the chamber end wall in axial alignment with the annular ends of the walls of the chamber.
US08087247B2 Heat engine/ heat pump using centrifugal fans
An engine/heat pump is shown. Most of its parts rotate around the same central axis. It comprises two doubly connected chambers. Blades in each chamber substantially rotate with the chamber and may be firmly attached to the walls of the chamber, thus forming a modified centrifugal pump with axial input and discharge. An expandable fluid is rotated outward by one of the pumps and then heat is added for an engine or removed for a heat pump as the fluid is being sent to the outer part of the second pump. The fluid travels toward the center of the second pump, thus impelling the pump in the rotation direction. Then heat is removed for an engine or added for a heat pump as the fluid leaves the second pump and travels back to the first pump near the center of rotation. Rotation energy of the fluid is typically much larger than the circulation energy. A modified centrifugal pump with axial discharge having a casing rotating with the blades is also claimed.
US08087243B2 Internal combustion engine turbocharged by a turbocharger
The invention is intended to optimize the recovery of the residual energy contained in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion piston engine by means of a turbocharger group, in which each cylinder (1) from which the combustion gases escape through the exhaust pipe (5) is equipped with a turbine (7), and the volume (5) between the exhaust valve (3) and the inlet of the turbine (7), detrimental to the efficiency thereof, is minimized by the attachment of the turbine directly on the cylinder head of the engine without the intermediary of a collector and, the counter-pressure acting on the piston of the cylinder (1) during its exhaust upstroke is minimized owing to an adjustment of the turbine pressure by means of an additional exhaust valve (4), called a “dynamic discharge valve”, optionally equipped with a downstream throttle valve (8) in order to continuously adjust the corresponding flow rate and, consequently, the pressure of the turbine unless the control of the dynamic discharge valve (4) is not variable itself.
US08087241B2 Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
US08087235B2 Process for the removal of harmful substances from exhaust gases of combustion engines and catalyst for carrying out said process
The present invention relates to an integrated system for the treatment of exhaust gases, which preferably consists of at least one NOx-storing component, at least one in situ ammonia-generating component, at least one ammonia-storing component and at least one ammonia (NH3)-SCR-component, as well as to a process for the treatment of exhaust gas comprising at least the steps (i) storing of NOx under lean exhaust gas conditions in at least one NOx-storing component; (ii) in situ conversion of the stored NOx to ammonia (NH3) under rich exhaust gas conditions; (iii) storing of the ammonia (NH3) in at least one NH3-storing component under rich exhaust gas conditions as well as the (iv) reaction of NH3 with NOx under lean exhaust gas conditions. Thereby, the partial steps “storing of NOx” and “conversion of NH3 with NOx” are carried out at least partially and/or temporarily simultaneously and/or parallelly. Furthermore, preferred catalysts are disclosed for carrying out the process.
US08087234B2 Exhaust emission purification control device for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purification controller for controlling bed temperature of a DPF, which is arranged in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, at a target bed temperature by supplying fuel to the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas purification controller includes a control unit and a transitional state detection unit. The control unit, when controlling the bed temperature of the exhaust gas purification catalyst, learns a supply amount of fuel that allows for correction of a difference between the catalyst bed temperature and the target bed temperature in the present state and reflects a learned value obtained through the learning on the supply amount of fuel. The transitional state detection unit detects a transitional state of an exhaust gas flow to the DPF. The control unit restricts the learning when the transitional state of the exhaust gas flow is detected.
US08087230B2 Exhaust system for motor vehicles
An exhaust system for discharging exhaust gases through an exhaust passageway, emitted from a multi-cylinder combustion engine mounted on a motor vehicle includes a partition plate formed therein for dividing the exhaust passageway into a plurality of juxtaposed exhaust passages and having a communicating hole defined therein, and an exhaust gas sensor positioned at a location in proximity of the communicating hole for detecting a composition of the exhaust gases.
US08087228B2 Segmented combustor cap
A combustor cap is cooperable with an impingement plate in a turbine fuel nozzle and includes a plurality of cap segments independently securable to the impingement plate. The plurality of cap segments are radially and tangentially movable relative to the impingement plate.
US08087227B2 Connector
This invention relates to a connector, particularly to a shackle suitable for use in connecting two links of a chain or a chain to an anchor, more particularly to a connector comprising a first portion and a second portion, at least one first connector arm on the first portion and at least one second connector arm on the second portion, wherein both the first and second connector arms have multiple bearing surfaces, preferably six, and are able to engage one another when the connector is coupled by means of the bearing surfaces. The connector of the present invention has the advantage of having a break load of 1.3[0.0274 d2(44−0.08 d) kN, wherein d is the nominal diameter, and preferably a thickness of 1.3 d.
US08087226B2 Detent spring on adjustment mechanism for reel-to-bedknife clearance
An adjustment mechanism for reel-to-bedknife clearance includes an adjuster base having an internal bore, an adjustment knob attached to a rod extending through the internal bore to engage one of the reel or bedknife, and a detent spring captured between the adjuster base and the adjustment knob and biased against the adjustment member to resist rotation of the adjustment knob. The detent spring may engage radial notches on the adjustment knob at a plurality of reel-to-bedknife clearance positions.
US08087222B2 Cotton picker spindle with grease reservoir and a grease and dirt seal
A spindle assembly includes a spindle with a blind bore extending along the spindle axis from the drive gear towards the outer end to reduce spindle weight and provide a lubrication reservoir in the spindle. Cross-formed holes extend from the blind bore through to the bearing surface of the spindle. Lubricant from the spindle bars passes into the bore where it is stored and distributed to the journal areas through the small metering apertures. A very low friction seal between the outer bushing and dust collar is pressed into the spindle nut and seals against the polished chrome spindle surface. The seal allows a slight amount of lubricant passage outwardly from the bushings while limiting inward movement of dust towards the bushings.
US08087220B2 Film sealing and wrapping machine with rotary cut and seal jaw
The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage.
US08087219B2 Vacuum packaging system
A vacuum packaging system for packaging a vacuum apparatus includes a first accommodating room, a second container, a vacuum room, a first hatch, a second hatch, a delivery apparatus, a discharge device, and a heating apparatus. The delivery apparatus transports the vacuum apparatus from the first accommodating room to the vacuum room to the second accommodating room. The discharge device discharges a sealing element to seal an exhaust through hole of the vacuum apparatus. The heating apparatus is mounted on the inner wall of the vacuum room between the second hatch and the transport pipeline to heat and soften the sealing element.
US08087217B2 Method and a device for forcibly expelling a cork from a bottle of champagne or the like
The method consists in: a) screwing a spherical impact part (16) onto the body of the cork so as to extend it axially; b) orienting and holding the bottle (14) in a predetermined position such that the bottle extends below a reference level (18), the impact part (16) emerging above said level; and c) striking the impact part with a striker surface (22) situated at the end of the arm of a striker accessory (24), e.g. a golf club. This produces a sudden force on the cork of amplitude that is sufficient to forcibly expel the cork solely by the fact of striking against the impact part. The device further comprises a podium (10) defining the reference level (18) and means (30) for orienting and holding the bottle (14) in a predetermined position which may be vertical or inclined.
US08087215B2 Forming, filling and sealing machine, and methods for producing, filing and closing bags
A forming, filling and sealing machine for producing bags from semifinished products, and for filling and closing the bags, includes a plurality of processing stations. At least two processing stations of at least one first group are successively, largely linearly, arranged in the horizontal plane (x, z) in the transport direction (z) of the bags. The bags or semifinished products are transported between the processing stations by transport devices which generally include gripping devices. The machine also includes at least one second group having at least one processing station that is not linearly arranged behind the first group in the horizontal plane (x, z) in the processing direction (z) of the bags.
US08087214B1 Matchbooks having advertising media
Improved matchbooks having separable message sheets are provided for. The novel matchbooks each comprise a comb of matches having a plurality of matches and a cover. The cover is attached to and folded over the comb such that the cover substantially encloses the comb when the cover is in a first closed position and permits a consumer to access the matches in the comb when the cover is in a second open position. The cover has igniting material on the cover on which the matches may be struck and ignited. The matchbooks also have a message sheet providing a substrate on which a message may be imprinted. The message sheet is separably connected to the cover such that the message sheet is separable from the cover. Thus, the message sheet may be removed from a novel matchbook by a consumer without compromising the integrity of the matchbook.
US08087213B2 Interactive product packaging
A package and lock combination includes a package having an unopened state and including an aperture, and a lock contained within the package. The lock includes a first portion and a second portion moveable relative to the first portion for operating the lock. The first portion is substantially fixed within the package, and the second portion extends through the aperture so that the lock is operable while the lock is contained within the package and the package is in the unopened state.
US08087208B2 Frame member fastening device and method of manufacture
A frame member fastening device and method of manufacture provides a single configuration fastening device which can be used singly in connection with a frame member, or which can be combined with another identical fastening device to form a fastening device assembly for use with frame members of different internal widths, by interlocking two identical fastening devices in an opposed, base-to-base assembly configuration. The fastening device is manufactured in a progressive metal forming process with successive stages in which the features of the device are formed.
US08087205B2 Fire-rated wall construction product
The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.
US08087204B1 Sealing cap for intermediate anchor system
A sealing cap for an anchor of a post-tension anchorage system has a tubular body, a flange formed on an end of the tubular body, and a seal positioned adjacent an interior wall of the tubular body. The flange has a connector formed on a circumferential surface thereof for detachably engaging the flange with a tubular section of the anchor. The seal is positioned against the interior wall of the tubular body. The seal has a tubular shape so as to extend entirely around the interior wall. The seal is positioned in liquid-tight relation between the interior wall of the tubular body and a sheathed portion of a tendon extending from the anchor. The seal is inserted between the sheathed portion and the interior wall of the tubular body.
US08087203B2 Waveguide for a radio frequency door
A waveguide for a radio frequency door like that used in a medical imaging room allows intravenous lines and electrical conduits to be inserted through the door frame without being disconnected from the patient. The waveguide includes a door frame section, and a removable, telescoping or pivoting movable member that cooperates with the door frame section to retain the conduits. The movable member is positioned away from the door frame section during insertion and removal of the conduits from the door frame section, and is positioned adjacent the door frame section when the conduits are being retained. The dimensions and materials of the waveguide are selected to achieve attenuation of electromagnetic interference.
US08087199B2 Partial-body large game decoy
A partial-body large game decoy shiftable between a disassembled configuration and an assembled configuration. The decoy may comprise an internal support system, an elongated handle configured for selective attachment to the internal support system, and a cover having a likeness of a large game animal therein or thereon. The cover may have the internal support system disposed therein for providing a desired shape to the cover depicting head, neck, and/or shoulders of a large game animal. A user may hold the decoy by the handle from behind a visual obstacle such that the decoy appears to be a large game animal with its body and legs hidden behind the visual obstacle. In the disassembled configuration, the internal support system may be at least partially disassembled such that the cover may be folded up into a more compact configuration for transport or storage by the hunter.
US08087198B2 Combined illuminated reticle switch and focus knob for sight
A sight. A saddle is connected between an ocular housing and an objective housing. A crosshair is disposed in the ocular housing. A light-emitting element is disposed in the ocular housing, illuminating the crosshair. A focal adjustment member is disposed on the saddle, adjusting an objective focus for the sight. A key-type member is connected to the focal adjustment member and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element, controlling operation of the light-emitting element and adjusting luminous brightness thereof.
US08087196B2 Dot sighting device with large caliber
Provided is a dot sighting device with large caliber for binocular vision in which sighting can be performed rapidly and accurately by minimizing parallax. The dot sighting device is attached to and detached from a mount for a heavy machine gun. In addition, by using the dot sighting device with large caliber, a user can rapidly and accurately sight and fire a target by taking into consideration types and characteristics of the target and a distance to the target.
US08087195B2 Tree mounted apparatus
A portable apparatus, removably attached to an existing vertical support or structure, such as a tree, for providing a firearm rest or suspending articles above the ground. The apparatus may include associated vertical and a horizontal members, where the vertical member is secured to the tree using a securing device such as a cord and binder arrangement. The multi-purpose apparatus is supports a firearm such as a rifle.
US08087191B2 Device for the pixel-integrated return of fluid
An apparatus for the pixel-integrated return of fluid in the pixel of a fluidic display is characterized in that the fluid with which the desired information is to be displayed and/or the carrier fluid in which the fluid is optionally embedded can be returned in a particularly compact manner and in a manner which is invisible to an observer past the visible part of a pixel (image compartment) into a reservoir (reservoir compartment) through or out of the reservoir. The device comprises an image compartment, a reservoir compartment, a connecting duct and at least one return duct, whereby the at least one return duct is formed by the fact that the connecting duct has at least one area with an uninterruptedly enlarged cross section which transitions in a specified manner into the cross section of the original cross section.
US08087189B2 Chemically-treated outsole assembly for a golf shoe
An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.
US08087187B2 Article of footwear with support assemblies
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate positioned below the top plate, and a plurality of support assemblies extending between the upper plate and the midsole. Each support assembly includes a fluid-filled bladder and a retaining member surrounding the fluid-filled bladder.
US08087186B2 Piezoelectric-based toe-heaters for frostbite protection
A footwear including a body; a base structure; and one or more electrical energy generators disposed in the base structure for generating electrical energy upon application of an impact to the base structure. The footwear is used to produce electrical energy by impacting a base structure of the footwear; and vibrating a mass-spring unit in the base structure to generate an electrical energy.
US08087181B2 Valve body seat pocket inspection tool
A technique is provided for detecting the surface profile of a seat pocket of a gate valve. An inspection tool is used to detect data at a plurality of points around the bore of the valve. The inspection tool has a sensor that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The inspection tool is disposed within a valve body cavity with the sensor in the retracted position. The sensor of the inspection tool is then extended outward so that it is located within the portion of the bore of the valve having the surface profile to be detected. The sensor is rotated so that the sensor may obtain surface profile data at a plurality of points around the seat pocket of the valve body. The sensor of the inspection tool is connected to a processor-based device, such as a computer. The processor-based device processes the data from the sensor and provides it to a user in a form that is recognizable to the user.
US08087180B1 Adjustable picture frame wall hanging template system
The present invention is an adjustable picture frame wall hanging template system and device with adjustable elements to easily determine and visualize the placement and positioning of an object to be hung on a wall. It can be adjusted by size and shape to determine a desired size and shape of an object to be placed on a wall prior to acquisition of the object. It is light weight and can be easily handled for a single person operation and temporarily attached to the wall for hands free viewing.
US08087172B2 Method and apparatus for extended life journal assembly
A method of extending the life of a journal bearing assembly in a solid fuel pulverizer includes: removing a first lower journal bearing from a journal shaft and a lower bearing seat of a lower bearing housing; removing a first upper journal bearing from the shaft and an upper bearing seat of an upper bearing housing; modifying the lower and upper bearing seats; modifying lower and upper shoulders on the journal shaft; disposing the second lower and upper journal bearings on the modified lower and upper bearing seats; disposing a new journal bearing spacer between the second lower and upper journal bearings; disposing a new journal bearing collar between the upper shoulder and the second upper journal bearing; filling a cavity defined by the lower and upper journal housings with grease; and disposing a seal assembly between the shaft and one end of the upper journal housing opposite the lower journal housing to prevent the ingress of solid fuel into the cavity of the journal assembly.
US08087169B2 Method of manufacturing sheet metal back face pulley
A sheet metal-made cup-shaped material including a circular base plate portion and a cylindrical portion extends from an outer peripheral edge portion of the base plate portion in one direction along the axis of the base plate portion. An annular groove is formed in an upper end portion of the cylindrical portion, whereby an annular projection that projects in a direction opposite to a direction along which the cylindrical portion extends is formed in the cylindrical portion. The annular projection and the cylindrical portion are clampingly pressed to a degree at which the annular groove at least disappears, whereby the outer circumferential face of the projection and the outer circumferential face of the cylindrical portion are flush with each other. Therefore, the axial length of a sheet metal-made back face pulley is increased, and the whole of the increased axial length can be used as the effective length.
US08087166B2 Method for making an axial magnetic field vacuum fault interrupter
An improved vacuum interrupter is made. The vacuum interrupter includes a ring-shaped structure placed between a contact support structure and an electrical contact associated with the contact support structure. A resistivity of the ring-shaped structure is higher than that of the contact support structure, so that current traversing the ring-shaped structure on its way from the contact support structure to the electrical contact is evenly distributed. The ring-shaped structure may be fit into an end portion of the contact support structure, the end portion having a diameter less than an outer diameter of the support structure, but greater than an inner diameter of the support structure. Alternatively, the end portion may be used without the ring-shaped portion, in which case the electrical contact may be shaped to fit into the end portion.
US08087164B2 Printed wiring board and a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board
A method of manufacturing a printed wiring board with solder bumps includes forming a solder-resist layer having small and large apertures exposing a respective conductive pad of the printed wiring board, loading a solder ball in each of the small and large apertures using a mask with aperture areas corresponding to the apertures of the solder-resist layer, forming a first bump having a first height, from the solder ball in the small aperture, and a second bump having a second height, from the solder ball in the large aperture, the first height being greater than the second height, and pressing a top of the first bump such that the first height becomes substantially the same as the second height. A multilayer printed wiring board includes a solder-resist layer with apertures of differing sizes and solder bumps having substantially equal volumes but a difference in height no greater than 10 μm.
US08087163B2 Method of manufacturing a contact arrangement between a microelectronic component and a carrier
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a contact arrangement (10) between a microelectronic component (11) and a carrier substrate (12) and to an assembly unit (24) manufactured by this method, whereby thermal energy required in the connecting areas is achieved by exposing the back of the component to laser energy, a mechanical connecting contact (23) is formed between opposing connecting surfaces (17, 18) of the component and the carrier substrate, and at least one electrically conducting connecting contact (22) is formed between terminal faces (13, 15) of the carrier substrate and of the component arranged at an angle to one another by t least partially melting solder material, whereby the assembly unit manufactured by this method has at least one contact arrangement.
US08087161B2 Assembling device with positioning block
An assembling device for assembling an electronic device which includes a front shell, a rear shell, a lens cover mounted on one of the front and rear shells includes a supporting member and a pressing member. The supporting member includes a base and a positioning block according to the lens cover to be assembled. The base defines a well for receiving the electronic device to be assembled. The positioning block is positioned in the well and has an adjustable height relative to the bottom surface of the well. The pressing member includes a pressing portion which is configured for pressing one of the front and rear shells of the electronic device. Thereby when assembling the electronic device, the height of the positioning block can be adjusted to press or not press the lens cover depending on which of the front and rear shells is assembled.
US08087159B2 Tube expander for heat exchanger
A tube expander is configured so that only the slide body that is worn down can be removed from the slide unit means and a new slide body is attached through the fastening means easily at low cost. The tube expander is configured by a support column formed on a base; a stripper plate which presses down an end plate of the heat exchanger for defining a projection length of heat exchanger tubes, the stripper plate being reciprocally movable along a longitudinal direction of the support column; and a reference stand is connected to the stripper plate and reciprocally movable along the support column for stopping the stripper plate at a predetermined position. A part of the reference stand is slidably attached to a guide bar formed on the support column through a slide unit; and a slide body formed separately from a reference stand is attached to the slide unit located at the support column through a fastening means.
US08087157B2 Process to manufacture magnetic tunnel junction read head
Using a beam of xenon ions together with a suitable mask, a MTJ stack is ion milled until a part of it, no more than about 0.1 microns thick, has been removed so that a pedestal, having sidewalls comprising a vertical section that includes all of the free layer, has been formed. This is followed by formation of the longitudinal bias and conductive lead layers in the usual way. Using xenon as the sputtering gas enables the point at which milling is terminated to be more precisely controlled.
US08087154B2 Motor
A motor includes a core having a plurality of laminations, which are stacked together and an end-plate provided at an end surface of the core and supporting the core, wherein the end-plate is formed by pressing a hollow material in one direction thereof in order to plastically deform the hollow material in a plate-shape.
US08087151B2 Gas sensor having zinc oxide nano-structures and method of fabricating the same
A gas sensor includes zinc oxide nano-structures formed on a substrate, a plurality of metal islands coated on a surface of each zinc oxide nano-structure and separated from one another, a first electrode electrically connected to one end of each zinc oxide nano-structure through the substrate, a second electrode electrically connected to the other end of each zinc oxide nano-structure, and a current variation-measuring unit electrically connected to each of the first electrode and the second electrode so as to measure a variation in the amount of current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode. In order to form the plurality of metal islands on the zinc oxide nano-structures, a solution of metal components of a metal material is coated on the surface of each zinc oxide nano-structure.
US08087150B2 Method for shaping a lens by cutting out
A method of shaping an optical lens (100) includes at least one operation of edging along a desired outline that includes cutting through the material of the lens (100) includes a cutting-out tool (637). Cutting out includes a plurality of passes, each performed along the desired outline as a pass that is axially shallow.
US08087148B2 Structure of driving unit in drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet, a drum mounted in the tub, a shaft that transmits a driving force from a motor to the drum, front and rear bearings mounted on an outer circumference of opposite end portions of the shaft, a bearing housing built in a central portion of a rear wall of the tub to support the front bearing, a rotor coupled to the rear end portion of the shaft, a stator fixed to the tub rear wall inward of the rotor, and a connector of the rotor that serration coupled to the outer circumference of the shaft in front of the rear bearing so as to transmit rotating power from the rotor to the shaft. A bearing bracket may be fixed to the rear wall of the tub so as to cover an outside of the rotor and support the rear bearing.
US08087147B2 Method of reinforcing a plastic foam cup
A reinforced plastic foam cup including a body which defines an open top end and a closed bottom end, wherein the top end has a greater diameter than the bottom end. The body includes a reinforced tapered side wall that extends from the bottom end to the top end. A substantial portion of the reinforced tapered side wall includes a plastic foam layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a rigid material layer. Such reinforced plastic foam cup provides an improved tactile feel and enhanced insulation and rigidity properties.
US08087145B2 Alignment tool apparatus and method
An alignment apparatus and method for aligning work pieces. The alignment apparatus includes a base member and at least on adjustable leg that extends from the base member. The alignment apparatus additionally includes a vacuum plate mounted to the adjustable leg. The alignment apparatus also has a an actuator mounted to the base member wherein the actuator includes a shaft extending therefrom. The alignment apparatus includes an attachment member connected to the shaft.
US08087142B2 Pivoting tacker
A tacker for applying a rotary tack, including a drive shaft coupled to a trigger, wherein operating the trigger causes rotation of the drive shaft, a magazine that holds a rotary tack rotatingly connected to the drive shaft, and an articulated applicator arm including a rotatable output shaft rotatingly connected to the magazine, wherein the magazine is proximal to the articulated applicator arm, the articulated applicator arm including one or more pivoting links, each pivoting link including a link shaft, wherein operation of the trigger causes the driver shaft and the one or more link shafts to rotate so as to distally advance the rotary tack from the magazine past the one or more pivoting links.
US08087139B2 Replacement of air cleaner cover
A cleaner cover replacing method includes the steps of detaching a first cleaner cover from a cleaner case; placing an attachment into fitted engagement with claw hooking parts of the cleaner case, placing a second cleaner cover on the cleaner case, and causing a bolt to pass through a bolt hole of the second cleaner cover and to threadedly engage with a nut part of the attachment.
US08087138B2 Bead crimping tool
A bead crimping tool for crimping a bead element and method for use, wherein the tool includes a base handle, a crush plate member, a pair of opposed pincer members, an actuator handle, and a crush arm member. The bead element is placed on the crush plate and preferably secured in place by the crush arm. Crimping the bead includes squeezing of the actuator handle. During a first portion of such actuation, a cam portion of the actuator handle cases the pincer members to impart a lateral compressive force to a lateral portion of the bead element sufficient to collapse the bead element in a lateral direction. During a subsequent second portion of the single actuation cycle, the crush arm is caused to impart a longitudinal compressive force about a top portion of the bead element sufficient to compress the collapsed bead element in a longitudinal direction.
US08087137B2 Flat clamping hand tool structure
A flat clamping hand tool structure includes a left clamping seat having one side with a left fixing portion facing a right fixing portion on one side of a right clamping seat. The first and second fixing members move up and down in left and right mounting slots of the left and right clamping seats by left and right swing plates which are pivotally connected with upper and lower holders. The left and right clamping seats are guided to move by guiding blocks of the upper and lower holders to slide along guiding grooves of the left and right clamping seats. Left and the right arms pivot together through a first pivot member. Left and right limit portions of the left and right swing plates mesh with each other so as to drive the left and right clamping seats to carry out a clamping motion.
US08087135B2 Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator
A piezoelectric vibrator manufacturing method includes a cavity forming step for forming depressions for a cavities on at least one of two wafers; a bonding electrode film forming step for forming bonding electrode films on bonded surfaces of the both wafers; a mount pattern forming step for forming a pair of mount patterns in the cavity; a through hole forming step for forming a pair of through holes in the cavity; a through electrode forming step for forming a pair of through electrodes electrically connected with the pattern in the cavity; a mount step for electrically connecting the pattern and a piezoelectric vibrating strip, a superimposing step for superimposing the both wafers and storing getter materials; a bonding step for anodically bonding the both wafers to fabricating a wafer member; a gettering step for adjusting the degree of vacuum in the interior of the cavity while measuring a series resonance resistance value; and a cutting step for cutting the wafer member into individual pieces.
US08087130B2 Fastener
The present invention is directed to a fastener having a curved end and a head away from the curved end, wherein an object can be hooked up at the curved end, the head being provided with a narrower passage for a cord to pass through and a wider passage for a tape to pass through, the cord and the tape being used to connect to the same subject or separately to different subjects.
US08087129B2 Hinges and parts therefor
A parallel opening hinge (1) comprises a first track (3), a second track (5) and at least two pairs of pivotally connected crossing links (7, 9), wherein each pair of crossing links (7, 9) is mounted to the tracks (3, 5) via a fixed pivot (13, 17) and a movable pivot (15, 19) in each track (3, 5), wherein a connector (23) joins two movable pivots (15) in a track (5) such that the movable pivots (15) move together. Improved opening of a parallel opening vent can thereby result. Other improved features of a parallel opening hinge are also described.
US08087125B2 Suction head structure and vacuum cleaner using the same
A suction head structure (10) and a vacuum cleaner (20) using the same for adsorbing grains is provided. The suction head structure includes an accommodating room (14), a plurality of suction tubes (11), an eject tube (12), and an air inlet (13). The accommodating room is configured for accommodating grains therein. The suction tubes connect with the accommodating room. Each of the plurality of suction tubes is configured for adsorbing grain into the accommodating room. The eject tube connects with the accommodating room. The eject tube is configured for ejecting grains accommodated in the accommodating room. The air inlet connects with the eject tube. The air inlet is configured for injecting cool air into the eject tube.
US08087122B2 Cleaning systems and methods for removing foreign substances from visible surfaces on vehicles
A cleaning system for a visible surface of a vehicle having a brake system comprising at least one tank of pressurized air, comprising at least one accumulator, a bleed valve assembly, at least one nozzle assembly, and a control valve assembly. Operation of the control valve assembly selectively allows and prevents pressurized air within the accumulator to flow to the at least one nozzle assembly. The bleed valve assembly controls the flow of air from the at least one tank of pressurized air to the at least one accumulator such that flow of pressurized air from the accumulator to the at least one nozzle assembly does not adversely affect operation of the brake system.
US08087119B2 Pipeline pig with internal flow cavity
A pig for movement within a pipeline comprising a cylindrical housing with annular seals circumferentially mounted to the housing and extending outwards for sealing engagement between the pipeline and the housing. An internal flow cavity passes through the housing, with a gate positioned within the internal flow cavity, initially obstructing flow through the cavity. A locking device, connected to the gate, prevents the gate opening. A sensing device is capable of receiving a signal and is connected to an unlocking device. The sensing device receives a signal activating the unlocking device, thereby removing the locking device, permitting the gate to open and flow to pass through the cavity.
US08087113B2 Inflatable support
An alternating pad comprises a first set and a second set of alternately inflatable cells. Both sets of inflatable cells are supplied with air from a pump via a rotary valve. A sensor is positioned under the pad to receive pressure exerted by a patient upon movement and to be compressible relative to the applied pressure. Any change in patient position or movement will cause an alteration in the airflow in the sensor pad tube and will reduce or increase the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer. Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump and increases or decreases the air flow to the cells to alter the amplitude of the cells and also controls the timing of the rotary valve to change the timing of the inflation and deflation cycle.
US08087106B1 Flapper valve apparatus and method of use
The flapper valve apparatus and method of use provides a flapper valve that is basic and easily installed on the pins of a toilet reservoir overflow tube. The apparatus has sufficient flexibility to allow flexing of the arms and ears for easy installation. The apparatus provides water volume conservation by seating the lower bulb within the valve seat prior to substantial drainage of the reservoir. And, a user can vary the amount of water used in a flush by varying flush handle hold time.
US08087104B2 Manual toilet seat lifter apparatus
A manual toilet seat lifter apparatus is provided for lifting and lowering a toilet seat and includes strap hinge members connected to the toilet seat. A hinge pin is received in the strap hinge members. A riser rod is connected to the hinge pin. A handle is connected to a top end of the riser rod, and a counterweight is connected to a bottom end of the riser rod. Preferably, a horizontal transition portion is connected between the hinge pin and the riser rod. Preferably, a horizontal extension portion is connected to the riser rod at a location on the riser rod which is opposite to the horizontal transition portion. With a second embodiment of the invention, which is a combined toilet seat lifter and toilet seat cover lifter apparatus, toilet seat cover lifting means are provided for lifting and lowering a toilet seat cover.
US08087102B2 Protective shoulder pads with release mechanisms
This invention concerns improved protective shoulder pads for protecting an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. The improvement comprises protective shoulder pads with release mechanisms that allow the protective shoulder pads to be safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads.
US08087100B2 Helmet mount for night vision goggles
A helmet mount for night vision apparatus wherein night vision goggles can be coupled and uncoupled to its power pack without the use of tools and wherein the power pack can be coupled and uncoupled to a helmet without the use of tools. When an aviator wearing a helmet with night vision apparatus so mounted, is ejected from his aircraft both the goggles and the power pack are released from the helmet.
US08087099B2 Helmet and helmet size adjusting method
A cap-like head backing cover includes a plurality of types of cover components. The plurality of types of cover components include cover main body portions, and connecting means capable of separably connecting and combining the cover main body portions of one of the cover components to and with the cover main body portions of another at least one of the cover components. The cover main body portions of the plurality of types of cover components are connected to and combined with each other by the connecting means, to form the cap-like head backing cover which includes the plurality of types of cover components and is independent. With the helmet having this arrangement, even when a helmet wearer whose head shape is different from that of an average human head is to wear the helmet, the helmet can be matched to the head of the helmet wearer substantially optimally. The helmet size can be not only partially decreased but also partially increased. The cover component at an arbitrary portion of the cap-like head backing cover can be exchanged with a comparatively simple operation. Also, head backing cover can be attached to an impact-on-the-head absorbing liner or the like comparatively easily.
US08087094B2 Shirt having form-fitting mid-section support
The shirt for supporting and shaping the mid-section of a wearer provides a shirt having a top-section and a mid-section. The mid-section of the shirt includes an upper and lower region each constructed having a plurality of fabric densities or integrated elasticity portions. These elasticity portions provide support for the abdominal region, back, and back-side regions of the wearer where “love handles” sometime develop. The top-section of the shirt has a substantially loose fitting construction to yield a simple, clean and comfortable fit that facilitates breath-ability and comfort to the wearer. The shirt may be worn as an undershirt or as outerwear to minimize the wearer's torso. In another embodiment, the shirt further comprises an outer portion that extends over and covers the mid-section so that the mid-section acts as an internal support structure when the shirt is worn as a T-shirt or outerwear.
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.
US08090590B2 Electronic personal health record system
Methods and apparatus for providing access to information associated with a patient are disclosed. Information associated with a patient may be stored electronically, enabling the information from an electronic health record (e.g., electronic personal health record controlled by a patient) or a portion thereof to be provided to an entity such as a healthcare provider. Patient records may be maintained and controlled by multiple entities, such as the healthcare providers, patients, payors, or other third parties. Information from these records may be transferred among these entities, thereby enabling updates to such records to be performed. These updates may occur automatically or upon acceptance by the receiving entity (e.g., patient or healthcare provider).
US08090586B2 Method and apparatus for embedding spatial information and reproducing embedded signal for an audio signal
An apparatus encodes or decodes an audio signal using a method by which compatibility with a player of a general mono or stereo audio signal can be provided in coding an audio signal and by which spatial information for a multi-channel audio signal can be stored or transmitted without a presence of an auxiliary data area. The present invention includes extracting side information embedded in non-recognizable component of audio signal components and decoding the audio signal using the extracted side information.
US08090585B2 Audio decoding device
An audio decoding device comprises an audio decoding section for decoding first stream data and second stream data to generate two pieces of audio data and a data processing parameter, an external setting section in which a parameter corresponding to the data processing parameter is set, and an audio data processing section for processing the two pieces of audio data. When the data processing parameter contained in the second stream data is inappropriate, the audio data processing section performs data processing using the parameter set in the external setting section. When the data processing parameter contained in the second stream data is appropriate, the audio data processing section performs data processing using the data processing parameter generated by the audio decoding section.
US08090580B2 Systems and methods for maintenance knowledge management
Knowledge-based information can be captured and processed to create a library of such knowledge. A maintenance worker performing a task for an asset can record audio and/or video information during the performance, and can upload the recording to a maintenance system. The system processes the recording to produce a text file corresponding to any speech during the recording, and generates a search index allowing the text file to be searched by a user. If the task is performed in the context of a work order, for example, information from the work order can be associated with the text file so that a user can search by text search, keyword, task, or other such information. A user then can locate and access the text file and/or the corresponding recording for playback.
US08090578B2 Method and system for a recognition system having a verification recognition system
A method and system for performing computer implemented recognition. In one method embodiment, the present invention first accesses user input stored in a memory of a mobile device. On the mobile device, the present invention performs a coarse recognition process on the user input to generate a coarse result. The coarse process may operate in real-time. The embodiment then displays a portion of the coarse result on a display screen of the mobile device. The embodiment further performs a detailed recognition process on the user input to generate a detailed result. The detailed process has more recognition patterns and computing resources available to it. The present embodiment performs a comparison of the detailed result and the coarse result. The present embodiment displays a portion of the comparison on the display screen.
US08090571B2 Method and system for building and contracting a linguistic dictionary
A method for building and contracting a linguistic dictionary, the linguistic dictionary comprising a list of surface forms and a list of normalized forms, each normalized form being associated with a surface form, the method comprising the steps of: comparing each character of a surface form with each character of the surface form's normalized form; in response to the comparing step, determining an edit operation for each character compared; and generating a transform code from the set of the edit operations in order to transform the surface form to its normalized form.
US08090566B2 Battery longevity monitoring
Systems and methods are provided that estimate when to replace a medical device that is implanted in a patient due to battery depletion. These systems and methods significantly reduce the need for service calls made to medical device manufacturers that relate to battery longevity. In some examples, these systems and methods estimate a battery end of life based, at least in part, on an actual battery voltage received on an actual transmission date and a model transmission date determined based on the actual battery voltage. The estimated battery end of life is further based on a comparison of the model transmission date with the actual transmission date.
US08090564B1 Automatic generation of transaction level bus simulation instructions from bus protocol
Generating transactional level bus simulation instructions from a bus protocol description is disclosed. A bus protocol description is accessed. From the bus protocol description, a finite state machine is generated. Transactional level bus simulation instructions are generated from the finite state machine. Then, the transaction level bus simulation instructions are stored in computer readable medium.
US08090560B2 Systems and methods for haul road management based on greenhouse gas emissions
A method for haul road design based on greenhouse gas emissions comprises receiving a first set of performance data associated with a plurality of machines and establishing a greenhouse gas emission limit for the plurality of machines based on the first set of performance data. A target greenhouse gas emission level for each of the plurality of machines is determined based on the greenhouse gas emission limit, and total effective grade is determined based on the target greenhouse gas emission level for the respective machine. The method also includes generating a haul road design based on the total effective grade.
US08090556B2 Power distribution network performance data presentation system and method
A visualization system for monitoring performance data of an electrical power distribution network is provided. In one embodiment, a user may select a network circuit and view a network circuit diagram that includes indicia representing transformers and other electrical power distribution network elements positioned on a map. The relative positions of the indicia on the network circuit diagram may correspond to the relative physical locations of the transformers in the geographical area represented by the map. The indicia may be color coded to convey performance data to the user.
US08090554B2 Torque testing system and method
An exemplary torque testing system includes a first screwdriver, a second screwdriver, a height measuring device, and a processor. The first screwdriver turns the first structure into the second structure using a maximum torque until the depth of the first structure turned into the second structure equals a predetermined minimum depth or the first structure is unable to be turned by the maximum torque. The second screwdriver turns the first structure into the second structure using a minimum torque until the first structure is unable to be turned by the minimum torque. The height measuring device measures the height of the combined first structure and second structure. The processor determines that the engagement between the first structure and the second structure is satisfactory, if the height of the combined first structure and second structure is in a range from a minimum height to a maximum height thereof.
US08090553B2 Cable length detection apparatus and method for a keyboarding video mouse switch
A cable length detection apparatus is provided to detect the length of a cable having at least three pairs of wires for transmitting video signals. The cable length detection apparatus has a signal compressing circuit, a signal converting circuit and a length calculating circuit. The signal compressing circuit compresses an electrical signal into one pair of wires. The signal converting circuit converts the electrical signal transmitted by the pair of wires into a value. The length calculating circuit then calculates the length of the cable according to the value.
US08090549B2 Apparatus and methods for multi-channel metering
A device for measuring electricity usage is disclosed. The device is capable of remote disconnection via power line communication and detecting electricity theft, tampering, and reverse voltage. In another aspect, the device is capable of multi-channel metering of electricity, using: (a) a meter head operable to measure electricity usage for a plurality of electricity consumer lines; (b) a transponder operable to transmit data received from the meter head via power line communication to a remotely located computer, and to transmit data received via power line communication from the remotely located computer to the meter head; and (c) a load control module operable to actuate connection and disconnection of each of a plurality of relays, each relay of the plurality of relays corresponding to one of the plurality of electricity consumer lines.
US08090545B2 Method and apparatus for determination of the life consumption of individual components in a fossil fuelled power generating installation, in particular in a gas and steam turbine installation
A method for prior determination of a life consumption of individual components in a fossil-fuelled power generating installation, with respect to a load cycling process to be carried out is provided. An apparatus is also provided for prior determination of a life consumption of individual components in a fossil-fuelled power generating installation, with respect to a load cycling process to be carried out. Actual variables which characterize the state of the power generating installation before a load cycling process are determined. A driving gear of the power generating installation which creates the load cycling process is set in advance. The load cycle time is calculated based upon the driving gear and the characterizing variables. A predicted life consumption for at least one of the individual components for the selected driving gear is also calculated.
US08090544B2 Method for determining concentration of impurity element
A method for shortening a waiting time from the setting of a sample in a chamber to the stabilisation of the intensity for a secondary ion for SIMS analysis (mass analysis of the secondary ion) using a raster variation method is provided. By approximating so that the difference between time-lapse variations in intensities of the secondary ions sequentially measured for irradiation densities of two different primary ions becomes constant, a method capable of carrying out an accurate measurement of the concentration of an impurity in consideration of background noise despite time-lapse variations in the intensities of the secondary ions is provided.
US08090543B2 Computer algorithm for automatic allele determination from fluorometer genotyping device
The present invention provides methods and systems for an automated method of identifying allele values from data files derived from processed fluorophore emissions detected during the observation of fluorophore labeled nucleotide probes used in analyzing polymorphic DNA are provided. These methods are used in the rapid and efficient distinguishing of targeted polymorphic DNA sites without control samples.
US08090539B2 Method for spatial filtering of electromagnetic survey data
The method for suppressing noise in the controlled seismic source electromagnetic survey data based on the frequency content of the noise (51) contained in the data. The invention recognizes that some data variations across bins cannot be attributed to resistivity variations within the earth. This variation across the bins constitutes a model of noise in such surveys, and the invention mitigates noise that obeys this model.
US08090536B2 Method and apparatus for compression of long term orbit data
A method and apparatus for processing long term orbit data that is valid for an extended period of time into the future (i.e., long term orbit data). The long term orbit data is processed by reducing redundant information from the data to form compressed long term orbit data.
US08090535B2 Azimuth processing device, azimuth processing method, azimuth processing program, direction finding device, tilt offset correcting method, azimuth measuring method, compass sensor unit, and portable electronic device
An azimuth processing device is designed for outputting azimuth data based on measurement data sequentially output from a compass sensor. In the device, an accumulation section selectively accumulates substantially new pieces of the measurement data. An offset data updating section updates offset data of the compass sensor based on plural pieces of the measurement data accumulated by said accumulation section. An azimuth data output section outputs the azimuth data based on substantially newest measurement data and the offset data.
US08090534B2 Method and system for enabling an off board navigation solution
The present invention is directed to a method and system for providing off-board navigational information from a network server to a mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone. Specifically, upon receiving from the mobile communication device the real time location of the mobile communication device and a location or identification of a destination, the network server transmits to the mobile communication device routing information as well as audible navigation voice prompts. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the routing information includes maneuver information for traveling from the real location of the mobile communication device to the destination, and the audible navigation voice prompts provide data for generating audible turn-by-turn instructions for traveling from the real time location of the mobile communication device to the destination.
US08090529B2 System for diminishing the load of platform which traces the location of moving objects and method thereof
In existing moving object tracking, there is a great communication load between a terminal and a platform, because the terminal should report its location to the platform every second or every minute and the platform should frequently process the location form the terminal. It is possible to reduce the great communication load on the server, by calculating an error between the current GPS location and the estimated location at a specific time on the basis of the estimated arrival time of the moving object. It allows that the terminal report its location to the server only when the error between current GPS location and the estimated location is greater than a predetermined threshold value.
US08090526B2 Method for determining the horizontal profile of a flight plan complying with a prescribed vertical flight profile
The present invention relates to the definition, in a flight plan, of the horizontal profile of an air route with vertical flight and speed profile prescribed on departure and/or on arrival, by a stringing together of check-points and/or turn points associated with local flight constraints and called “D-Fix” because they are not listed in a published navigation database like those called “Waypoints”. It consists in charting, on curvilinear distance maps, a direct curvilinear path joining the departure point to the destination point of the air route while complying with vertical flight and speed profiles prescribed on departure and/or on arrival and while guaranteeing a circumnavigation of the surrounding reliefs and compliance with regulated overfly zones, then in approximating the series of points of the direct curvilinear path by a sequence of straight segments complying with an arbitrary maximum deviation threshold relative to the points of the series and an arbitrary minimum lateral deviation threshold relative to the set of obstacles to be circumnavigated and in adopting as “D-Fix” points the points of the intermediate intersections of the rectilinear segments.
US08090522B2 Air pressure control systems and methods for turbocharger systems
A system for an engine with a turbocharger system includes a rate determination module, a limiting rate selection module, a throttle inlet absolute pressure (TIAP) calculation module, and a throttle control module. The rate determination module generates a pressure rate value based on a pressure difference between a current TIAP signal from a TIAP sensor and a previous TIAP signal. The limiting rate selection module selects a limiting rate based on the pressure rate value. The TIAP calculation module generates a calculated TIAP signal based on the limiting rate and the current TIAP signal. The throttle control module generates a throttle control signal based on the calculated TIAP signal and actuates an inlet throttle valve of the engine based on the throttle control signal.
US08090521B2 Method and kit for engine emission control
Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including a first and a second bank of cylinders. One example method comprises, adjusting engine injection timing based on a first temperature of a first intake of the first bank and a second temperature of a second intake of the second bank.
US08090520B2 Fuel life monitor and engine management for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
An engine management system for a hybrid vehicle may include a hybrid vehicle controller that selects a power source to be one of an electric propulsion system and a combustion engine. The hybrid vehicle controller may include an engine operation module configured to determine when operation of the combustion engine is required based on a predetermined set of operating parameters associated with the combustion engine.
US08090516B2 Lane deviation prevention device and method
Disclosed herein are embodiments of controllers and methods of control to enable prevention of departure of vehicle even when the degree of the tendency of the vehicle to depart from the travel lane is low. One such controller comprises a lane departure tendency determining device configured to determine a departure tendency of the vehicle to depart from a travel lane, a yaw moment computing device configured to compute a reference yaw moment based on the departure tendency, a yaw moment correction device configured to compute a target yaw moment based on at least the reference yaw moment and a controller configured to apply the target yaw moment to the vehicle. When the reference yaw moment is lower than a prescribed threshold, the yaw moment correction device gradually increases the target yaw moment over time until the target yaw moment is greater than the prescribed threshold.
US08090507B2 Pitch plow and method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow
A pitch plow and a method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow having a frame and a shank that is pivotally mounted to the frame, with the shank defining a cutting edge includes a control system that controls an elevation of the cutting edge. The control system includes a hydraulic control between the shank and the frame to pivotally adjust the shank and an electronic control to control the hydraulic actuator. The electronic control includes a processor and first and second sensors. The processor produces an output that adjusts the hydraulic control in a manner that controls the elevation of the cutting edge. The first sensor may measure GNS location and provides a GNS location input to the processor. The second sensor may measure orientation of said shank and provides a shank orientation input to the processor.
US08090505B2 Vehicle seat belt apparatus
Vehicle seat belt apparatus includes: a motor for driving a belt reel having a belt wound thereon; a trigger section for detecting a change in a traveling state of a vehicle to output an activation signal that instructs or triggers activation of the motor; a lateral acceleration detection section for detecting lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle; a slip state detection section for detecting a slip state quantity of the vehicle; and a control section for, in response to receipt of the activation signal from the trigger section, controlling the amount of current supply for activating the motor on the basis of a signal of the lateral acceleration output by the lateral acceleration detection section and/or a signal of the slip state quantity output by the slip state detection section.
US08090501B2 Control device for a variable damper
A control device for controlling a variable damper of a wheel suspension system includes a first sensor detecting a first dynamic state variable of a vehicle body, a damping force base value determining unit determining a target damping force base value, a second sensor detecting a second dynamic state variable of the vehicle body; a correction value determining unit determining a damping force correction value, and a target damping force determining unit determining a target damping force. When the differential value of the lateral acceleration is relatively high (or the target damping force is high), a drive current to the variable damper is increased. The same is true when the vehicle is undergoing a pitching movement. The target damping force may be obtained by subtracting the damping force correction value from the target damping force base value.
US08090498B2 Turning direction indicator
A turning direction indicator controls the operation of a light source for turn signals and indicates a turning direction of the vehicle. Switch contacts are brought into electrical contact with each other, responsive to operation of an operating part. An angular velocity sensor detects an angular velocity of a vehicle turning, and outputs an angular velocity signal. A controller controls the output of a drive signal for causing operation of the light source, according to the electrical contact between the switch contacts and the angular velocity signal. The controller controls the output of the drive signal, according to the angular velocity signal, and a speed signal indicating a speed of the vehicle. The controller controls the output of the drive signal, according to the relation between the set threshold value and the angular velocity signal, and the relation between the angular velocity signal and the speed signal.
US08090497B2 Vehicle accessory touch switch
A touch switch for controlling accessory equipment of a vehicle avoids a malfunction which is caused due to an environmental change such as a change in a state of air, arrival of unnecessary electromagnetic waves, or the like. Conductor plates 20-1 to 20-3 are disposed in an arrangement isolated from one another on a surface opposite to a sensor surface 16T of a touch plate 16 which is touched by a person's hand. The conductor plates 20-1 to 20-3 are each connected to a capacity measurement/control unit 34. The capacity measurement/control unit 34 determines as a judgment value D the absolute value of a value obtained by subtracting a minimum absolute value among changes ΔC1 to ΔC3 in electrostatic capacity from a maximum absolute value among the changes ΔC1 to ΔC3 in electrostatic capacity. The capacity measurement/control unit 34 controls a switch 28 according to the judgment value D.
US08090491B2 Guidance, navigation, and control system for a vehicle
A guidance, navigation, and control method and system for an underground mining vehicle wherein an operator directly or indirectly guides the vehicle along a route as vehicle-mounted sensors including odometric sensors and rangefinders log motion data to a file which data is processed into a route profile including a vehicle path, a sequence of submaps along the path, and a profile of desired speed as a function of distance along the path. Thereafter the vehicle automatically repeats the route as represented by the route profile without an operator using the sensors and the maps to determine vehicle location.
US08090490B2 Automatic recovery and transport system and execution method therefor
An automatic recovery and transport system includes a manufacture execution system, a path planning system electrically connected with the manufacture execution system, a vehicle control system electrically connected with the path planning system, a plurality of vehicles electrically connected with the vehicle control system; and an alarm system electrically connected with the path planning system and the vehicle control system. The alarm system will command the path planning system to command the vehicle control system to drive the vehicle about to stop to enter the maintenance area immediately. Accordingly, the stability and the work efficiency of the whole system are improved. The present invention also provides a method for executing an automatic recovery and transport system.
US08090489B2 Computerized driverless vehicles and traffic control system
A transportation system, including a network of roads for traveling to and from various destinations, a plurality of vehicles for transporting passengers, each vehicle situated within the network of roads, and each vehicle including a power supply, a positioning system, for identifying the position of the vehicle, a transmitter, coupled with the positioning system, for transmitting position and velocity information of the vehicle to other vehicles in its vicinity, a receiver for receiving position and velocity information from other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle, and an automatic steering system, coupled with the receiver, for steering the vehicle through the network of roads without collision, in order (i) to travel to a destination designated by the at least one passenger, when the vehicle is transporting the at least one passenger, (ii) to travel to a source for picking up the at least one passenger, when the vehicle is empty and the power supply is not low, and (iii) to travel to an available docking station, when the vehicle is empty and the power supply is low, and a plurality of docking stations, each docking station situated at a roadside of the network of roads, and each docking station including a charger for charging the power supply of a vehicle that is docked at the docking station.
US08090479B2 Electricity market-oriented DC-segmentation design and optimal scheduling for electrical power transmission
A method of segmenting a power distribution network which comprises a plurality of AC power generating stations synchronously interconnected by AC power transmission paths is disclosed. The stations operate within associated market sectors and are subject to associated market rules. The method includes identifying all transmission paths which extend between differing ones of the sectors and, in each of said transmission paths so identified, segmenting the path by inserting a controllable DC link at a selected location in the path. Each of the sectors is then operated asynchronously. Power flow and counter-flow between the sectors is controlled by controlling the DC links. As well there is disclosed a power transmission network which comprises a plurality of AC power generating stations operable within associated market sectors subject to associated market rules; power transmission paths interconnecting the stations, at least some of the paths extending between differing ones of the sectors; and wherein each of the paths which extend between differing ones of the sectors includes a controllable DC link in the path for desynchronizing the differing sectors; and, control means operatively connectable to each of the DC links for controlling power flow between the differing sectors.
US08090473B2 Pharmaceutical dispensing system for securely dispensing single doses
The invention describes improved methods and mechanisms for providing secure access to pharmaceutical and supply items in a clinical setting. In one version of the invention, a dispensing unit has an interior housing one or more drawers. Each drawer has one or more storage locations. The fronts of the drawers are covered with one or more locking doors, preventing access to a particular drawer, unless the covering door is unlocked. Indicators are mounted on the side of the enclosure, to guide the user to a drawer covered by an associated unlocked door. The unit further includes indicators on the sides of the drawers, to guide the user to the right storage receptacles or pockets within the drawer. Some pockets may have lids. Some of the lids may have locks. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual pocket lids may be provided to detect the lifting of a lid. Means to automatically detect the entry of a hand or fingers into a pocket may be provided. One or more loudspeakers may be mounted on the unit, to provide auditory guidance and confirmation of correct access, by sounds and voice prompts. One or more video cameras may be mounted on the unit. A processor is mounted in the unit, or, in the case of an auxiliary unit, the auxiliary unit is connected to the processor on the main unit. The processor is connected to receive signals from sensors in the dispensing unit, from the video camera, and to send signals to the indicators, and to send auditory information to loudspeakers which are designed to focus the sound specifically to the user. Modular locking drawers may be mounted in this unit also, dispensing individual doses using a method where the drawer has to be fully closed for each unit dose of medication taken.
US08090469B2 Printing medium conveying apparatus and printing medium conveying method
A printing medium conveying technique is disclosed for moving a printing medium in a sub scanning direction. The technique involves controlling the moving of the printing medium through feedback control using a speed profile. The speed profile includes an accelerating region, a constant speed region, a decelerating region, a constant low speed region, and a stopping operations region. The technique also involves switching the speed profile from the accelerating region to the constant speed region according to speed information; and switching the speed profile between the constant speed region, the decelerating region, the constant low speed region, and the stopping operations region according to the current distance from a target position.
US08090467B2 Apparatus and method for knitting fabric using elastic yarns
To provide an apparatus and a method for knitting fabric using elastic yarns, in which the elastic yarns are able to be used while correcting the difference between the set tension and the actual tension without being subject to a lowered knitting efficiency or restrictions to knitting patterns.In a knitting machine 1, a tension meter 7 detects the actual tension T2 of a rubber yarn 5 when a carriage 3 reverses the running direction outside the knitting width of a fabric 9. The yarn sending length F at which the rubber yarn 5 is sent out from a yarn sending device 8 to a yarn route pathway for each knitting course is able to be obtained in advance as the length of the rubber yarn 5 consumed under the designated tension T1 for each knitting course. The yarn sending length F is corrected in such a manner that the difference between natural lengths L1, L2 of the rubber yarn 5, existing in the yarn route pathway under the set tension T1 and the actual tension T2, decreases.
US08090466B2 Embroidery data creation apparatus and computer-readable medium encoding an embroidery data creation program
An embroidery data creation apparatus includes a thread color relation value storage device that stores a color relation value that corresponds to a color, for each embroidery thread which is used in an embroidery data, a preview image creation device that creates a preview image, a preview display device that displays the preview image created, a reference region specification device that specifies as a color modification reference region at least one region in the preview image, a thread color selection device that selects a thread color to be used for the reference region specified, an image data color modification device that modifies the color of the image data based on the color relation value corresponding to a color of a reference image region and the color relation values corresponding to the thread color selected, and an embroidery data creation device that creates the embroidery data from color-modified image data obtained.
US08090465B2 Fashion design method, system and apparatus
A computerized method for the design and selection of cloths and fashion accessories and comprising the following steps: taking measurements of body parts of a person with the aid of a measuring tool displayed on a computer's screen; loading the biometric data of the person, comprising those measurements, in the computer; analyzing that biometric data; selecting a model from a library stored in a computer; overlaying an image of the model on an image of the person; comparing the body shape of the model with the body shape of the person as depicted in the two overlaid images; and changing the model in order to achieve a personalized model by performing pushing and pulling operations on the active locations of the model until it fits the body shape of the person.
US08090456B2 System and method for design and control of engineering systems utilizing component-level dynamic mathematical model
A control system comprises a controller for positioning an actuator in a working fluid flow and a model processor for directing the controller as a function of a model feedback. The model processor comprises an output module, a comparator and an estimator. The output module generates the model feedback as a function of a constraint, a model state and a model input describing fluid parameters measured along the working fluid flow. The comparator generates an error by comparing the model feedback to the model input. The estimator generates the constraint and the model state, such that the error is minimized.
US08090455B2 Motion control servo loop apparatus
A motion control servo loop apparatus, comprising: a feed-forward control module, and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop and a compensation adder. The feed-forward control module is capable of generating a feed-forward compensation. The PID control loop further comprises: a proportional control module, an integral control module and a derivative control module. The proportional control module is capable of generating a proportional compensation. The derivative control module is capable of generating a derivative compensation. The integral control module uses a digital differential analyzer (DDA) algorithm to perform integration for accumulated errors with respect to each sampling clock at each DDA pulse and thus output an accumulated error, which is then processed to generate an integral compensation. Thereafter, the compensation adder receives the feed-forward compensation, the proportional compensation, the integral compensation and the derivative compensation to calculate a position error compensation for a motor driver.
US08090453B1 Method and system of controlling media devices configured to output signals to surrounding area
A system of controlling media devices configured for outputting signals to a surrounding area. The system including a control strategy for controlling operation of the media devices to execute operations according to a common schedule and a communications strategy for use in communicating the control strategy between the media devices in such a manner as to facilitate distribution of the control strategy to the media devices desired to operate according to the common timeline.
US08090450B2 Percutaneous electrode array and system
Lead devices and methods for neurostimulation are described. Some of the neurostimulation leads provided have multiple, distal region electrode contacts arranged in an array capable of providing steerable spinal cord stimulation. In one use, a collapsed introducer sheath is disposed over a dilator and advanced to a spinal cord target site through a 14-gauge needle into the epidural space. The dilator is removed and the introducer is expanded to its full width. A neurological lead according to the present invention advanced through the introducer to near the target site and the introducer removed. The lead is wider than it is high and has a row of lower electrodes flanked by right and left side electrodes in groups of three. The lower electrodes serve as cathodes and the right and left electrodes are return anodes.
US08090449B2 Apparatus and method for expanding a stimulation lead body in situ
An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ.
US08090448B2 Low profile package for an implantable device
The present invention is a low profile hermetic package for an implantable medical device. The package includes a non-conductive substrate including a plurality of straight conductive vias through the non-conductive substrate. A conductive cover hermetically enclosing an electronics circuit is bonded to the non-conductive substrate. The device is low profile. The width of the non-conductive substrate is grater than the height of the cover.
US08090445B2 System and method for controlling an implantable medical device subject to magnetic field or radio frequency exposure
A system for controlling an implantable medical device (e.g., a drug delivery device) susceptible to malfunctioning during exposure to a magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field (e.g., during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure) and a method for operating the same. Exposure of the implantable device to the magnetic field and/or the Radio Frequency field is detected using the sensing device. When the detected magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold level, an input signal is generated at the microcontroller. In response to the generated input signal, the microcontroller automatically triggers (i) a safety mode enabling a predetermined safety mode operation that alters some operation, without ceasing all operation, of the implantable medical device and/or (ii) after expiration of a predetermined safety mode time interval when the at least one field being detected falls below its corresponding predetermined threshold level or a predetermined period of time elapses, a self testing mode enabling a predetermined self testing operation to verify proper operation of the implantable medical device. Preferably, both the safety and self testing modes are automatically triggered.
US08090441B2 Defibrillators customized for anticipated patients
An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient.The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators.
US08090435B2 System and method for distinguishing among cardiac ischemia, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia using an implantable medical device
Techniques are described for detecting ischemia, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. Ischemia is detected based on a shortening of the interval between the QRS complex and the end of a T-wave (QTmax), alone or in combination with a change in ST segment elevation. Alternatively, ischemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation combined with minimal change in the interval between the QRS complex and the end of the T-wave (QTend). Hypoglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with a lengthening of either QTmax or QTend. Hyperglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with minimal change in QTmax and in QTend. By exploiting QTmax and QTend in combination with ST segment elevation, changes in ST segment elevation caused by hypo/hyperglycemia can be properly distinguished from changes caused by ischemia.
US08090431B2 Systems and methods for bioluminescent computed tomographic reconstruction
An image of an object is synergistically reconstructed using two or multiple imaging modalities. A first reconstructed image, showing structural information of the object is produced using a first imaging modality. The first reconstructed image is segmented, and known optical properties of the object are then mapped to the first reconstructed image. Optical signal emissions from the object are detected and registered with the first reconstructed image. A second reconstructed image volume is then produced using a second imaging modality, based on the mapped optical properties after registration between the first image and the data from the second modality. The second reconstructed image depicts some optical property, such as a bioluminescent source distribution, or optical properties, such as, attenuation and scattering properties, of the object.
US08090429B2 Systems and methods for localized image registration and fusion
Systems and methods are described for co-registering, displaying and quantifying images from numerous different medical modalities, such as CT, MRI and SPECT. In this novel approach co-registration and image fusion is based on multiple user-defined Regions-of-Interest (ROI), which may be subsets of entire image volumes, from multiple modalities, where the each ROI may depict data from different image modalities. The user-selected ROI of a first image modality may be superposed over or blended with the corresponding ROI of a second image modality, and the entire second image may be displayed with either the superposed or blended ROI.
US08090422B2 Access to internal replaceable component
An apparatus including a first body part and a second body part slidingly movable in relation to each other from a compact position to an extended position, a housing configured to receive a replaceable internal part, and a joint mechanism joining the first and second body parts to a third part of the apparatus. The joint mechanism is configured to allow, when the apparatus is in said extended position, the first and second body parts to tilt in relation to said third body part to provide access to the housing.
US08090421B2 Bi-stable sliding assembly
Sliding assembly for mobile or portable terminals, comprising: a plane first main part; a plane second main part slidably connected to the first main part, the second main part being spring-loaded by a first elastic module adapted to urge the first and second main parts apart from each other, the second main part further comprising a protrusion extending towards the first main part, the sliding assembly further comprising a locking element in the first main part with a recess arranged to cooperate with a first elastic module, such that the locking element is urged against the protrusion, the second main part being arranged to cooperate with the first elastic module, such that the protrusion is urged against the locking element, the second main part of the sliding assembly thereby being held in a center position, wherein the sliding assembly further comprises an actuator arranged to overcome an elastic force exerted by the elastic element onto the locking element when being subject to an outside force, thus releasing the engagement between the locking element and the protrusion and bringing the second main part into a first end-position due to the elastic force of the first elastic module. According to a second embodiment, the sliding assembly may comprise a guide track cooperating with a stop pin included in the second elastic module.
US08090418B2 Convertible headset ring for wireless communication
An over-the-ear Bluetooth® type communications headset for hands-free communication with mobile phones and similar devices, the headset being convertible to a ring configuration for wearing on the finger as a communications device and as jewelry. The headset is divided into ear-piece and voice-piece halves that swivel between headset and ring modes, with respective S- and circular shapes, and includes function-changing contacts that respond to the realignment of the halves in the respective headset and ring modes to optimize the device's use for over-the-ear or finger wear. A further feature is a set of interior spring contacts projecting from the inner circumference of one of the halves, the contacts having both electrical recharging and finger-fitting functions, and a finger-shaped charging base for recharging the headset in the ring configuration via the spring contacts.
US08090416B2 Radio receiver circuit, radio transceiver circuit and calibration method thereof
Conventional digital calibration type analog-to-digital converters cannot converge calibration within an preamble period of a packet signal. An analog-to-digital converter is subjected to digital calibration using a beacon signal, a polling signal, or another user signal or a signal applied from a transceiver side to a receiver side. Some or all of circuits are brought into a sleep mode in a period except data reception and the analog-to-digital converter calibration such that a signal monitor unit detects another signal to activate the circuit in the sleep mode for performing the calibration of the analog-to-digital converter for reducing the power consumption.
US08090413B2 Portable electronic device and method for managing icons thereof
A portable electronic device includes a main body, a slidable cover, a display panel, a sensor, and a controlling module. The slidable cover is slidably positioned on the main body. The display panel is positioned on the slidable cover. The sensor is configured to detect a position of the slidable cover relative to the main body. The controlling module is configured to output icons and data to the display panel, and to adjust an area of each icon displayed on the display panel according to a position, detected by the sensor, of the slidable cover relative to the main body.
US08090407B2 Contactless smart SIM
A mobile communicator including a housing including a main portion and a removable portion, cellular telephone circuitry located within the main portion of the housing, a SIM card mounted in the main portion of the housing, a battery mounted between the removable portion of the housing and the SIM card and a contactless functionality antenna mounted intermediate the removable portion and the battery and communicating with the SIM card.
US08090406B2 Switching states between two computing devices
A method is provided to enable the person to switch use of computing devices when working with records and/or documents. A method such as described may be implemented for an individual operating two (or more) computing devices that share and synchronize sets of records. One or more operations may be performed to update and maintain correspondence between the two sets of records. A switchover event may be detected, where the event corresponds to the individual using a second computing device while already using a first computing device. Once the switchover event is detected, state of use information may be received on the second computing device. This information indicates the state of use of one or more records on the first computing device. This information may be used to affect the state of use of corresponding records on the second computing device. In particular, the corresponding records on the second computing device may be placed in a state of use, or in a selected state for subsequent use.
US08090404B2 Methods of recording voice signals in a mobile set
The present invention relates to a mobile set integrating a memory efficient data storage system for the real time recording of voice conversations, data transmission and the like. The data recorder has the capacity to selectively choose the most relevant time frames of a conversation for recording, while discarding time frames that only occupy additional space in memory without holding any conversational data. The invention executes a series of logic steps on each signal including a voice activity detector step, frame comparison step, and sequential recording step. A mobile set having a modified architecture for performing the methods of the present invention is also disclosed.
US08090403B2 Mobile telecommunications device
Provided is a mobile telecommunications device having a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module. The sensor module is configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller being configured for controlling the printer.
US08090398B2 Terminal apparatus
A low cost, a low power consumption and a small size are three very important factors for a mobile communication terminal. A great problem is posed by the conventional technique using a DSP and a CPU independent of each other which requires two external memory systems. Also, two peripheral units are required for data input and output of the DSP and CPU. As a result, an extraneous communication overhead occurs between the DSP and the CPU. The invention realizes a mobile communication terminal system by a DSP/CPU integrated chip comprising a DSP/CPU core (500) integrated as a single bus master, an integrated external bus interface (606) and an integrated peripheral circuit interface. The memory systems and the peripheral circuits of the DSP and the CPU can thus be integrated to realize a mobile communication terminal system low in cost and power consumption and small in size.
US08090397B2 Group communication method and communication terminal
A group communication method in which a communication terminal not participating in the group communication can newly participate in the group communication even while the group communication is being carried out is realized. The group communication method has a personal information management step of managing personal information, a participation request transmission step, a group communication control step, and an other party updating step, in a case where participation intention in the group communication is received from another communication terminal to which no participation request has been transmitted in a state of “party not participating” in which at least one party among the plurality of terminals of the parties sent the participation requests does not participate in the group communication, deleting the party not participating in the group communication from a member list and registering the other party of the other communication terminal in the member list as a party for engaging in the group communication to thereby allow the other communication terminal to participate in the group communication.
US08090395B2 Scanning channels while a device is out of service
A channel scanning order is dynamically created, modified, selectively ignored, or combinations thereof based on historical data, motion information, context information, alert message systems, network reselection, or combinations thereof. If a less preferred network has served a mobile device longer than a threshold amount of time, acquisition of the less preferred network is attempted before attempting acquisition of a more preferred network.
US08090394B2 Dynamic pattern elimination based compression method for text-based signaling protocols
This disclosure describes a dynamic pattern elimination compression method to eliminate redundant patterns, the content of which is not known a priori, by identifying the candidate dynamic patterns and marking them, then checking to see if there are any duplicate occurrences within the entire message by searching for markers, if a marker is found, checking to see if the pattern occurred before, if not, assigning a unique variable to the pattern, if so replacing the pattern with the variable that was assigned for this pattern, and if a pattern is found only once, removing the variable assigned to it.
US08090387B1 System and method for detecting wireless communications activity within a predetermined area and for generating messages to selected communication devices
A system and method is disclosed for detecting the presence and level of wireless communications activity within a predetermined area, without disclosing the identity of the wireless users, and for generating a message to certain information and communications devices in response to the detection of a predetermined level of wireless communications activity within the predetermined area. The information detected also may include information relating to the general direction and rate of movement of detected wireless devices. The message generated in response to the detection of wireless communications activity may include wireless messages, including Short Message Service (SMS) messages, to persons desiring or needing to receive such information; messages to public officials and other interested persons; and automatic signals to devices such as computers, computer networks (including the internet and wireless networks), facsimile machines, signs, lights, loudspeakers, and other devices providing information through other communication and information media.
US08090386B2 Estimation of speed and direction of travel in a WLAN positioning system
A method for estimating the speed and bearing of a Wi-Fi enabled device using WLAN radio signals in a WLAN based location service is provided. A method used to estimate a speed of travel of a Wi-Fi enabled device comprises the Wi-Fi enabled device receiving signals transmitted by Wi-Fi access points in range of the Wi-Fi enabled device, and using the signals to estimate the speed of and/or direction of travel of the Wi-Fi enabled device.
US08090376B2 Measurements in communications systems
A method of selecting a cell for handover of a mobile station to another communication system. A command is sent to a mobile station from a first network element. The command includes a request to perform compressed mode measurements at the mobile station of a neighboring cell. The neighboring cell uses a different communication means than the first network element. Compressed mode measurement results are received from the mobile station at the first network element. The received compressed mode measurement results are weighted with indicators of a prioritized neighbor cell list to form a prioritized list. A second command is sent to the mobile station from the first network element. The second command includes a second request to decode identification codes at the mobile station based on the prioritized list. An indicator of a suitable cell from the prioritized list is received from the mobile station at the first network element. An instruction is sent to the mobile station from the first network element after receiving the indicator. The instruction stops decoding identification codes at the mobile station.
US08090366B2 Systems and methods for file sharing through mobile devices
Systems and methods are disclosed which relate to the sending and receiving of multimedia files between two devices while connected through a voice call. These devices are free to send any type of file through a direct connection without the need to hang up and call back just to see if the file was sent successfully. These methods work for a plurality of cellular and computer devices connected through a cellular network or other Internet Service Provider.
US08090356B2 Dynamically configurable IP based wireless device and wireless networks
A wireless communication and control system including a wireless device. There is a central server for storing communication protocols and control protocols and communicating the communication protocols and selectively communicating the control protocols between the wireless device and the central server. A communication protocol configures the system for communication and control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of intelligent appliance controllers. Alternately the control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of Internet terminals. The wireless device is any hand-held communication device, such as a hand-held computing device, wireless telephone, or cellular phone.
US08090352B2 Method for sending individuation receipt information by a short message receiving terminal
The present invention relates to a method for a short message receiving terminal to send individuation receipt information. It executes the following steps: A subscriber applies to open the individuation receipt service after a short message is received and customizes individuation receipt information. After a short message sending terminal sends a short message to the subscriber's mobile terminal via a short message center, the short message sending terminal inquires service information. After receiving a receipt status signaling returned back from the short message receiving terminal, the short message sending terminal sends out a request to the service platform for sending individuation receipt information. The service platform sends the receipt information to the short message sending terminal. The present invention presents an application to the communication network for opening individuation receipt service and customizing the individuation receipt information via the subscriber so as to enable the communication network to send out a short message receipt information which can highlight the subscriber's own individuality to the short message sending terminal according to the subscriber's requirement after the subscriber's mobile terminal receives the short message.
US08090351B2 Geographical location authentication method
A system and method for authenticating votes received from a voter's mobile device. A computer is programmed with a set of computer-readable instructions and a includes database accessable by mobile device reading a durable computer readable medium stored in a computer hardware server, the database comprising a registered voter and a geographical location for the registered voter's postal mail delivery address. The system and method receive a vote in an election over a wireless carrier network, determine the geographical location of a device which transmitted the vote over the wireless network comprising cell tower triangulation, and reject the vote if the geographical location of the device which transmitted the vote is not within a predetermined distance from the geographical location for the registered voter stored in the database.
US08090349B2 System and method for over the air provisioning of a mobile communications device
A method for provisioning a mobile communications device comprises sending a registration request for registration with a registration server, the registration request including a request for a personal information number; receiving a response from the registration server, the response including the personal information number; sending a provisioning request to a network node, the request including the personal information number and at least one device identifier associated with the mobile communications device; receiving a response from the network node, the response including a URL and a session ID based upon the personal information number and the at least one device identifier associated with the mobile communications device; and launching an application on the mobile communication device to establish a communication session between the mobile communication device and a provisioning system.
US08090348B2 System and method for assigning a personalized indicium to a mobile communications device
In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for assigning a personalized indicium to a mobile communications device which includes logic means operable to generate a temporary Personal Information Number (PIN) for transmitting in a request to a network node. Upon validating the request, a response is provided by the network node to the mobile communications device, the response including a permanent PIN assigned to the mobile communications device.
US08090347B2 Method and radio communication network for detecting the presence of fraudulent subscriber identity modules
A method for detecting the presence of fraudulent Subscriber Identity Modules in a network for cellular communications comprising the steps of: at a first Service Node, receiving a registration request by a first User Equipment comprising a Subscriber Identity Module for defining an identity of a subscriber; initiating a checking to establish whether the subscriber is already registered with the same identity in at least one Service Node over the network, including the first Service Node; if the subscriber results to be already registered with the same identity in at least a second Service Node over the network, retrieving status information on at least a second User Equipment associated with the already registered subscription for checking whether the second User Equipment is not the first User Equipment; and disabling any subscription of the subscriber associated with the identity if the second User Equipment results not to be the first User Equipment.
US08090344B2 Dynamic location-based rating for prepaid calls
A method and system for streamlining the calculation of a rate for a prepaid wireless call is provided. A mobile subscriber can be billed at one rate when she is within her home network and at a different rate when she is roaming in another network or can be billed at a special rate if she is within a location subject to the special rate. A time period for charging a call is allocated by the Service Control Point (SCP) and reported to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) in the case of an outgoing call or a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) in the case of an incoming call. A message from the MSC or GMSC to the SCP reporting an expiration of the first time period can contain information regarding a location of the prepaid subscriber. Thus, the next time period allocated by the SCP for the call can be billed at a rate that reflects the mobile subscriber's location at that time as reported by the MSC or GMSC.
US08090343B2 Optimized camel triggering for prepaid calling
A method and system for streamlining the call processing for a prepaid call in a mobile telecommunications network is provided. A trigger detection point (TDP) for processing an originating call placed by a prepaid wireless subscriber, which may be called “O-Answer,” is defined in a mobile user's subscription information stored in the prepaid subscriber's home location register (HLR). An additional TDP for an incoming call to a prepaid subscriber as a terminating party, which may be called “T-Answer,” also is defined in the prepaid subscriber's subscription information stored in the HLR. If the prepaid mobile subscriber's account balance is above a threshold amount, the call can be processed using the O-Answer and T-Answer TDPs without the need to contact the prepaid platform for authorization, thus reducing the amount of signaling required to process a prepaid call.
US08090342B2 Emergency alert service for inactive mobile stations in a communication system
An apparatus and method for sending emergency alert information to inactive mobile stations in a wireless communication system includes a step of receiving 802, by a radio access network, emergency alert information for mobile stations. A next step includes determining 803 wake-up periods for at least two inactive mobile stations. A next step includes sending 805 a message to each of the at least two mobile stations, during the wake-up periods for each of the at least two each inactive mobile station, that includes instructions to wake up in a common emergency alert listening frame. A next step includes conveying 806 emergency alert instructions in the common emergency listening frame to the mobile stations.
US08090341B2 Integrated services user part (ISUP) /session initiation protocol (SIP) gateway for unlicensed mobile access (UMA) emergency services call flow
An ISUP/SIP gateway is implemented to encapsulate SS7 location requests from a switched telephone network into an Internet protocol SIP message including one or more location objects. The ISUP/SIP gateway is implemented between a mobile switching center (MSC) and a VoIP positioning center (VPC) to provide support of unlicensed mobile access (UMA) voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) call routing, e.g., for E9-1-1, 4-1-1, 2-1-1, etc. The disclosed location objects that are encapsulated into a SIP message includes calling party number, called party number, CGI, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), mobility indicator, and/or access point MAC address. At the SIP/ISUP gateway, SS7 integrated services user part (ISUP) location request messages are encapsulated within SIP. The SIP encapsulated location request message is then routed over the Internet to a destination VoIP positioning center (VPC).
US08090335B1 Method and apparatus for an adaptive step frequency calibration
An open loop frequency calibration algorithm is employed whereby frequency counters are utilized to provide frequency information concerning the difference in frequency between a local oscillator and a reference signal prior to obtaining phase locked operation of a phase locked loop (PLL). The frequency difference is then used to adjust the local oscillator's frequency to be changed by a value that is proportional to the frequency difference measured. Through adaptive calibration of the local oscillator's frequency prior to closed loop PLL operations, a substantial reduction in the amount of time required to obtain phase/frequency coherent operation of the PLL is realized.
US08090329B2 Self-installable switchable antenna
A system, method, and apparatus for selecting a set of antennas, for use during operation of a radio system, from a plurality of antennas. The system, method and apparatus may include selecting one antenna that is part of an array of antennas. Then measuring characteristics of radio signals received at the antenna. The selection and measuring of characteristic is repeated for a desired number of antennas in the array. Then, the measurements are combined, and the combinations of antennas are ranked based upon the combined measurement. From the ranking combinations of antennas are selected for use during operation of a radio system.
US08090327B2 Configurable baseband processing for receiver and transmitter and methods for use therewith
A configurable transceiver includes an RF receiver section that generates at least one downconverted signal from a received RF signal. A receiver processing module processes at least one downconverted signal in a plurality of receiver stages to produce a stream of inbound data, wherein the receiver processing module is configurable in response to a control signal to selectively bypass at least one of the plurality of receiver processing stages. A transmitter processing module processes outbound data in a plurality of transmitter stages to produce at least one baseband signal, wherein the receiver processing module is configurable in response to the control signal to selectively bypass at least one of the plurality of transmitter processing stages. An RF transmitter section generates at least one RF signal from the at least one baseband signal.
US08090326B1 Communication signal transmission method, device, and system
A method, device, and system for communication signal transmission are provided, which relate to the field of communications, so as to improve reception performance of the network. The method includes: dividing, by a multi-frequency receiver, Radio Frequency (RF) signals by frequency bands received from an antenna to obtain RF signals of different frequency bands; sending a first group of RF signals of a predetermined frequency band to an RF unit so that the RF unit converts the received first group of the RF signals of the predetermined frequency band into first baseband digital signals and sends the first baseband digital signals to a baseband processing unit; and converting a second group of the RF signals of the predetermined frequency band into second baseband digital signals and sending the second baseband digital signals to the baseband processing unit by using a digital baseband interface.
US08090322B2 Emergency call forking and notification
A system receives subscriber configuration information, for an emergency forking/notification service, that includes criteria for initiating the forking/notification service and contact information for a recipient of the forking/notification service. The system receives an emergency call from a calling device and route the emergency call to a public safety answering point (PSAP). The system identifies the emergency call as a candidate for the emergency forking/notification service based on information associated with the calling device and the criteria for initiating the forking/notification service, and automatically initiates a forking/notification session to notify the recipient that an emergency call has been initiated from the calling device.
US08090320B2 Strong signal tolerant OFDM receiver and receiving methods
Circuits and methods are disclosed for compensating for received signal distortion caused by non-linearities in wideband receivers. An exemplary receiver includes a distortion waveform generator configured to approximate non-linear response characteristics of a downconverter circuit used to downconvert the received radio frequency signal. The resulting estimated distortion waveform is filtered, using filter(s) substantially similar to those used for filtering an intermediate frequency signal that includes the desired signal and non-linear distortion products caused by strong interfering signals. The filtered estimated distortion waveform and intermediate frequency signal are sampled, to obtain a sampled distortion signal and a sampled signal of interest. The sampled distortion signal and the sampled signal of interest are divided into a plurality of frequency channels. For a selected number of frequency channels, the sampled distortion signal for a frequency channel is scaled, and subtracted from the corresponding sampled signal of interest for the same frequency channel to obtain reduced-interference signal samples for the frequency channel.
US08090316B2 Digital FM radio transmitter
A digital FM transmitter has a digital controlled oscillator for generating a modulated RF carrier. A digital signal processor receives digital input samples and generates a modulating signal for input to the digital controlled oscillator. A bandpass filter for filters frequency components of the modulated carrier outside a predetermined frequency band and supplies the filtered modulated RF carrier to an antenna.
US08090309B2 Entertainment system with unified content selection
A content selection interface for an entertainment system having apparatus for receiving signals broadcast on at least a first band and signals from at least one non-broadcast content source. The interface has a single content selector actuable by a user and a mechanism responsive to the content selector for selecting content from among the broadcast signals and non-broadcast content sources which presents the broadcast signals and non-broadcast content as successive adjacent positions in a sequence without the user having to manifest a change of source selection.
US08090305B2 Fixing unit and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a fixing device including a liquid supply unit that supplies a liquid fixer containing a softening agent that dissolves or swells at least part of resin to soften the resin; an air supply unit that supplies air for foaming the liquid fixer; and a foam generation unit that mixes the liquid fixer from the liquid supply unit with the air from the air supply unit to generate foams. The foam generation unit has an air channel where the air from the air supply unit flows, a liquid-fixer channel provided such that the liquid fixer from the liquid supply unit flows from a direction opposite to a flowing direction of the air channel, and an air-and-liquid mixing part that mixes the air from the air channel with the liquid fixer from the liquid fixer channel so as to be opposite to each other, thereby generating a foam-like fixer.
US08090304B2 Heating device, fixing device and image forming device
A heating device includes: a magnetic field generating unit generating a magnetic field; a heat-generating member generating heat due to electromagnetic induction of the magnetic field, and having a heat-generating layer of a thickness that is thinner than a skin depth; a temperature-sensitive member including a temperature-sensitive magnetic member whose magnetic permeability starts to decrease continuously from a magnetic permeability change start temperature that is in a temperature region that is greater than or equal to a set temperature and less than or equal to a heat-resistant temperature; and an approaching/separating mechanism maintaining the temperature-sensitive member in a state of being separated from the heat-generating member until before a temperature of the temperature-sensitive member reaches the set temperature, and causing the temperature-sensitive member to contact the heat-generating member at and after the time when the temperature-sensitive member reaches the set temperature.
US08090303B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, forming a color image by successively superposing color images, formed on image carriers of corresponding image forming parts arranged along a rotational direction of an endless moving member, onto the endless moving member or a recording medium conveyed thereby, includes a first part causing a color registration pattern to be created on the endless moving member or the recording medium; a second part obtaining a color registration pattern signal by detecting the color registration pattern; a third part changing image formation timing in the image forming parts based on the color registration pattern signal; and a fourth part causing the endless moving member to rotate in forward and reverse directions after the creation of the color registration pattern. The second part obtains the color registration pattern signal by detecting the color registration pattern during each of the forward and reverse rotations of the endless moving member.
US08090302B2 Closing member for a developer containing device and method for producing such device
A developer containing device includes: a developer container having an opening through which developer can be filled in; a closing member that is removably installed to the developer container to close the opening; a stirring and feeding member that is rotatably supported in the closing member and stirs and feeds the developer contained in the developer container by rotating in one direction; and a fitting part that fixes the closing member to the developer container by rotating the closing member in the same direction as the rotational direction of the stirring and feeding member.
US08090300B2 Powder conveying apparatus
A powder conveying apparatus, comprising a powder container for storing powder and a powder agitating/conveying member provided in the powder container, wherein the powder agitating/conveying member includes: a shaft revolving around the axis; a primary conveying blade provided on the external surface of the shaft in such a manner that the powder is conveyed in the first direction toward one side of the axial direction, by revolution in one rotational direction around the axis of the shaft; and a secondary conveying element provided on the external surface of the shaft and located radially inner than a radially outer end of the primary conveying blade in the diameter direction in such a manner that conveying force is applied to part of the powder, which is conveyed in the first direction by the primary conveying blade, in the second direction toward the other side of the axial direction.
US08090293B2 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus employing same
A process cartridge detachably attached to an image forming apparatus includes a first subunit, a second subunit, a first positioning member, and a second positioning member. The first subunit accommodates a photoconductor therein. The second subunit accommodates a developer applicator therein. The photoconductor and the developer applicator are arranged substantially parallel to each other to define a development gap therebetween. The first positioning member is fastened to both the first and second subunits to position ends of the photoconductor and the developer applicator on a first side of the respective subunits. The second positioning member is fastened to only one of the first and second subunits to position ends of the photoconductor and the developer applicator on a second side of the respective subunits opposite to the first side. An image forming apparatus employing such a process cartridge is also disclosed.
US08090292B2 Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is provided that is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a developing unit. The process cartridge further includes a portion to be positioned, first and second displacing portions, and a portion to be urged. The process cartridge also includes a pull-up force receiving portion, disposed at a trailing side of the cartridge, for being urged by a pull-up force of a pull-up member.
US08090290B2 Attachment structure of automatic document feeder, and image-reading device and image-forming apparatus including the same
An attachment structure is provided that includes a hinge unit for supporting a document feeder and a hinge attachment for fixing the hinge unit having an engagement pin and a retainment hook.
US08090287B2 Charging member cleaning unit, method of producing charging member cleaning unit, charging device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A charging member cleaning unit, that contacts a charging member that charges the surface of an image holding member provided in an image forming apparatus, and is used for cleaning the surface of that charging member, has an elastic layer, and has an amine content within the elastic layer of not more than approximately 60 ppm.
US08090281B2 Image forming apparatus and tone correction method
A tandem-type color image forming apparatus forms a toner pattern and toner markers on an intermediate transfer member. Tone levels in the toner pattern vary in a sub scanning direction, and the toner markers which are a same color with the tone pattern each oppose, in a main scanning direction, a different one of the tone level portions in the toner pattern, each tone level portion representing a different one of the tone levels. Positions of the toner markers in the sub scanning direction are determined to detect densities in the toner pattern corresponding to the determined positions. Tone of image data is corrected in an image formation based on a relationship between the densities and the tone levels corresponding to the determined positions.
US08090280B2 Color registration apparatus and method, image forming apparatus employing the same apparatus, and image output method of the image forming apparatus
A color registration apparatus that independently forms images of predetermined respective colors and compensates a mis-registration between the overlapped images of respective colors employed in an image forming apparatus of forming a color image by overlapping the images of respective colors, includes a detecting unit to detect a contour form and positional information of respective color patterns formed on an image transfer path by the image forming apparatus proportional to a corresponding format of a printing medium where the color image will be transferred, and a controller to compensate a mis-registration between the overlapped images of respective colors through based on data detected by the detecting unit.
US08090272B2 Image forming apparatus for detecting developer cartridge status
An image forming apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a main unit; and a developer cartridge detachably attached to the main unit. The developing cartridge comprises: a rotation body having a rotational axis and rotatable in a rotation direction; and one rotational arm of a first rotational arm or two rotational arms of the first rotational arm and a second rotational arm which are rotatable around the rotational axis. The main unit comprises: a swingable detecting arm; an elastic member that urges the detecting arm toward a neutral position. When the developer cartridge is attached to the main unit, the first rotational arm contacts with the detecting arm to swing in a first swing direction from the neutral position. When the rotation body rotates by a predetermined rotation amount, the second rotational arm contacts with the detecting arm in a second direction from the neutral position.
US08090271B2 Differential delay receiver using cross-polarization interferometer for PolMux-DPSK system
A differential delay detection system and method includes an optical splitter to split an incoming optical signal between a first path and a second path. The first path includes a cross-polarization interferometer configured to separately generate polarization independent outputs using split paths and to generate cross-polarization interference outputs, and a polarization demultiplexer configured to combine the polarization independent outputs and the cross-polarization interference outputs from the cross-polarization interferometer with updated coefficients received from the second path to remove the cross-polarization mixed signals. The second path includes a training signal receiver configured to compute the updated coefficients and output the updated coefficients to the polarization demultiplexer.
US08090269B2 Data transmission system and transmission code generating method for the same
A data transmission system comprising a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter comprises a phase encoder for partitioning consecutive bit data to be input in data in units of X bits; and converting a 2x value indicated by the data of X bits in unique association with an (N/2−1)Y value of a Y symbol, and for confining use of signal points, from among the signal points of N-ary phase, only to a signal point P1 (at a phase angle 0) and N/2−2 signal points P(2n+2) (where 1≦n
US08090267B2 Complementary optical wiring apparatus
A complementary optical wiring apparatus includes an optical transmitter, first and second optical transmission lines, and an optical receiver, the optical transmitter has a first operation mode of transmitting an optical signal synchronized with the rising of one electrical input signal via the first optical transmission line and transmitting an optical signal synchronized with the falling thereof via the second optical transmission line, and a second operation mode of transmitting an optical signal synchronized with the rising and falling of one of two electrical input signals via the first optical transmission line and transmitting an optical signal synchronized with the rising and falling of the other electrical input signal via the second optical transmission line, and is operated after one of the two operation modes is selected.
US08090266B2 Optically coupling components of a transceiver
An apparatus comprises one or more electro-optical coupling modules. An electro-optical coupling module comprises a diode, a flexible optical coupling element, a reflective surface, and an optical fiber. The diode performs an electro-optical conversion on a signal. The flexible optical coupling element communicates the signal between the diode and the reflective surface. The reflective surface reflects the signal between the flexible optical coupling element and the optical fiber.
US08090265B2 Byte-configurable memory in an optical transceiver
A mechanism that enables an optical transceiver to configure memory on a per-segment basis. The optical transceiver includes a processing entity, system memory and a memory configuration table. The memory configuration table is comprised of configuration entries, each of which defines the configuration setting for a corresponding segment of memory. The processing entity reads the configuration entries for a particular segment of the memory. The processing entity then determines the set of one or more configuration settings for the memory segment based on the configuration entry read. This process may be repeated for multiple segments of memory.
US08090263B2 System and method for expanding PCIe compliant signals over a fiber optic medium with no latency
A system for expanding PCI Express (PCIe) compliant signals over a fiber optic medium with no latency. A standardized fiber optic transceiver is adapted to provide an optimal PCIe expansion over a fiber optic medium. Signal buffers are utilized to translate and fine-tune standardized PCIe traffic to a level of low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) that is comprehensible to a wide range of fiber optic transceivers over a wide range of interface bandwidths. The intended use for such a high-speed LVDS buffer is to strengthen and enable PCIe signals over metal (copper) cable or metal printed circuit board (PCB) traces for large PCBs, such as backplanes, server motherboards, etc. By disposing the PCIe buffer used for metal (copper) cable between the PCIe bus and the fiber optic transceiver, one can achieve the signal conditioning and translating required to allow PCIe signals to pass over the fiber optic medium.
US08090256B2 Optical network architectures and optical communication schemes
The present invention provides optical network methods and systems. In one example, a method for handling packets in a node coupled to a ring and star subnetwork may include (a) receiving in the given node a data packet on the ring subnetwork, (b) detecting a failure on the ring subnetwork, (c) determining a new transmission path to the destination node, and (d) sending the data packet along the new transmission path. In another example, an EPON may include (a) a root coupled to a ring and star subnetwork, (b) ONUs coupled to the root via a splitter/combiner and a first fiber link, (c) a second fiber link coupled to a subset of ONUs and the star subnetwork, and (d) a WDM coupler on the first fiber link that separates a first waveband of wavelengths from a second waveband of wavelengths and guides the first waveband to the star.
US08090254B2 System and method for controlling shutter of image pickup device based on recognizable characteristic image
An image pickup device uses an image recognition system to control the actuation of an electronic shutter. The image pickup device has an optical lens that picks up an image through the electronic shutter and the image so picked up is detected by an image detection device and converted into image data that are applied to a temporary image holding memory of a micro-controller. The micro-controller carries out comparison of the image of a selected target that is picked up the optical lens with respect to a recognizable characteristic image contained in a recognizable characteristic image database. If the image of the selected target so picked up is recognized to match the recognizable characteristic image, then the micro-controller sends out a shutter control signal to control the actuation of the electronic shutter via a shutter control circuit to photograph and store the image of the target in an image storage memory.
US08090251B2 Frame linked 2D/3D camera system
A method of operating a 3D camera and a frame-linked 2D/3D camera system. The 3D camera may receive data conveying operating parameters of at least one 2D camera. Operating parameters of the 3D camera including a pan angle Φ3D, a tilt angle T3D, a lens focal length FL3D, and a lens focus distance FD3D may be set based on, at least in part, the received data. An interocular distance IOD of the 3D camera may be set and a stereo convergence angle Θ of the 3D camera may be set based on IOD and FD3D.
US08090250B2 Imaging device with focus offset compensation
An imaging device comprises a lens barrel having a lens opening, and a lens positioned in the lens opening of the lens barrel, the lens having an optical center, a focal length F, an aperture diameter D, and an aperture number FN=F/D. An image sensor comprises an array of light sensing pixels that each have a dimension P, the sensor spaced apart a distance S from the optical center of the lens such that a focus offset gap X=F−S. The pixel dimension P and aperture number FN are selected such that 2·P·FN≧X.
US08090248B2 Anti-vibration actuator and lens unit/camera equipped therewith
To provide an anti-vibration actuator with which a high drive force can be obtained without increasing size. The present invention is an anti-vibration actuator, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, movable portion support means, first drive means having a first drive magnet and coil; second drive means having a second drive magnet and coil; third drive means having a third drive magnet and coil; first, second, and third position detection elements for detecting the positions of each drive magnet; and a control portion for moving the movable portion to a specified position; wherein the first and second position detection elements are disposed within a region diagonally opposed to the region in which the third drive means is positioned, from among four regions partitioned by the lines of action of the drive forces of the first and second drive means.
US08090247B2 Vibration reduction unit, lens barrel and camera
To provide a compact vibration reduction unit, a lens barrel, and a camera, which can perform positional detection with a high degree of accuracy during operations for vibration reduction. A vibration reduction unit of the present invention is comprising: a shooting optical system; a movable optical member that is part of the shooting optical system or which is another member, and which is provided movably relative to the shooting optical system; a magnetic sensor used to detect a position of the movable optical member; and a coil having a winding center line of a winding wire situated substantially in parallel with and on substantially the same plane as a given plane in which the magnetic sensor is disposed.
US08090244B2 Volatile material dispenser
A volatile material dispenser includes an upper housing with an opening extending therethrough and a lower housing with an opening extending therethrough, wherein the upper housing is secured to the lower housing to define a cavity therebetween. Electrical circuitry is disposed within the cavity, wherein the electrical circuitry includes a heater and a USB interface that extends from the upper and lower housings. Further, a volatile material cartridge is disposed within the cavity. The dispenser is adapted to dispense volatile material from the volatile material cartridge through the openings in the upper and lower housings in a passive mode and an active mode, wherein the USB interface is coupled to a power source to energize the heater in the active mode.
US08090242B2 Method for selectively reproducing title
A method and apparatus for reproducing titles are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes determining if at least one title satisfies a criterion, using an average length information of a plurality of titles recorded on a recording medium; and reproducing the at least one title if the determining step determines that the at least one title satisfies the criterion.
US08090241B2 System and method for simultaneous network recording and playback of digital television programs
A method of playing back a television program on a playback device connected to a local area network while simultaneously storing a television program on a storage device connected to the network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a television broadcast that includes at least one program at a first settop box. A first program is stored on a permanent storage device of a network storage server connected through a network to the first settop box. While receiving the television broadcast and while storing the first program, a program is rendered on a digital media rendering device connected through the network to the first settop box.
US08090231B1 Transfer of light signals between optical fibers and system using optical devices with optical vias
An optical system includes optical devices that each have a top side and a bottom side between lateral sides. A first one of the devices has one or more first waveguides immobilized on a first base. The first device having a first via that defines an optical path that extends from the top side of the first device to the bottom side of the first device. A second one of the devices has a second waveguide immobilized on a second base. An optical fiber has a fiber facet immobilized relative to the first device and aligned with the first via. The first device is between the fiber facet and the second device. The first device, the second device and the optical fiber are arranged such that a light signal exchanged between the optical fiber and the second waveguide travels through the first via.
US08090228B2 Photoelectric conversion device, photoelectric conversion module and method of manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device includes a circuit substrate that has a first concave portion having a light transmission hole, a first metal interconnection that is formed from a bottom of the first concave portion to a face of the circuit substrate where the first concave portion is formed, an optical element that is arranged in the first concave portion so that an optical axis thereof passes through the light transmission hole and is flip-chip bonded to the first metal interconnection on the bottom of the first concave portion, and a circuit chip that is a driver circuit chip for driving the optical element or an amplifier circuit chip for amplifying a signal from the optical element and is flip-chip bonded to the first metal interconnection of the face where the first concave portion is formed.
US08090227B2 Purging of fiber optic conduits in subterranean wells
Purging of fiber optic conduits in subterranean wells. A downhole optical sensing system includes an optical line, at least two tubular conduits, one conduit being positioned within the other conduit, and the optical line being positioned within at least one of the conduits, and a purging medium flowed in one direction through one conduit, and flowed in an opposite direction between the conduits. A method of purging a downhole optical sensing system includes the steps of: installing at least two conduits and an optical line in a well as part of the sensing system, one conduit being positioned within the other conduit, and the optical line being positioned within at least one of the conduits; and flowing a purging medium through the conduits in the well, so that the purging medium flows in one direction through one conduit and in an opposite direction between the conduits.
US08090223B1 Method and apparatus for alignment, comparison and identification of characteristic tool marks, including ballistic signatures
Systematic use of infrared imaging characterizes marks made on items and identifies the particular marking tool with better accuracy than use of visual imaging. Infrared imaging performed in total darkness eliminates shadows, glint, and other lighting variations and artifacts associated with visible imaging. Although normally used to obtain temperature measurements, details in IR imagery result from emissivity variations as well as thermal variations. Disturbing an item's surface texture creates an emissivity difference producing local changes in the infrared image. Identification is most accurate when IR images of unknown marks are compared to IR images of marks made by known tools. However, infrared analysis offers improvements even when only visual reference images are available. Comparing simultaneous infrared and visual images of an unknown item, such as bullet or shell casing, can detect illumination-induced artifacts in the visual image prior to searching the visual database, thereby reducing potential erroneous matches. Computer numerically controlled positioning of the toolmark relative to imaging sensors which use fixed focus optics with shallow depth of focus, varying focus distance and orientation systematically to construct a sequence of images, maximizes reliability of resulting images and their comparisons.
US08090217B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and printing apparatus
An image processing apparatus that creates a still image from a motion picture. A storage section has a storage region for correction required when a target image with a predetermined determination size is corrected by using a plurality of images. A size determining section determines whether or not the size of the target image designated as a still image is equal to or smaller than the determination size. An image extracting section extracts from the motion picture a plurality of images including a target image designated as a still image and a first image for correction used when performing correction using a plurality of images. A still image creating section creates the still image by extracting the plurality of images by means of the image extracting section, and by executing first correction for making a correction using the plurality of images when a result of the determination indicates that the size of the target image is equal to or smaller than the determination size and that creates the still image by extracting only the target image designated as the still image by means of the image extracting section, and by executing second correction for correcting the extracted target image when the determination result indicates that the size of the target image is larger than the determination size.
US08090212B1 Method, apparatus, and system for reducing blurring of an image using multiple filtered images
A method of processing an image includes determining at least one point spread function for the image. For each point spread function, the image, or at least a portion of the image, is filtered using at least one filter based on that point spread function to generate a corresponding filtered image for each filter. If only a single point spread function is determined then a plurality of different filters are used to individually filter the image, or at least a portion of the image, to generate a plurality of different filtered images. At least one quality metric is determined for each of the filtered images. A final filtered image is selected from the filtered images based on the at least one quality metric for each of the filtered images.
US08090207B2 Adaptive compression quality
Images captured in a digital form are stored in a digital storage device with already-stored images by determining if a percentage of a finite storage capacity of the digital storage device needed to store the captured and already stored images in the storage device exceeds a pre-set threshold value, wherein storage used of the finite storage capacity to store images may exceed the pre-set threshold value. If the percentage of storage space needed to store the captured and already stored images in the storage device exceeds the pre-set threshold value, then at least one of the captured and already stored images are compressed and all of the captured and already stored images, including all of the compressed images of the captured image and the already stored image, are stored in the storage device.
US08090203B2 System for determining digital ink orientation
A system for determining the orientation of digital ink is provided having a sensing pen and a processor. The system measures the orientation of the pen during writing by the pen on a surface printed with tags. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the surface associated with a digital description of the surface and on the respective location of that tag on the surface. The digital ink is generated by associating the digital description with the data encoded by the tags sensed by the pen during said writing. The orientation of the digital ink is determined using the measured orientation of the pen.
US08090199B2 Reduction of color bleeding effects in a digitally processed image
A method of processing digital images to reduce the effects of color bleeding. Chrominance components for pixels in a working window are determined and weights are assigned to the pixels in the working window. A chrominance correction for a center pixel in the working window is generated based on the chrominance components and the assigned weights. Fuzzy variables and thresholds may be applied to generate the assigned weights and the chrominance correction.
US08090192B2 Pattern misalignment measurement method, program, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A pattern misalignment measurement method includes acquiring an inspection image of a composite pattern formed by superposing a plurality of kinds of element patterns on each other, acquiring reference images of at least two kinds of element patterns from reference images which are images of reference patterns of the plurality of kinds of element patterns, performing first matching of each of the acquired reference images with the inspection image, and outputting misalignment between the element patterns in the composite pattern on the basis of the result of the first matching.