| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08109825B2 |
Enhanced mechanical reel gaming system with touch controls
An enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) utilizes a touch panel (40) as a user control device for mechanical assemblies and game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a mechanical gaming device environment. The enhanced mechanical gaming system (10) includes a gaming machine assembly (20), a touch sensor assembly (30) incorporating a substantially transparent touch panel (40), a touch panel controller (50), and touch panel software (60). The gaming machine assembly is a standard gaming machine assembly that has been modified to utilize touch-panel components. The touch panel (40) and the sensor assembly (30) produce touch data when activated, and provide viewing of mechanical assemblies behind the touch panel (40). The touch panel controller (50) acts to control and interpret the touch panel (40). The touch panel software (60) controls and interprets the touch data, as well as applying the touch data to interactive applications of the gaming machine assembly (20). |
| US08109824B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method providing accumulation game
A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators. |
| US08109820B2 |
Methods and apparatus for chess instruction
Methods and apparatus, including software, for creating a database of information based on one or more chess game scores, preferably by a chess engine analyzer, from which database instructive puzzles can be constructed for presentation and solution by a player. |
| US08109814B2 |
Wind turbine generator system
Provided is a wind turbine generator system that can cool a nacelle interior by ventilation irrespective of the outside air temperature in various installation environments. In a wind turbine generator system in which equipment of drive and electricity generation mechanisms that are coupled to a rotor head provided with wind turbine blades is disposed inside a nacelle, and in which, by driving a ventilation fan provided in the nacelle, outside air introduced from an air inlet provided in a front face of the nacelle is exhausted outside the nacelle from an air outlet that communicates with a fan outlet, to perform ventilation cooling of the interior, a side air inlet is additionally provided in a side face of the nacelle at a position where a negative pressure is generated by air flowing outside the nacelle. |
| US08109813B2 |
Thin air outlet structure of vehicle air conditioner
A thin air outlet structure to a vehicle compartment exhibiting excellent directivity while ensuring sufficient volume and velocity of air conditioning air stream. In the air outlet structure 10, delivery direction of the air stream can be altered by altering the posture of a pair of fins 16 provided at a middle portion 13 in the flow direction in a case 12. Since the air outlet 20 does not require a plurality of fins for altering the delivery direction, the air outlet 20 can be made thin. Since the delivery direction of the air stream can be altered by means of the pair of fins 16 and the number of the fins 16 is small, flow of air is not impeded in the flow path within the case 12 and effective cross-sectional area of the flow path within the case 12 can be ensured. Consequently, sufficient volume and velocity of air stream can be secured. Furthermore, the size for each blade of the fins 16 can be increased by the decrease made in the number of fins 16. The air conditioning air stream excellent in directivity can be obtained. |
| US08109812B2 |
Motor vehicle instrument panel assembly having a conduit with a gasket support lip
An instrument panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a panel member, a first conduit, a second conduit and a gasket disposed between the first and second conduit. The panel member has a vent for directing air toward a window in the vehicle. The first conduit has a first end that provides air to the vent and a second end with a peripheral wall forming an inlet. The second conduit has an outlet that provides air to the inlet and a flange that extends outwardly from the outlet and includes a support surface that supports a gasket for sealing an interface between the outlet and the inlet. The second conduit has a lip that extends outwardly from the support surface of the flange and supports the gasket to prevent deformation of the gasket during assembly of the first conduit and second conduit. |
| US08109811B2 |
Air duct system
An air duct for installation in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes duct walls defining the cross-section of the air duct, such as a top duct wall and a bottom duct wall. The bottom duct wall may contain a fixing hole, whereas the top duct wall may contain an access hole. The air duct may be fixed directly to the vehicle body by a fastener, such as a screw, through the fixing hole in the bottom duct wall. To prevent air from escaping through the fixing hole, an outer wall of the bottom duct wall may be shaped at least in the area of the fixing hole so that it lies flush with and essentially air-tight against the vehicle body. After attachment, the access hole may be suitably sealed to prevent air from escaping. |
| US08109808B2 |
Method of surface-finishing glass substrate for magnetic disks and glass substrate for magnetic disks
An inner peripheral edge of a toroidal glass substrate for a magnetic disk is subjected to mechanical polishing in such a manner that the surface roughness is no greater than 9 nm in terms of Rmax. Then, the inner peripheral edge is subjected to chemical polishing to remove at least 2 μm of a surface layer. The inner peripheral edge has a non-conventional mirror-finished surface obtained by mechanical polishing. Thus, sufficient ring strength is obtained even when the chemical polishing depth is smaller than in the past. A polishing depth of less than 5 μm is sufficient. |
| US08109806B2 |
Emergency bra mask
A bra that is adapted to be a face mask has first and second bra cups, each of which includes an air filter and which are removably coupled to each other with a first attachment member. A formable member is incorporated into the upper rim of each bra cup as a structural element of the bra. A first body strap is coupled to the first bra cup and a second body strap is coupled to the second bra cup. A second attachment member removably couples ends of the first and second body straps together. When the bra is used as a face mask, first and second body straps are separated and the second attachment member couples the first body strap to the first bra cup via the first attachment member as the first bra cup is separated from the second bra cup. |
| US08109804B2 |
Crawling device
A crawling device includes a first end with a first magnet recessed therein, a second end with a second magnet recessed therein, an elastic member disposed between the first end and the second end, a power source module, and a controller. When the first and second ends are supported on a supporting surface, and the controller connects the power source module to the first end and the elastic member, the first magnet extends beyond the first end onto the supporting surface and the elastic member becomes compressed toward the first end. When the elastic member is compressed, and the controller connects the power source module to the second end, the second magnet extends beyond the second end onto the supporting surface and the elastic member returns to the normal state. |
| US08109799B2 |
High-temperature patch plug for connection lines
A high-temperature patch plug (50) for one or more connection lines (60), especially for connecting electric supply and/or signal lines to heating elements and/or thermocouples or temperature sensors. The patch plug (50) has one or more poles each with a contact element (64) connected to an inner conductor (61) of a connection line (60), and with a one-piece, insulating housing (51), which surrounds an interior (59), in which at least the at least one contact element (64) is accommodated at least partially. The housing (51) has at least one insertion opening (63) on the side facing away from the plugging side and a passage opening (57), which is connected to the insertion opening via the interior (59) of housing (51) for each pole on the side facing the plugging side. The contact element (64) is locked in the housing (51) for each pole at a locking step (53) arranged in the interior of the housing such that a motion of the contact element (64) against the plugging direction is limited by the locking, wherein said locking step (53) is formed by an irreversible deformation of housing. |
| US08109798B2 |
Electrical connector with improved receiving channels latched with contacts
An electrical connector (100), comprising an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2) received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a base portion (11) and a mating portion (12) in front of the base portion, the mating portion defines a plurality of receiving channels (124) extending along a mating direction. The contacts are received in the insulative housing, and inserted into the receiving channels along a front-to-back direction. Each contact has a soldering portion (21) extending through the receiving channel and assembled to the base portion of the insulative housing, a retaining portion (23) located in front of the soldering portion and held in the receiving channel, and a contacting portion (24) received in the mating portion of the insulative housing, the retaining portion has a higher barb (231) in the front and a lower barb (232) on a rear section thereof on both sides. |
| US08109793B2 |
Self-contained electronic instrument with a microcontroller, in particular an ambulatory medical recorder
The instrument includes a connector block (24) suitable for receiving a removable memory card (12), a printed circuit (20), a case including an opening (16) for insertion of the memory card, and contacts (48) for reprogramming the microcontroller (22). The reprogramming contacts (48) are disposed on the printed circuit (20) at a distance from terminals (26) for making contact with the memory card, in the space that the connector block (24) occupies on the printed circuit, and they are available from the inside volume of the connector block. The instrument is essentially lacking in any opening dedicated to accessing the reprogramming contacts, with access to these contacts being possible via the opening in the case and the inside volume of the connector block by inserting an insert (52) into the instrument instead of and replacing a memory card. |
| US08109791B2 |
Shield connector
A shield connector is provided, by which an electric shield can be securely performed. The shield connector includes: a plurality of terminal fittings; a housing holding the plurality of the terminal fittings; an electrically conductive inner shield shell receiving the housing; and an electrically conductive outer shield shell receiving the inner shield shell, wherein the outer shield shell includes: a square tube-shaped shell body; and surface-fixing parts, each of which is formed projecting from a peripheral wall of the shell body toward the inside of the shell body and has a parallel wall, which is formed parallel to the peripheral wall and placed closely on an outer surface of the inner shield shell. |
| US08109788B1 |
Cable assembly with improved grounding bar
A cable assembly includes a housing including a main portion defining a connecting direction and a mating portion defining a mating direction, the connecting direction being perpendicular to the mating direction, a plurality of contacts receiving in the housing, a plurality of cables each including an inner conductor connected to the contacts and an outer conductor, a grounding bar connected to all the outer conductors of the cables. The grounding bar defines a long side extending along a direction perpendicular to the connecting direction and a short side extending along a direction parallel to the mating direction, and the housing further has a receiving trough to receive the grounding bar. |
| US08109781B2 |
Connection adapter/terminal set and corresponding connection adapter and terminal
A connection adapter has electrical contacts for connection to a corresponding mating contact of a terminal. The mating contacts are received in terminal domes formed from an insulating material which is configured such that the mating contacts are accessible to a contact of the connection adapter through a contact guide opening in a terminal dome. Connection adapter guides in the terminal domes are configured to interact with terminal guides to guide the connection adapter from a placement position, where it is placed onto the terminal in the correct position where the connection adapter and terminal can be fitted together, to detent position, where the connection adapter is placed and held on the terminal so that the electrical contacts of the connection adapter and the mating contacts of the terminal can be moved relative to each other to establish electrical contact. |
| US08109777B2 |
Edge connector for reverse insertion of daughter board
A compact electrical connector assembly comprises a printed circuit board having a predetermined thickness and defining a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. A low profile electrical connector sits on the first face of the printed circuit board and comprises an insulating housing defining a longitudinal central slot opened forwardly with first contacts and second contacts respectively retained at opposite sides of the central slot. A card is inserted into the central slot at an angle with regard to the printed circuit board, and then rotated from the second face to the first face of the printed circuit board until reaching to a secured position which is substantially overlapped with the printed circuit board. |
| US08109776B2 |
Two-material separable insulated connector
Stiff and soft materials each provide certain advantages when used in the manufacture of separable insulated connectors, such as elbow and T-body connectors. Utilizing a shell or an insert that includes one section made from a stiff material and one section made from a soft material can provide a separable insulated connector that capitalizes on the advantages associated with both types of materials. The stiff materials and soft materials can be placed strategically on the shell or insert of the separable insulated connector to maximize the advantages of each material. For example, the stiff material can be used to form a section of the separable insulated connector where strength and durability is most desirable, and conversely, the soft material can be used to form a section of the connector where flexibility is desirable. |
| US08109769B1 |
Micromachined flex interposers
Micromachined flex interposers and methods of making the same are provided herein. More specifically the teachings herein are directed to interposer pins and strips having a rigid substrate supporting upper and lower cantilevered ends having a polyimide layer and a metal layer configured to flex towards the substrate layer during connection with upper and lower contact pads. Additional layers of polyimide and metal can be added to affect the flexibility and robustness of the pins and strips herein. |
| US08109768B2 |
Connector and electronic component provided with same
A connector is provided that includes: a molded base part having a substrate and elastomers arranged on both sides of the substrate; a plurality of through holes in the molded base part, which pass through the molded base part in a stacked direction of the substrate and the elastomers, and are arranged in parallel at predetermined spacing; and L-shaped contacts arranged via the through holes from one surface side of the molded base part to another surface side, wherein: the elastomers incorporate a plurality of first protruding parts whose top faces are inclined, and second protruding parts that protrude from top faces of the first protruding parts in a dome shape; said contact has dome shaped convex parts whose insides are hollow, and said convex parts are formed at two ends of the contact, and the convex parts are arranged such that they cover the respective second protruding parts. Also provided is an electronic component provided with this connector. |
| US08109763B2 |
Endodontic file
An endodontic file (2) for use with a dental instrument has at least one cord (6) and a wire (8) wound around at least a major portion of the cord and having an abrasive outer surface (10). A handle having a gripping section is provided for gripping the end of the file and is coupled to the file by a coupler that may be made of a vibration absorbing material. |
| US08109759B2 |
Assured compliance mode of operating a combustion system
A combustion system is operated with reference to compliant values of a governmentally regulated exhaust emission parameter. If an alarm condition is detected during an ordinary mode of operation, the combustion system is shifted into an assured compliance mode of operation. The shift to the assured compliance mode is made while continuing to operate the combustion system without a shut-down interruption. |
| US08109756B2 |
Blow-moulding installation for fabricating a container from a blank
A blow-moulding installation (10) for fabricating a container from a blank (12), includes a mould (20) which bounds a moulding cavity (18) in which a blank (12) is arranged, emerging through an opening of the mould (20), a tubular blowing nozzle (28) slidingly mounted between a raised rest position, and a lowered blowing position, in which the nozzle (28) is suitable for conveying a pressurized fluid into the blank (12), at least one element (46a) for locking the nozzle (28) in its lowered blowing position, the locking element (46a) being such as a lock (46a) including a strike (48a) and a movable bolt (58a) which is elastically returned to a locking position in the strike. |
| US08109755B2 |
Hand tool for laying concrete blocks
A special hand tool for laying concrete blocks. The device includes a mini-hopper sized to hold the correct amount of mortar, a sluiceway, dimensioned to fill the normal joint space between blocks, an optional divider to accommodate both 4 inch and 8 inch nominal blocks, and a vibrator. The device has a handle that can also contain batteries for the vibrator. A mason can scoop up mortar while the tool is vibrating. When full, the vibrator can be stopped and the tool positioned to face the end of a block already set in a wall while the next block to be laid can be put in place on its mortar bed and pushed to the other face of the tool. The vibrator can then be re-started, and the tool vertically withdrawn leaving the mortar that was in the tool between the two block ends. The same tool can also be used to butter horizontal joints by running the vibrator only sufficiently to apply the correct amount of mortar. Alternatively, a second similar tool sized equal to the length of a block, containing exactly the right amount of mortar for a horizontal joint, can be used. |
| US08109753B2 |
Double-sided nano-imprint lithography system
A nano-imprint lithography system is described for patterning first and second substrates, the system includes a translation stage constructed to alternatively place substrate chucks in position with respect to a nano-imprint mold assembly such that the nano-imprint mold assembly may imprint a pattern on one of the substrates, while concurrently obtaining a desired spatial relationship for the remaining substrate. |
| US08109751B2 |
Imprint device and microstructure transfer method
There is provided an imprint device for transferring a fine pattern to a material to form a patterned material. The device comprises a stamper having the fine pattern thereon, and a pressure distribution mechanism. The stamper is pressed against the material, and the pressure distribution mechanism provides a nonuniform pressure distribution in a patterned region of the patterned material, while the stamper is in contact with the material. There are provided an imprint device and a microstructure transfer method, by which it is possible to sufficiently spread a resin or other material for forming a pattern layer between a stamper and a patterned material with a lower pressure so as not to damage the stamper or the patterned material, and to form a pattern formation layer having the uniform thickness on the patterned material. |
| US08109747B1 |
Drive system having a variable output gerotor pump
A variable output assembly including a hydraulic pump disposed on a pump running surface located on a center section, end cap or other hydraulic mounting member. The pump may be a gerotor or other rotatable pump body. A support member is disposed between the pump running surface and the pump and includes a pump support surface having openings to permit fluid communication between the support member and the pump running surface. A motor assembly may be hydraulically connected to the pump running surface by a first porting system, and a sump is hydraulically connected to the pump running surface by a second porting system. The support member is movable between neutral and a plurality of positions corresponding to forward and reverse directions of the output. In forward and reverse positions, the support member permits fluid communication between the pump and the motor through the support surface openings and the first porting system, and in the neutral position the support member permits fluid communication between the pump and the sump through the support surface openings and the second porting system. |
| US08109742B2 |
Rotor yoke with cup portion having a deviated center of gravity and a flange portion having a deviated rotational axis
A rotor yoke includes a substantially flat or annular flat cover portion coaxial or substantially coaxial with a rotational axis and a substantially cylindrical side wall portion extending from an outer circumference of the cover portion in a parallel or substantially parallel relationship with the rotational axis. The rotor yoke further includes a substantially annular flange portion extending radially outwards from an open end of the side wall portion. The cover portion and the side wall portion define a cup portion whose center of gravity deviates from the rotational axis in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis, and the flange portion has an outer circumferential circle whose center deviates from the rotational axis in a direction opposite to the deviation direction of the center of gravity of the cup portion. |
| US08109737B1 |
Reciprocating device with dual chambered cylinders
A reciprocating device which may be operated either as a compressor or an engine. Each cylinder has a reciprocating piston connected to a piston rod. Dual cylinder chambers are located in each cylinder on opposite sides of the piston. The pistons are connected to a scotch yoke which translates the reciprocating motion of the pistons to rotary motion at a shaft in the engine mode. In the compressor mode, the shaft is connected to a power source. The engine components such as the pistons, rods, bushings and cylinder lines may be high quality steel or a ceramic. |
| US08109733B2 |
Variable speed hub
A method of adjusting the speed of blades rotating in a rotor plane on a wind turbine, wherein the angle between at least two blades in the rotor plane is changed, whereby the tip speed of each individual blade can be optimised relative to the current speed of the wind experienced by the blade. Hereby it is possible to take into consideration the variation of the wind as a function of the height above ground level, and the yield of the wind turbine can be increased. The angular displacement of each blade can be changed individually independently of the remainder of the blades and cyclically. The method also comprises that each blade is accelerated on its way upwards in the rotation cycle and decelerated on its way down. Further details are provided about a system for controlling blades in a wind turbine comprising one or more wind speed meters, position meters, and/or acceleration meters, based on which parameters control of the angular displacement of each blade in the rotor plane is performed. |
| US08109732B2 |
Horizontal-axis wind generator
The invention relates to a wind generator for generating power thanks to the force of the wind or a stream of water. The invention includes a rotor provided with 2, 3 or 4 semi-frustoconical twisted blades practically parallel to the rotation axis, which is horizontal. It is silent, starts with a low-speed wind and can operate in very strong winds. It requires a very short mast, thereby considerably reducing the visual impact on the countryside and the environmental disturbance. It may be intended for dwellings, individual houses, ships, caravans, but also for agricultural uses or any other applications requiring electric power or the like. |
| US08109726B2 |
Turbine blade with micro channel cooling system
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine has a multi-pass serpentine flow circuit providing a flow path from a forward cooling flow entry at the root and exhausting towards the trailing edge through a series of chord wise micro channels extending from the rearward pass of the multi-pass serpentine circuit to pressure side bleed slots, each having a forward pressure side lip and opening onto the pressure side adjacent the trailing edge. The micro channels can be formed by a series of spaced fins stacked span wise and extending between the outer wall on the pressure side and the outer wall on the suction side and extending chord wise from the rearward pass to the trailing edge. At least two trip strips can extend from sides of the fins into the micro channels and be staggered relative to trip strips extending into the micro channel from an adjacent fin, whereby turbulent flow levels in the micro channels are increased. |
| US08109723B2 |
Device and method for controlling wind turbine
In a conventional technique, a shutdown sequence indicating a sequential operation from a start of the feathering of a wind turbine to the stop is started in response to an alert signal caused by an external factor. In the present invention, when the alert is called off during the shutdown sequence, the shutdown sequence is stopped, and the recovery control by which the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade is controlled toward the fine state is performed. By such a control, the stop period of the wind turbine under the shutdown can be shortened, so that the decrease in the operating rate of the wind farm can be suppressed. |
| US08109722B2 |
Turbine and system for generating power from fluid flow and method therefor
A turbine for use with a turbine generator, the turbine including at least one turbine blade for positioning in a flowpath, a hub mounting the at least one turbine blade, and a rotatable shaft in operational communication with the hub via a hinge assembly, an axis of the hub being independent of an axis of the shaft. The hinge assembly is disposed between the shaft and the hub and configured to adjust an angle therebetween. A controller assembly is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the hinge assembly during turbine operation. In one embodiment the operational characteristic is a teeter angle of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment operational characteristic is a stiffness or damping force. Methods for using and controlling a fluid turbine are also disclosed. |
| US08109720B2 |
Exhaust plenum for a turbine engine
An exhaust system for gas turbine engine is provided that reduces turbulence and backflow within the exhaust system and, thus, increases the efficiency of the turbine engine. In various embodiments, the system includes an exhaust plenum that provides a gradual expansion of the exhaust gases. The exhaust plenum may also include one or more flow splitters that further reduce turbulence in the plenum and provide a more uniform gas flow in the plenum and other downstream exhaust components. |
| US08109712B2 |
Method of producing a turbine or compressor component, and turbine or compressor component
Disclosed is a turbine or compressor component with an integrated cooling channel, in particular a turbine blade, and a method for producing the same. The cooling channel of the component is subjected to internal pressure during a pressure impingement phase, the internal pressure being at a level sufficiently high that it causes the at least semiplastic deformation of the wall regions delimiting the cooling channel. |
| US08109707B2 |
Nut having a nut body and a cap held on the nut body
The present invention relates to a nut (10, 110, 210) having a nut body (11, 111, 211) and a cap (20, 120, 220, 320) held on the nut body (11, 111, 211), wherein there is/are provided on the outer surface of the nut body (11, 111, 211) an encircling recess (16, 216) or recesses (116) encircling in sections, in which an encircling prominence (23) provided on the inner surface of the cap (20, 120, 220 320) or respectively prominences (123, 330) encircling in sections engage. |
| US08109706B2 |
Composite fastener, belly nut, tie system and/or method for reducing heat transfer through a building envelope
A composite fastener, a belly nut, a tie system and/or a method reduce heat transfer through a building envelope. The composite fastener, the belly nut, the tie system and/or the method secure a wall to a backup structure. The composite fastener is constructed from a fiber reinforced polymer that has fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The composite fastener has a low thermal conductive value (k-value) and has non-corrosive properties. The belly nut has a fastening hole on a first side of the belly nut to attach the composite fastener to the belly nut. Further, the belly nut has a pathway to receive a leg of a pintle from a top surface of the belly nut to a bottom surface of the belly nut. The pathway is sized to allow for greater vertical adjustment eccentricity between the belly nut and the pintle without creating large horizontal deflections of the tie system. |
| US08109705B1 |
Twist-lock anchoring fastener
A twist-lock anchoring fastener comprises a head (700), a shaft (715), and a lance (720). The foot is adapted to penetrate through wallboard (105). The shaft length is approximately equal to the thickness of the wallboard so that when the foot lies on the back side (107) of the wallboard and the shaft is rotated, the foot is captured behind the wallboard, completing installation of the fastener. An optional footer (725) for the head contains raised lines (726) or bumps (727) or both to aid in seating the fastener on the wall. An optional wall plate assembly (1700) further strengthens the installation of the fastener by locally reducing pressure within the wallboard. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener comprises a wall anchor that accepts a pin (3200). In another alternative embodiment, the fastener is designed for installation in our prior-art wall anchor (100). |
| US08109704B2 |
Nut assembly for drain pan
A cage nut assembly for a drain pan includes a nut having a barrel with a barrel end and a distal end opposed thereto. A flange at the distal end has a flange face abutting the drain pan inner surface. A threaded bore is defined along a central axis through the barrel and flange. At least one channel is defined in the flange face and allows substantially complete drainage of a fluid from a sump through a single drain aperture. A cage having a plate with a central aperture receives the barrel with substantial clearance to an edge of the central aperture. Leg(s) extend substantially orthogonally from the plate. An attachment projection on the leg(s) attaches the assembly to the drain pan. The assembly accepts a flange bolt removably installed through the single drain aperture. The flange bolt removably compresses a seal around a periphery of the single drain aperture. |
| US08109699B2 |
Boring bit
A boring bit has a head, a blade assembly and a blade. The head has a mounting recess and two holding protrusions. The mounting recess is formed in the head and has a restricting surface and a threaded hole. The holding protrusions are formed on the restricting surface and each has two oblique restricting faces. The blade assembly is attached to the head and has a mounting base. The mounting base is mounted in the mounting recess and has an inner surface, a through hole and a guiding channel. The inner surface abuts with the restricting surface. The through hole is formed through the mounting base and aligns with the threaded hole. The guiding channel is formed in the mounting base, is mounted around the holding protrusions and has two abutting surfaces abutting the oblique restricting faces of the holding protrusions. The blade is detachably mounted on the blade assembly. |
| US08109698B2 |
Apparatus and method for channelled transport of fruits using a fluid pathway
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid. |
| US08109695B2 |
Concrete pile installation apparatus
A concrete pile installation apparatus includes a pile clamping unit having stop plates arranged at different elevations and hand wheel-controlled clamping blocks disposed corresponding to the stop plates and operable to clamp concrete piles for installation and rollers that facilitate adjustment of the position of concrete piles, and two racks that use hydraulic cylinders to support the pile clamping unit and to adjust the elevation of the pile clamping unit and the clamped concrete piles. |
| US08109693B1 |
Method of cutting target members using a cutting saw device
A diamond wire saw and method provides a frame that includes a clamp that attaches to a target (e.g. piling, beam, tubular), an elongated toothed rack extending away from the mount and target, and a moving portion that carries the diamond wire and motor drives that advance the moving portion toward the target and along the toothed rack while driving the wire around roller guides. |
| US08109689B2 |
Plug-in connector
The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for hollow profiles (4) in spacer frames for insulated glass panes. The plug connector (1) comprises at least two connector parts (2, 3) which may be plugged together and which have an essentially U-shaped or rectangular cross-section, which, in the plugged position, have adjacent side walls (6,17) and a positive fit (9). One connector part (2) has at least one retainer element (12) on the side walls (6) thereof (12) with a corresponding wall opening (13). In order to form the positive connection (9), the other connector part (3) has a projection (10) with a positive fit engagement in the wall opening (13) of the retainer element (12) when in the plugged position. |
| US08109688B2 |
Device, arrangement and method for connecting lines, motor vehicle comprising such an device or arrangement, respectively
The invention relates to an device for connecting lines, especially to a quick connector, comprising at least one connector adapted to be joined with a line end by means of friction welding. A controlled release of excess melt is achieved by that the connecting device is provided with means for withdrawing the melt producible by the friction welding from the its area of the origin. |
| US08109679B2 |
Optical ferrule assemblies and methods of making the same
Disclosed are multifiber ferrule assemblies and methods for manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a finished multifiber ferrule can be provided with a front end having a first front surface that extends beyond a second front surface, thereby inhibiting interaction with a laser beam during processing. A plurality of optical fibers can be fixed within respective optical fiber bores and extend from respective optical fiber bore openings to a position beyond the first front surface. The plurality of optical fibers can be processed by cutting and polishing with a laser beam for providing each optical fiber with a final polished end surface located beyond the first front surface. In further embodiments, an offset structure is positioned with respect to a finished multifiber ferrule after cutting and polishing the optical fibers. |
| US08109678B1 |
Punch-down fiber optic cable termination
An optic connector jack is provided with a punch-down fiber optic cable termination. The jack is made up of a housing with a connector mating interface, for connection to a plug connector, and a cradle for receiving a fiber optic cable. The cradle has at least one U-shaped punch-down blade for securing each fiber optic cable with respect to the housing. A crimping plate overlies the cradle and mates to the housing for securing each fiber optic cable in the cradle. The U-shaped punch-down blade has an open top portion, a closed bottom portion, and an inside diameter about equal to a fiber optic cable diameter. The U-shaped punch-down blade has an interior blade edge, the interior blade edge securing a fiber optic cable by slicing into at least a part of the fiber optic cable circumference. In one aspect, the jack includes a lens for each fiber optic cable. |
| US08109676B2 |
Fiber optic cable with high interface mismatch tolerance
A fiber optic cable is provided with a cable section including at least one length of fiber optic line having a first end and a second end. A first and second plug each have a mechanical body shaped to selectively engage and disengage a jack housing. Each plug has a microlens with a planar surface to engage the fiber optic line end and a convex surface to transceive light in a first collimated beam with a jack optical interface. The fiber optic cable ends are formed in a focal plane of a corresponding plug microlens. |
| US08109672B1 |
Pouch with connectors and system of such pouches
A pouch has a connection structure that includes a female connector and a male connector. The male connector of the pouch is configured to snap-fit with another female connector that has the same configuration as the female connector, and the female connector is configured to receive by snap-fit another male connector that has the same configuration as the male connector. A system of pouches can be provided by connecting the male and female connectors of a plurality of pouches. The connectors are also configured to allow the connected pouches to pivot relative to each other such that the pouches can be displayed in a fan-like arrangement, and accessories can be provided though passages in the connectors. |
| US08109670B2 |
Measurement of molten sulfur level in receptacles
A portable temperature sensing probe (10) having a plurality of thermocouples (18) is inserted into a tank (16) mounted on a truck or other receptacle at the time of loading a hot liquid, e.g., molten sulfur (14). The probe and at least a portion of the associated wiring or leads are attached to the loading pipe (22) and/or discharge nozzle, and the probe is inserted into the interior of the tank before the molten sulfur (14) is discharged. The signals from the plurality of thermocouples (18) are amplified and the corresponding temperature information is transmitted to a display and control device (30). Due to the significant differential between the temperature of the rising molten sulfur (14) and the vapors in the tank overhead space (26), the signals generated indicate which of the thermocouple (18) are in contact with molten sulfur (14) or the vapor zone (32). The generated signals adjust the shut-off valve (38) that controls the flow of molten sulfur (14) into the tank (16). |
| US08109668B2 |
Blender having an invertable jar for compact storage
The blender includes a motor housing that has an outer surface surrounding an electric motor. The motor housing has a first end and a second end. The outer surface has a first mounting member. The motor housing includes a control electrically connected to the motor. A jar has an open end and a blending end and an interior surface. The jar includes a blade assembly proximate to the blending end. The jar is removably mountable to the first end of the motor housing in a operable position. The interior surface of the jar has a second mounting member. The second mounting member is in releasable registry with the first mounting member when the open end of the jar is placed over the first end of the motor housing in a storage position such that the motor housing is at least partially contained within the jar. |
| US08109665B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module is provided. The backlight module has a reflective chamber and a light source. The reflective chamber includes a bottom reflector, a top reflector, at least a light entrance, and a plurality of light emitting openings disposed on the top reflector. The light source is disposed corresponding to the light entrance. The number of the light emitting openings per unit area in a region near the light source is less than the number of the light emitting openings per unit area in another region far from the light source. |
| US08109653B2 |
LED lamp with large light emitting angle
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a bracket, a plurality of LED modules. The heat sink includes a supporting plate and a plurality of fins extending upwardly from a first surface of the supporting plate. The bracket is mounted on a second surface of the supporting plate and includes a plurality of bottom plates each angled an acute angle relative to the second surface of the supporting plate. The bottom plates are arranged radially from a central portion of the supporting plate. Each of the bottom plates includes an outer surface facing downwardly and outwardly away from the second surface of the supporting plate. The LED modules are mounted on the outer surfaces of the bottom plates, respectively. |
| US08109651B2 |
Light projecting apparatus of scanner module and method for arranging light sources thereof
A light projecting apparatus of a scanner module and a method for arranging the light sources thereof are provided. The light projecting module includes a substrate with a first end, a second end and a middle section. The first end and the second end are respectively positioned at both sides of the middle section. The light projecting module also includes multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on the substrate. An arrangement spacing interval is formed between every two adjacent light emitting diodes; the arrangement spacing intervals are respectively decreased gradually from the middle section toward both the first end and the second end. |
| US08109650B2 |
Illuminant system using high color temperature light emitting diode and manufacture method thereof
A light emitting diode (LED) illuminant system, a manufacture method thereof, and a backlight module using the same are provided. The LED illuminant system includes a plurality of white light illuminants and at least one green light illuminant mixed in the white light illuminants. A light power ratio of the green light illuminant to the white light illuminants is in between ⅕ to 1/20. The color temperature of the whole illuminant system will be enhanced to a certain extent by mixing the green light illuminant and the white light illuminants. The manufacture method includes the following steps: obtaining a transmission spectrum of the white light illuminants; analyzing the transmission spectrum to determine n supplemental amount of a green light; and disposing at least one green illuminant in accordance with the supplemental amount of the green light. |
| US08109645B2 |
Illumination devices having movable fluid-driven generator
An illumination device includes a nozzle, a grip, at least one light element connected to the nozzle, and a moveable turbine generator electrically connected to the light-emitting element. The turbine generator includes at least one rotatable blade. When the turbine generator is moved into the nozzle, the impact of a fluid flowing through the nozzle causes the rotatable blade to rotate, thereby generating electric power to power the light-emitting element. When the turbine generator is moved into the grip, the rotatable blade is not subjected to the impact of the fluid flowing through the nozzle, stopping the turbine generator from generating the electric power. |
| US08109641B2 |
Safety interlock system for a projector system
A safety interlock system for a projector system is provided. The projector system has a lamp, a controller and ballast for powering the lamp upon receipt of a lamp enable signal from the controller. The projector system further has a safety inter-lock system for deactivating the lamp in the event the lamp is not properly installed. |
| US08109639B2 |
Image processing device, projector, and method for correcting distortion in a projected image using varying density patterns
An image processing device adapted to correct distortion of an image projected on a projection screen with projection light emitted from a projector includes a detection section adapted to detect at least one of display positions of a plurality of predetermined figures displayed in a correction image projected by the projector on the projection screen, the plurality of figures arranged at densities varying in accordance with an incident condition of projection light to the projection screen, a distortion correction information generation section adapted to generate distortion correction information based on the display position detected and correction image data representing the correction image, an acquisition section adapted to acquire image data representing the image to be projected on the projection screen, and a distortion correction section adapted to execute a distortion correction process using the distortion correction information on the image data acquired. |
| US08109638B2 |
Diffuser configuration for an image projector
According to one embodiment, an image projector has a spatial light modulator (SLM) adapted to modulate illumination from a laser with a spatial pattern such that the modulated illumination projects an image on a viewing screen. The image projector further has an optical diffuser located on an optical path between the laser and the SLM. The laser is adapted to illuminate the SLM through the optical diffuser to create an illuminated area at the SLM. The optical diffuser is adapted to introduce an angular spread into the light transmitted therethrough. The image projector is adapted to move the illuminated area with respect to the SLM to mitigate speckle in the projected image. |
| US08109637B2 |
Wavelength-selective polarization conversion element for generating two light components having polarization directions and wavelength regions different from each other, illumination optical system, and image projection apparatus including the element
The wavelength-selective polarization conversion element includes a plurality of polarization splitting surfaces each of which separates entering light into two polarized light components having polarization directions different from each other, a plurality of phase plates that causes a polarization direction of one polarized light component in the two polarized light components from the polarization splitting surfaces to coincide with a polarization direction of the other polarized light component. The element further includes a plurality of dichroic surfaces that is disposed closer to a light entrance side than the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces or between the plurality of polarization splitting surfaces and the plurality of phase plates, each dichroic surface separating entering light into two wavelength region components different from each other. The element is capable of generating light components having different polarization directions and different wavelength regions from non-polarized light while preventing a reduction of light use efficiency. |
| US08109633B2 |
Noninvasive ocular monitor and method for measuring and analyzing physiological data
A non-invasive device and methods for acquiring and analyzing ocular images from a subject is presented. Aspects of the method comprise of the acquisition of ocular image(s) and subsequent evaluation, classification and/or interpretation of these image(s). The ocular image(s) are acquired using ocular scanning instruments or suitable substitutes. Evaluation, classification, and/or interpretation are most easily accomplished automatically through the use of one or more algorithms. |
| US08109631B2 |
Ophthalmic progressive addition lens with customized design feature
A method for manufacturing an ophthalmic progressive addition lens (100) with customized design features adapted to a wearer, the method comprising the following steps: /a/ a providing step of a lens substrate; /b/ a modifying step in which a first target virtual lens is provided and modified so as to obtain a second target virtual lens, the second target virtual lens having a design feature parameter substantially equal to a customized design feature parameter; /c/ an optimizing step in which an optimized trial virtual lens is obtained by optimizing a trial virtual lens in such a manner that the optimized trial virtual lens has optical characteristics which are substantially equal to the characteristics of the second target virtual lens; and /d/ a manufacturing step of the ophthalmic progressive addition lens from the lens substrate according to the trial virtual lens. Method for the determination of a customized ophthalmic progressive addition lens with customized design features. Related computer program product. |
| US08109628B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus and recording method therefor
A recording apparatus has a recording head, a platen, and a first hole. The recording head includes a dot formation element array, and the platen holds a recording medium opposite the recording head. The first hole is disposed in an area of the platen opposite a downstream portion of the dot formation element array and guides ink discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin. Alternatively or additionally, a second hole is formed in an area of the platen opposite an upstream portion of the dot formation element array, and the platen guides ink, which is discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin, to the second hole. |
| US08109623B2 |
Ink-jet recording method and recorded matter
An ink-jet recording method is provided. The ink-jet method includes recording an images by ejecting, onto a recording medium by an-inkjet method, a liquid composition containing polymer particles having a glass transition temperature (Tg) higher than the minimum film forming temperature (MFT) at least by 5° C., a hydrophilic organic solvent, a surfactant, and water under ejection conditions satisfying all of the following (1) to (3): (1) Tg>the temperature of the liquid composition at the time of ejection>MFT, (2) MFT>20° C., and (3) the temperature of the liquid composition at the time of ejection is 30° C. or higher. |
| US08109622B2 |
Recording ink, ink cartridge, inkjet recording method, and inkjet recording apparatus
The present invention provides a recording ink including a composite pigment particle, a water-soluble solvent, and water, wherein the composite pigment particle is a primary particle coated with a coating resin, wherein the primary particle is a white pigment on the surface of which an oil-soluble dye is adsorbed or attached. In one aspect, the white pigment is preferably at least one selected from a white inorganic pigment, a pearl pigment, and an extender pigment, in another aspect, the coating resin is preferably one of a (meth)acrylic resin, a polyester resin, and a polyurethane resin, wherein the acid value of the coating resin is from 50 mgKOH/g to 250 mgKOH/g, and in another aspect, an average particle diameter (D50%) of the composite pigment particle is preferably 150 nm or less. |
| US08109616B2 |
Cover assembly including an ink refilling actuator member
A cover assembly for a cradle unit of an inkjet printer having a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing. The cover assembly has at least one port formed therein through which a refill unit is received for refilling the ink supply of the cartridge; and an actuator member arranged within the cover assembly which operates said refill unit to facilitate refilling of the ink supply of the cartridge. |
| US08109614B2 |
Process for protectively coating hydraulic microcircuits against aggressive liquids, particulary for an ink jet printhead
An ink jet printhead, made of a silicon substrate and a plurality of metallic and dielectric layers deposited on said substrate. A plurality of chambers for ejection of ink droplets and a plurality of corresponding feeding ducts, connected to the chambers, are produced in a structural layer made of non-photosensitive epoxy or polyamide resin. The chambers and said ducts are delimited by at least one upper wall, the upper wall communicating with at least one nozzle for ejection of the ink droplets. The upper wall and an inner wall of the nozzle are coated with at least one metallic coating layer, suitable for increasing the resistance of the walls to chemically aggressive liquids, in contact with the walls. |
| US08109607B2 |
Fluid ejector structure and fabrication method
In one embodiment, a fluid ejector structure includes an orifice sub-structure and an ejector element sub-structure direct contact bonded together along a direct contact bonding interface. The orifice sub-structure has a plurality of orifices therein. Each orifice is positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of a plurality of fluid ejection elements on the ejector element sub-structure. |
| US08109605B2 |
Image recording apparatus and image recording method
The array pitch between image recording element dots, the swath tilt angle, the image recording pitch between image recording dots in a direction y, or the phase difference between image recording positions in the direction y of adjacent image recording dots that are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction y is adjusted according to an image pattern, so that a jaggy pitch or a jaggy amplitude of jaggies may be of a predetermined value or less to produce a good image. |
| US08109601B2 |
Printer
A printer including a medium supporting member that supports a print medium in a state placed thereon, a print head that has nozzles for ejecting ink droplets downward and freely reciprocates above the medium supporting member, and a maintenance device. The maintenance device is disposed to face the lower surface of the print head when the print head is in a standby position and receives residual ink in the nozzles which is ejected from the nozzles when the print head is in the standby position. The maintenance device has an ink receiving chamber that opens upward for receiving the residual ink ejected from the nozzles and a liquid injection member that injects liquid into the ink receiving chamber when the print head is away from a position where the print head faces the ink receiving chamber in the vertical direction. |
| US08109599B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus and method of inspecting cleaning apparatus of liquid ejection apparatus
The liquid ejection apparatus has: a liquid ejection head which includes a nozzle plate forming a nozzle surface in which nozzles ejecting droplets of a first liquid are provided; a wiping member which wipes the nozzle surface; an edge determination device which includes a determination plate with which a front tip portion of the wiping member wiping the nozzle surface can make contact, and determines an edge shape of the front tip portion of the wiping member according to a state of the determination plate; and a judgment device which judges timing of replacing the wiping member, according to the edge shape determined by the edge determination device. |
| US08109597B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus which forms an image includes: an intermediate transfer body which is conveyed in a conveyance direction; a washing liquid application device which applies a washing liquid on the intermediate transfer body; a first wiping device which is arranged on a downstream side of the washing liquid application device in terms of the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer body, the first wiping device abutting against the intermediate transfer body to wipe away the washing liquid on the intermediate transfer body; a second wiping device which is arranged on a downstream side of the first wiping device in terms of the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer body, the second wiping device abutting against the intermediate transfer body to wipe away the washing liquid on the intermediate transfer body; and a control device which controls the first and second wiping devices so that the first wiping device abuts against the intermediate transfer body when the image is being formed, and the first wiping device separates from the intermediate transfer body while the second wiping device abuts against the intermediate transfer body when the image is not being formed. |
| US08109594B2 |
Unit for measuring color and recording apparatus
A color measuring unit that is easily mounted in a recording apparatus and measures with high accuracy. All of the elements of the color measuring are integrated into a single unit, such that the color measuring can be used independently in a separated form.The color measuring unit is equipped with a calorimeter holder holding a calorimeter. A carriage reciprocating means is connected to the calorimeter holder and has a calorimeter carriage for reciprocally moving the calorimeter holder in a column direction formed by a color measuring pattern. A pressing member in a pressing posture presses the surface of a recording member on which the color measuring pattern is recorded when measuring color. In a retreated posture, the pressing member retreats so that the recording member can be transported. A rotating and shifting means switches the pressing posture and the retreated posture of the pressing member. |
| US08109591B2 |
System and method for protecting a printer from an over-temperature condition in a printhead
A method responds to an over-temperature condition in a printhead. The method includes generating a first electrical signal corresponding to a temperature in a printhead, monitoring the first electrical signal with a first electronic circuit to terminate delivery of electrical power to a printhead in response to detection of a safety event, and monitoring the first electrical signal with a second electronic circuit to regulate an amount of electrical power delivered to the printhead. |
| US08109590B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of setting signal for micro vibration
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes liquid chambers in which a liquid is filled, nozzles communicating with the liquid chambers, a signal generator generating a signal of potential change, and elements operating in accordance with the potential of the signal to be applied to cause a change in pressure in the liquid chambers. The signal generator generates a signal for micro vibration of a free surface of the liquid to be exposed from the nozzles such that the liquid is not ejected. The signal for micro vibration has a first potential change portion at which a potential changes from a first potential to a medium potential between the first potential and a second potential, a subsequent constant potential portion at which the potential is maintained constant at the medium potential, and a subsequent second potential change portion at which the potential changes from the medium potential to the second potential. |
| US08109589B2 |
Liquid discharging device and method of controlling the same
A liquid discharging device includes a liquid discharging head which discharges liquid. A drive signal generator generates a drive pulse. A liquid receiving portion faces a nozzle-formed surface of the liquid discharging head and receives discharged liquid. Electrical change information is acquired by detecting change in an electrical characteristic between a conductive portion of the liquid discharging head and the liquid receiving portion when liquid is discharged. Correlation information shows correlation between the electrical change information and temperatures of discharged liquid. The drive signal generator generates an information acquiring drive pulse. The correlation information shows correlation between the electrical change information obtained when discharging the liquid using the information acquiring drive pulse and the temperatures of the liquid. Based on the correlation information, the temperature of the liquid corresponding to the electrical change information is estimated as an estimated liquid temperature and the drive pulse is thereby corrected. |
| US08109584B2 |
Liquid ejection head, liquid ejection apparatus, and manufacturing method of liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes an energy-generating element arranged on a semiconductor substrate, a barrier layer deposited on the semiconductor substrate for forming a liquid chamber in the periphery of the energy-generating element, and a nozzle sheet bonded on the barrier layer and having a nozzle formed at a position opposing the energy-generating element, in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid contained in the liquid chamber from the nozzle as liquid droplets by the energy-generating element, and the barrier layer is provided with a plurality of depressions, each having an independent contour, arranged within a range, which is separated from the border of the barrier layer, on an adhesive region adhering to the nozzle sheet. |
| US08109582B2 |
Lockable pushing-out device
Lockable pushing-out device (1) for a furniture part guided in a movable manner in or on a piece of furniture, in particular for a drawer or door, having a spring-loaded drive element (5) for moving the movable furniture part out of a closed end position into an open position, wherein the drive element (5), for the purpose of transmitting force to the movable furniture part, is arranged such that it can be displaced in a guide track (8), and wherein the guide track (8) has at least one portion (A, A′) which is designed such that the furniture part can be moved by virtue of the spring-loaded drive element (5) interacting with the guide track (8). |
| US08109579B2 |
Adjustment apparatus for sneeze guard
An adjustment apparatus for a sneeze guard includes a support post having a mounting bar with two parallel ridges along the rear side. First and second support frames are slidably interconnected and secured to the ridges on the mounting bar in parallel relation, the outer side of first support frame facing the outer side of the second support frame. The first support plate is pivotally connected and adjustably secured in a plurality of rotational positions to the inner side of the first support frame. The first support plate includes a holder on the inner side attached to one end of a transparent pane of a sneeze guard. The second support plate is pivotally connected and adjustably secured in a plurality of rotational positions to the inner side of the second support frame. The second support plate includes a holder on the inner side attached to one end of an opposing transparent pane of a sneeze guard. The adjustment apparatus allows each of the transparent panes in a series of interconnected sneeze guard panes to be adjusted vertically and rotationally, independently of any other pane in the series. |
| US08109577B2 |
Sliding latch system
A system for latching a seat to a guide track (102) is disclosed. The system generally includes a latch plate (122) being coupled to the seat, a first release member (124) coupled to the latch plate (122), and a second release member coupled to the latch plate. The first release member (124) is configured to releasably engage the guide track (102) and is selectively movable between a first position for fixedly coupling the seat to the guide track (102), a second position for movably coupling the seat to the guide track, and a third position for detachably coupling the seat to the guide track (102). A second release member (160) is configured to prevent the first release member (124) for moving to the third position unless the second release member has been selectively actuated. |
| US08109576B2 |
Seat assembly
A seat assembly is revealed. A connection slot is formed around a circumference of a rear side of a support and an assembly block is projectingly arranged at a center of the connection slot. At least one channel penetrating from one side to the other side of the assembly block is formed on the assembly block. A cloth surface is covered from a front side to a rear side of the support and a circumference thereof is mounted into the connection slot. A frame formed by injection molding is to cover the circumference of the rear side of the support and fill into the connection slot and the channel so as to connect and secure the cloth surface with the frame as well as the support by multiple bends of the cloth surface and infiltration of frame material into pores of the cloth surface. |
| US08109575B2 |
Contoured loveseat
Contoured loveseat with an internal support frame forming an elongate rectilinear shape having a pair of matching long rigid parallel side panels, a pair of matching short rigid parallel side panels and a contoured top panel. The short side panels and the contoured top panels are covered by a uniformly thick cushion material. The short side panels join the top panel in a radiused fashion. A plurality of supplemental support cushions can be slidably retained within cutout portions in the side panels. The cutout portions are shaped to match the profile of the supplemental cushions. A preferred embodiment includes one side of the contoured top panel being sized for a male body and the opposite side of the contoured top panel being sized for a female body. |
| US08109571B2 |
Child safety seat
A child safety seat includes a seat body, a backrest, a first side wing, and an adjusting mechanism. The backrest is connected to the seat body. A hole is formed on the backrest and a first slot is formed on a first side of the backrest. A first side wing is movably disposed through the first slot. The adjusting mechanism is movably disposed in the hole of the backrest and is movably connected to the first side wing. The adjusting mechanism has an actuating part. The actuating part is operable for driving the first side wing to move relative to the first slot telescopically. |
| US08109567B2 |
Active material actuated headrest utilizing bar linkage deployment system
An active headrest for selectively supporting the head of an occupant, includes a shell, and an actuator disposed within the shell, including a bar linkage system drivenly coupled to the shell, so as to adjust the distance or engagement between the shell and head when displaced, and an active material element drivenly coupled to the system, so as to cause or enable the displacement of the system, and preferably further including a ratchet sector/pawl and latch cooperating to present plural achievable deployment positions. |
| US08109566B2 |
Collapsible desk assembly
A collapsible desk assembly includes a desk board, an elbow joint, a positioning board, and a connecting portion. The elbow joint has a groove defined therein and is mounted to the desk board. The positioning board has a pin disposed thereon and the positioning board is connected to the elbow joint. The pin is inserted into the groove. A pivoting shaft is extending from the positioning board. The connecting portion has a receiving hole defined therein for receiving the pivoting shaft. A bolt is inserted into the receiving hole and passing through the pivoting shaft, and is threaded to the elbow joint. When the desk board is descended, the positioning board is rotated downwardly and blocking the elbow joint from pivotally bending relative to the connecting portion, such that the desk board is stably suspended beside the connecting portion. |
| US08109562B2 |
Roof rail for vehicle
A roof rail reinforcement device for a vehicle, may include at least a reinforcement attached to a roof rail to increase rigidity, and having a cut part formed by cutting a portion of a flange thereof to ensure therethrough a first sealer applying position formed at a distal end of the roof rail, thus allowing a mastic sealer to be applied to the distal end of the roof rail. |
| US08109561B2 |
Car body structure
A car body structure includes a roof side rail and a front pillar, and the roof side rail and the front pillar include a roof side rail reinforcement and a front pillar reinforcement. The roof side rail reinforcement extends in a front-to-rear direction of a car body, and the front pillar reinforcement extends in a direction that intersects the front-to-rear direction of the car body. The roof side rail reinforcement and the front pillar reinforcement are connected to each other so that an end of a lower side wall of the roof side rail reinforcement abuts an end of the outer side wall of the front pillar reinforcement in the front-to-rear direction of the car body and an end of an upper side wall of the roof side rail reinforcement overlaps an end of an inner side wall of the pillar front pillar reinforcement. |
| US08109557B1 |
Vehicle armor mat
A foldable vehicle floor mat can be used as a ballistic shield when unfolded and attached to a vehicle door. The mat comprises a weather protective layer and an impact-resistant layer. When completely unfolded, the mat covers the length and height of the vehicle door, for which it was designed. The mat is provided with hanging hooks attached to the upper side of the mat, whereby the mat can be hung upon the vehicle door, and a ballast weight attached to the bottom side of the mat, whereby draping the mat across the door is facilitated, and magnetic strips can be provided along the perimeter of the unfolded mat. |
| US08109554B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting a wheelchair in a vehicle
In a vehicle adapted for a driver or passenger in a wheelchair, an additional support (11) for the back of the wheelchair is fastened to an upper portion of a pillar (12, 13), a lower portion of the pillar being fastened to the floor, and the upper portion of the pillar being turnable relative to the lower portion of the pillar and turnably fastened to a bracket of the B-pillar (10) of the vehicle so that the support (11) can be swung into and out of an operative position by the turning the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The upper and lower portions have interacting inner and outer sleeves (24,19) with grooves (28,21) oriented at an angle to each other. The inner and outer sleeves are interconnected by a through bolt (22) fastened to a device inside the lower portion and arranged to move the bolt along the pillar so that the upper portion (12) of the pillar is turned when the bolt is displaced vertically. |
| US08109552B2 |
Truck bed extender
The truck bed extender (10) has three panels (12, 26a, 26b) removably attached to the edge of the vehicle tailgate (G) and the rear portions (LR, RR) of the cargo box sidewalls (LW, RW). The deployed extender (10) increases the vehicle capacity and efficiency. The side panels (26a, 26b) fold against the inner surface of the primary panel (12) and the primary panel (12) folds against the inner surface of the tailgate (G) for compact storage of the assembly. The panel assembly (10) may be quickly and easily removed from the permanently installed hinges (14a, 14b) on the vehicle tailgate (G). The extender assembly (10) may be deployed, stored, removed, and installed without tools, once the primary panel hinges (14a, 14b) and side panel attachment brackets have been installed on the vehicle. |
| US08109551B2 |
Bus cabin structure
Bus cabin structures including improved configurations of floors, passenger aisles and steps, interior roofs or ceilings, and door frames. |
| US08109548B2 |
Vacuum lifting device for lifting and handling of objects
A vacuum lifting device with a contractible and extensible suction tube and a suction cup, which device is provided with a valve house having an interior that is communicating with the interior of the suction tube. The valve house has an aperture for inlet of air and a valve device for regulating the air inlet by a valve body that is actuated by a rotary cam disc which is rotatable together with a rotary hand grip, which cam disc has a periphery designed to continuously displace the valve body an adjustable distance essentially perpendicular to the turning axis of the cam disc in dependence on the turning angle of the hand grip. A steep increase of the cam disc radius makes possible at need a stepwise displacement of the valve body in addition to the regulated distance. |
| US08109542B2 |
Door latch device for a vehicle
A base plate is provided in one of a door and a vehicle body of a vehicle. A latch is pivotally secured to the base plate and engages with a striker of the other of the door and the vehicle body. A ratchet engages with the latch to allow the door to be held in a closed position. An emergency-operating portion is mounted to the base plate and manually operated at the interior of the vehicle, so that the ratchet is released from the latch, which is then released from the striker. The door can be opened. |
| US08109536B2 |
Goalie skate
A goalie skate having a skate boot comprising a thermoformed outer shell with a sole and an ankle portion for receiving the ankle of the foot, the ankle portion comprising medial and lateral sides for facing the medial and lateral malleoli respectively, the medial side comprising an upper edge that is a first distance away from the sole and the lateral side comprising an upper edge that is a second distance away from the sole, the first distance being greater than the second distance. By having a goalie skate boot that has the lateral upper edge located below the medial upper edge, the lateral outward flexion of the foot is eased when the goalie skate is in an angled position. The invention also relates to a goalie skate with a skate boot comprising an outer shell that is thermoformed such that it comprises an integrated toe portion, thereby eliminating the traditional toe cap. |
| US08109534B2 |
Highly thermal resistant material for a vehicle safety device
An airbag. The airbag includes a heat shield made of a thermal resistant material that prevents a pyrotechnic inflator's clinkers and hot gas from damaging the airbag or injuring the vehicle occupant. The thermal resistant material is a base fabric web with an elastomeric coating that includes a high aspect ratio additive such as vitreous fibers of alumina silicates. The resulting thermal resistant material exhibits exceptionally good thermal resistance times while, at the same time, uses relatively low coating weights. |
| US08109531B2 |
Push-steer implement hitch
A system for push-steering an implement includes a pair of links, each link connecting the implement to a front portion of a motorized vehicle. Each link of the pair of connected links between the motorized vehicle and the implement is non parallel to each other. In response to the motorized vehicle traveling at a first predetermined steering angle, a traction element developed between at least two wheels of the implement and the driving surface rotatably urges one link toward a predetermined offset angle in a rotational direction opposite of the first predetermined steering angle. The pair of links simultaneously rotatably urges the implement to be steered toward a second predetermined steering angle in the same rotational direction as the first predetermined steering angle. The predetermined offset angle and second predetermined steering angle define a substantially stable position in response to the first predetermined steering angle. |
| US08109526B2 |
Convertible A-frame cart
A cart comprises a first pillar that is mounted on a platform and defines first and second load supporting surfaces. A second pillar is mounted on the platform defining a third and fourth load supporting surfaces. The first and third load supporting surfaces are coplanar and the second and fourth load supporting surfaces are coplanar such that the first and second pillars form an A-frame support structure. Movable platforms are connected to the pillars and are movable between a raised position and a lowered position. When the movable platforms are in the lowered position, they are coplanar and form a support surface. Hangers are pivotably attached to the first pillar and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. |
| US08109525B2 |
Guiding wheel assembly, especially for a hospital bed
A guiding wheel assembly, mainly for a hospital bed, including a wheel (1) with a horizontal rotation axis (6) installed on an arm (7) that is fixed to the frame (5) with the use of an axis (4) allowing swinging in the vertical plane. The wheel (1) is firmly fixed in the straight direction. The arm (7) is provided with a track (3), against which a pressing element (8) leans. The pressing element (8) is fixed with a pin (9) to the frame (5) in a swinging way. |
| US08109523B2 |
Skibob and method for riding a chairlift
Skibobs are disclosed having features for conveying the skibob with rider on a moving chairlift while the rider remains mounted on the seat of the skibob. The frame and suspension are configured for elevating the underside of the skibob seat above the level of the chairlift bench during loading, so that the chairlift bench, while moving forward from behind the rider, can pick up the skibob, rider and all, and carry the mounted rider up the ski slope without falling. As the undercarriage of the skibob is lifted off the snow, the rider is deposited on the chairlift bench so that the seat of the skibob is secured in place by the weight of the rider on the seat. During offloading, the skibob is nonetheless readily disengaged from the chairlift bench with an active boost from the suspension and optional spring-loaded seat as the undercarriage contacts the offloading platform, permitting the rider to ski away from the chairlift without dismounting the skibob, thus improving ease of use for riders with limits in physical capacity. These and other features of the invention are a benefit to disabled persons in gaining access to the ski slopes. |
| US08109522B2 |
Apparatus and method for coupling a disconnectable stabilizer bar
A stabilizer bar system that includes a first stabilizer bar, a second stabilizer bar and a clutch having a clutch housing and a plurality of coupling members housed in the clutch housing. The first stabilizer bar is received in the clutch housing for rotation relative to the clutch housing about a rotational axis. The second stabilizer bar is fixedly coupled to the clutch housing. The coupling members are configured to selectively non-rotatably couple the first stabilizer bar to the clutch housing such that the clutch housing is employed to transmit torque between the first and second stabilizer bars. |
| US08109520B2 |
Cylinder head gasket and method of making cylinder head gasket
A cylinder head gasket includes at least one metal plate having a plurality of cylinder bores, a plurality of liquid holes and a plurality of bolt holes. Sealing beads are formed around the cylinder bores and the fluid holes, and a parting bead is formed separately from the sealing beads. In case the at least one metal plate is divided, in a plan view, into four areas including a front side and a rear side, and an intake side and an exhaust side by two straight lines perpendicular to each other to have equal areas, respectively, the parting bead is added to at least one of the four areas such that a total length of the sealing bead and the parting bead therein is between 95% and 100% of one of the four areas having a longest total length of the sealing bead. |
| US08109519B2 |
Tubular shaft seal
The invention describes a leak proof shaft seal for valves and other pressurized vessels, wherein the shaft seal can deform elastically by either stretching or twisting without loosing its ability to seal all, or a portion, of said shaft from harmful fluids. Furthermore, the elastic shaft seal is immune to static pressures, since it closely surrounds a shaft and thus is protected from collapse. |
| US08109511B2 |
Paper discharger and image forming apparatus
A paper discharger is configured so as to perform paper conveying process to a first stacking tray and paper conveying process to a second stacking tray by a driving force from a single motor capable of reversible rotation in both directions. An image forming apparatus includes a movable door configured so as to support the second stacking tray, and a second gear train. Between a group of gears configuring the second gear train and a discharge roller is disposed a one way clutch configured so as to transmit driving force to the discharge roller only in the direction of discharging paper to the second stacking tray. |
| US08109509B2 |
Paper sheet processing device
A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing paper sheet clogging in a traveling route in which a paper sheet is conveyed is provided. The paper sheet processing apparatus comprises an open/close member 2B which is opened or closed with respect to a frame 2A and a traveling route through which the paper sheet (a bill, a card, a coupon ticket, and the like are collectively referred to as “paper sheet”) is conveyed is formed between the open/close member 2B and the frame 2A when the open/close member 2B is closed with respect to the frame 2A. The open/close member 2B is provided with a sensor 31 for detecting that the open/close member 2B is opened from the frame 2A. |
| US08109506B2 |
Sheet observer with a limited number of sheet sensors
A method and system for determining sheet position and orientation of a sheet as the sheet moves along a feed path is provided herein. The method includes moving the sheet along the feed path and past at least one point sensor to measure a first position of the sheet relative to a first reference axis coinciding with the process direction of the feed path. Next, the method provides for moving the sheet along the feed path and past at least one linear array sensor to measure a second position of the sheet relative to a second reference axis disposed perpendicular to the first reference axis and an angular orientation of the sheet in the reference plane relative to a third reference axis perpendicular to the reference plane. After that, a sheet velocity is determined. Then, one or more estimated sheet positions along the feed path are determined. |
| US08109502B2 |
Media feeding device with open/close member
An open/close mechanism of a media feed path for feeding a sheet medium from a media insertion unit allowing for a reduced parts count and minimal installation space is disclosed. In an embodiment, an open/close lever and paper pressure member of a check feeding device pivot horizontally on first and second vertical support shafts. When the pressure member pivots and presses against the delivery roller, the back end of the lever is pushed by the pressure member, pivoting the lever thereby retracting the front end of the lever from the check feed path. Because the lever is urged in a pivot direction causing the front end to enter the check feed path, when the paper pressure member returns to the position not pressed against the delivery roller, the open/close lever pivots in this urging direction returning to the position where the front end closes the check feed path. |
| US08109495B2 |
Spine formation device, post-processing apparatus, and bookbinding system
An spine formation device includes a sheet conveyer, a contact member including a first row of grooves provided in a contact surface thereof to house a projection projecting from a folded portion of a bundle of folded sheets, a driving unit to move the contact member, first and second sandwiching units to squeeze the bundle, a discharge unit, and a controller. The first row of grooves extends in parallel to the folded portion of the bundle and includes at least a first pair of grooves inclined in different directions with an interval therebetween varying in size with location of the grooves in a first direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. The contact member is moved to change the size of interval between the first pair of grooves at a position aligned with the projection projecting from the folded portion of the bundle of folded sheets. |
| US08109493B2 |
Automated truss assembly jig setting system
The invention as depicted in a preferred embodiment is a retrofitted automated truss assembly jig setting system and one or more removable plank units used therewith. Removable plank unit includes a pair of drive motors each connected to a motor plate that is fixed to the bottom surface of a plank. A pair of rods extends along the length of the plank and each is operatively connected to a motor such that activation of a motor rotates a rod. Puck assemblies are carried by rods and are linearly transposed along rods when motors are activated. A computerized control system is operatively connected to provide for automated positioning of pucks. Planks on existing truss assembly tables may be removed and replaced with removable plank units to turn a traditional truss assembly jigging table into an automated truss assembly jigging table. |
| US08109488B2 |
Wastewater treatment system and method of using same
A wastewater treatment system having a tank, a rotatable surface aerator and an elongate draft tube is presented. The elongate draft tube is at least partially submerged beneath the liquid and is rotated about its longitudinal axis for orbitally moving the liquid through the tank in a fixed direction. The rotatable surface aerator is coupled to the proximal end of the draft tube and is at least partially immersible into the liquid. The system further can provide an anoxic zone. A process for treating wastewater is also provided. |
| US08109484B2 |
Subframe support apparatus
A subframe support apparatus adapted to engage and support a subframe of a vehicle is provided wherein the subframe support apparatus engages and supports the subframe of the vehicle when the vehicle is either raised on a lift and/or on the ground and when a mechanic is working on components of the vehicle supported by the subframe of the vehicle. The subframe support apparatus includes an elongated housing or elongated support member having first and second subframe engaging assemblies adjustably connected thereto for engaging oppositely disposed portions of the subframe of the vehicle. |
| US08109483B2 |
Swivel support base apparatus
A swivel support base apparatus is disclosed. One embodiment of the swivel support base apparatus includes a frame, a swivel mechanism, said swivel mechanism including a foot having a defined frictional coefficient that enables rotation of the frame and impedes translational movement of the foot, and secondary feet connected to the frame and disposed in locations surrounding the swivel mechanism, said secondary feet having a lower frictional coefficient than the foot. |
| US08109482B2 |
Sprinkler mounting device
A sprinkler mounting device that support units are joined to T-shaped frames and a support bar through screws, thereby providing a strong and firm mounted state and preventing a separation of the support units from the support bar during work. |
| US08109481B2 |
Operation device and image recording device
An operation device includes a rotatable operation panel and a tilt mechanism including a recessed groove and pawl member capable of engaging with the recessed groove and an urging member configured to elastically urge the pawl member. In the engaging state, the pawl member contacts with the recessed groove at a first position and a second position. A relationship 0°<θ1<θ2<90° is satisfied, where, in cross-section orthogonal to the rotation axis, an angle θ1 is defined between: a first imaginary line connecting the first position and a rotation axis; and a second imaginary line along an inclined surface of the first position side in the recessed groove, and an angle θ2 is defined between: a third imaginary line connecting the second position and the rotation axis; and a fourth imaginary line along an inclined surface of the second position side in the recessed groove. |
| US08109480B2 |
Plate holder and liquid crystal display having the same
The present invention relates to a plate holder and a liquid crystal display having the same. There is provided a plate holder for fixing a plate in a liquid crystal display. The plate holder includes a base portion, a body portion formed on an end of the base portion and laterally extending therefrom, and a head portion formed at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion disposed to be spaced apart by a predetermined interval from and to face the first body portion. |
| US08109477B1 |
Lawn bag cart
A bag holding apparatus for supporting one or more bags that are used for the purpose of depositing and storing leaves or other lawn debris. The apparatus includes a base platform upon which a full bag rests; at least two wheels interconnected by an axle shaft and for supporting the base platform; an upright main frame mounted from the base platform and disposed over the wheels; and sidewall members also supported over the base platform and defining with the main frame an open compartment for receiving the bag therein. Each of the sidewall members has a lower section thereof positioned to leave a space between the sidewall member and an edge of the bag and an upper section extending inwardly of the compartment. A clip member is secured at the upper section of each sidewall member for holding an edge of the bag. |
| US08109476B2 |
Baggie holder
A baggie holder comprising first and second support members, the center portions of which are pivotally connected to each other. Each of the first and second support members comprises two legs, and each leg comprises a roughly vertical member, a foot, and a connecting portion between the foot and the center portion of the support member. The length of each connecting portion of each of the four legs is the same. |
| US08109474B2 |
Dual ultrasonic train detector
A train detector having dual ultrasonic sensors positioned adjacent to a rail for sensing the movement thereby of a train wheel and determining the direction and speed of the train for transmitting such information to nearby workers and signal devices and a method of train detecting are disclosed. |
| US08109470B2 |
Overpressure protector
An aircraft fuel tank assembly comprises a first fuel tank, a second fuel tank and a tank-to-tank overpressure protector therebetween. The overpressure protector has a closed state and an open state. The fuel tank assembly further comprises an indicator for indicating whether the overpressure protector is in the open or closed state, the indication of the indicator being able to be sensed at a location outside of the fuel tanks. The fuel tank assembly may comprise a test mechanism arranged to effect movement of the overpressure valve from the closed state to the open state, the test mechanism being operable from a location outside a fuel tank. The fuel tank assembly may comprise an overpressure valve re-set mechanism, the re-set mechanism being operable from a location outside the fuel tanks. |
| US08109469B2 |
Combined staircase and lavatory module for an aircraft
A module for an aircraft for accessing an upper region of the aircraft includes both an ascent region and an accommodation region, with the regions being divided from each other by a divider element. The accommodation region may, for example, be designed as an on-board lavatory. In this way it may be possible to do without the provision of an additional lavatory monument. |
| US08109463B2 |
Self-propelled undercarriage wheel having a low profile tire
An undercarriage wheel is disclosed comprising an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a tire attached to the wheel member, wherein the tire bulges in the width dimension of the wheel, wherein the drive member protrudes from the wheel member and thus occupies at least some of the additional width made available by the bulge of the tire. A further aspect of the invention is an undercarriage wheel that comprises an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a low-profile tire attached to the wheel member. Since the profile of the tire is low, additional space is available inside the wheel for the drive member. Preferably, the drive member occupies at least some of this additional space, and has sufficient power to be able to propel an aircraft to which the undercarriage assembly is attached, either alone or in combination with other self-propelled undercarriage assemblies attached to the aircraft. |
| US08109462B2 |
Lenticular airship
An airship may include a hull substantially shaped as an oblate spheroid, one or more frame members defining a support structure, wherein the support structure forms at least a partial support for the hull, at least one horizontal stabilizing member operably coupled to a lower surface of the airship, and at least one horizontal stabilizing member having a first end and a second end. The at least one horizontal stabilizing member may define an anhedral configuration. The airship may also include a vertical stabilizing member having a first end pivotally coupled to the airship and a second end oriented to remain below an upper surface of the airship. The vertical stabilizing member may be configured to pivot within a vertical plane, and the first end of the vertical stabilizing member and the first end of the at least one horizontal stabilizing member may be operably coupled to one another. |
| US08109461B2 |
Film transfer device with slidable protection cap
A film transfer device with a slidable protection cap includes a case including a compartment, a receiving section connected with the compartment, and an opening section in proximity to the receiving section. A reel mechanism is disposed in the compartment. An application head assembly is retained in the receiving section and includes an application head exposed outside the opening section. A protection cap is slidably mounted in the receiving section between a first position and a second position. The application head is concealed by the protection cap when the protection cap is in the first position. The application head is exposed from the protection cap when the protection cap is in the second position. |
| US08109460B2 |
Seatbelt apparatus of vehicle
This seatbelt apparatus of a vehicle is provided with: a seatbelt; a belt reel on which the seatbelt is wound; a motor that drives a rotation of the belt reel; a controller that controls a driving amount of the motor; a winding position detection device that detects a winding position of the belt reel. The controller performs a first control mode in which a substantially constant electricity is supplied to the motor, and a second control mode in which the electricity supplied to the motor is controlled based on a predetermined rule; and sets an initial value for the second control mode based on changes in the winding position detected by the winding position detection device, while changing from the first control mode to the second control mode. |
| US08109457B2 |
Multi-stage discharger for grinding mills
A pulp lifter assembly for a rotary grinding mill includes an outer pulp lifter having walls defining a pulp lifter chamber and an outlet opening for radially inward discharge of slurry from the pulp lifter chamber, and an inner discharger disposed radially inward of the outer pulp lifter and circumferentially offset from the outer pulp lifter. The inner discharger defines a passage for conveying slurry substantially radially inward. A transition discharger is disposed radially between the outer pulp lifter and the inner discharger. The transition discharger has a first wall bounding an interior space and a second wall dividing the interior space into first and second regions. The second wall includes a guide that bounds a channel connecting the outlet opening of the outer pulp lifter to the passage defined by the inner discharger. |
| US08109453B2 |
Method of using a materials crusher and bottom dump feeder
A machine for quenching, crushing and feeding material that includes a continuous loop drag chain conveyor. A first portion of the conveyor travels through a quenching tank and a second portion travels beneath the tank's bottom wall. Large blocks of hot material are dropped onto the conveyor inside the tank. A rotary crusher is positioned to crush the cooled blocks into sized pieces as they exit the tank. The sized pieces drop through an opening in the conveyor's frame and onto the second portion of the conveyor. The pieces dewater on the second portion of the conveyor and drop through a discharge opening and into a removal device for transfer to a remote location for further processing. |
| US08109451B2 |
Shower spray device and related delivery nozzles
There is described a shower spray device including a lower plate with a plurality of nozzles and an upper plate with an inlet for the water supply. An elastic sealing element is interposed between the two plates to delimit therewith a chamber for distributing water to the nozzles. To maintain the correct pressure of the two plates, clamping screws are used also having the function of delivery nozzles, i.e. screws formed by threaded pins having an axial duct, with an outlet open towards the outside to allow water delivery, and at least one transverse duct to place the distribution chamber in fluid communication with the axial duct for water delivery. |
| US08109449B2 |
Outlet nozzle
An outlet nozzle (1) which can be attached to an outlet fitting, or to a similar outlet end of a sanitary water line, which includes a valve unit (3), which is displaceable between a blocking position, closing the water line, and an open position, releasing the water line, wherein at least one aerator unit having a jet divider, homogenizer, and/or flow rectifier, a shower unit, or similar jet former, is provided in the outlet nozzle (1). The outlet nozzle (1) is characterized by the low space requirement and production costs thereof. |
| US08109446B2 |
Method of controlling a cell that is used for the rapid cooling of a cooked product in order to preserve same
The invention relates to a method of controlling a cell that is used for the rapid cooling of a cooked product. The method includes the steps of taking a period measurement of an internal temperature of the product to be cooled and of the temperature of the ambient air in a chamber; and using the temperature measurements to determine a set value for the temperature of the ambient air inside the chamber. The set temperature value for the ambient air in the chamber is used to control the cold production element until the end of the cooling cycle in order to obtain an internal temperature at the end of the cycle that is less than a pre-determined end internal temperature using a cycle length of less than or equal to a pre-determined maximum cycle length. The invention is suitable for commercial and institutional catering and for the agri-food industry. |
| US08109443B2 |
Precise transport positioning apparatus using a closed loop controlled, non-direct drive or friction drive system with absolute positioning encoder
An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier with respect to a workstation can include a workpiece carrier movable relative to the workstation and having an encoder strip, at least one encoder reader located at the workstation for generating a signal in response to interaction with at least one encoder strip, and a drive engaging the workpiece carrier for moving the carrier relative to the workstation, the drive responsive to the signal from the encoder reader. The encoder reader can be selected from a group consisting of an optical encoder reader, a magnetic encoder reader, and any other absolute positioning encoder reader. A closed loop feedback control system can be provided for receiving the signal from the encoder reader, and for generating an output signal in response to the signal from the encoder reader in accordance with a program stored in memory. The encoder reader can be used for generating a signal corresponding to at least one of a position identification signal, a workpiece carrier identification signal, and a workpiece configuration identification signal. |
| US08109442B2 |
Optical reader quality factor
A method and apparatus for generating and applying quality factors (QFs) to an optical reader. After an optical reader is calibrated, a mid-range gray scale level is selected and scanned. The reader outputs digital numbers (DNs) that are generated for all the pixels that will be responding to the reading of a document. A histogram of the DNs is generated and characteristics of the histogram distribution are calculated and used as QFs. For example, the standard deviation of the histogram may serve as a QF, where a lower standard deviation is preferred. Thresholds and standards may be developed from experience that indicate the operating condition of the reader. The QFs, thus, may be used during manufacturing and for field servicing of the reader. |
| US08109436B1 |
Secure card
Systems and methods for monetary cards are described. The cards are free from personally identifiable data, e.g., no name or embossment. In an example, the card includes a first number that activates the card and a second number written to the card at activation away from the card manufacturer. This helps prevent theft at the manufacturer. This second account is a bearer account where anyone who knows the account number can withdraw the funds from the account. The account may be funded with either the account number or the authentication number. |
| US08109435B2 |
Identity verification switch
Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for an identity verification switch. According to one embodiment, the method comprises receiving from an inquirer a request to verify an identity of an individual initiating a transaction. The request includes account information for an account subject to the transaction and identity information for the individual initiating the transaction. Based on the request, a verifying financial institution is selected from one or more participating financial institutions. The request is forwarded to the verifying financial institution for verification of the identity information. An answer is received from the verifying financial institution indicating results of verification of the identity information. The answer is returned to the inquirer. |
| US08109434B2 |
Cash transaction machine
A side open-and-close type cash transaction machine is provided. A cash transaction machine includes: a body including an opening on a side of the body; a door being mounted on the body to open and close the opening; a first financial module being integrally formed with the door in the door to be externally exposed when the door is opened; and a second financial module being provided in the body, separate from the door to move toward the opening when the door is opened. Since the second financial module may be provided and be exposed separate from the first financial module, it is possible to easily manage the financial modules and also reduce the size of the side open-and-close type cash transaction machine. |
| US08109433B2 |
Gusseted carton
A carton is formed from a blank having gusseted corners that in part form an interior carton volume. The interior volume of the carton can be varied by placing the carton in an expanded configuration. The carton can include a bottom receptacle portion that may be liquid-tight. |
| US08109430B2 |
Cleaning a hot soldering iron tip using dry melamine sponge
In one aspect the invention provides a method of cleaning molten solder from the hot tip of a soldering iron that does not require a water-laden sponge. The hot tip of the iron is wiped against a block of dry open-celled melamine foam. The block is formed with an inclined through-hole that leads to the bottom of a receptacle holding the block. The hot tip is wiped against the foam surrounding an upper end of the through-hole, and the molten solder removed from the tip accumulates in the receptacle below. |
| US08109427B2 |
End-to end anastomosis instrument and method for performing same
A surgical instrument for performing an end-to-end anastomosis of first and second luminal structures includes a housing having an actuator attached thereto and a selectively removable loading unit attached to a distal end of the housing which supports any array of surgical fasteners at a distal end thereof. The surgical fasteners are simultaneously deformable upon activation of the actuator such that a distal end of each surgical fastener secures each end of each luminal structure to complete the end-to-end anastomosis wherein the resulting eversion is exterior to the luminal structures. |
| US08109426B2 |
Surgical tilt anvil assembly
A surgical tilt anvil assembly including a rod and a head assembly including an anvil plate having staple deforming pockets. The head assembly is pivotally secured to the rod and pivotal in relation to the rod between a first tilted position, a non-tilted position and a second different tilted position. The head assembly passes from the first tilted position, through the non-tilted position to the second tilted position. |
| US08109422B2 |
Collapsible rear mounted load carrier for a vehicle
A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage. |
| US08109421B2 |
Hands free case for mobile personal computers
A hands free case for mobile personal computers provides a mobile worker a stable platform for laptops, Tablet PCs, Ultra Mobile PCs and accessories. One embodiment comprises a platform insert (22), fabric shell (24), shoulder harness (28), waist/torso harness(30) and an articulated flap (26). Shoulder harness (28) and waist/torso harness (30) is attached to fabric shell (24) via two or more rings and hooks allowing multiple configurations of straps and computer display orientations. Mobile personal computer is secured to platform insert (22) by impact-resistant cordage. When shoulder harness (28) and waist/torso harness (30) is placed around the body a mobile personal computer is carried without being held. The case can be positioned vertically along the body and tilted to improve viewing by adjusting the length of shoulder harness (28) and waist/torso harness (30). When articulated flap (26) is buckled to top of fabric shell (24) mobile personal computer is enclosed in a protective case. |
| US08109416B2 |
Variable flow valve of a filling machine
A filling device (10) includes a tubular body (12) including, in an upper section (14), a feeding chamber (18), and provided with a nozzle (20) for the flow of the liquid, wherein a liquid feeding conduit (22) leads into the feeding chamber (18) through a feeding orifice (24), and including a plug (26) which is controlled in axial sliding inside the tubular body (12), between an open position and a closed position. The device includes a servo valve (42, 142) coaxial to the plug (26) which is arranged in the upper section (14) of the tubular body (12). The servo valve (42, 142) includes a wall (44, 144) which partly closes the feeding orifice (24), and the servo valve (42, 142) is pivotingly controlled about its axis (A1) so as to regulate the feeding flow rate by modifying the closure area of the wall (44, 144). |
| US08109415B2 |
Foam pump
A foam pump includes a pump body, a large piston, large piston rod, a small piston, a small piston rod, a over cap and a foaming mesh. The large piston rod is equipped with a one-way valve connected with an air cavity to enable one-way air inlet from the air cavity to a gas-liquid mixing chamber. The mixed air and liquid forms a dischargeable foam. |
| US08109410B2 |
Anti-pilfering device for a vending machine
A vending machine includes a storage/display region, a dispensing chamber including a product access opening, and an anti-pilfer device that prevents unauthorized removal of products from the storage/display region through the product access opening. A delivery door is provided which can be shifted from a closed position to an open position to enable the removal of products from the dispensing chamber. The anti-pilfer device includes a plate coupled to a lower portion of the delivery door. When the delivery door is moved from the closed position, the anti-pilfer plate shifts, over a guide element, into a position that prevents products from being withdrawn from the storage/display area. Preferably, the storage/display region and dispensing chamber are separated by a product door, with the anti-pilfer plate preventing the product door from opening when the delivery door is shifted from the closed position. |
| US08109403B2 |
Hopper cover with retractable flexible closure member
A cover assembly adapted to be fitted over the open top of a bin includes a pair of spaced apart, domed rigid hoods releasably attachable to upper portions of the hopper whereby an elongated opening is defined between the hoods of sufficient width as to provide access to the hopper. A flexible closure member spans the opening between the hoods while supported on trackways extending along marginal edge portions of the hoods which bound the elongated opening. A pair of rotatable rollers are attachable, one at each of the opposing end portions of the opening. One roller is spring-loaded, upon and from which roller the closure member is wound and unwound during travel of said closure member over the elongated opening. The other roller is connected by pull cables to the closure member, and powered to provide for travel of the closure member. |
| US08109391B2 |
Method and means for facilitating material handling
A method of facilitating a sorting of a plurality of components nested in a workpeice, including at least two sets of components, each adapted to be assembled to form a structure, comprising producing a plan replicating the cut pattern of the workpiece, depicting the profiles of the components, each provided with an identifier denoting the location of the component on the workpiece; producing at least one of a plurality of labels, each bearing a distinguishable one of the location indicators and a distinctive, readily visable identifier denoting a different one of the sets of components; applying each of the labels on a nested component of the workpiece corresponding to the profile of the component on the plan, guided by the plan and the applicable location identifiers; removing each of the nested components provided with labels bearing the same readily, visable identifier and grouping all components provided with labels bearing the same identifier, together. |
| US08109386B2 |
Fastening clip bar
A fastening clip bar, comprising a plurality of fastening clips arranged parallel to each other, an adhesive joining the fastening clips with each other, and at least one elastic tape extending over the fastening clips which is glued together with the same. |
| US08109376B2 |
Device for operating a shifting element of a drive mechanism
A device for operating a shifting element of a drive mechanism, having a piston positioned in a piston space to slide between first and second end positions. The piston is operated hydraulically and depends on the hydraulic pressure in the piston space and a force of a resetting mechanism acting on the piston, which opposes the activating force that is equivalent to the hydraulic pressure in the piston space. The transmission capacity of the shifting element is reduced by a force acting on the piston in the direction of the first end position and is increased by a force acting on the piston in the direction of its second end position. The piston is held by a mechanical holder against a force acting on the piston in the direction of the first end position in at least one preset position which is different from the first end position. |
| US08109367B2 |
Counterweight and suspension for an elevator without an engine room
In an elevator, with an elevator car, a counterweight, a drive unit arranged below the counterweight and provided with a drive pulley, and an elevator support device, which is guided over the drive pulley and at least one deflecting pulley and which supports and moves the elevator car and the counterweight in opposite directions, at least one run of the support device, which leads to the drive pulley, is led through a cut-out in the counterweight. |
| US08109366B2 |
Lubricating structure for static hydraulic continuously variable transmission
A lubricating structure for a static hydraulic continuously variable transmission includes a central oil path axially formed at a center of a shaft of the transmission. A circumferential oil path is arranged at an inner circumferential part of a retainer between the retainer and an outer circumferential part of the transmission shaft. A diametrical oil path is in communication with the circumferential oil path and the central oil path of the shaft of said transmission. The diametrical oil path is provided with an orifice. A lubricant oil ejection hole is arranged at the retainer to eject lubricant oil from the circumferential oil path. |
| US08109359B2 |
Ear protector
The invention describes an ear protector (1) comprising a resilient band (2), the free ends of which each have arranged thereon an earplug (4). The band (2) includes a first area (2a) whose center line (2a′) merges under an angle α with an additional area (2b). When in use, the band is pivotable in the user's ears about an axis of rotation (3′) extending through the earplugs (4). In order to implement such an ear protector in a structurally simple manner such that noise disturbance caused when the band (2) rubs on a piece of clothing can be reduced or eliminated, it is suggested to implement a chin area (2a) and a cheek area (2b) between which the angle α is provided, said angle α ranging from 35° to 90°, preferably from 45° to 70° and even more preferably from 50° to 60°. The length (L) of the cheek area (2b) is dimensioned such that an extension of the center line (2a′) of the chin area (2a) and a line (5), which is parallel to said center line (2a′) and which extends through the point of penetration (D) of the axis of rotation (3′) through the band (2), are spaced apart at a distance (A) which ranges from 30 to 80 mm, preferably from 40 to 60 mm and even more preferably from 45 to 55 mm. |
| US08109357B1 |
Method and apparatus for liquid driven turbine engine for vehicles
Method and apparatus for a propulsion system for a vehicle or the like having a two part turbine system comprising a main turbine portion for driving the vehicle drive train and a smaller, accessory turbine system to provide auxiliary power for other components of the engine and vehicle. The turbines are both liquid driven by having a two-stage pressure system wherein the first stage raises the pressure to approximately 50 psi and the second stage system raises the pressure to approximately 3,000 to 5500 psi which pressurized fluid is then sprayed or injected onto the blades of a turbine so as to make the turbines rotate about a central drive axle. The fluid chosen as the hydraulic fluid of the present invention is extended life antifreeze. |
| US08109356B2 |
Auxiliary hydraulic flow control system for a small loader
A vehicle having an auxiliary power system for supplying power to an implement is disclosed. The power system includes a power enablement device having an enablement component that allows or prevents supplying power to the implement, and an auxiliary actuator operably coupled to the power enablement device. The auxiliary actuator can be manipulated between a first, de-actuated position and a second, actuated position. An operator actuable continuous actuation device is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, providing an actuation signal indicative of its position. A continuous enablement actuator is capable of engaging the enablement component when the enablement component is in the actuated position to discourage the enablement component from moving to the de-actuated position. The continuous enablement actuator engages the enablement component when the actuation signal indicates one of the engaged and disengaged positions and is disengaged from the enablement component when the actuation signal indicates the other position. |
| US08109355B2 |
Hydrostatic transaxle and hydraulically driven vehicle
A hydraulically driven vehicle comprises: a first transaxle disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle, wherein the first transaxle incorporates a first hydraulic motor for driving a first axle; a second transaxle disposed at the other of the rear or front portion of the vehicle, wherein the second transaxle incorporates a second hydraulic motor for driving a second axle; a hydraulic pump for supplying fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors; a mower; a duct for transferring grass mowed by the mower, wherein the first transaxle is disposed above the duct; and a vertical power train interposed between the first axle and an axial center shaft of a wheel driven by the first axle, wherein the power train is disposed on a lateral outside of the duct. |
| US08109352B2 |
Children's ride-on vehicles with window mechanisms
Children's ride-on vehicles having window mechanisms, and window mechanisms for such vehicles. In some embodiments, the window mechanism is a manual window mechanism, and in some embodiments the window mechanism is a powered, or motorized, window mechanism. The window mechanism includes a window drive assembly that selectively drives movement of a window member relative to the vehicle body. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a powered window drive assembly that includes a window motor assembly and a window linkage to couple the output of the window motor assembly to the window member. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a manual window drive assembly. In some embodiments, the window member includes a receiving region coupled to the window linkage. In some embodiments, the window mechanism includes a window support assembly that maintains the window member in a predetermined orientation relative to the vehicle body. |
| US08109350B2 |
Polycrystalline abrasive composite cutter
A polycrystalline abrasive composite cutter, including a tool body with a top cutting surface and a flank surface. The composite cutter, joined to a substrate, constitute a shear cutter for a PDC bit, roller-cone bit insert, or other tool that can be highly useful for petroleum drilling or other applications. The body of the polycrystalline abrasive composite cutter includes a plurality of polycrystalline abrasive layers (90) and a plurality of arresting layers (100). The polycrystalline abrasive layers (90) and the arresting layers (100) are arranged to alternate throughout the tool body in a direction normal to the top cutting surface (92) and in a direction normal to a flank surface (94). |
| US08109346B2 |
Drill bit supporting multiple cutting elements with multiple cutter geometries and method of assembly
A drill bit has cutting elements with multiple cutting surface geometries that are positioned so that their cutting profiles overlap, but do not completely contain or engulf one another. The different cutting surface geometries and the specific overlap create a zone of high density in the middle regions of the cutting profiles and low density in the periphery, resulting in a cutting profile that becomes sharper with increasing wear. Such an arrangement is more effective and stable as the drill bit encounters hard and abrasive formation materials. Moreover, cutting elements with larger axial volumes may be combined with cutting elements having smaller axial volumes. |
| US08109345B2 |
System and method for drilling a borehole
A system and method is provided for drilling a wellbore using a rotary drill bit with a bit body having a plurality of mechanical cutters to cut away formation material as the wellbore is formed and a directed energy mechanism to direct energy into the formation. The energy from the directed energy mechanism is used to enhance the cutting of the mechanical cutters by fracturing surrounding material to facilitate drilling in the direction of the directed energy. |
| US08109344B1 |
Auxiliary rotary tool drive for hand-held power tools
An auxiliary rotary tool drive apparatus mounted on, or an integral component of, hand-held rotary power tool has an extendable and retractable auxiliary drive shaft and a gear assembly that is selectively operatively engaged with the power transmitting shaft and gear assembly of the power tool and driven thereby using only the hand grasping the power tool for driving screws, fasteners, bits or other work performing members attached to the auxiliary drive shaft without having to move or remove the existing work performing member from the holding member of the power tool. |
| US08109341B1 |
Method and high-capacity apparatus for producing fire fighting foam and foam expanding spreading device
Method for producing fire fighting foam using a composition is prepared consisting of foaming agent, water and gaseous medium. The composition is prepared via dissolving or emulsifying the components in one another under overpressure, the composition prepared this way is stored under overpressure at the required place for the required period of time, transported if necessary maintaining the overpressure, and it is expanded via decompressing it on the spot and at the time of application. The apparatus for producing the fire fighting foam comprises a high-pressure foam source (10), a foam expanding spreading device (60) and a pressure resistant pipeline (40) connecting the high-pressure foam source (10) with the foam expanding spreading device (60). A foam expanding spreading device comprises an admission opening and a discharge mouth, a tubular distributing body (63) suitably forming a closed loop of tubes, preferably of torus shape, the discharge mouth, suitably a slit (65) or a set of holes, is situated on the nappe of the tube along its length, preferably along its generating line. |
| US08109339B2 |
Zero backlash downhole setting tool and method
A zero backlash downhole setting tool including a mandrel; a body lock ring at the mandrel; a setting sleeve in operable communication with a device to be set; a rotary take-up in tensile force transmissive contact with the device to be set; and a follower housing configured to follow the rotary take-up in a first mode of operation and extend away therefrom in another mode of operation, the follower being engaged with the body lock ring and method. |
| US08109338B2 |
Pipe section guide system with flexible member
A pipe handling system includes a lifting mechanism coupled to an upper end of a pipe above a free end of the pipe, and a guide system operable to engage the pipe and control lateral movement of the pipe as it is moved between a storage position and a well center position, the guide system including a pair of support members including extendable end portions and a flexible pipe guide coupled between the extendable end portions. In some embodiments, the guide system includes a pair of rotatable support arms having first pivot ends and second ends and an expandable pipe guide connecting the second ends. |
| US08109334B2 |
Sampling and evaluation of subterranean formation fluid
A method of sampling a subterranean formation fluid may comprise extracting a first fluid sample from a portion of the subterranean formation, altering a temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation, and extracting a second fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation having altered temperature. The temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation may be altered based on the relative position of a subterranean formation fluid temperature and the multiphase region envelope in the phase diagram of the subterranean formation fluid. The method may further comprise determining a property of the subterranean formation fluid. |
| US08109329B2 |
Split-coil, redundant annular coupler for wired downhole telemetry
An annular coupler for transmitting data across a tool joint may include a first coupler segment spanning a first portion of the circumference of the annular coupler. The annular coupler may further include a second coupler segment, electrically insulated from the first coupler segment, which spans a second portion of the circumference of the annular coupler. In selected aspects, the first and second portions do not overlap one another along the circumference. In certain aspects, the first and second coupler segments each span about fifty percent of the circumference of the annular coupler. Thus, each coupler segment may make up roughly half of the annular coupler. |
| US08109326B2 |
Heat transfer plate for plate heat exchanger with even load distribution in port regions
The invention relates to a heat transfer plate (1) intended to constitute, together with other heat transfer plates, a plate stack (2) with permanently connected plates for a heat exchanger (3), which heat transfer plate (1) has a first long side (4) and an opposite second long side (5), a first short side (6) and an opposite second short side (7), a heat transfer surface (8) exhibiting a pattern (9) of ridges (10) and valleys (11), first and second port regions (12 and 13), the first port region (12) being situated in a first corner portion (14) formed at the meeting between the first long side (4) and the first short side (6), the second port region (13) being situated in a second corner portion (15) formed at the meeting between the second long side (5) and the first short side (6), and the first port region (12) being connected to a number of ridges (10a-d) and valleys (11a-e), which ridges (10a-d) and valleys (11a-e) have in principle an extent from the first port region (12) diagonally towards the second long side (5). |
| US08109325B2 |
Heat transfer system
A thermodynamic system includes a cyclical heat exchange system and a heat transfer system coupled to the cyclical heat exchange system to cool a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system. The heat transfer system includes an evaporator including a wall configured to be coupled to a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system and a primary wick coupled to the wall and a condenser coupled to the evaporator to form a closed loop that houses a working fluid. |
| US08109324B2 |
Microchannel heat exchanger with micro-encapsulated phase change material for high flux cooling
A microchannel cooler containing a slurry having a particulate liquid/solid phase change material is provided balancing the interdependent factors of microencapsulated particle size with microchannel size and shape and flow conditions for the removal of high heat flux with low space and low power requirements. |
| US08109323B2 |
Heat dissipation device having a clip
A heat dissipation device removing heat from a heat generating electronic device on a printed circuit board includes a base, a plurality of fins attached to the base and a clip for mounting the base and the fins onto the heat generating electronic device. Each of the fins defines a closed through hole therein. The holes of the fins cooperatively define a channel. The clip includes a locking beam extending through the channel of the fins and two fasteners engaging the locking beam mounting the base and the fins onto the heat generating electronic device. |
| US08109322B2 |
Heat plate type cooler module
A heat plate type cooler module includes a heat plate, which is formed of a bottom cover plate and a top cover plate and having a working fluid filled in a vacuum chamber between the top cover plate and the bottom cover plate; heat pipes each having a cold end and a top end; a locating plate covered on the heat plate to hold the hot end of each heat pipe in contact with the heat plate; and radiation fins fastened to the cold ends of the heat pipe by press-fitting. |
| US08109321B2 |
Modular heat sink assembly comprising a larger main heat sink member thermally connected to smaller additional floating heat sink members
A modular heat sink assembly is disclosed. The heat sink assembly includes a main (larger) heat sink member having one or more voids through the member. The heat sink assembly also includes one or more additional (smaller) heat sink members that fit within the voids of the main heat sink member and are able to move (float) within the voids while thermally connected to main heat sink member. The thermal connection to the main heat sink member may be accomplished by incorporating heat pipes as a bridge between the heat sink members, so that heat spreading, and regulation thereof, occurs over the additional heat sink members and the main heat sink member. |
| US08109320B2 |
Method and apparatus for the continuous casting of preliminary steel sections
In a method and apparatus for the continuous casting of preliminary steel sections, the liquid or molten steel is introduced substantially vertically into an open-ended die. The cross section of the cavity of the die is made up of a web part and one or more flange parts, for example, such as in preliminary double-T sections. The liquid core of the strand of the preliminary section is set in agitating motions transversely to the direction of continuous casting by selectively using electromagnetically-induced forces in the regions of the flange parts and/or of the web part. The agitating motions have the effect of exchanging the liquid steel in the molten crater of the strand of the preliminary section in and between flange parts and the web part. This allows the flow and temperature conditions in the liquid steel crater within the strand of the preliminary section to be actively influenced in a targeted manner and stabilization of the region of the surface of the liquid metal to be brought about, along with favorable and controllable flow conditions. |
| US08109317B2 |
Device with shutter and element for the reinsertion of a shutter into a guide slide
Device with a shutter and element for the reinsertion of a shutter into a guide slide. Device with a shutter for the closing-off of a bay (1), comprising a slide (7, 8); a deformable shutter (3) comprising a lateral flange (10, 11, 27) which is mounted slidingly in the slide; and a means for reinserting the flange into the slide, after it has been pulled out of the slide, this means comprising at least one pair of rollers (17) which are placed on either side of the shutter and which, while the shutter is moved opposite the bay in order to uncover the latter, roll on the flange which has come out of the slide and push it back into the latter. |
| US08109315B2 |
Accordion partition
An accordion partition has a pair of panels having adjacent vertical inner and outer side edges interconnected by a hinge. Horizontal and generally parallel upper ceiling and lower floor tracks extend above and below the pair of panels, and upper and lower trolley hardware on each of the panels rides in the respective tracks so that the panels can move horizontally relative to one another. Respective latches on each of the outer edges can move between locked positions engaged in one of the tracks and an unlocked position clear of the one track. Coupling elements on both of the latches interengage only in the extended use position for shifting both of the latches synchronously between the respective locked and unlocked positions. An actuator on only one of the latches manually shifts the one latch between the locked and unlocked position. |
| US08109314B1 |
Air clamp
A portable air clamp for use during lamination of substrates is provided. The clamp includes a top clamp plate, a bottom clamp plate and at least one flexible, expandable tube within a housing of the clamp. The top clamp plate is adjacent to a top housing and the bottom clamp plate is adjacent to a bottom housing. An expandable tube or bladder may be disposed in the top housing or the bottom housing. The clamp may also include alignment devices and mechanisms for ensuring proper alignment of the substrates during the laminating procedure. The clamp is adapted to provide uniform pressure along the surfaces of the substrates to be laminated. |
| US08109311B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus and image forming system
A bookbinding apparatus for bookbinding a sheet by applying adhesive including, an adhesive tank for storing adhesive; first and second heaters for heating the adhesive; a first adhesive temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the adhesive at a first position; a second adhesive temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the adhesive at a second position; an agitation member for agitating the adhesive in the adhesive tank; and a control device, wherein the control device operates, the agitation member after the heaters are turned on, then turns off the second heater and continues to have the first heater on after the second heater has been turned off when the second adhesive temperature sensor detects that adhesive temperature has reached a first temperature that is higher than an application temperature, and then completes a warm-up when the first adhesive temperature sensor detects that adhesive temperature has reached the application temperature. |
| US08109310B2 |
Rotational vacuum press with a membrane
The rotational vacuum press with a membrane; according to the invention, is aimed at veneering of profiled surfaces and laminating of wooden elements and other materials according to a modem facilitated with pressure generated by vacuum and applied on the surface through the membrane. It is consisted of the main construction (21) on which central axis (16) is placed on which at least four turning working tables are placed (12) with moveable frame (14) which has an elastic rubber membrane fixed on (13) under which, on the working table (12), a working piece (15) is placed preheated in the heating chamber (31) with heaters (36), which is placed on rails in the low down part of the construction (21). On the surface of the table (12) there are canals (11) for vacuum, connector (18) and the vacuum conduit (17) linked by the vacuum conduit (10) through the irreversible valve (4) and entry filter (2); with vacuum pump (1) which has an outlet filter on (3) and is fixed on the carrier (27): Locking of the working table (12) is achieved by the mechanism (22) with lever (23) and handle (24). The press and heating chamber (31) are linked with the control cabinet (26). |
| US08109308B2 |
Tension-based non-pneumatic tire
A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner ring, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a wheel and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface can assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load. |
| US08109305B1 |
Log splitter attachment
A log splitter attachment for attaching to a machine such as an excavator or backhoe boom to facilitate splitting of large diameter logs into multiple triangular wedges includes a central portion and an attachment portion coupled to the central portion such that the central portion is designed for attachment to the boom arm of a machine such as a back hoe or excavator. A plurality of planar sections is coupled to the central portion. The planar sections are arranged to extend radially outward from the central portion. A plurality of distal wedge members is provided. Each distal splitting wedge member is coupled to a respective one of the plurality of planar sections. A central wedge splitting member has a plurality of radial wedge portions. The central wedge splitting member is coupled to a base of the central portion. |
| US08109304B2 |
Mobile hand-held cutting device guide and support apparatus
A nimble and free moving guide and support apparatus for hand-held cutting devices. The device utilizes vertical support members to maintain contact with a work surface, while a base plate maintains contact with the material to be cut. Above said base plate is mounted a cutting device, such as a router, where the cutting members of said cutting device pass through an opening in said base plate. The nimbleness and free movement of this apparatus are provided by a movement mechanism, such as a ball bearing housed at the end of the vertical support members. |
| US08109293B2 |
Valve cartridge with isolated friction and cartridge loads
A one-handle valve cartridge includes a spring that isolates frictional forces between dynamic sealing elements in the valve cartridge and loads applied to the valve cartridge and transmitted to the dynamic sealing elements from an actuating mechanism of the valve cartridge. |
| US08109290B2 |
Pipe joint
A pipe joint is equipped with a socket and a plug, which are attachable and detachable from each other, wherein a pressure fluid introduced from the plug flows toward the socket through second holes formed in a plug valve. In addition, the pressure fluid flows smoothly along outer circumferential surfaces of the plug valve and a socket valve, and along inner circumferential surfaces of a plug body and a socket body. Further, the pressure fluid flows from the socket body to a back body, through first holes formed in the socket valve. |
| US08109288B2 |
Flow rate control system and shower plate used for partial pressure control system
A partial pressure control system 45 includes two valves 2 which are branched from an operation gas supply pipe 44 and which variably control operation gas, pressure sensors 3 which are respectively connected to the each valves 2 in series and which detect pressure of the operation gas, and a controller 25 which proportionally controls the operation of the valves 2 based on detection result of the pressure sensors 3, thereby relatively controlling pressures P1 and P2 of the two valves. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce wastefull consumption of the operation gas, and to enhance the responsivity with respect to change of setting and the like. |
| US08109287B2 |
Controlled release of additives in fluid systems
A container (1) for releasing a chemical additive (7) in a fluid material selected from a lubricant or hydraulic fluid composition comprises a fluid material-impermeable casing (3) having a hollow interior and an additive composition (7) comprising at least one fluid material-soluble additive. The additive (7) is held within the container (1) by a least one fluid material-permeable element (11) provided at or near an opening (13) in the casing (1) and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) (7) into the fluid material. Methods of releasing additives (7) into fluid material are also provided. |
| US08109283B2 |
Apparatus and process for the dry removal of the scale found on the surface of the metal products
An apparatus and process for the dry removal of the scale from the surface of a metal product comprising at least one heating area that does not reduce the specific surface of the material to be treated and does not cause oxidation, at least one reducing area for performing the reaction between a specific reducing gas (normally hydrogen) and at least the scale, at least one cooling area for cooling the metal product, means for heating the metal product, means for heating the reducing gas, means for controlling the fluid dynamics of the boundary layer produced by the flow of said reducing gas over the surface of the metal product, means for removing the reaction products front the reducing gas after the reaction, means for cooling the metal product, and means for removing the reaction products from the treated surface of the metal product. |
| US08109279B2 |
Hair clip with flexing comfort features
A hair clip has two body members pivotally coupled together by a spring-biased hinge mechanism. Each body member has a handle section and a hair-gripping section with the hinge mounted between them. The hair clip can have at least one handle-deflecting opening in each handle section to form at least one handle-flexing region where the handle sections can deflect outwardly into a low-profile flexed position. A mechanical stop may be provided to limit inward deflection. The hair clip can also have at least one teeth-deflecting opening in each hair-gripping section to form at least one teeth-flexing region where the hair-gripping sections can deflect into a low-profile flexed position. |
| US08109278B2 |
Dye container and hair dyeing device using the same
This invention relates to a device for performing dyeing operation such as bleaching, coloring, and coating using an electric power with a dye container attached. Main components of the invention are comprised of a body, a comb assembly, a pump and a piping member. The body composed of handle and head is equipped with a motor, battery and switch. The comb assembly composed of a plurality of teeth having respective conduits is rotatably fixed to the body. The pump is connected to the motor so as to feed the dye from the container attached to the body to the respective comb of the comb assembly with an enforced and uniform flow. The piping member is disposed at a flow path between the pump and the comb assembly so as to maintain a uniform flow of dye through the conduits of the comb assembly. |
| US08109277B2 |
Smoking article filter with annular restrictor and downstream ventilation
A smoking article includes a tobacco rod adapted to produce mainstream smoke, and a filter having an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion. The filter includes a ventilated cavity and a flow restrictor segment having an impermeable insert at least partially surrounded by a tubular segment of an air transmissive material upstream of the cavity. In an embodiment, the tubular segment at least partially defines the cavity. |
| US08109275B2 |
Combination smoking device and lighter
A pipe lighter includes a lighter apparatus coupling with an inhaler apparatus. The inhaler apparatus includes a crucible unit coupled with the housing sidewall of the lighter housing and a tubular inhaling guider extended from the crucible unit, wherein the crucible unit has a substance chamber positioned adjacent to a flame opening of the lighter apparatus for retaining a smoking substance in the substance chamber, such that the lighter apparatus is actuated to produce a flame for a combustion of the smoking substance to be smoked and for an inhalation of smoked through the inhaling guider. |
| US08109272B2 |
Carbon dioxide-sensing airway products and technique for using the same
An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway. |
| US08109268B2 |
Device for detecting a gas volume flow
A device is provided for detecting a gas volume flow, especially for a respirator. The device includes a flow sensor, which surrounds a lumen for guiding the gas volume flow, and the flow sensor has an ultrasound transmitter with a sound generator (20) and an ultrasound receiver. The device has a connection sensor (17, 19), which is designed to detect a connection, especially an installation position or correctness of the connection or both, of the ultrasound transmitter to the transmitter mount and/or a connection of the ultrasound receiver to the receiver mount and to change at least one of its electrical properties as a function of the connection, or to generate a connection signal, which represents the connection, and to output this signal on the output side. |
| US08109266B2 |
Nebulizer having flow meter function
In accordance with non-limiting examples, a nebulizer includes a main body comprising an air channel section and further comprising a mixing chamber and a venturi positioned to be placed within the patient's oral cavity and configured to receive medicine and air and mix the medicine and air within the mixing chamber and receive the air flow through the venturi and cause the medicine entering the mixing chamber to be atomized by the action of air flowing through the venturi. An air flow sensor is associated with the main body and configured to measure the air flow created by the patient's one of at least inhaling and exhaling air. |
| US08109253B2 |
Method for ascertaining the noise emission of an internal combustion engine
Methods for ascertaining the combustion noises of an internal combustion engine need only a structure-borne noise sensor and may be carried out using little computing power. |
| US08109252B2 |
Rotary engine combustion chamber
An apparatus for facilitating combustion in a rotary engine with planetary rotors orbiting inside a housing containing a main rotor. In various embodiments, the planetary rotor has a multi-faceted face that engages a bridge during the transition from the compression cycle to the combustion cycle with the bridge and face forming a dynamic seal; the planetary rotor has a face engaging a bridge during the transition from the compression cycle to the combustion cycle such that the bridge and face have a gap that allows gas flow from the trailing volume to the leading volume and the gap is sufficiently small to quench flame propagation from the leading volume to the trailing volume; and/or the face of the planetary rotor opposite a fuel injector has a pocket that allows the fuel cloud to expand without impinging or wetting the face of the planetary rotor. |
| US08109244B1 |
Crankdisk bearing alternatives for the Waissi type opposed piston internal combustion engine
An improvement to the Waissi type opposed piston internal combustion engine is proposed. The engine has at least one pair of aligned and opposed cylinders with one reciprocating double-headed piston assembly in each cylinder pair. The reciprocating motion of the piston is transmitted to the driveshaft by a rotating crankdisk, which is rigidly and off-centered mounted to the driveshaft. The high friction metal to metal contact between the crankdisk and the piston contact wall is replaced by a combination of a roll resistance and friction under hydrodynamic conditions resulting to a significantly reduced total resistance between the piston and the crankdisk. This is accomplished by utilizing a bearing ring assembly slidably installed on the annular perimeter surface of the crankdisk. When the crankdisk rotates the bearing ring is held in place by U-profile flanges, which are either part of the bearing ring or part of the crankdisk. Alternatively, the bearing ring is replaced by a roller bearing or ball bearing. |
| US08109241B2 |
Dog boot
A dog boot is provided comprising a generally vertical and cylindrical elongated tubular legging portion ending in and connected to a toe-box portion both of which are attached within a generally horizontal non-slide sole portion. The legging portion extends upwardly from the toe-box portion and defines an offset longitudinal slit providing adjacent, opposite, overlapping flap portions that are equipped with loop and hook fastening material allowing for ease of insertion and extraction of the dog's leg and paw. The generally tubular legging portion has two adjustable fastening straps for cinching the legging portion securely at two separate points around the dog's leg. Within the non-slide portion is a removable sole insert shaped to receive the pads of the dog's paw wherein the removable sole insert works as a shock absorber for the dog and adds comfort and stability during wear. |
| US08109235B2 |
Pet food holder, pet food containing module and method
A pet food holder and pet food containing module releasably carried by the holder that includes seeds or sprouts in a plug or pellet of food containing material in a cup of the module that germinate and grow into a plant that is edible by an animal. The holder includes a mounting arrangement used to releasably mount the holder to an object and a cradle that releasably receives the module. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting plate to which at least one mount is attached that can be a suction cup or hanger. The module includes a cover that is removed to enable germination of the seeds or sprouts. After germination, growth and being eaten by an animal, the module can be removed and replaced with a refill module. |
| US08109230B2 |
Apparatus and method for coating and drying multiple stents
A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent is provided. The apparatus can include a cartridge. The cartridge can comprise a core, a plurality of stent mandrels, a first clutch, and a second clutch. The core can extend outwards from a circumference of the core. Each stent mandrel can be capable of supporting a stent. The first clutch can be coupled to the core and capable of being removeably coupled to a first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft enables rotation of the core. The second clutch can be coupled to the plurality of stent mandrels and capable of being removeably coupled to a second shaft such that rotation of the second shaft enables rotation of the stent mandrels. |
| US08109228B2 |
Paint coating system
A cartridge changer (41) is composed of a swing arm (48) with a cartridge gripper (48B) for gripping a paint cartridge (24), and an arcuate moving portion (46) for putting the swing arm (48) in swinging movements in a horizontal plane. The cartridge changer (41) is adapted to pick up a replenished paint cartridge (24) on the mount deck (42) by the cartridge gripper (48B) and transfer the swing arm (48) to a changing position “O” by the arcuate moving portion (46). By the operation, a used paint cartridge (24′) will be replaced by the replenished paint cartridge (24) between the mount deck (42) and a common body (15) which is located in the changing position “O” of the atomizing head changing and washing device (31). |
| US08109224B2 |
Submarine with underwater exhaust discharge during snorkeling mode
A submarine or surface watercraft is equipped with at least one, preferably supercharged charging diesel engine, which serves to charge the vessel's batteries and which is operated in a controlled and regulated manner during submarine snorkeling mode or during the normal operation of surface watercraft. In at least one embodiment, the exhaust gases produced during the operation of the charging diesel engine are mixed with a flow of water, which is drawn from the water surrounding the vessel and delivered in a regulated manner by a pump while interacting with a negative-pressure generating device, and, in a mixed state, are discharged under water. The operation of the formed negative-pressure generating and mixing device ensues while interacting with the controlling and regulating of the charging diesel engine. |
| US08109218B2 |
Waste treatment process and apparatus
A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising either a gasification step or a pyrolysis step to produce an offgas and a non-airborne, solid char material; followed by a plasma treatment step. An associated apparatus having a plasma treatment unit which is separate from the gasification unit or pyrolysis unit. |
| US08109217B2 |
Method, device and system for enhancing combustion of solid objects
A system, device and method for enhancing burning of a solid object in a combustion process is provided where one or more incineration devices (101) for burning a solid object (101), at least one sonic device (301) and wherein said at least one sonic device (301) is a transmitter of high intensity-ultrasound adapted to, during use, apply high intensity ultrasound to said solid object (101) thereby removing ash from said solid object (101) and increasing the speed of the burning of said solid object (101). |
| US08109215B2 |
Desk top panel and a desk with the same
Provided is a desk top panel, which normally protects privacy in a complete shielding form, permits facing persons to converse and documents and the like to be passed and received by opening a lower space of the desk top panel as needed, and permits a wiring cover to be easily attached/removed or opened/closed. A desk having such desk top panel attached thereon is also provided. A desk top panel is attached to the rear portion of a top board of a desk to stand, for blocking the visual fields of sitting persons. The desk top panel is provided with a panel-like main body; a pair of right and left attaching sections, which vertically extend downward from the both lower end portions of the main body by having the lower end sections attached to the top board or a top board supporting body of the desk; and a closing plate, attached to the lower end of the main body to be opened/closed, so that a space formed between the main body and the upper surface of the top board of the desk can be opened/closed when both the attaching sections are attached to the desk. |
| US08109214B2 |
Platform screen doors
An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a screen door system. The apparatus includes a first transceiver adapted to be mounted on a train, a second transceiver adapted to be mounted on either a train platform or a portion of the platform screen door system. The first and second transceivers are configured to communicate with each other such that when a train is stopped at the train platform within a predetermined distance of and adjacent to a door of the platform screen door system, a signal is transmitted from the first transceiver to the second transceiver to open the door. When passenger embarkation and debarkation is complete, a signal is transmitted from the first transceiver to the second transceiver to close the door, and when the door is closed and locked, a signal is transmitted to the train to depart. |
| US08109213B1 |
Multipurpose target breaching warhead
A single multipurpose ammunition projectile/warhead is provided, which has the capability of clearing a variety of different types of hardened targets. The single projectile of this invention may be used for breaching steel reinforced concrete walls; may be used against light armor targets; may be used for defeating bunkers; and may also be used for antipersonnel applications. Huge savings in time, money, inventory and logistics are realized through utilizing only this one multipurpose ammunition against all these types of targets. This multipurpose projectile, among other superb capabilities, is able to puncture an eight inch double steel reinforced concrete wall timed to then have its warhead explode into fragments. This allows fragmentation in a more effective, nearly ideal direction. The projectile warhead of made of extremely thick walled 300M steel; with the projectile center of gravity to be located equidistant between a pair of bourrelets, for increased stability. |
| US08109211B2 |
Method of gravure printing with liquid radiation curable inks
The invention relates to a gravure printing ink and a method of multi-color gravure printing on flexible substrates with liquid radiation curable inks. Individual colors are transferred via direct contact between engraved gravure cylinder and a substrate. Each color is dried such that the sequentially printed ink layers transfer through the press without distortion of the printed image during multiple web turns around turn bars. Finally the printed substrate is cured by exposing an electron beam unit. The gravure printing ink comprises an admixture of a) a water dispersible pigment; b) a water dispersible, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, ethylenically unsaturated oligomer or ethylenically unsaturated polymer which is polymerizable or crosslinkable by the application of sufficient electron beam radiation; c) a defoaming agent; d) sufficient water to form a dispersion with components a), b) and c), which dispersion has a viscosity of from about 25 cps to about 200 cps. |
| US08109208B2 |
Cheese vat having adjustable shaft seal assembly
A cheese process vat is disclosed. The cheese process vat includes an enclosure and a shaft assembly, preferably a shaft assembly having a shaft and a plurality of agitator panels arranged on the shaft. The cheese process vat preferably further includes an adjustable shaft seal assembly that adjustably seals the joint between the shaft and the enclosure. Methods of using the respective cheese process vats are also disclosed. |
| US08109204B2 |
Steam cooker and steam generator
A steam cooker includes a steam generator for generating steam, a steam temperature-raising device for raising a temperature of steam coming from the steam generator, and a heating chamber in which an object to be cooked is heated by steam supplied from the steam temperature-raising device. The steam generator has a pot (41) to which water is supplied, a heater (42) placed in the pot (41), a water level sensor (43) and a temperature sensor (48) placed in the pot (41). The water level sensor (43) and the temperature sensor (48) are placed at opposed side surfaces in the pot (41) that correspond to the short sides of an elongated roughly rectangular planar shape of the pot (41). An exposed state of the heater (42) from the water in the pot (41) is judged by the water level sensor (43) and the temperature sensor (48). |
| US08109201B2 |
Kitchen appliance for heating foodstuff
A kitchen appliance for heating foodstuff includes a container defining a heating cavity therein. The container is positioned on a supporting surface during heating of the foodstuff. The kitchen appliance further includes a utensil for manipulating the foodstuff. The utensil has a first and opposite second end. A tray is slidably positioned within a portion of the container. The tray is movable between a storage position in which the tray is substantially within the container and a use position in which the tray is at least partially removed from the container. The tray has a concave portion on a top surface thereof. The concave portion is sized and shaped to support at least a portion of the first end of the utensil above the supporting surface. |
| US08109199B2 |
Reciprocating compressor
A reciprocating compressor comprises: a cylinder having an oil pocket on an inner circumferential surface of a piston insertion hole for inserting a piston with a predetermined width and depth; and a piston having a bearing portion protruding so as to slidably contact an inner circumferential surface of the piston insertion hole, and inserted into the piston insertion hole of the cylinder, wherein the bearing portion is formed to have a length shorter than that of the oil pocket of the cylinder. Accordingly, a frictional loss between the cylinder and the piston is reduced. |
| US08109198B2 |
Hydraulic control apparatus
A hydraulic control apparatus 1 includes a switch valve 11, a valve support chamber 35, a flow control valve 12 movable within the valve support chamber 35, an on-off valve 13 movable within the communication path chamber 12a, and a valve control device 14. The flow control valve 12 has a communication path chamber 12a and a back pressure chamber 12d. The on-off valve 13 is capable of opening and shutting off a communication path X between a cylinder line 32 and a switch valve line 33. A restrictor is formed between the flow control valve 12 and a wall defining the valve support chamber 35. The restrictor connects the cylinder line 32 and the communication path chamber 12a to each other. The opening degree of the restrictor is changed in correspondence with movement of the flow control valve 12. When the switch valve 11 is located at the neutral position or the supply position, the valve control device 14 applies a fluid pressure in the cylinder line 32 to the back pressure chamber 12d for urging the on-off valve 13 in a direction for shutting off the communication path 12a. When the switch valve 11 is located at the drainage position, the valve control device 14 applies a pilot pressure lower than the fluid pressure in the cylinder line 32 to the back pressure chamber 12d, thereby moving the on-off valve 13 in a direction for opening the communication path X. |
| US08109197B1 |
Hydraulic control system and method
A control system for controlling the movement of a system such as a hydraulic servo controlled gimbal systems. The system includes a plurality of actuators and sensors that sense the position of the actuators. On start up, a control system determines the present orientation of the system and compared it to a user defined desired orientation. The system operates in a first mode on start up where the control system moves the actuators so that the system is moved form the present orientation to the desired orientation at a controlled rate. Once the desired orientation is reached, control is then passed to a user controlled device such as a joystick. |
| US08109194B2 |
Clamped gas block for barrel
A gas block clamping apparatus for a firearm includes a plurality of sections, each including a shaped upper section, and a lower cylindrical section to which the shaped upper section is attached. A plurality of clamp sections are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a barrel of the firearm, each clamp section having an upper surface for attaching the gas block to the barrel, a curved surface that aligns the clamp section to an outer surface of the barrel when the clamp sections are tightened, and a lower surface that aligns with the shaped upper section of the gas block. A plurality of fasteners are disposed through a plurality of openings in the lower surface of the clamp sections and the shaped upper surface of the gas block for securing each clamp section to both the barrel and gas block. |
| US08109193B2 |
Gas piston assembly and bolt carrier for gas-operated firearms
A kit for modifying a bolt carrier group actuating apparatus of a firearm manufacturer-configured with a gas-driven bolt carrier comprises a gas expansion assembly, an operating rod driven bolt carrier and an operating rod. The gas expansion assembly is configured for receiving combustion gases from an as-manufactured OEM gas block of the firearm and for facilitating expansion of said gases for generating a bolt carrier driving force. The operating rod driven bolt carrier includes an operating rod engaging lug. The operating rod driven bolt carrier is configured for being operably engaged within an as-manufactured OEM receiver body of the firearm with the operating rod engaging lug located in a gas tube lug receiving portion of the as-manufactured OEM receiver body. The operating rod is engagable between the gas expansion assembly and the operating rod engaging lug. |
| US08109191B1 |
Remote digital firing system
A remote digital firing system for selectively firing a plurality of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a first set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding first set of remote mission payloads and a second set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding second set of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a firing control panel communicatively linked to the first and second sets firing circuits, a first digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the first set and the firing control panel, a second digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the second set and the firing control panel, and a payload selector switch for selecting a remote mission payload. |
| US08109188B2 |
Modified slicing shoes and method for making food product shavings
Modified slicing shoes and method for making food product shavings. A conventional slicing shoe for insertion into a slicing head assembly used in conjunction with a centrifugal type slicing machine is modified. The modified slicing shoes comprise a cutting edge having top and bottom ends that protrude towards the interior of a slicing head assembly as a vertex protrudes away from the interior such that the blade is not confined to one plane. In one embodiment, the slicing shoe blade cutting edge and its components comprise a V-shape having an angle that ranges from between about 90° to about 140°. In a second embodiment, the slicing shoe and its components are curvilinear having a curvature ranging from about 1.5 cm to about 2.0 cm. The shape of the blade and its corresponding components allow for the production of snack chips having folded or curled shapes. |
| US08109187B2 |
Tissue harvesting device and method
A tissue harvesting method and device for obtaining micrograft tissue particles within the size range of 50-1500 microns, and more preferably 500-1000 microns, and most preferably 600 microns. The particles may be processed after a piece of donor tissue has been excised from the donor site, or processed into the desired size directly at the donor site, and thereafter excised. Cutters having blades or cutting edges spaced in the range of 50-1500 microns are utilized to obtain particles within the desired size range. An elastomer is positioned between the cutting edges to push the excised particles out of the blades for ease of use. |
| US08109184B2 |
Method and device for cutting fresh tissue slices
The method and device for cutting fresh tissue slices utilizes a vibrating microtome. The vibrating microtome uses a cutting blade that vibrates in a horizontal direction. The microtome has a base, a specimen holder attached to the base, and a diagonal slide carriage and support arm that are supported on the base for movement diagonally with respect to the specimen holder. A vibrating blade support is located on the support arm and moves horizontally with respect to the specimen holder. A cutting blade is mounted on the vibrating blade support and moves in a compound diagonal and vibrating motion with respect to the specimen holder. |
| US08109183B2 |
Impact resistant tool bit and tool bit holder
An impact resistant tool or tool bit holder has an active end for driving a fastener and a shanking end for securing to a power tool. The active end includes a body with a bore to receive the shank and a pocket to receive a damping mechanism. The shank includes an end to engage the bore in the body, and a pocket to receive the damping mechanism. The shank is received in the bore in the body for limited rotation with respect to the body. A damping mechanism is positioned in the pockets to provide damping between the body and the shank during torque loading. |
| US08109175B2 |
Transmission between a drive element and wheels and vehicle comprising such a transmission
A transmission between a drive element and a drive shaft of the wheels of a self-propelled tractor vehicle includes generally housed at least partially inside a box, a progressive friction clutch that includes at least one rotary driving element and two driven elements that are carried by the drive shaft and are integral in rotation therewith. These driving and driven elements are, under the action of a control element, brought into variable-tightening support contact to obtain a variation of the torque transmitted to the shaft. The drive shaft is formed by two half-shafts mounted to rotate freely relative to one another, each able to be connected, directly or indirectly, to one of the wheels of the vehicle, whereby each of the driven elements is carried by one of the two half-shafts. |
| US08109173B2 |
Parallel robot provided with wrist section having three degrees of freedom
A parallel robot including a movable-section drive mechanism having a parallel mechanism configuration and operating to allow a movable section to perform a three-axis translational motion with respect to a base section, and a wrist-section drive mechanism operating to allow a wrist section to perform a three-axis orientation-changing motion with respect to the movable section. The wrist section includes a first rotary member supported on the movable section and rotatable about a fourth rotation axis different from axes of the three-axis translational motion of the movable section, a second rotary member connected to the first rotary member and rotatable about a fifth rotation axis orthogonal to the fourth rotation axis, and a third rotary member connected to the second rotary member and rotatable about a sixth rotation axis orthogonal to the fifth rotation axis. The third rotary member is provided with an attachment surface to which a tool is attached. The attachment surface is inclined with respect to the sixth rotation axis at a predetermined angle. |
| US08109172B2 |
Wrist assembly for robotic arm
A wrist assembly (311) for a robotic arm or other mechanical device is provided. The wrist assembly comprises a first arm (313) which terminates in a first radius (317), a second arm (315) which terminates in a second radius (319), and a first band (331) that is devoid of weld joints and that extends around a portion of each of said first and second radii. |
| US08109171B2 |
Parallel mechanism
An end effecter is positioned with high precision by stabilizing its attitude. Included are arms each having a pair of rods arranged in parallel, a bracket having the end effecter attached thereto and retained by the pair of rods, ball joints and each including a first joint element having a ball and displaceably connecting the bracket with the arm and a second joint element having a socket for retaining the ball, a connecting member for connecting the pair of parallel rods together and restricting rotation of the rods about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof, and a biasing member for providing a biasing force for retaining the ball in the socket. |
| US08109170B2 |
Umbilical member motion limiting device and robot having the device
An umbilical member motion limiting device is provided on a robot which has a forearm, a wrist portion, an operating tool attached to the end of the wrist portion, and the umbilical member connected to the operating tool through the forearm, for limiting the motion of the umbilical member corresponding to the motion of the robot. The motion limiting device comprises a swing portion attached to the wrist portion so as to swing around a swing axis and a limiting portion arranged on the swing portion for limiting the motion of the umbilical member. Thus, the motion limiting device can minimize interference due to surplus length of the umbilical member and avoid contact of the umbilical member with external equipment. |
| US08109163B2 |
Actuator
An actuator comprises a first actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a first component and a second component, a second actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a third component and a fourth component, brake means operable to prevent extension of the first and/or second actuator arrangement, and damping means operable to control the rate of extension of at least one of the first and second actuator arrangements. |
| US08109162B2 |
Pig detector
A device for indicating the passage of a pig beyond a predetermined location in a pipeline comprising a pig detector connected to a pipeline and communicating with the interior of the pipeline through an opening at the location. A means for divorcing the pressure inside the pipeline from the pressure outside the pig. A trigger mounted in the pig detector and adapted to project into the interior of the pipeline through the opening, an indicator associated with the pig detector, a cylindrical indicator being slidably mounted within the indicator housing, catch fingers mounted in the housing for movement toward and away from the central axis of the housing, a catch spring for urging the fingers towards the central axis, an indicator spring mounted within the housing for urging the indicator beyond the indicator housing so as to be visible and to provide an indication that a pig has passed. |
| US08109161B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring deposit formation in gas systems
Solids deposition in a gas environment, such as a gas transmission line or pipeline are measured using metal-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in a QCM probe within a high pressure gas chamber in the gas environment. The metal coated on the QCM may be iron, iron alloys and/or iron oxide. The weight measurements are conducted at a constant (ΔT) or controlled (T=f(t)) temperature between the high pressure gas chamber and the QCM probe. The weight gain during a CE cycle is associated with the solids formation rate. |
| US08109160B2 |
Inspection apparatus
An inspection apparatus may include an arm member, a vacuum pump, a contact member, and at least one probe. The contact member may be connected to the arm member and connected to the vacuum pump for contacting and applying vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a workpiece surface being inspected. The at least one probe may be connected to the arm member for emitting signals against the workpiece surface being inspected and for receiving signals from the workpiece surface being inspected. |
| US08109158B2 |
Sampling apparatus
A sampling apparatus for sampling a fluid enriched in a selected phase from a multiphase fluid mixture flowing into a main pipe, the multiphase fluid mixture containing at least the selected phase and one other phase, the apparatus comprising: —a sampling arrangement: for taking a fluid sample of the multiphase fluid mixture flowing into the main pipe, —a sample chamber having a variable volume for collecting the fluid sample of the multiphase fluid mixture and letting settle by gravity the fluid sample into the fluid enriched in the selected phase and at least another phase enriched fluid, and —a valve manifold coupling the sampling arrangement to the sample chamber for driving the fluid sample in the sample chamber and for driving the fluid enriched in the selected phase to a sample outlet and the other phase enriched fluid back to the main pipe. |
| US08109157B2 |
Methods and apparatus of downhole fluids analysis
A fluid sampling and analysis module for a downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The fluid sampling and analysis module comprises a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module, a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline and a single valve, interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, operable to a first position for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline and to a second position for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline. |
| US08109154B2 |
Dual-driver vibratory flowmeter
A dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) is provided according to the invention. The dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) includes a first flowtube (102A) and a second flowtube (102B) positioned substantially adjacent to the first flowtube (102A). The first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) include a longitudinal length L. The dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) further includes a first driver (121) comprising first and second driver portions (121A, 121B) and affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the first driver (121) being located at a third longitudinal location Y along the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) and a second driver (122) comprising first and second driver portions (122A, 122B) and affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the second driver (122) being located substantially at the third longitudinal location Y and substantially spaced-apart from the first driver (121). The first driver (121) and the second driver (122) vibrate the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) substantially in unison. |
| US08109153B2 |
Method for measuring and/or monitoring a flow parameter and corresponding device
A method and apparatus for measuring and/or monitoring at least one flow parameter of a medium, which medium flows through a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube is contacted by at least two transducer elements, by means of which the measuring tube is excitable to execute mechanical oscillations and by means of which mechanical oscillations of the measuring tube are receivable. Each of the at least two transducer elements is applied, offset in time, alternately, for exciting the measuring tube to execute mechanical oscillations and for receiving the mechanical oscillations of the measuring tube. |
| US08109149B2 |
Contact stress sensor
A contact stress sensor includes one or more MEMS fabricated sensor elements, where each sensor element of includes a thin non-recessed portion, a recessed portion and a pressure sensitive element adjacent to the recessed portion. An electric circuit is connected to the pressure sensitive element. The circuit includes a thermal compensator and a pressure signal circuit element configured to provide a signal upon movement of the pressure sensitive element. |
| US08109147B2 |
Method and device for an imaging ultrasonic inspection of a three-dimensional workpiece
A method for an imaging ultrasonic inspection of a three-dimensional workpiece, in which ultrasonic waves are coupled into the workpiece with at least one ultrasonic transducer and ultrasonic waves reflected within the workpiece are received by ultrasonic transducers and converted into ultrasonic signals forming the basis of the non-destructive imaging ultrasonic inspection. |
| US08109142B2 |
Inertial sensing system with a curved base and a diamagnetic mass
An inertial sensing system includes a diamagnetic mass, a plurality of permanent magnets positioned to form a curved base, wherein the plurality of permanent magnets are configured to provide an inhomogeneous magnetic field upon which the diamagnetic mass becomes levitated above the plurality of permanent magnets within the curved base and wherein the curved base also provides a confinement potential to substantially prevent the diamagnetic mass from exiting an interior of the curved base, and a tracking apparatus for monitoring at least one of a position and an orientation of the diamagnetic mass with respect to the curved structure. |
| US08109137B2 |
Device for detecting cam top position of high pressure pump
A device detects the cam top position in an in-line type high pressure pump with a decreased amount of time required to detect the rotation position of the cam top position in an engine starting operation, thereby decreasing the time for starting an engine. A cam for driving a plunger has a plurality of cam lobes, and a plurality of cam top position pointers are attached to the outer periphery of the camshaft or to the outer periphery of a flywheel connected to the camshaft such that each of the pointers corresponds to each of the cam lobes of the cam in number and angle phase, respectively. A cam top position detector is located to face the pointers when the camshaft rotates so that the pointers are detected by the detector. |
| US08109136B2 |
Sensor for recognizing a position when starting an internal combustion engine
In order to acquire the angular position of a shaft of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in particular a crankshaft or a camshaft, a shaft angle sensor and a shaft angle sensor system are proposed. The shaft angle sensor has a magnetic transducer element and a magnetic sensor element. Either the magnetic transducer element or the magnetic sensor element is capable of being connected fixedly to the shaft. The magnetic sensor element produces at least one angle signal that is transmitted wirelessly to a base station by a transmitter device. |
| US08109133B2 |
Method and device for measuring liquid absorption
The invention concerns a method and a device for measuring the ability of a material to absorb a liquid, whereby a liquid is brought into contact with a surface of a test specimen (P) of the material, and wherein the amount of liquid that has been absorbed in the test specimen is calculated. A certain amount of liquid is supplied to a liquid chamber unit, which on one side is limited by said surface, such that an amount of liquid which is absorbed by the test specimen leaves the liquid chamber unit and a representation comprising an indication of the reduction of the amount of liquid in the liquid chamber unit is produced. |
| US08109132B2 |
Method for detachably connecting a sensor for fluid analysis to a body containing said fluid, and corresponding apparatus
The apparatus (1) comprises a sensor (3) having a sensor axis (A), for monitoring at least one property of a fluid; a body (2) for comprising said fluid; and a connecting system for detachably connecting said sensor to said body; wherein said connecting system comprises a fixing member (9) arranged at said body, rotatable around an axis (R) of rotation; and a retaining member (6) arranged at said sensor, interacting with said fixing member; wherein said axis of rotation is arranged substantially perpendicular to said sensor axis. The method is a method for detachably connecting a sensor (3) for monitoring at least one property of a fluid to a body (2) containing said fluid, said sensor having a sensor axis (A). Said method comprises the step of rotating a fixing member arranged at said body in a first sense of rotation around an axis (R) of rotation, thus causing said fixing member to interact in such a way with a retaining member arranged at said sensor, that said retaining member moves in a substantially translational way substantially parallel to said sensor axis. Said axis of rotation is arranged substantially perpendicular to said sensor axis. Preferably, said fixing member has a cross-section having substantially the shape of a section or a segment of an ellipse, in particular it has a substantially semi-circular cross-section. |
| US08109123B2 |
Riveting unit for electric rivet gun
A riveting unit is assembled with an electric rivet gun, including a transmission unit, a clamping jaw having a locating portion driven by the transmission unit to be moveable between a first position and a second position, a first sensor detecting whether the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the first position, and a second sensor detecting whether the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the second position. When the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the first position, a blind rivet can be installed in the clamping jaw, and when the locating portion of the clamping jaw is located at the second position, the blind rivet can be ejected, and meanwhile the second sensor can allow the transmission unit to stop the movement of the clamping jaw, thereby preventing the clamping jaw from moving backwards excessively. |
| US08109122B2 |
Programmable lock having incidental change control
A key-operated cylinder lock for operating a bolt or a latch, that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, with reduction or elimination of incidental or accidental re-keying of the lock. The lock has a rotating plug having one or more retainer cavities formed into the periphery, and lock configuration change balls, movable within the lock between a first position within a driver chamber and a second position within a corresponding retainer cavity when the plug is in a programming position. The positioning of the change balls within either the pin chambers or the retainer cavities determines the key configuration that can operate the lock. The lock employs a means for isolating selectively the retainer cavities from the corresponding driver chambers when the plug is in the programming position, to prevent incidental or accidental movement of the change members from the driver chamber into the retainer cavities. |
| US08109119B2 |
Steam generating device and washing machine having the same
A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a lower housing, which contains water, in which a heater is arranged, and which has a vertical length longer than a horizontal length, an upper housing including a steam chamber for containing steam generated as the water is heated, a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the water chamber, and a receptacle for covering the water level sensor, the receptacle including an opening for allowing water to be introduced into the receptacle. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to easily install the steam generating device, to achieve a superior performance, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, and to prevent spots from being formed on laundry. |
| US08109115B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus for cooling pressurized beverages
Refrigeration apparatus comprising a cold storage compartment, accessible from the outside, and provided internally with a sealed container adapted to accommodate a flexible and compressible receptacle holding a beverage; there are provided pneumatic or air-compression means to generate a selectively controllable pneumatic pressure inside said container, but outside said flexible receptacle, and said sealed container is capable of being opened from the outside by means of a closure applied on a face thereof, wherein said closure is provided with a through-aperture, through which there extends a drawing-off conduit. Whenever a need arises for beverage to be drawn off the receptacle, a pressure increase is triggered inside the sealed container, and said pressure increase will act upon the walls of the internal receptacle so that the latter is caused to collapse and reduce its volume, thereby causing the beverage to be ejected therefrom and, therefore, drawn off. |
| US08109108B2 |
Automotive ventilation apparatus and automotive ventilation method
A ventilation flow path through which air present in an internal space at an instrument panel is drawn and discharged to the outside of the cabin as a blower fan operates is formed in a ventilation mode without forming an air-conditioning flow path for blowing inside air or outside air into the cabin and the air-conditioning flow path is formed without forming the ventilation flow path in a mode other than the ventilation mode. |
| US08109106B2 |
Malfunction preventing device for refrigerator and method thereof
The present invention relates to a malfunction preventing device and a method thereof, which ignores an input signal produced by electricity capacity variation because of moisture to prevent a malfunction of a refrigerator. A malfunction preventing device for a refrigerator includes an inputting part in which a static electricity switch is provided to produce an input signal, and a controlling part that ignores a first input signal inputted in a wait mode, wherein there is no inputted signal from the inputting part for a predetermined delaying time period in the wait mode. A method for preventing a malfunction of a refrigerator includes performing a wait mode in that there is no input signal produced by static electricity for a predetermined delay time period, and ignoring a first input signal inputted in the wait mode. |
| US08109104B2 |
System and method for detecting decreased performance in a refrigeration system
Systems and methods are provided for detecting performance degradation in a refrigeration system. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods for detecting, at a very early stage, a low refrigerant charge and degradation in condenser performance of a refrigeration system. |
| US08109103B2 |
Load driving device, outdoor unit of air conditioner, and driving method of load
After the power source to the control substrate is turned on, power is supplied to the compressor driver and the fan driver. Then, when it is determined that an indoor unit is in operation, the compressor driver and the fan driver are operated. Meanwhile, when it is determined that the indoor unit is not in operation, after the lapse of ten minutes or twenty minutes under a predetermined setting, the power to the compressor driver and the fan driver is cut. When the operation of the indoor unit is started again, power is supplied to the compressor driver and the fan driver. |
| US08109100B2 |
Magnetocaloric refrigerant
The invention provides the use of a material of general formula (I): [(AyCo1-y)]u(Mn1-zCz)[(Si1-xBx)]v (I) as a magnetocaloric material, wherein the material is orthorhombic and wherein: A is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; B is selected from Ge, Sn, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; C is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; x, y and z are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0 to 0.2; and u and v are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0.5 to 1.5. The invention also provides a method of making materials of formula (I) and a magnetocaloric refrigeration device comprising such materials. |
| US08109097B2 |
High efficiency dual cycle internal combustion engine with steam power recovered from waste heat
A high efficiency combined cycle internal combustion and steam engine includes a cylinder with a combustion chamber outward of a piston, a cylinder cap slideably mounted within the piston and a steam expansion chamber inside the piston. The cap can be heated to reduce condensation of steam. Steam remaining when a steam exhaust valve closes can be recompressed prior to admitting the next charge of steam. One valve or a pair of steam inlet valves connected in series act in cooperation to help maximize efficiency. The amount of steam admitted each stroke is regulated by shifting the phase of one steam admission valve of a pair to vary their overlap for determining the steam mass admitted each cycle. Other valves balance steam displacement with the steam generator output to use steam more efficiently. |
| US08109095B2 |
Method and an apparatus for producing and regulating electrical power
A method of producing electrical power for delivery on an electrical power supply grid includes (a) providing a combined heat and power plant generating heat and electrical power from one or more of biomass, fossil fuel, and nuclear fuel; (b) providing a fuel producing plant for generating a carbon-based fuel and/or a nitrogen-based fuel using electrical power from the combined heat and power plant and a combination of two or more materials selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbonaceous gasses, carbonaceous liquids, and nitrogen; (c) determining the need for electrical power on the electrical power supply grid and delivering needed electrical power on the grid; and (d) delivering any excess electrical power to the fuel producing plant. |
| US08109077B2 |
Dual injector system for diesel emissions control
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust. More particularly, the present invention provides a dual-injector system for diesel emissions control and corresponding methods. |
| US08109075B2 |
Lateral flow high voltage propellant isolator
A high voltage propellant isolator includes at least two different types of isolator rings or segments, in alternating lateral arrangement, that direct the flow of propellant, such as xenon gas, in a tortuous path through the isolator. |
| US08109073B2 |
Hybrid propulsive engine including at least one independently rotatable compressor stator
A hybrid propulsive technique includes providing a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one jet engine. The hybrid propulsive technique comprises extracting energy from the working fluid that is at least partially converted into electrical power, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to a torque. The hybrid propulsive technique also comprises rotating an at least one independently rotatable compressor stator at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to the torque. |
| US08109072B2 |
Synthetic rope formed of blend fibers
A rope structure comprising a plurality of rope subcomponents, a plurality of bundles combined to form the rope subcomponents, a plurality of first yarns and a plurality of second yarns combined to form the bundles. In one embodiment, the first yarns have a tenacity of approximately 25-45 gpd and the second yarns have a tenacity of approximately 6-22 gpd. In another embodiment, the first yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-5% and the second yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-12%. |
| US08109068B2 |
Agricultural harvester with accelerated draper belt unload
An agricultural harvester includes a base unit and a header coupled with the base unit. The header includes a frame; at least one draper belt; a header lift detector providing an output signal indicating a lift state of the header; and a draper belt accelerator receiving the output signal from the header lift detector and accelerating each of the draper belts upon receipt of the output signal. |
| US08109065B2 |
Automated method for placing sliced food stacks in packages
A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices. Thereafter, the stacks are received at the insertion station where they are transferred to their packages, on an automated basis without the need for manual handling thereof. This is enabled due to the well-formed stacks generated by the harping station which allows the stacks to be dropped into the packages aligned therebelow. |
| US08109063B2 |
Movable sealer
An envelope sealing apparatus for sealing an envelope having a main body and a sealable flap foldable about a hinge between the flap and main body, and sealable thereto. The apparatus comprises a feed path along which an envelope can be fed; a driving means associated with the feed path for feeding an envelope along the feed path; a flap securing means cooperative with the driving means to secure an open envelope flap in contact with the driving means; and a flap sealing means cooperative with the driving means to seal the flap to the main body when the driving means drives the envelope in a flap sealing direction along the feed path. A mail piece creation device incorporating such an envelope sealer is further provided, along with corresponding methods. |
| US08109059B2 |
Multifunction finishing set for a floor covering including a modular profile
The multifunctional finishing set for a floor covering includes: a modular profile with at least one groove arranged therein for separation of the profile into two distinct modules, a decorative film which is applied to the profile and covers the separation groove and a fixed reinforcement means housed in the separation groove which permits a reinforcement of the modular profile in the region of the separation groove. |
| US08109057B2 |
Tower foundation system
Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other. |
| US08109056B2 |
Frame construction arrangement forming an opening in a wall of a low-rise building
A frame construction for a low rise building. In the construction, a wall frame panel is made of thin light-gauge section steel by bonding together a surface member, a lower frame member, vertical frame members and an upper frame member. Roof or floor support girders are made of heavyweight section steel having H-shape or channel shape. The girders are coupled to frame construction panels by bolts or hold-down fasteners. |
| US08109053B2 |
Door frame assembly
A welded door frame assembly including a hinge jamb joined to a lock jamb via a frame head jamb, all of which are joined with existing studs and an existing wall. The hinge jamb has a bottom end and a top end and includes a door side base, a door contact flange, and a non-door side trim attachment track including one or more fastener holes. A hinge jamb trim piece includes a connector portion configured to be removably retained within the non-door side trim attachment track and is adapted to cover the non-door side trim attachment track, any fastener holes, and any fasteners. Both the lock jamb and frame head jamb include a door side base, a door contact flange, and a connection flange including one or more fastener holes. A lock jamb or frame head jamb trim piece covers the connection flange, any fastener holes, and any fasteners. |
| US08109052B2 |
Monolithic fenestration construction member and wall and fenestration assembly using the same
A fenestration construction member includes a monolithic frame having a front surface, a rear surface, and peripheral wall extending between the front and rear surfaces. The peripheral wall having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface. The inward facing surface of the peripheral wall defining a through opening into which is positionable a window assembly in sealing contact with the inward facing surface. The monolithic frame further having a sill pan flange extending continuously around the interior facing surface in a direction inwardly therefrom. The monolithic frame further having a fastening flange extending in a direction outwardly from the outward facing surface. The monolithic frame being positionable in a wall frame having a rough opening defined by a sill, a header and a pair vertical jambs extending therebetween with the peripheral wall extending into the rough opening and with the fastening flange abutting an exterior surface of the wall frame. |
| US08109049B2 |
Solar battery module device
A solar battery module device includes a solar cell module formed by arranging a plurality of solar battery cells; a rack-shaped frame having a substantially rectangular shape supporting an outer-edge portion of the solar cell module by surrounding a whole periphery of the outer-edge portion; and a reinforcing frame that is bridged over between two opposite sides of the rack-shaped frame by forming a predetermined gap between the reinforcing frame and a back surface of the solar cell module, and supports the solar cell module by being brought into contact with the back surface of the solar cell module when the solar cell module is bent. The reinforcing frame is engaged with engagement notches formed on the back surface of the rack-shaped frame. |
| US08109046B2 |
Water drainage device
A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall. |
| US08109043B2 |
Secure data center having redundant cooling and blast protection for protecting computer servers by the positioning of air handling units, fiber optic cable and a fire suppressiion system
This application relates to improvements to data centers, including protection from: (1) vandalism, (2) high winds, (3) earthquake, (4) storms, (5) water used for cooling or fire suppression, and (6) explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building. |
| US08109035B2 |
Apparatus and method of mosquito control
A mosquito control trap taking advantage of the normal stages of development for a mosquito. The trap including stagnant water trapped within a container by a weeping platform floating on top of the water. A series of holes in the weeping platform provide exposure of the water to form brood cups in which female mosquitoes lay eggs. In order to develop through the larva and pupa stage the developing insects must enter the larger reservoir of stagnant water, since there is insufficient room in the brood cups. However, the holes are too small to permit escape of the adult mosquito, thus preventing any of the eggs from developing. This device provides a means for controlling mosquitoes without the use of pesticides and is especially suitable for use in lesser developing countries. |
| US08109031B2 |
Electronic sight and manufacturing method thereof
The electronic sight includes a base, an optical window, a point light source, a photomask and a low-reflective layer. The optical window is disposed on a first end of the base. The point light source, disposed on a second end of the base, provides a lightbeam. The photomask is disposed between the point light source and the optical window, and the low-reflective layer is formed thereon. The lightbeam passes through the photomask along a first direction, hits the optical window, and is reflected toward a second direction by the optical window. The method for manufacturing the electronic sight includes: providing a base; providing an optical window disposed on a first end of the base; providing a point light source disposed on a second end of the base; providing a photomask; forming a low-reflective layer on the photomask; and positioning the photomask between the point light source and the optical window. |
| US08109027B2 |
Weapon forend support pad
A weapon support pad comprising a pad comprising a fastening mechanism to attach to the forend of a weapon, such as a rifle to provide support and absorb unwanted vibrations, among other advantages. The pad may be quickly and easily attachable and detachable from the weapon. A variety of fastening mechanisms may be utilized, including the hook-and-loop. |
| US08109024B2 |
Trigger activated switch
A trigger activated switch for a firearm is disclosed. The switch comprises a Hall-effect sensor configured to be mounted in the housing or frame of the firearm, and a magnet disposed on a retractable member coupled to the trigger of the gun. The trigger comprises a firing module rotatably coupled to the housing to have a range of motion with respect to the housing from a non-firing position to a firing position. The retractable member is moveably coupled to the firing module and articulates between a non-engaged position and engaged position with respect to the firing module. The Hall-effect sensor is attached to the firearm housing in proximity to the magnet when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position. Motion of the retractable member from the non-engaged position to the engaged position causes the magnet to articulate away from the sensor, which then activates an auxiliary device upon sensing motion of the retractable member. |
| US08109023B2 |
Shot counter
A shot counter includes a firearm with a loaded chamber indicator and a striker status indicator. A first switch operates with the loaded chamber indicator and a second switch operates with the striker status indicator. When the loaded chamber indicator moves it activates the first switch and when the striker status indicator moves it activates the second switch. If one of the first and second switches is activated, an electrical signal is sent to a processor and the processor interprets the electrical signal as an indication that a shot has been fired. If the electrical signal is from the first switch, the processor actually counts a number of cartridges going in and out of a chamber of the firearm, and if the electrical signal is from the second switch, the processor actually counts a number of times the firearm was cocked. |
| US08109022B2 |
Device having a stand with ejection mechanism
A device includes a housing defining a first opening, and a casing fixed within the housing defining a second opening opposite to the first opening. The device also includes a sliding member slidably received in the casing, and a stand pivotally connected to the sliding member including an end received in the first opening. A retaining member is slidably connected to the casing to magnetically attract the sliding member to retain the sliding member at a predetermined position. An ejection mechanism is arranged within the casing to be pushed by the retaining member to push the sliding member to move the end out of the first opening. |
| US08109021B2 |
Wrap around self laminating wristband
A wrap around, self laminating wristband comprises a substantially transparent laminate strap with an imaging area for receiving printed information and one or more layers of adhesive adjacent the imaging area so that as the strap is wrapped around itself to overlie the imaging area it laminates it. Alternate embodiments provide for a snap closure to secure the wristband instead of adhesive, forming the imaging area with a coating of a thermally sensitive or active print material, adding one or more labels for common use with the wristband, forming the wristband in a page of multiple wristbands or with labels or separately, forming the wristband as part of a printer processable business form, and providing the wristband forms either with or without labels in a continuous fan fold or roll format. |
| US08109020B2 |
Illuminated sign
An illuminated sign that includes a base configured to face a front direction and configured to be placed in a first orientation and a second orientation when the base faces the front direction. A first character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between a first position facing the front direction and a second position facing the front direction. A second character is configured to rotate with respect to the base between the first position facing the front direction and the second position facing the front direction. A rotation mechanism is configured to enable at least one of the first character and the second character to rotate between the first and the second positions. |
| US08109018B2 |
Iron tote
An iron tote includes a soleplate rest, an iron seat, a cord guide, and a wall stand. The soleplate rest defines a soleplate resting surface for the soleplate of an associated iron. The iron seat connects with and projects generally forwardly from the soleplate rest. The iron seat defines a heel resting surface oriented generally normal with respect to the soleplate resting surface. The cord guide connects with the soleplate rest above the iron seat. The cord guide can have a contoured contact surface along which an electrical cord of the associated iron rides during operation of the iron. The wall stand connects with and projects generally rearwardly from the soleplate rest. A method of operating an iron and a kit are also disclosed. |
| US08109017B2 |
Steaming system
A steaming system (100) comprises a steam generator (120), a removable water tank (130) for holding and supplying water to the steam generator (120); and a dosing device (140) for supplying an amount of a water treatment agent to the water tank (130). The dosing device is configured to be triggered by a movement of the water tank (130) relative to the steam generator (120). |
| US08109015B2 |
Sports shoe particularly for cycling
A sports shoe, particularly for cycling, comprising a sole and a vamp in which is identified a heel area having a rear part from which extend respective walls juxtaposed and spaced for bilaterally encircling the heel of the user; in the heel area it comprises a pair of presser arms extending like a pincer, each behind the corresponding vamp wall at an upper part thereof, distal with respect to the sole, and located normally above the heel of the user. |
| US08109013B2 |
Protective cover device for a skate boot
A protective cover device for a skate boot comprises a panel member including a central portion spanning part of the skate tongue and two side portions extending outwardly and downwardly from the central portion to span towards respective inner and outer sides of the skate. Anchor members at the outer side anchor the panel member to the skate boot using apertures which receive portions of the skate laces therethrough. The anchor members at the outer side also form hinges onto which the panel member is pivotally coupled for selectively providing access to the laces for fastening. An anchor member at the inner side comprises a strap which is selectively fastened to a mating fastener on a bottom side of the skate boot. |
| US08109012B2 |
Article of footwear with drainage features
An article of footwear configured to drain water away from a foot wearing the article of footwear includes a plurality of drainage holes positioned between ribs formed on the sole. The drainage holes are formed along a centerline of the sole. The drainage holes are substantially vertical channels formed entirely through the sole. The ribs include raised center portions disposed at or near the inlets to the drainage holes to lift the foot away from the drainage holes. |
| US08109007B2 |
Object profile sensing
A method for sensing an object profile shape involves relatively sweeping (whisking or translating) in angular or translational increments an elongated whisker element having a deflectable cantilever region and an object so that the cantilever region bends as a result of sliding along an object periphery. The moment (torque) at a base region of the whisker element as a result of the bending is determined. The method then iteratively determines successive contact point locations on the object periphery based on small successive increments in angle or position of the whisker element and the sensed moment (torque). |
| US08109002B2 |
Wire stripping back bar knife
A wire stripping knife having a back bar which cooperates with the handle to strip wire. In one form the back bar is a lock back bar to lock the knife in an open orientation, and in yet another form the back bar is biased to a closed orientation when the blade is in an extended orientation. |
| US08108997B2 |
Methods and apparatus for replacing objects on horizontal shafts in elevated locations
An apparatus for stabilizing a shaft in an essentially horizontal position while an anchoring object at one end of the shaft is replaced without removal of an object at the opposite end of the shaft that would otherwise tend to destabilize the shaft from its essentially horizontal position includes a half-spool member configured to clamp above and around the shaft to resist torque around the rotor, under supports configured to attach to the half-spool member and clamp an underside of the shaft below the half-spool member, and a hydraulic or mechanical brake configured to resist torque on the shaft when the brake is engaged. |
| US08108992B2 |
Method of making a microwave field director structure having V-shaped vane doublets
A method of making a self-supporting field director structure for use in heating an article in a microwave oven comprises in any operative order, the steps of folding a first and a second elongated vane blank along a central fold line to form at least two V-shaped vane doublets; inserting each of the vane doublets into a slotted annular support member so that each vane in each vane doublet extends through an adjacent slot in the annular support member; and attaching the vane doublets at their vertices to define a vane array. |
| US08108986B2 |
Method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic write pole having a large bevel angle
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording, the write head having a write pole with an increased bevel (taper) angle. The write pole is constructed by forming a mask structure over a magnetic write pole material, and then performing a combination of sweeping or rotation with static (non-rotating, non-sweeping) ion milling at an angle relative to normal. The ion milling is performed while moving the wafer laterally within the ion milling tool to ensure that the ion milling is performed uniformly across the wafer during static milling. |
| US08108985B2 |
Method for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic write head
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method includes forming a write pole, and then depositing a refill layer. A mask structure can be formed over the writ pole and refill layer, the mask structure being configured to define a stitched pole. An ion milling or reactive ion milling can then be performed to remove portions of the refill layer that are not protected by the mask structure. Then a magnetic material can be deposited to form a stitched write pole that defines a secondary flare point. The stitched pole can also be self aligned with an electrical lapping guide in order to accurately locate the front edge of the secondary flare point relative to the air bearing surface of the write head. |
| US08108983B2 |
Method of manufacturing a rotary motor
The disclosure relates to the realization of stable electrical connections between coils and a commutator without causing slackening of the coils wound on individual magnetic teeth. An armature of a rotary motor includes an armature core structured splittably into magnetic tooth members which are individually wound by concentrated-winding type coils, and a commutator having the same number of segments as the number of the magnetic tooth members, the individual segments having connecting terminals, wherein an end portion of the coil concentratedly wound on one of the magnetic tooth members is connected generally in a straight line to the connecting terminal of the segment which is located at a position offset in a circumferential direction by a specific angle from the aforementioned one magnetic tooth member, and a conductor line connected to the connecting terminal of the segment is concentratedly wound on another magnetic tooth member adjacent to the aforementioned one magnetic tooth member. |
| US08108982B2 |
Compound mold tooling for controlled heat transfer
In one embodiment, a tool for forming an article in a molding operation has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material, with a particulate material bonded to the body. The body provides a forming surface for forming the article. The particulate material, or the particulate material and the tool body collectively provide a duct for conveying a fluid for transfer of heat with the forming surface. In another embodiment, the tool has a tool body formed from a non-particulate material with a cavity and the particulate material is disposed within the cavity. A heat transfer material is disposed in the cavity bonding the particulate material to the tool body. Methods for manufacturing such tools are also disclosed. |
| US08108979B2 |
Using a stiffener to repair a part for an aircraft engine
A method of repairing a part, which has a first side, a second side opposite of the first side, and an aperture that makes the part susceptible to cracking, includes the steps of forming a slot in the first side of the part near the aperture, inserting a stiffener into the slot, and attaching at least one repair ply onto the first side of the part to cover the stiffener. |
| US08108978B2 |
Apparatus for accurately positioning and supporting modular tooling
A tooling apparatus for positioning end effector tooling for engagement with a workpiece to facilitate the performance of work operations on the workpiece. The apparatus includes an elongated rectangular tubular backbone member, a plurality of tubular collars positioned over and secured to the backbone member at predetermined longitudinally spaced locations along the backbone member, and a plurality of support structures secured to a side of one or more of the collars utilizing a plurality of fasteners engaging apertures in the collars and aligned apertures in the underlying backbone member. |
| US08108976B2 |
Impact resistant seat belt buckle
A buckle for a seat belt that resists unintentional unlatching when subjected to rapid acceleration or deceleration. The buckle assembly includes a female buckle and a removable male tongue plate. The female buckle includes a spring-loaded pawl that lockingly engages a slot in the removable tongue plate. The spring urges the pawl into locking engagement with the slot in the tongue plate. The present invention discloses a pawl-loading spring made from a material that resists elastic deformation when the buckle is subjected to a force perturbation such as the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the buckle that occurs during a crash. The spring material exhibits resistance to deformation when loaded at a high loading rate. |
| US08108973B2 |
Side buckle of swimming goggles
A side buckle of swimming goggles is approximately formed into a strip shape. The side buckle has a retaining clip and a retaining groove respectively at two ends thereof. The retaining clip has two shaft rods and a step-shaped urging portion. The retaining groove has two shaft holes and a belt hole. A connecting portion is formed between the retaining clip and the retaining groove. The retaining clip and the retaining groove may be locked to each other after the connecting portion is bent. Thereby, the side buckle of swimming goggles is fitted at side edges of a pair of swimming goggles and connected to a belt. The connecting portion is pressed to trigger the operation of the retaining clip to loosen or fasten the belt, so as to quickly adjust a length of the belt. |
| US08108971B2 |
Hinge for a roof window with a pivot sash
A pivot hinge for roof windows with a sash pivoting around the axis located between the upper and the lower member of a window, has a balancing system, which ensures the state of equilibrium of a window sash when its centre of gravity is located outside the sash rotating axis and the friction spring of the hinge is unable to hold the sash pivoted in each its position. At the same time the window fittings, its assembly, installation in a roof and its appearance remain unchanged. Also the method of separating of both hinge parts (taking a sash out of a window frame) remains unchanged. |
| US08108969B2 |
Checker-equipped door hinge device for vehicle
A checker-equipped door hinge device for vehicle includes: a first bracket fixed to one of a body and a door; a second bracket fixed to another one of the body and the door; a hinge pin connecting the first and second brackets to each other, and allowing the brackets to be relatively rotatable; an inner cylinder connected integrally to the first bracket and disposed coaxially with the hinge pin; an outer cylinder connected integrally to the second bracket and disposed so as to surround the inner cylinder in a manner of being rotatable relative to the inner cylinder; and a checking-force generating mechanism provided between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, the checking-force generating mechanism generating a checking force against the door at a predetermined opening position of the door, wherein an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder are eccentric to each other, so that a thick wall portion having a large distance between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface is formed in the outer cylinder, and the checking-force generating mechanism is provided in the thick wall portion. Thereby the door hinge device can be compact, in which the checking-force generating mechanism can be disposed in the outer cylinder without increasing the diameter of the outer cylinder. |
| US08108967B2 |
Handle assembly for a cleaning appliance
A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a slidably extendible wand and a connecting portion that includes a first locking arrangement releasably securing the handle assembly to the main body of the cleaning appliance, a second locking arrangement releasably locking the wand in a pre-determined position with respect to the connecting portion and an actuator. The actuator is adapted and arranged to move the first and second locking arrangements between locked and unlocked positions. The first locking arrangement is movable independently of the actuator. This arrangement allows a single actuator to be operated by a user to unlock both the first and second locking arrangements simultaneously. However, because the first locking arrangement can move independently of the second locking arrangement, it is possible to secure the handle assembly to the main body of the cleaning appliance while keeping the wand in a locked position. |
| US08108964B2 |
Sealed pick-up head for a mobile sweeper
A sealed pick-up head for a mobile sweeper comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening. A suctioning front opening is for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door frame surrounds the suctioning front opening. A rotatable door has at least a first door portion and a second door portion joined together at a central pivot axis, and is operatively mounted at the central pivot axis in rotatable relation on the pick-up head at the suctioning front opening. A seal is operatively disposed between the rotatable door and the door frame for sealing the rotatable door with respect to the door frame, to thereby substantially preclude air from ingressing into the substantially hollow interior of the housing through the suctioning front opening, as the rotatable door rotates to permit debris to enter the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A dust and debris outlet in the housing permits dust and debris to be suctioned from the substantially hollow interior of the housing into a hopper. |
| US08108963B2 |
Wash bucket with integral measuring
A wash bucket for use with detergent and water to ensure that the detergent and water are mixed in a predetermined ratio. The wash bucket has a cup within the wash bucket cavity. In some embodiments the cup is attached to the wash bucket structure and not easily removed by hand. In other embodiments the cup is removably attached to the wash bucket structure. A proper detergent to water ratio is achieved by filling the cup to a point indicated on the cup and then filling the wash bucket to a point indicated on the wash bucket. |
| US08108962B2 |
Toothbrush and method of using the same
A toothbrush is provided having an elongated handle and a brush head supported by the handle. The brush head has a base and a plurality of bristles that are arranged in sections. Each section has bristles that extend from the base to form a contact surface elevated from the base. One or more of the sections include bristles that extend to varying lengths from the base to form a contact surface that inclines or declines relative to the base. The sections of bristles further include a first outside section having a contact surface that declines inwardly, an inside section, adjacent the first outside section, having a contact surface that declines outwardly toward the first outside section, and a second outside section positioned adjacent an opposite side of the inside section from the first outside section. The second outside section has a contact surface that declines inwardly toward the inside section. |
| US08108958B2 |
Apparatus for continuous collection of human waste products and method for incontinence management
According to at least one embodiment, an apparatus for continuous collection of human waste products is disclosed. The apparatus may include a bed frame, a lower plate having a container coupled thereto, an upper plate having an aperture defined therein, a mattress having an aperture defined therein, a mattress cover having an aperture defined therein and an absorbent pad or drawsheet having a bag coupled thereto. The apparatus may further facilitate preventing human waste products from contacting the skin of the patient, thereby substantially reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers. The apparatus for continuous collection of human waste products may also provide continuous zero pressure in the area of the buttock while maintaining the patient in a comfortable position. As a result, the apparatus can prevent and treat pressure ulcers that frequently occur in the area of the buttock. |
| US08108957B2 |
Pulmonary mattress
A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region. |
| US08108956B2 |
Fastener concealment cap for grab bar assembly
A grab bar assembly includes tabs which engage respective pockets to position a cap within a grab bar recessed area. The tabs and pockets position the cap while a locking tab secures the cap within the recessed area. |
| US08108951B2 |
Wearable protective body appliance
A wearable protective body appliance for reducing the likelihood of injury to a wearer. One embodiment provides a wearable protective body appliance having an articulating protective shell assembly that includes one or more first shell members formed from a first material having a first hardness, and a second shell member directly connected to the first shell member and formed from a second material having a second hardness less than the first hardness. The second shell member is flexible and enables the one or more first shell members to articulate relative to one another, yet still provide impact protection. Another embodiment provides a body appliance including a padding assembly that defines a ventilation hole and includes an inner engagement member. The inner engagement member can surround the ventilation hole and can be adapted to frictionally engage the skin of a wearer to substantially prevent the appliance from moving relative thereto. |
| US08108949B2 |
Waterproof moisture-permeable fabric for clothing and clothing
Waterproof moisture-permeable fabric for clothing which includes, on one side of a polyester fabric A, a waterproof moisture-permeable layer B including a colorless transparent polyester film stacked, and a white or gray resin C partially stacked, and clothing including the waterproof moisture-permeable fabric. Preferably, a moisture-permeable polymer resin D containing inorganic fine particles is stacked on the waterproof moisture-permeable layer B, and the white or gray resin C is partially stacked thereon. |
| US08108948B2 |
Method and apparatus for keeping a shirt collar aligned and fastened, magnetically
A method and apparatus for holding a shirt collar in a desired position and orientation, magnetically, against a shirt front. The apparatus includes a collar stay insertable into a conventional collar stay pocket or attachable to an inside surface of a collar, and a magnet magnetically attachable or couplable to the collar stay through the shirt front, and the pocket, if applicable, for holding the shirt collar in the selected position and orientation. The collar stay and the magnet can be optionally interlockable and/or include detents for preventing undesired relative movements thereof, which can include particularly, relative longitudinal movements, but which can also include twisting and sideward movements. For collars which do not include any collar stay pocket, or where a collar stay pocket is not desired to be used, the collar stay can include an adhesive on an outer surface thereof adapted for adhesive attachment to the inside surface of a collar. |
| US08108947B2 |
Protective bodysuit
The invention is for a bodysuit for clothing of a human to assist in comfortable wearing of an orthotic brace. Trouserette sections, an elliptical sanitary voiding aperture, and a loincloth with a pelvic girdle flap elongated end releasably joined to a body sleeve provide the wearer with comfort, modesty, and convenience in sanitary voiding. Stretch cotton/spandex knit cloth, externally overlocked seaming, coverstitched stitches, flat zigzag stitchery, and hook and loop tape fasteners enhance quality and comfort in various embodiments. |
| US08112818B2 |
System for identifying content of digital data
A system for identifying a work represented by digital data. This system detects events in data of the content of an unknown work and measures a metric between the events. The system then compares the detected events and metrics from an unknown work with the events and metrics of a known work. If the events and metrics match, the unknown work is identified as a copy of the known work. |
| US08112816B2 |
Document verification apparatus and document verification method
A document verification apparatus includes a determining portion that determines whether a change that influences a verification result is made to at least one of an electronic document and a given condition, after it is verified whether or not the electronic document that has been input satisfies the given condition, and also includes an outputting portion that outputs the verification result after it is verified whether or not the electronic document satisfies the given condition, if it is determined that the change is made to at least one of the electronic document and the given condition, or outputs a result of a time when it is verified whether or not the electronic document satisfies the given condition most recently, if it is determined that the change is not made. |
| US08112813B1 |
Interactive image-based document for secured data access
The present invention is directed to a method and system for verifying a user for copying or printing a limited portion of digital content while allowing the user to view the digital content. The digital content may have image portions that are digital images generally scanned from a printed page of the content and text portions that are digital texts including all forms of letters, characters, symbols, etc. An interactive image document displaying image portions of the digital content is provided for secure data access to text portions. A user can request and obtain a limited text portion of the digital content or view the image portions of the digital content via user interactions within the interactive image document. While the text portions can be reproduced, copied, or printed, the image portions can not be re-used or manipulated by the user due to their non-text accessible format. |
| US08112811B2 |
Information playing/reproducing apparatus and method
A block key to encrypt block data is generated using an ATS (arrival time stamp) appended to each of TS (transport stream) packets included in a transport stream correspondingly to the arrival time of the TS packet. The ATS is a random data depending upon an arrival time, and so a block-unique key can be generated, which enhances the protection against data cryptanalysis. A block key is generated from a combination of an ATS with a key unique to a device, recording medium or the like such as a master key, disc-unique key, title-unique key or the like. Since an ATS is used to generate a block key, any area for storage of an encryption key for each block may not be provided in a recording medium. |
| US08112810B2 |
Preventing unauthorized distribution of media content within a global network
One embodiment of the invention is a method for providing media content while preventing its unauthorized distribution. The method includes transmitting from a client to an administrative node a request for delivery of an instance of media content (IMC); determining which content source (CS) of a plurality of CSs to provide delivery of the IMC, provided the client is authorized to receive the IMC; transmitting to the client an access key and a location of the IMC; transmitting from the client to the CS a second request and the access key; in response to receiving the second request and the access key, transferring the IMC from the CS to the client; transmitting from the client to the administrative node an indicator indicating a successful transfer of the IMC; and generating a transaction applicable to the client and associated with the transfer of the IMC to the client. |
| US08112806B1 |
Detecting network interface card level malware
Computers are monitored for malware communicating directly with the NIC. The infection of computers with NIC level malware is detected. Operating system level network packet transmission statistics are monitored, as are transmission counters maintained by the NIC. The operating system level transmission statistics are compared to the NIC level transmission counters for a given period of time. If the NIC counters indicate the occurrence of a greater number of transmissions than as is indicated by the operating system level statistics, it is concluded that the computer is infected with NIC level malware. |
| US08112804B2 |
Malignant BOT confrontation method and its system
A method for dealing with attacks of malicious BOTs in a network security system includes detecting and analyzing a domain name receiving excessive DNS queries to judge the infection of a malicious BOT, registering the corresponding domain name as normal or abnormal management target, and redirecting an abnormal DNS query for the abnormal management target to a redirection processing & response system. Thereby, the automatic detection of malicious BOT attacks and the mechanism which performs the measures and the analysis simultaneously can protect the DNS servers and prevent the security accidents by malicious BOT attacks previously. |
| US08112801B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting malware
A method of detecting malware may include: a) examining header data in each PDU transferred by a port of an access switch to identify PDUs transferred from a local network device, b) extracting a far-end device address for PDUs based at least in part on examination of an address portion of the corresponding header data, c) maintaining fan-out information indicative of a quantity of unique far-end device addresses extracted from the PDUs during consecutive time windows, d) determining a current trend based on the fan-out information for a current time window, e) comparing the current trend to an expected trend, and f) identifying a suspected malware infection in the local network device when the current trend exceeds the expected trend by a trend threshold. A network element that may implement the method may include a header data processing unit, data storage logic, data processing logic, and malware identification logic. |
| US08112800B1 |
Multi-layered application classification and decoding
An intrusion detection system is described that is capable of applying a plurality of stacked (layered) application-layer decoders to extract encapsulated application-layer data from a tunneled packet flow produced by multiple applications operating at the application layer, or layer seven (L7), of a network stack. In this was, the IDS is capable of performing application identification and decoding even when one or more software applications utilize other software applications as for data transport to produce packet flow from a network device. The protocol decoders may be dynamically swapped, reused and stacked (layered) when applied to a given packet or packet flow. |
| US08112789B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating distributed authentication
A method for facilitating distributed authentication includes the step of requesting, by a user of a client machine residing in a first domain, access to a resource residing in a second domain. The client machine authenticates the user to an intermediate machine. The intermediate machine impersonates the client machine. The intermediate machine impersonating the client machine requests access to the second domain from a domain controller residing in the second domain. The domain controller authorizes the requested access, responsive to a determination that the impersonated client machine is trusted for delegation. The domain controller transmits to an application server residing in the second domain, authentication data associated with the impersonated client machine. The application server transmits, to the intermediate machine, a launch ticket uniquely identifying a logon token. The client machine provides, to the application server, the launch ticket to access the resource residing in the second domain. |
| US08112787B2 |
System and method for securing a credential via user and server verification
Systems and methods for securing a credential generated by or stored in an authentication token during an attempt to access a service, application, or resource are provided. A secure processor receives a credential from an authentication token and securely stores the credential. The secure processor then verifies the identity of the individual attempting to use the authentication token and cryptographically verifies the identity of the server being accessed. The credential is only released for transmission to the server if both the identity of the individual and the identity of the server are successfully verified. Alternatively, a secure connection is established between the secure processor and the server being accessed and a secure connection is established between the secure processor and a computing device. The establishment of the secure connections verifies the identity of the server. After the secure connections are established, the identity of the user is verified. |
| US08112785B1 |
Systems and methods for administering policies for physical locations
A method for receiving verification that a source is authorized to provide mobile-computing-device policies for a first physical location. The method may include receiving a first mobile-computing-device policy and identifying the first physical location. The method may also include associating the first mobile-computing-device policy with the first physical location and implementing, based on the verification, the first mobile-computing-device policy at the first physical location. Systems and computer-readable media for verifying that a source is authorized to provide mobile-computing-device policies for a first physical location are also disclosed. |
| US08112783B2 |
Method of controlling ouput time and output priority of caption information and apparatus thereof
An apparatus and a method of arbitrarily adjusting the output time of caption information included in a received multimedia transport stream for broadcasting, by user input. The method includes: receiving an input of a time value for adjusting the output time of caption information, from a user through a user interface; by demultiplexing the multimedia transport stream, dividing the transport stream into video, audio, and data packets, decoding each packet, and storing the decoded packets in buffers corresponding to a type of each packet; resetting the output time of the caption information by adding the input time value to or subtracting the input time value from the output time included in the video or audio packet; and according to the output time of the reset caption information, blending the data stored in the buffer with the video information and presenting the blended information on the screen. |
| US08112780B2 |
Digital broadcast receiving apparatus
A digital broadcast receiving apparatus has two systems as a receiving system: a first receiving demodulation section including a first tuner 2 and the like; and a second receiving demodulation section including a second tuner 5 and the like. A controller 19 establishes either a first receiving mode or second receiving mode. In the first receiving mode, both the receiving systems receive the broadcasting waves of the same station to be viewed according to the signals from a vehicle speed detecting section 15 and receiving level detecting sections 16 and 17. In the second receiving mode, one of the two receiving systems receives the broadcasting wave of the station to be viewed, and the other of them receives the broadcasting wave of another station. |
| US08112774B2 |
On demand dynamic advertisement insertion in an internet protocol stream
A computer implemented method, computer program product, and data processing system for managing advertisements in an Internet Protocol (IP) streaming environment by defining a viewership threshold, monitoring the Internet Protocol streaming environment, and responsive to reaching the viewership threshold, programming alternate advertisements. |
| US08112767B1 |
Systems, apparatus, and methods for layered execution
The disclosure is directed to systems, apparatus, and methods for layered execution. In one example, a layered execution environment is provided where one or more layers are overlaid over a base operating environment in a manner that they appear to be installed on the local system. The first layer may include a resource associated with one or more resources on a second layer. The resource on the first layer may be monitored to determine when access to the resource is requested. In response to access to the resource of the first layer, the second layer, which comprises the associated resources, may be activated. By activating the second layer only in response to a request to access a resource on the first layer, associated resources may be selectively activated resulting in more efficient execution. |
| US08112766B2 |
Multi-threaded device and facility manager
Techniques are provided for implementing the WS-DeviceProfile standard as a multi-threaded process (“DFM”) executing on a multi-function peripheral (“MFP”). The DFM takes care of the discovery of devices and services on a network. The DFM also acts as a facility manager. The DFM implements various web services in a single component that applications can re-use. The DFM insulates these applications from some of the more complex details of the web services that the DFM implements. The MFP may comprise several different applications, each with a different specialized function. Each of these applications uses the web services provided by the DFM. The multi-threaded nature of the DFM permits new services to be added to the MFP dynamically. The threads can handle separate tasks concurrently. For example, one thread can handle communications with processes outside the MFP, while another thread can simultaneously handle communications with processes and applications inside the MFP. |
| US08112765B2 |
Mechanism that provides more efficient event handler processing
Disclosed is an apparatus, method, service product, and program product which each provide an enhanced, registration-based event handler mechanism. Listener programs are located and compiled before notification is needed. When notification is ultimately required, the pre-located listeners can be called directly without incurring the performance expense associated with first locating and then calling each listener. |
| US08112764B2 |
Devices as services in a decentralized operating system
Various embodiments of the present invention transform devices into Web services or special-purpose servers that are capable of communicating with personal computers. Various embodiments of the present invention allow various low-level aspects of device drivers to reside in the devices, eliminating the need for the devices to be compatible with legacy specification. Various embodiments of the present invention allow various devices to be shipped from the factory with low-level software already built in so that users are liberated from having to deal with the experience of installing and upgrading device drivers. In various embodiments of the present invention, each device is preferably a network node identifiable by a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI). |
| US08112763B2 |
Computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for transmitting information between CORBA applications and servers utilizing HTTP
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product in a data processing environment for transmitting information between a CORBA application executing within a client and a server utilizing HTTP are disclosed. An application that is being executed by a client requests a CORBA IDL stub to invoke a method. The CORBA IDL stub transmits requests to a server utilizing Internet Inter-ORB Protocol (IIOP). An HTTP stub is generated that transmits requests utilizing HTTP. The HTTP stub corresponds to the CORBA IDL stub such that the CORBA IDL stub and the HTTP stub define the same methods. The HTTP stub transmits the request of the CORBA IDL stub to invoke the method to the server utilizing HTTP. |
| US08112762B2 |
Blade server and service start method therefore
A blade server includes a management blade and managed blade. The management blade manages service data necessary for the service of an application. In the managed blade, the application is activated. The managed blade includes a service data list creation unit and service data list transmission unit. The service data list creation unit creates a service data list representing service data necessary for the service of the application. The service data list transmission unit transmits the service data list created by the service data list creation unit to the management blade. The management blade includes a service data transmission unit. The service data transmission unit transmits, to the managed blade, service data in the service data list transmitted from the service data list transmission unit before the service of the application starts. A service start method for a blade server is also disclosed. |
| US08112761B2 |
Interfacing an application server to remote resources using Enterprise Java Beans as interface components
A method for interfacing an application server with a resource can include the step of associating a plurality of Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs) to a plurality of resources, where a one-to-one correspondence exists between EJB and resource. An application server can receive an application request and can determine a resource for handling the request. An EJB associated with the determined resource can interface the application server to the determined resource. The request can be handled with the determined resource. |
| US08112760B2 |
System for workload balancing by resetting an average queue depth upon the start of the server instance
The present invention relates to an apparatus and computer program for workload balancing in an asynchronous messaging system. The number of server instances, which process work items from a queue of messages, is controlled based upon that queue's average queue depth and one or more predetermined thresholds. |
| US08112756B2 |
System and method for evaluating a workload and its impact on performance of a workload manager
A system comprises a workload evaluator that is operable to receive a representative workload that is representative of competing demands for capacity of at least one shared computing resource. The workload evaluator evaluates the representative workload and computes a metric representing a degree of burstiness of demands present in the representative workload. The metric representing degree of burstiness of the representative workload may be used for estimating an upper bound on quality of service provided by a workload manager to the representative workload. The metric may also be used for evaluating at least one scheduler parameter setting of the workload manager to aid in determining an optimal parameter setting based at least in part on the estimated impact of the representative workload on QoS provided by the workload manager. |
| US08112748B2 |
Method for operating software configured for internet access on a remote computer
A method of operating software configured for Internet access on a remote computer includes opening a virtual machine on a remote computer from a user computer and sending user preferences from the user computer to the virtual machine. The method includes sending a request to operate the software configured for Internet access, and receiving user preferences from the virtual machine upon shutdown. A method of operating software configured for Internet access remote from a user computer includes opening a virtual machine on a remote computer and receiving user preferences at the virtual machine from the user computer. The method further includes receiving a request from the user computer at the remote computer and requesting at least one web page from the virtual machine and receiving a close command at the virtual machine from the user computer and sending the user preferences to the user computer in response to the shutdown. |
| US08112747B2 |
Integrated software support for a distributed business application with seamless backend communications
The disclosure provides integrated software for supporting a distributed business application comprising computer readable instructions embodied on media. The integrated support software is operable to automatically monitor the distributed business application for potential incidents. It also facilitates continuous data exchange between the distributed business application and a remote support module based on the automatic monitoring, with the communications in a protocol associated with a plurality of services in the distributed business application and with a plurality of incidents for these services. Upon identification of a potential incident, the software provides integrated incident management in the distributed business application and provides software maintenance management to the distributed business application for one or more identified incidents. |
| US08112745B2 |
Apparatus and method for capabilities verification and restriction of managed applications in an execution environment
A method includes identifying one or more features of an execution environment to be used by an application during execution and determining if use of the one or more features is restricted. The method also includes, if use of the one or more features is not restricted, compiling and executing the application in the execution environment. The method further includes, if use of any of the one or more features is restricted, blocking execution of the application in the execution environment. Determining if the use of the one or more features is restricted may include using a configuration list or a profile identified using a custom attribute. The configuration list or the profile identifies features that are available for use in the execution environment and/or features that cannot be used in the execution environment. |
| US08112743B2 |
Method of designing a system comprising hardware and software components
The invention relates to a method of designing a system. The system includes an application having software components and an architecture having hardware components on which the application is run. The system has to satisfy at least one functional and one non-functional requirement. The functional analysis step (11) obtains a breakdown of the functional need relating to the application. A step defines the architecture (12). A step for designs hardware components (13) according to the architecture. A step design software components (14) based on the breakdown of the functional need. A step for integrates the software components in the hardware components (15). A step validates the functional requirements of the system (16). A step validates the non-functional requirement of the system (17). An upstream step (21) validates the non-functional requirement of the system, preceding the steps for designing hardware components (13) and software components (14). |
| US08112741B1 |
Ignoring output arguments of functions in programming environments
Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for ignoring one or more output arguments of a function in a programming environment. Users or programmers may designate one or more output arguments that are not desired by the users. The called function determines which output arguments are designated by the users. The one or more output arguments designated by the users are ignored by the function. The called function may reclaim memory space for the output arguments designated by the users. The called function may also avoid operations for generating values for the output arguments designated by the users. The called function does not need to return values for the output arguments designated by the users. |
| US08112739B2 |
Data driven transfer functions
In one embodiment, a method for adding a new function type to an application development tool includes determining that a function specified by a user for a design of an application is of a new type, and presenting a user interface (UI) associated with the specified function. The method further includes creating custom metadata based on input provided by the user via the UI for the specified function, and converting the custom metadata into expression metadata having a format understandable by a code generator. |
| US08112738B2 |
Apparatus and method of customizable model import and export to and from XML schema formats
In one embodiment the present invention includes a computer-implemented method of converting first metadata to second metadata using a mapping and custom exits. The metadata is at the M1 level and the mapping is generated based on information at the M2 level. The custom exits provide programmable mapping rules in addition to the mapping. In this manner, metadata created in one modeling environment may be used in another modeling environment. |
| US08112733B2 |
Method and apparatus for routing with independent goals on different layers
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of routing. The method selects a net with a set of routable elements in a multi-layer layout region. In some embodiments, the method identifies a route for the net based on different congestion goals on different layers. In other embodiments, the method identifies a route for the net based on different congestion goals between different layer pairs. In some embodiments, the method identifies a route for the net based on both the different congestion goals on different layers and between different layer pairs. |
| US08112732B2 |
System and computer program product for diffusion based cell placement migration
A system and computer program product for cell placement in an integrated circuit design that uses a calculated diffusion velocity determined from a density value in order to relocate the cells until the cell placement reduces the density below a predetermined threshold. The method acts to control the movement of different cells to reduce the density of the cells prior to legalization of the cell placement. |
| US08112731B1 |
Congestion-driven placement systems and methods for programmable logic devices
Techniques are provided for reducing signal congestion in programmable logic devices (PLDs). In one example, a computer-implemented method of reducing signal congestion in a configuration of a PLD includes mapping a plurality of circuit components of a circuit design to a plurality of components of the PLD, wherein each of the mapped PLD components is associated with one of a plurality of regions of the PLD and with one or more unique signal paths entering the PLD region. The method also includes determining a cost value for each PLD region based at least in part on the number of unique signal paths entering the PLD region from other PLD regions. The method also includes selecting one of the PLD components to move from a first one of the PLD regions to a second one of the PLD regions. The method also includes updating the cost values associated with the first and second PLD regions based on a change in the number of unique signal paths entering the first and second PLD regions. The method also includes selectively accepting or rejecting the move based at least in part on the updated cost values. |
| US08112724B2 |
Method of designing semiconductor integrated circuit, apparatus for designing semiconductor integrated circuit, recording medium, and mask manufacturing method
A method of designing a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a cell arranging and wiring step of arranging and wiring cells for creating a physical layout, a design-rule checking step of verifying a shape of a second physical layout including the cells of the physical layout with reference to a rule library for design rule check, a mask-data creating step of creating mask data corresponding to the physical layout using the second physical layout when the design rule is satisfied in the design-rule checking step, a mask-data processing step of performing, when the design rule is not satisfied in the design-rule checking step, mask data processing for the verification-object second physical layout, and a mask-data creating step for creating mask data corresponding to the physical layout using the second physical layout subjected to the mask data processing in the mask-data processing data. |
| US08112722B2 |
Method and system of controlling a cursor in a three-dimensional graphical environment
A method of controlling a cursor displayed on a display device is provided. A three-dimensional environment is displayed on a display device. A cursor and a plurality of objects are displayed on the display device within the three-dimensional environment. The cursor comprises a zone defining a volume to identify at least one object that is at least partially located within the volume. The size of the volumetric activation zone is dynamically adjusted so that a predetermined constraint is satisfied. The predetermined constraint is a function of at least a relationship between the volumetric activation zone of the cursor and at least one of the plurality of objects. |
| US08112718B2 |
Playback apparatus, menu display method, and recording medium recording program implementing menu display method
A playback apparatus includes a menu screen display unit for displaying a content menu screen, an input unit for detecting a user's input operation to detect a selection of the content, and a control unit for causing the menu screen display unit to switch the menu screen, and for instructing playback of the selected content. The menu screen display unit, under the control of the control unit, switches an upper layer menu screen to and from a lower layer menu screen through an intermediate layer menu screen. The upper layer menu screen shows categories of the contents using menus. The lower layer menu screen shows some of contents using menus. The intermediate layer menu screen displays the menu selected in the upper layer menu screen in an area and a plurality of menus displayed in the lower layer menu screen in another area. |
| US08112715B2 |
Content management system that renders a document to a user based on a usage profile that indicates previous activity in accessing the document
A content management system (CMS) monitors a user's activity for a document, generates corresponding usage data for the user, and binds the usage data to corresponding sections of the document. A relevance policy may be defined for a user and/or for a user's role. The CMS may then render the document to the user based on the usage data and the relevance policy. The rendered document may include displayed sections, hidden sections, and accentuated sections. The result is a document rendered to a user in a way that hides sections that are not of interest, displays sections of interest, and accentuates sections of high interest, all based on usage data that indicates how the document was accessed in the past. |
| US08112712B2 |
Image editing method, image editing apparatus, program for implementing image editing method, and recording medium recording program
To provide an image editing technique that enables a user to perform movement and magnification of an image with a single operation, and to perform trimming while grasping image composition in printing, the image editing method includes a step of instructing to move an arbitrary point of an image displayed in an image display area among image data; a step of calculating an image movement amount and a magnification ratio in response to the instruction to move the arbitrary point; and a step displaying a predetermined area of the image data in the image display area on the basis of the image movement amount and the magnification ratio, which are calculated in the calculating step. |
| US08112710B2 |
Providing run book automation via manual and automatic web-based procedures
Providing run book and web user interface automation via and manual and automatic web-based procedures. An application engages a teaching mode in a web-based graphical user interface (GUI), wherein a collection of selectable portions of the web-based GUI is accentuated. The application records a sequence of selections made among the collection of selectable portions of the web-based GUI as well as data entered within the GUI, where the sequence of selections represent a repeatable user-defined procedure for interacting with the web-based GUI. The application replays the sequence of selections with the web-based GUI. |
| US08112706B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method
When image data obtained by scanning a document is to be registered in a document management system, a search index can be generated by layout analysis and object analysis. However, when application data generated by an application is to be registered, similar analysis processing cannot be done, and a search index cannot be generated. Hence, an instruction of application data to be registered in the document management system is received, and it is checked if that application data can be processed by the document management system. If it is determined that the application data cannot be processed by the document management system, the application data is converted into PDL data (S756), and the application data or data as a combination of the PDL data and application data is transmitted to the document management system. |
| US08112702B2 |
Annotating video intervals
A system and method is provided for managing and displaying annotations in online hosted videos. To determine related annotations associated with a video, a plurality of annotations for one or more intervals of the video are collected and organized into a plurality of groups. Each group includes annotations for intervals of the video that are similar to each other. A group having related annotations is identified, and an annotated clip of the video is formed based upon the intervals in the group. This process can be used to determine any number of groups in a given video having related annotations, forming the respective annotated intervals within a single video, and can also identify and organize annotated intervals within a large number of different videos. |
| US08112701B2 |
Reference adding behavior in formula editing mode
Reference adding behavior in a formula editing mode is disclosed. In some embodiments, in response to receiving an indication of a selection of a cell, a reference to the selected cell is inserted into a formula being entered into a host cell if the host cell is not a header cell, and a reference to a row or column with which the selected cell is associated is inserted into a formula being entered into a host cell if the host cell is a header cell. |
| US08112700B2 |
Nanoscale interconnection interface
One embodiment of the present invention provides a demultiplexer implemented as a nanowire crossbar or a hybrid nanowire/microscale-signal-line crossbar with resistor-like nanowire junctions. The demultiplexer of one embodiment provides demultiplexing of signals input on k microscale address lines to 2k or fewer nanowires, employing supplemental, internal address lines to map 2k nanowire addresses to a larger, internal, n-bit address space, where n>k. A second demultiplexer embodiment of the present invention provides demultiplexing of signals input on n microscale address lines to 2k nanowires, with n>k, using 2k, well-distributed, n-bit external addresses to access the 2k nanowires. Additional embodiments of the present invention include a method for evaluating different mappings of nanowire addresses to internal address-spaces of different sizes, or to evaluate mappings of nanowires to external address-spaces of different sizes, metrics for evaluating address mapping and demultiplexer designs, and demultiplexer design methods. |
| US08112695B2 |
Method for encoding data message K' for transmission from sending station to receiving station as well as method for decoding, sending station, receiving station and software
Irregular LDPC codes have a construction which allows one to obtain a number of codes with different length from a single prototype code with a parity check matrix given by H=[Hz Hi], where Hz specifies the well-known zigzag pattern in the corresponding Tanner graph. The parity check matrices for longer codes are obtained as [Hz′Πdiag(Hi, . . . , Hi)], where Hz′ specifies a longer zigzag pattern depending on the number of matrices Hi used, and Π represents some permutation. This allows one to construct the decoder for a longer code by reusing hardware components developed for decoding the prototype code. |
| US08112689B2 |
ECC controller for use in flash memory device and memory system including the same
An ECC (error correction code) controller of a flash memory device which stores an M-bit data (M being a positive integer equal to or greater than 2) comprises a first ECC block which generates a first ECC data from a program data to be stored in the flash memory device according to a first error correcting method and a second ECC block which generates a second ECC data from the first ECC data and the program data output from the first ECC block according to a second error correcting method, the program data, the first ECC data, and the second ECC data being stored in the flash memory device. |
| US08112685B2 |
Serial compressed data I/O in a parallel test compression architecture
The disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for accessing test compression architectures (TCA) in a device using either a parallel or serial access technique. The serial access technique may be controlled by a device tester or by a JTAG controller. Further the disclosure provides an approach to access the TCA of a device when the device exists in a daisy-chain arrangement with other devices, such as in a customer's system. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure. |
| US08112684B2 |
Input linking circuitry connected to test mode select and enables
IEEE 1149.1 Test Access Ports (TAPs) may be utilized at both IC and intellectual property core design levels. TAPs serve as serial communication ports for accessing a variety of embedded circuitry within ICs and cores including; IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan circuitry, built in test circuitry, internal scan circuitry, IEEE 1149.4 mixed signal test circuitry, IEEE P5001 in-circuit emulation circuitry, and IEEE P1532 in-system programming circuitry. Selectable access to TAPs within ICs is desirable since in many instances being able to access only the desired TAP(s) leads to improvements in the way testing, emulation, and programming may be performed within an IC. A TAP linking module is described that allows TAPs embedded within an IC to be selectively accessed using 1149.1 instruction scan operations. |
| US08112682B2 |
Method and device for bad-block testing
Apparatus and methods for effecting bad-block testing operations are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, instead of effecting bad-block testing for the majority of the flash memory blocks of a flash memory device during manufacture, most or all bad-block testing is postponed until the end user is in possession of the flash memory device. In some embodiments, after user data is received by the flash memory device from a host device, one or more blocks of the flash memory device are subjected to bad-block testing. |
| US08112681B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling fuse data for repairing faulty elements within an IC
The application discloses an integrated circuit comprising: circuitry; a fusebox for storing an array of data identifying faulty elements within said circuitry; at least one fusebox controller for repairing said faulty elements in said circuitry in response to data received from said fusebox; a data communication path linking said fusebox controller with said fusebox; wherein said data stored in said fusebox is compacted data and said at least one fusebox controller comprises a data expander for expanding said compacted data received from said fusebox via said data communication path prior to repairing any faulty elements in said circuitry. |
| US08112679B2 |
Data reliability bit storage qualifier and logical unit metadata
Apparatus and associated method that stores first metadata only at the same addressable storage location of a computer readable medium as that where associated first user data is stored, and afterward satisfies a read request for the first user data by retrieving the first user data from the addressable location of the computer readable medium where the first metadata is stored if the first metadata has a first value, and by reconstructing the first user data from other metadata stored at another addressable location of the computer readable medium than where the first metadata is stored if the first metadata has a second value. |
| US08112677B2 |
Method of debugging multiple processes
A method of debugging a multiple concurrent processes comprising: obtaining, from each process, a plurality of events that have been processed and, if no time information is associated with each event, associating time information therewith; causing a display to display the events such that an event that has occurred in a first portion of the display associated with a first process at a first time is aligned with an event in a second portion of the display associated with a second process that has occurred at a similar time to the first time. To be accompanied, when published, by FIG. 5 of the drawings. |
| US08112673B2 |
System and method of preventing a web browser plug-in module from generating a failure
The present invention improves the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether. |
| US08112669B2 |
Wireless diagnostic system
Results of field testing of portions of a distributed system such as a Broadband Communications System from a testing device to a controller which downloads programmed test protocols and sequences thereof to the separate testing device over a wired or wireless link and thereafter can be used to control the testing device as well as display test results and provide analysis of the test results and suggest procedures to technical personnel. The controller then can transmit the test data to a central facility or distribution hub in substantially real-time together with work performance data where full technical analysis can be performed. The test data and results of analysis can then be distributed as desired such as to a management analysis facility to support improvement of efficiency of the system and the operation thereof. |
| US08112668B2 |
Dynamic broadcast of configuration loads supporting multiple transfer formats
A method for dynamically broadcasting configuration information to controllers connected in a scan topology in a target system is provided in which a selection event followed by the configuration information is received from a signal line at each of the controllers, wherein the plurality of controllers are connected in parallel to the signal line and the configuration information is stored within each controller that matches a selection criteria following the selection event when the selection event initiates a selection sequence. |
| US08112661B1 |
Method and system for changing a protection policy for a dataset in a network storage system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for providing, in a network storage system, a topology set to a storage administrator for selection of a topology to implement a new protection policy for a dataset. A topology includes a mapping between storage objects participating to effectuate an existing protection policy and storage objects participating to effectuate the new protection policy. When a storage administrator selects a new protection policy, a storage manager automatically generates a number of topology options including a storage object participating in the existing protection policy. According to a priority rule, the storage manager determines the priority of the topologies by computing a priority indicator for each of the topologies. In certain embodiments, the topology set is displayed to a storage administrator including the priority indicator for each topology for informing the storage administrator the relative preference of each topology. The storage administrator thereby selects a topology for configuring storage objects to participate in effectuating the new protection policy. |
| US08112658B2 |
Row fault detection system
An apparatus, program product and method check for nodal faults in a row of nodes by causing each node in the row to concurrently communicate with its adjacent neighbor nodes in the row. The communications are analyzed to determine a presence of a faulty node or connection. |
| US08112657B2 |
Method, computer, and computer program product for hardware mapping
A method is provided for mapping a data center to a disaster recovery site. Data center information including production hardware and production applications is retrieved from a database. Disaster recovery site information including disaster recovery hardware is retrieved from the database. A list is created of the production applications and a valid list of the production applications is automatically determined from the list based on rules in the database. A list is created of the production hardware, and a valid list of the production hardware is automatically determined from the list based on the rules in the database, which includes determining the production hardware on which the valid list of the production applications run, and removing the production hardware on which the valid list of the production applications does not run. The valid list of the production hardware is mapped to the disaster recovery hardware of the disaster recovery site. |
| US08112654B2 |
Method and an apparatus for providing timing signals to a number of circuits, and integrated circuit and a node
A method of providing or transporting a timing signal between a number of circuits, electrical or optical, where each circuit is fed by a node. The nodes forward timing signals between each other, and at least one node is adapted to not transmit a timing signal before having received a timing signal from at least two nodes. In this manner, the direction of the timing skew between nodes and circuits is known and data transport between the circuits made easier. |
| US08112653B2 |
Apparatus and method of generating power-up signal of semiconductor memory apparatus
An apparatus for generating a power-up signal of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a first power-up signal generator that generates a first power-up signal to be activated on the basis of a comparison between a power supply voltage level supplied to the semiconductor memory apparatus and a first set voltage level, and a second power-up signal generator that generates a second power-up signal to be activated with a predetermined delay time on the basis of a comparison between the power supply voltage level and a second set voltage level. |
| US08112649B2 |
Energy optimization through intentional errors
Technologies are described herein for intentionally allowing errors in a computational system to optimize energy consumption of the computational system. A cost-benefit analysis is performed to identify one or more allowable errors and one or more non-allowable errors in the computational system. The allowable errors may be identified by the cost-benefit analysis as being acceptable errors for optimizing energy consumption with respect to accuracy of the computational system. The non-allowable errors may be identified by the cost-benefit analysis as being unacceptable errors for optimizing energy consumption with respect to accuracy of the computational system. The computational system is transformed from a first state in which the computational system corrects or prevents the allowable errors and the non-allowable errors into a second state in which the computational system allows the allowable errors and corrects or prevents the non-allowable errors. |
| US08112646B2 |
Buffering techniques for power management
Buffering techniques for power management are described. A method may comprise modifying a power state for a communications sub-system and a computing sub-system from a higher power state to a lower power state, storing packets of information in a buffer for the communications sub-system during a communications idle duration period, generating a variable receive threshold value for the buffer, and transferring the stored packets of information from the buffer to the computing sub-system based on a variable receive threshold value. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08112645B2 |
System and method for power management
A system, that includes: a memory unit adapted to store state duration statistics indicative of possible low power state durations and probabilities associates with the possible state durations; and a power controller, adapted to: receive a request to cause a circuit to enter a next state, and assist in causing the circuit to enter the next state if during a delay period that follows a reception of the request the power controller does not receive a request to cause the circuit to exit the next state; wherein the delay period is determined in response to: (i) the next state duration statistics, (ii) power saving gained from entering the next state; and (iii) power penalty associated with entering the next state and exiting the next state. |
| US08112640B2 |
Method of controlling voltage of power supplied to 3D graphics data processor and the 3D graphics data processor using the method
Provided is a method and of controlling a voltage of power supplied to a 3-dimensional (3D) graphics data processor and the 3D graphics data processor using the method. The method includes controlling the voltage of the power supplied to the graphics data processor based on the amount of data representing an object included in graphics data and re-controlling the voltage of the power supplied to the graphics data processor based on a time difference between scheduled processing time according to the controlled voltage for the object and actual processing time consumed by the graphics data processor, thereby reducing power consumption. |
| US08112638B2 |
Secure backup system and method in a mobile telecommunication network
The secure backup system is in a mobile telecommunication network and has at least one mobile station with data, a backup entity for storing a backup file of the data, and cryptographic means for encrypting and decrypting the data. The cryptographic means contains a decryption key consisting of at least a first key part, a second key part and a key recreation key part. The key parts are stored in different entities. |
| US08112636B1 |
Protection of code or data from exposure by use of code injection service
A method for operating a binary executable in which some of the data or code is to be protected includes the step of pruning the binary executable of the code andor data to be protected. Nonfunctional code is substituted for the code pruned from the binary executable, to form a pruned executable which does not contain the code to be protected. The code pruned from the binary executable is loaded into a code injection service or program (CIS). The binary executable is placed in memory as with any application. Invoking the pruned executable alone results in crash. The CIS is made part of the operating system service, and is loaded into RAM when the computer starts. When the pruned executable is invoked, the CIS detects its presence, and as the pruned executable runs, the CIS substitutes the actual data or code into the pruned executable, whereby it operates normally. |
| US08112633B1 |
Server side verification of digital signatures in streaming environments
When an executable file cannot be run on a client computer until the digital signature has been verified, the streaming server performs the verification if the entire file is not present on the client. More specifically, the client detects requests to verify digital signatures on executable files before allowing them to run. The client determines whether the entire executable file is present, and whether the server is trusted to verify digital signatures. If the entire file is not present locally and the server is trusted, the request to verify the digital signature is passed to the server. The server verifies the digital signature on its complete copy of the executable file, and returns the result to the client. |
| US08112629B2 |
Stateless challenge-response protocol
A two-party stateless protocol by which a server receives a request from a client, transmits a tamper-resistant challenge to the client, receives a response to the challenge, and validates the response, where each of the challenge and the response contain a copy of the request. If the client responds correctly to the challenge and does not modify the request during the protocol, the server executes the request. |
| US08112626B1 |
Method and apparatus to provide public key authentication with low complexity devices
A method and apparatus to authenticate limited processing-power systems (LPPS) using elliptic cryptography within a well known elliptic curve E, over a well known finite field F((E(F)). The apparatus comprises a random number generator to choose a random value b, of a similar order of magnitude to the order of E(F). The apparatus further comprises a challenge calculator to calculate a value C=bP and send the challenge to the LPPS, where P is a point on the elliptic curve E(F) which was used as a basis for generating a private key, a, for the LPPS. The apparatus further comprising an RFID reader to receive a challenge response, R=aC=abP from the LPPS, and a crypto calculator to calculate bQ, based on a public key, Q, of the LPPS. The apparatus further comprising a comparison logic to authenticate the LPPS if bQ=aC=abP. |
| US08112624B2 |
Method and system for certificate revocation list compression
Embodiments of the present invention provide a compression capability for compressing a CRL, such as an X.509 CRL, stored as a file, data structure or data object in a computer system having a certification authority (CA) and a security client. An exemplary method provides for accessing the CRL contents including a certificate revocation record and performing compression procedure, such as a lossless compression procedure on the contents of the CRL. The compressed CRL contents can be stored in another file, data structure or data object. A request for the compressed CRL is from a security client whereupon the compressed CRL is returned to the security client by transferring the compressed CRL contents to the security client. The security can client un-compress the compressed CRL contents. In some cases the uncompressed CRL contents can be transferred to the security client. The compression procedure can further compress a body portion of the CRL and modify a header portion of the CRL to indicate that the body portion is compressed. The security client can read the header portion to determine that the CRL is compressed and can un-compresses the CRL. |
| US08112621B2 |
Multi-core address mapping for selecting storage controller program
Even if each processor core uses the same logical address, a processing-target program corresponding to each processor core can be selected. A logical address of multiple address mapping tables is set to a same logical address in correspondence with an embedded OS program or a RAID management program, and a physical address is set to a different physical address in correspondence with the actual storage destination of an embedded OS program or a RAID management program. Each processor core, on start-up, uses a self address mapping table to execute address mapping processing with each processor core based on the same logical address, selects an embedded OS program or a RAID management program according to the physical address obtained in the address mapping processing, and executes processing according to the selected program. |
| US08112620B2 |
Method and system for discovery of a root file system
A method for discovery of a root file system that includes obtaining a tag corresponding to a boot image for an operating system, identifying, by a boot loader, a location of the boot image having a predefined value matching the tag, loading a kernel of the operating system retrieved from the boot image, and transferring execution to the kernel, wherein the boot loader provides the tag for the location to the kernel. The method further includes identifying, by the kernel, the location of the root file system based on the tag provided by the boot loader, and executing the operating system on a processor using the root file system identified by the kernel. |
| US08112611B2 |
Allocating resources to partitions in a partitionable computer
Techniques are provided for allocating a plurality of resources on a chip to a plurality of partitions in a partitionable computer system. In one embodiment, a resource allocated to a first partition generates a physical address in an address space allocated to the first partition. A partition identification value identifies the first partition. The first partition identification value is stored in the first physical address to produce a partition-identifying address, which may be transmitted to a system fabric. In another embodiment, a transaction is received which includes a source terminus identifier identifying a source device which transmitted the transaction. It is determined, based on the source terminus identifier, whether the source device is allocated to the same partition as any of the plurality of resources. If the source device is so allocated, the transaction is transmitted to a resource that is allocated to the same partition as the source device. |
| US08112606B2 |
Method for storing a data block containing data for controlling a technical process, and control and automation device
The invention proposes a method and a control apparatus for storing a first data block containing data for controlling a technical process in a first memory area of an automation apparatus. In this case, a second data block containing data for controlling the technical process is stored in a second memory area of the automation apparatus. The first data block and the second data block are subdivided into a plurality of data areas. At least one data area which is part of the first data block is supplied to the automation apparatus and stored in the first memory area. Furthermore, at least one data area which is both part of the first data block and art of the second data block is copied from the second memory area into the first memory area. A corresponding automation apparatus is also proposed. |
| US08112601B2 |
Data storage device with security feature
A data storage device is disclosed with at least two partitions and a set of switches to separately enable and disable read and write operations to each of the partitions, wherein read and/or write operations for at least one of the partitions is disabled when the data storage device is accessible by one or more potentially malicious processes. In one embodiment, there are five partitions for (1) operating systems and trusted applications, (2) applications from non-trusted sources, (3) confidential data, (4) non-confidential data, and (5) all other data. A mode switch can be used to enable and disable reading and writing for each of the partitions according to a predetermined set of rules that effectively prevent viruses and other malware from altering or accessing programs and data. |
| US08112600B2 |
Creating a snapshot based on a marker transferred from a first storage system to a second storage system
Storage arrangements including: a first storage system including: a first volume which includes a first data area storing data sent from a computer; and a first processor which stores data sent from the computer in the first volume; a second storage system including: a second volume which includes a second data area; a third volume; and a second processor which is configured to store data sent from the first storage system in the second volume; wherein the first processor transfers the data stored in the first data area of the first volume, to the second storage system, and the second processor stores the data in the second data area of the second volume; and wherein in executing a snapshot, the second processor checks and waits until a local copy control flag of the data that is stored in the second data area, is a predetermined value, before executing the snapshot. |
| US08112598B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling copying
Pre-update data is copied from a first storage device onto a second storage device in response to an update instruction to update data on the backup target volume on the first storage device. A copy status of each data on the backup target volume is managed with position information of the data mapped thereto. If bad data is present in the data on the backup target volume, the position information indicating the position of the bad data is searched. In accordance with the copy status managed with the position information mapped thereto, it is determined whether the pre-update data of the bad data is stored on the second storage device. |
| US08112597B2 |
Critical memory
Typical computer programs may incur costly memory errors that result in corrupted data. A new memory model is presented wherein it may be determined that certain data is critical and critical data may be stored and protected during computer application execution. Critical Memory allows that data determined to be critical may be stored and retrieved using functions enabled to increase the reliability of the data. Critical Memory presents a memory model where a subset of memory designated as critical memory may be used to store a subset of data deemed critical data. Probabilistic guarantees of data value consistency are provided by the employment of the new memory model. The memory model and functions presented are compatible with existing third-party libraries such that third-party libraries may be compatibly called from processes using critical memory. |
| US08112596B2 |
Management apparatus, management method and storage management system
A management apparatus, a management method, and a storage management system that more specifically manage power consumption, making it easy to analyze problems relating to power consumption or properly relocate data are provided.A power consumption for each of a plurality of memory apparatus groups each consisting of a plurality of memory apparatuses in a storage system is computed based on a performance for each of a plurality of logical storage extents defined in a plurality of storage extents provided by each of the memory apparatus groups, and a value of the power consumption for each of one or more of the memory apparatus groups obtained by the computation is output together with information on an access status of each of the corresponding logical storage extents. |
| US08112593B2 |
System and method for improving cluster performance
A system for providing improved cluster operation performance comprises a storage system and a cluster system communicatively coupled to the storage system. The cluster system comprises an active node and a plurality of passive nodes. The active node comprises a storage system interface engine and at least one initiator engine and each of the plurality of passive nodes comprises a storage system interface engine and at least one initiator engine. The storage system interface engine of the active node is configured to coordinate communication between the cluster system and the storage system, and simultaneously communicate an operation request from each of the plurality of passive nodes of the cluster system to the storage system. |
| US08112592B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method
The present invention relates to information processing apparatuses. A content to be checked out is stored in an automatic-checking-out-destination storage section 113 from musical-piece-file storage sections 108-1 and 108-2 for each external-unit/-medium ID which identifies a PD 5. A GUI section 101 determines through a transfer processing section 103 and a PD plug-in 111 whether the PD 5 has been connected. When it is determined that the PD 5 has been connected, a musical-piece file is checked out from the musical-piece-file storage sections 108 to the PD 5 through a musical-piece management section 104, a file search section 106, and a data base 107 according to the information of the content to be checked out stored in the automatic-checking-out-destination storage section 113. The present invention can be applied to music reproduction software. |
| US08112590B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing command processing latency while maintaining coherence
In a first aspect, a first method of reducing command processing latency while maintaining memory coherence is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) providing a memory map including memory addresses available to a system; and (2) arranging the memory addresses into a plurality of groups. At least one of the groups does not require the system, in response to a command that requires access to a memory address in the group from a bus unit, to get permission from all remaining bus units included in the system to maintain memory coherence. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08112589B2 |
System for caching data from a main memory with a plurality of cache states
To ensure efficient access to a memory whose writing process is slow. There is provided a storage device for caching data read from a main memory and data to be written in the main memory, comprises a cache memory having a plurality of cache segments, one or more cache segments holding data matching with data in the main memory being set in a protected state to protect the cache segments from a rewrite state, an upper limit of a number of the one or more cache segments being a predetermined reference number; and a cache controller that, in accordance with a write cache miss, allocates a cache segment selected from those cache segments which are not in the protected state to cache write data and writes the write data in the selected cache segment. |
| US08112583B2 |
Data recording for a hard drive in response to commands
A data recording apparatus that writes data on/reads data from a hard disk drive in response to a data-write/read command received from an upper control device is provided. The data recording apparatus includes a command-aggregating device and a command-issuing device. The command-aggregating device is configured to generate an aggregate command by aggregating contents of a plurality of commands under the conditions that the plurality of commands are of the same kind continuously received from the control device and logical block addresses designated by the plurality of commands are consecutive addresses. The command-issuing device is configured to issue the aggregate command generated by aggregating the plurality of commands to a hard disk drive controller that controls the hard disk drive. |
| US08112575B2 |
Memory controller, nonvolatile memory device, access device, and nonvolatile memory system
A file to be read or written is designated and accessed from an access device side to a nonvolatile memory device. In an initialization after start-up of the power source, an empty capacity detector detects empty capacity parameters of a nonvolatile memory with dividing the memory into a plurality of regions. An empty capacity parameter notification part notifies the access device of the empty capacity parameters in a stepwise fashion whenever the empty capacity detector detects an empty capacity. With this, at the time when the empty capacity becomes not less than a capacity required to write file data, the data can be written to the nonvolatile memory without waiting for completion of the initialization, resulting in improvement of a response in the recording. |
| US08112574B2 |
Swappable sets of partial-mapping tables in a flash-memory system with a command queue for combining flash writes
A flash controller has a flash interface accessing physical blocks of multi-level-cell (MLC) flash memory. An Extended Universal-Serial-Bus (EUSB) interface loads host commands into a command queue where writes are re-ordered and combined to reduce flash writes. A partial logical-to-physical L2P mapping table in a RAM has entries for only 1 of N sets of L2P mapping tables. The other N−1 sets are stored in flash memory and fetched into the RAM when a L2P table miss occurs. The RAM required for mapping is greatly reduced. A data buffer stores one page of host write data. Sector writes are merged using the data buffer. The data buffer is flushed to flash when a different page is written, while the partial logical-to-physical mapping table is flushed to flash when a L2P table miss occurs, when the host address is to a different one of the N sets of L2P mapping tables. |
| US08112571B1 |
Signal connection device and method
A device may include a first data path coupled between a first port and a data transfer section that enables data paths between the first data path and at least a second port and a third port. A second data path may be coupled between the first port and the second port that bypasses the data transfer section and is not coupled to the second or third ports. |
| US08112567B2 |
Method and system for controlling power provided to an accessory
A method for a portable media player to control power provided an accessory is disclosed. The method includes requesting information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the portable media player. The method further includes providing information about the power capabilities of the accessory by the accessory to the portable media player, and utilizing the information to set the power of the accessory. A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a system that allows a portable media player to obtain information from an accessory concerning its power requirements. A portable media player can then utilize the power requirements information to allow for the powering of the accessory when connected to the portable media player. |
| US08112566B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for processing I/O requests of data storage devices
Methods and apparatuses for processing input and/or output requests for data storage devices are disclosed. Method embodiments generally comprise receiving a number of requests, wherein at least one of the requests is an isochronous request having an initial deadline value, calculating a new deadline value for the isochronous request, and issuing the isochronous request when the new deadline value is less than a threshold value. Apparatus embodiments generally comprise a request receiver to receive a number input or output requests, a logic module to calculate a deadline value for an isochronous request, where the calculated deadline value relates to the amount of time which has transpired between the creation of the isochronous request and the time the calculation is made, and an issuance module to issue the isochronous request if the calculated deadline value is equal or less than a threshold value. |
| US08112565B2 |
Multi-protocol field device interface with automatic bus detection
A multi-protocol interface for coupling a field device to a general purpose computer is disclosed. The interface includes measurement circuitry to perform a plurality of measurements on a connected process communication loop to determine a process communication loop type. Then, if the interface includes a protocol interface module that matches the detected loop type, the protocol interface module can be engaged. A method for coupling a field device to a general purpose computer is also provided. In one aspect, power from the general purpose computer is used to power the process communication loop, if the interface determines that the loop is not powered. |
| US08112560B2 |
Controlling complex non-linear data transfers
A direct memory access controller for controlling data transfer between a plurality of data sources and a plurality of data destinations is disclosed. The plurality of data sources and data destinations communicate with the direct memory access controller via a plurality of channels, the direct memory access controller further communicates with a memory and a processor. The memory stores two sets of control data for each of the plurality of channels and for the processor. The direct memory access controller is responsive to a data transfer request received from one of said plurality of channels or from said processor to access one set of said corresponding control data stored in said memory, said direct memory access performing at least a portion of said data transfer requested in dependence upon said accessed control data. |
| US08112556B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting the type of interface to which a peripheral device is connected
A peripheral device, with first and second communication conductors, is connectable to a computer having one of a first interface and a second interface. The first interface communicates with the peripheral device over a differential data connection having a first data conductor and a second data conductor. The second interface communicates with the peripheral device over a clock conductor and a single ended data connection which includes a data conductor. The peripheral device includes an interface detection component coupled to the first and second communication conductors to detect which of the first and second interfaces the peripheral device is connected to. |
| US08112546B2 |
Routing users to receive online services based on online behavior
Tools and techniques for routing users to receive online services based on online behavior are provided. These tools may receive representations of activity involving different users in interacting with online services, and may analyze these representations of user activity. The tools may also compute scores for the users based on this previous user activity. The scores may indicate a server system, out of several server systems, which the user is to be routed to obtain online services. The tools may also store the user's score as associated with the user. |
| US08112543B2 |
System and method for performing multistream storage operations
Systems and methods for performing storage operations over multi-stream data paths are provided. Prior to performing a storage operation, it may be determined whether multi-streaming resources are available to perform a multi-stream storage operation. Availability of multi-streaming resources may be related to network pathways capable of supporting multi-stream storage operations, existing network load related to other storage operations being or to be performed, availability of components capable of supporting multi-stream storage operation, and other factors. If system resources to support multi-stream storage operations are not available, the system may optionally perform a traditional storage operation that does not incorporate multiple data streams. |
| US08112542B2 |
Multicast digital video lost packet recovery
An electronic communication network supports delivery of video program Internet protocol packets and includes a source device, a first recipient device, and a second recipient device. The source device transmits both first and second video program Internet protocol packets. The first recipient device is assigned as positive acknowledgment leader by the source device and the second recipient device that is assigned as negative acknowledgement leader by the source device. The first recipient device is operable to transmit to the source device a positive acknowledgment of receipt of the first video program Internet protocol packet. The second recipient device is operable to transmit to the source device a negative acknowledgment of non-receipt upon not receiving the first video program Internet protocol packet. The source device responds to the negative acknowledgement of non-receipt by the second recipient device by multicast resending the second video program Internet protocol packet to both the first and second recipient devices. |
| US08112541B2 |
Method and system for dynamic application composition in streaming systems
A system and method for dynamically building applications for stream processing includes providing processing elements with a flow specification describing each input and a stream description describing each output such that the flow specification indicates a stream or streams which are to be received based on processing information and the stream descriptions indicate the processing information. Processing elements that can be reused are identified by determining equivalence between the processing elements. Processing elements that are new and are not reusable are instantiated in a flow graph. An application is dynamically composed, using the instantiated processing elements by routing available streams to the instantiated processing elements in accordance with the flow specifications. |
| US08112540B2 |
Streaming computer system and method with multi-version protocol compatibility
A forward and backward compatible streaming protocol requires subsequent versions of the protocol to be purely additive relative to earlier versions. When a data segment is transmitted as a data stream, a first stream of data that is in accordance with a first version of the protocol is transmitted, with additional streams of data that are in accordance with subsequent versions of the protocol appended in sequence to the first stream of data. When a read module implements an earlier version of the protocol than a write module, the data segment is truncated to include only the data supported by the version implemented by the read module. On the other hand, when the read module implements a later version of the protocol than the write module, receipt of the data segment is terminated after the data supported by the version implemented by the write module is received. |
| US08112538B2 |
Method for delivery of software upgrade notification to devices in communication systems
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate providing software upgrade notifications to user devices that utilize unicast and multicast communication techniques in a wireless communication environment. Bandwidth and power consumption is minimized by permitting determination to be made regarding whether a given software update is relevant to the user device prior to attempting a download or receiving a notification thereof. Additionally, evaluation of version number and software identity facilitates determining whether to employ a unicast software check-up protocol or a multicast software check-up protocol. Software upgrade information may also be transmitted over a multicast channel for a predetermined time period, after which a user device may initiate a unicast check-up protocol to receive software upgrade information. |
| US08112536B2 |
System and method for dynamic security provisioning of computing resources
The present invention facilitates the dynamic provisioning of computing and data assets in a commodity computing environment. The invention provides a system and method for dynamically provisioning and de-provisioning computing resources based on multi-dimensional decision criteria. By employing specialized computing components configured to assess an asset and requestor of an asset, a provisioning engine is able to transform the input from the computing components into a specific configuration of computing resource provisioning and security controls. According to the rules and policies applying to a security domain, the provisioning engine may dynamically allocate computing resources in a manner that is both safe and efficient for the asset. |
| US08112529B2 |
System and method for asynchronous client server session communication
The invention provides a session-based bi-directional multi-tier client-server asynchronous information database search and retrieval system for sending a character-by-character string of data to an intelligent server that can be configured to immediately analyze the lengthening string character-by-character and return to the client increasingly appropriate database information as the client sends the string. |
| US08112528B2 |
Mechanisms for providing exclusive access to shared resources in a database
Providing access to a shared resource in a computing environment involves maintaining a timestamp for each shared resource, the timestamp representing the time the resource was last accessed. Then, detecting if the resource is reserved before obtaining access to the resource, by reading the resource timestamp, and if the timestamp represents a future time relative to the current time, indicating that the resource is reserved and delaying access to the resource. If the resource is unreserved, then accessing the resource by reading the resource timestamp to detect any changes in the timestamp since the last reading; if unchanged, then accessing the resource. If the resource is unreserved, then obtaining exclusive access to the resource by reserving the resource by incrementing its timestamp by a reservation period; accessing the resource; and resetting the resource timestamp to the current time. |
| US08112526B2 |
Process migration based on service availability in a multi-node environment
A process on a highly distributed parallel computing system is disclosed. When a first compute node in a first pool is ready to hand-off a task to second pool for further processing, the first compute node may first determine whether a node is available in the second pool. If no node is available from the second pool, then the first compute node may begin performing a primary task assigned to the second pool of nodes, up to the point where a service available exclusively to the nodes of the second pool is required. In the interim, however, one of the nodes of the second pool may become available. Alternatively, an application program running on a compute node may be configured with an exception handling routine that catches exceptions and migrates the application to a compute node where a necessary service is available, as such exceptions occur. |
| US08112525B2 |
Engine near cache for reducing latency in a telecommunications environment
The SIP server can be comprised of an engine tier and a state tier distributed on a cluster network environment. The engine tier can send, receive and process various messages. The state tier can maintain in-memory state data associated with various SIP sessions. A near cache can be residing on the engine tier in order to maintain a local copy of a portion of the state data contained in the state tier. Various engines in the engine tier can determine whether the near cache contains a current version of the state needed to process a message before retrieving the state data from the state tier. Accessing the state from the near cache can save on various latency costs such as serialization, transport and deserialization of state to and from the state tier. Furthermore, the near cache and JVM can be tuned to further improve performance of the SIP server. |
| US08112522B2 |
System and method for updating information using limited bandwidth
A system and method detects an amount of data attributed to a device including reports sent to the device, and reduces the amount of data being used to provide reports to the device if the amount of data attributed to the device exceeds an amount assigned to the device. Data uploaded from the device is also minimized. |
| US08112519B1 |
Systems and methods for updating defined band ranges while maintaining backward compatibility
A computer-implemented method for updating defined band ranges and maintaining backward compatibility of previously defined band ranges is described. A first band set that includes a first set of defined band ranges is received. A first map that includes the first set of defined band ranges is created. An intermediate integer is assigned to each defined band range in the first set. A second band set that includes a second set of defined band ranges is received. A second map that includes the second set of defined band ranges is created. The assignment of ranges to an intermediate integer is updated so as to support both the first set and the second set of defined band ranges. |
| US08112518B2 |
Redundant systems management frameworks for network environments
A redundant systems management framework and method for managing a target system includes an active agent configured to receive instructions from an active central server to perform management tasks on the target system and a plurality of meta-agents provided on the target system. Each meta-agent is an endpoint on the target system and is configured to monitor a corresponding central server, and to reassign the active agent to another central server upon failure of the active central server. The central servers may also monitor each other for proper operation. Each meta-agent also is configured to monitor the active agent and to revive or restart the active agent upon detecting a failure of the active agent. |
| US08112514B2 |
Method and system for defining media objects for computer network monitoring
Method and system for defining media objects, such as images and graphics, to represent computer networked resources and assets, along with their associated events, while monitoring the same in a real-time environment is disclosed. |
| US08112510B2 |
Methods and systems for predictive change management for access paths in networks
Methods and systems for predictive change management in a network are provided. A configuration change can be specified and pre-validated according to the access path policy, before the actual changes are implemented. The conformance of the implemented configuration change with the access path policy is validated after implementation, because of possible consequential effects of the configuration change. If a change in one or more access paths is specified, then associated component events can be simulated before implementation, so that root causes for resulting access path violations can be detected and remedied before the changes are made. |
| US08112505B1 |
On-demand block-level file system streaming to remote desktops
Techniques are provided for desktop streaming over wide area networks. In one embodiment, a computing device comprises logic that is configured to intercept file open requests for files stored in a file system, where at least some of the files in the file system may have not yet been fully downloaded. In response to a request to open a file, the logic is configured to modify a first sharing mode specified therein and to open the file in a read-write sharing mode that allows other processes to open the file. While one or more blocks of the file are being downloaded or written into the file, the logic is configured to check whether a second sharing mode received in a subsequent request to open the file is compatible with the first sharing mode. If the second sharing mode is not compatible with the first sharing mode, the logic is configured to deny the subsequent request even though in the file system the file is opened in the read-write sharing mode. |
| US08112490B2 |
System and method for providing a virtual environment with shared video on demand
A system and methodology for creating, compiling, managing and distributing works of multimedia within a virtual space (environment) or virtual meeting space. The system consists of a server and client architecture. Within this architecture, the server or controller plays a “master” role, pulling, storing, and delivering media content from a plurality of client sources. The master server or controller manipulates the storage and delivery of these streams through an intelligent database and programming architecture. These streams are encoded to a specific format and delivered through a server to single or multiple recipients as a vital component of a complete virtual meeting experience. The result is a complete and organized virtual meeting room experience from attendee invitation though follow-up and record meeting dispersal. |
| US08112484B1 |
Apparatus and method for auxiliary classification for generating features for a spam filtering model
A computer-implemented system and method are described for integrating a series of auxiliary spam detection models with a base spam detection model, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the overall spam detection engine. For example, a system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: a base spam filter feature extractor to detect a first set of features from incoming email messages; one or more auxiliary model feature extractors, each of the auxiliary model feature extractors to detect a different set of features from the incoming email messages; one or more auxiliary detection modules, each of the auxiliary detection modules to receive an indication of the different sets of features detected by a corresponding one of the auxiliary model feature extractor modules and to apply weights to the detected features; and a base spam filter module to receive an indication of the first set of features from the base spam filter feature extractor and the weights generated by the auxiliary detection modules, the base spam filter module to assign base spam filter weights to the first set of features and to determine whether an email message is spam based on the weights of the first set of features and the weights of the different set of features identified by the auxiliary model feature extractors. |
| US08112481B2 |
Document message state management engine
A state management sub-system that assists in transmitting and processing documents and messages between two applications in a sequentially correct order through an integration server is disclosed. The state management subsystem analyzes the message and enters state information about the message into a state management table. Once the message is transformed the state management subsystem check the status of the message in the state management table, and checks all waiting parameters. Depending on the status of the check, the state management subsystem changes the state of message in the table. Only when all messages have passed the waiting parameters check is a message posted to the destination system. |
| US08112476B2 |
Cache and look ahead aggregation system
Machine, method for use and method for making, and corresponding products produced thereby, as well as data structures, computer-readable media tangibly embodying program instructions, manufactures, and necessary intermediates of the foregoing, each pertaining to digital aspects of a computerized aggregation system. The system can include a user computer system interposed between a segment of a network allowing communication between the user computer system and at least one server system, and other segments allowing communication between the user computer system and a plurality of third party server systems. The one server system enables the user computer system to access the plurality of other servers. The access permits forming an aggregation of information obtained from the third party server systems. |
| US08112475B2 |
Managing data delivery based on device state
Managing power-consuming resources on a first computing device by adjusting data delivery from a plurality of second computing devices based on a state of the first computing device. The state of the first computing device is provided to the second computing devices to alter the data delivery. In some embodiments, the first computing device provides the second computing devices with actions or commands relating to data delivery based on the device state. For example, the second computing devices are instructed to store the data, forward the data, forward only high priority data, or perform other actions. Managing the data delivery from the second computing devices preserves battery life of the first computing device. |
| US08112474B2 |
System, apparatus, and program for distributing incidental content
In response to a request, one of primary content data as a copyrighted work and incidental content data is received from a server. With a music editing and sharing application, the content data is used in a secondary usage fashion for editing in order to produce new incidental content data. The incidental content data is not the one that is produced by arranging directly the primary content data as an editing material but play control information for giving an instruction defining a play mode. The incidental content data is uploaded to an incidental content server. |
| US08112472B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting multiple versions of a web services protocol
Methods and apparatuses for supporting multiple versions of a web services protocol are provided. A data object is stored in a repository. The data object in the repository is indexed by using a first identifying key conforming to a first web services protocol and is also indexed by using a second identifying key conforming to a second web services protocol. |
| US08112469B1 |
Emergency override system and method for network devices
An emergency override system includes first and second communication interfaces, a sensor, and a processor. The first communication interface is connected to the second communication interface by a communication line. The sensor is disposed along the communication line and is configured to output signals in response to sensing network data being transmitted on the communication line. The switch is disposed along the communication line and has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The processor is coupled to the switch and the sensor and is configured to control the opening and closing of the switch in response to the signals transmitted by the sensor. The processor provides device control data to the network device over the communication line when the switch is open. The network control data commands the network device to perform a predetermined function in response to a lack of network data being transmitted on the communication line. |
| US08112467B2 |
Computationally efficient mathematical engine
A method and apparatus perform many different types of algorithms that utilizes a calculation unit capable of utilizing the same multipliers for different algorithms. The calculation unit preferably includes a processor that has a plural number of arithmetic logic unit circuits that are configured to process data in parallel to provide processed data outputs and an adder tree configured to add the processed data outputs from the arithmetic logic circuits. A shift register that has more parallel data outputs then the processor's inputs is controlled to selectively output data from the parallel outputs to the data inputs of the processor. A communication device preferably includes the calculation unit to facilitate processing of wireless communication signals. |
| US08112465B2 |
System, device, and method for validating data structures in a storage system
Validating a data structure includes (a) maintaining a tracking structure in a memory, the tracking structure including a corresponding status field for each table entry, the status fields having an unmarked state and a marked state; (b) processing the table entries sequentially and tracking the used and free table entries using the tracking structure, such tracking including marking the status fields corresponding to used table entries and marking the status fields corresponding to the next free table entries referenced in the pointer fields of free table entries; and (c) determining validity of the data structure based on the tracking structure. |
| US08112458B1 |
User segmentation user interface
A facility for defining a distinguished segment of individuals within a population of individuals is described. The facility displays a prompt for user input specifying a natural-language characterization of a segment membership criterion for identifying individuals who are members of the distinguished segment. The facility then receives, in response to the displayed prompt, user input specifying a natural-language characterization of a segment membership criterion for identifying individuals who are members of the distinguished segment. |
| US08112450B2 |
Priority messaging and priority scheduling
Systems and methods that set priority levels to messaging systems initiated between end points (e.g., two SQL point services) thru service brokers. A priority component can apply priority at a session level to add priority capabilities on top of service brokers, and enable setting priority for all the messages in a session or conversation. Such priority can further affect the order in which messages from different conversations are sent and the order in which they are received. |
| US08112445B2 |
Custom entities and fields in a multi-tenant database system
Systems and methods for hosting variable schema data such as dynamic tables and columns in a fixed physical database schema. Standard objects, such as tables are provided for use by multiple tenants or organizations in a multi-tenant database system. Each organization may add or define custom fields for inclusion in a standard object. Custom fields for multiple tenants are stored in a single field within the object data structure, and this single field may contain different data types for each tenant. Indexing columns are also provided, wherein a tenant may designate a field for indexing. Data values for designated fields are copied to an index column, and each index column may include multiple data types. Each organization may also define custom objects including custom fields and indexing columns. Custom objects for multiple tenants are stored in a single custom object data structure. The primary key values for the single custom object table are globally unique, but also include an object-specific identifier which may be re-used among different entities. |
| US08112444B2 |
Provisions for validating content using a content registration authority
Strategies are described for validating content transferred over a communication channel using a more effective approach than heretofore provided in the art. A content registration authority is provided which registers the content disseminated by one or more content providers to one or more client devices. A client device which receives content that has been registered can securely consume the content, based on an assumption that a content provider which furnishes the content is entrusted by the content registration authority to provide the content, and without prompting a user of the client device to expressly approve the content provider. In a first solution, the content registration authority registers the content by issuing a certification stamp; in a second solution, the content registration authority registers the content by storing registration information in a central repository. The content may contain instructions which perform operations in the context of an instant messenger application. |
| US08112440B2 |
Relational pattern discovery across multiple databases
A system and method of identifying relational patterns across a plurality of databases using a data structure and the data structure itself. The data structure including one or more data node branches, each of the one or more data node branches including one or more data nodes, each of the one or more data nodes representing a data item of interest and corresponding data item support values for the data item across the plurality of databases in relation to other data items represented in the data node branch. The data structure can be used to mine one or more relational patterns considering pattern support data across the plurality of databases at the same time. |
| US08112438B2 |
Coordinator server, database server, and pipeline processing control method
A first transmitting unit transmits a processing command to a plurality of parallelized database servers. A second transmitting unit integrates data sets transmitted from the database servers in response to the processing command, and transmits an integrated data set to a client. An integrating unit integrates data sets buffered in a buffer unit. A determining unit determines a transmission start or a transmission suspend of the data sets based on a data size in the buffer unit. A third transmitting unit transmits a control command for the transmission start or the transmission suspend to the database servers based on a result of determination by the first determining unit. |
| US08112434B2 |
Performance of an enterprise service bus by decomposing a query result from the service registry
A method, system and computer program product for improving performance of an enterprise service bus. A cache is used to store collections of service objects where each service object includes service meta-data associated with a web service application. The cache may be accessed by the enterprise service bus to service “generic queries” from the client instead of accessing the service registry. Further, the collections of service objects are decomposed into instances of the collections of service objects. These instances of the collections of service objects are stored in the cache which is used by the enterprise service bus to service “direct queries” from the client instead of accessing the service registry. By reducing the number of accesses to the service registry, the network traffic is lessened and the performance of the enterprise service bus is improved. |
| US08112424B2 |
Flexible and resilient information collaboration management infrastructure
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for cross-silo query and data retrieval. A request to access a data object in a trusted database is received, wherein the request includes an enterprise-wide unique identifier of a data object or one or more metadata attribute value pairs. If the request comprises one or more metadata attribute value pairs, one or more enterprise-wide unique identifiers associated with the metadata attribute value pairs are identified. Using the enterprise-wide unique identifiers, metadata about the data object stored in one or more enterprise-level data stores or the trusted database is retrieved. The metadata about the data object is queried to identify related data objects in disparate trusted databases in the enterprise system. The data object and the related data objects are provided to the application. |
| US08112422B2 |
Computer systems, methods and computer program products for data anonymization for aggregate query answering
Computer program products are provided for anonymizing a database that includes tuples. A respective tuple includes at least one quasi-identifier and sensitive attributes associated with the quasi-identifier. These computer program products include computer readable program code that is configured to (k,e)-anonymize the tuples over a number k of different values in a range e of values, while preserving coupling at least two of the sensitive attributes to one another in the sets of attributes that are anonymized to provide a (k,e)-anonymized database. Related computer systems and methods are also provided. |
| US08112419B2 |
Unified geographic database and method of creating, maintaining and using the same
A Universal Geographic Database (“UGD”) is provided that includes a real-time, automated registry/clearinghouse for the publication and retrieval of real-world locations and location-related information for businesses and other entities. By this registry, entities may publish their location and location-related information in a single place, and information services and their users can refer to this single place, via telecommunications devices, to obtain static, real-time location and location-based information about the registered locations. Each UGD record is keyed by a proprietary location address (PLA) based on the World Geographic Referencing System (WGRS). PLAs may be used as key reference and addressing terms, e.g., imbedded in digital documents, websites, GPS devices, or other information services to provide links to maps, directions, and information in the registry related to such locations. PLAs may also provide a concise, user-friendly notation for location naming and designating real-world locations and on all types of location-sensitive electronic devices. |
| US08112417B2 |
Method and system for data classification in the presence of a temporal non-stationarity
A method and system for determining a feature of a particular pattern are provided. In particular, data records are received, and predetermined patterns that are associated with at least some of the data records are obtained. Using the system and method, particular information is extracted from at least a subset of the received data records, the particular information being indicative of the particular pattern in at least some of the data records. Then, it is determined whether the particular pattern is an unexpected pattern based on the obtained predetermined patterns. In addition, it is possible to classify and reduce data and/or parameters provided in the data records. First, the data records are received. Then, the data records which have at least one particular pattern are classified using a Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines technique. Thereafter, the data and/or parameters of the classified data records are shrunk using a Stein's Estimator Rule technique. |
| US08112414B2 |
Apparatus and system for reducing locking in materialized query tables
Disclosed is an apparatus and system for reducing locking in materialized query tables (MQT) for distributive functions. The apparatus includes an insert module that inserts into an MQT table a child record when a new record is inserted into a base table associated with the MQT. The child record includes values associated with the insert operation. Also included is a delete module that inserts into the MQT a child record that includes measure values that are the negative of the measure values in the base table row that is the subject of the delete operation. An update module inserts two child rows into the MQT, one negating the affected record and the other adding the values of the update operation. Each inserted child row includes a unique identifier that relates the inserted row to a parent row. An execution module generates responses using the values indicated by the cumulative records in a family. |
| US08112413B2 |
System and service for automatically and dynamically composing document management applications
A document management system applies relevant document analysis, metadata extraction, and business process association algorithms and methodology to automatically and dynamically classify documents for routing, processing, and executing customized business logic. The document management system accepts documents from one or more channels, classifies the document and extracts metadata, executes customized application profiles and triggers business logic associated with the process. The document management system comprises a rules engine to detect and classify unstructured forms as well as structured forms, where the locations of attributes and visual layout are not fixed. The document management system provides automatic linkage between disparate systems that manages documents for the complete execution of a business process. |
| US08112411B2 |
Method and system for providing search results
A method and system for providing search results only inclusive of valid webpage(s) to a user is disclosed, the method comprising: receiving a first search query from a first user; providing to the first user first search results obtained in response to the first search query; determining whether a webpage selected by the first user from the first search results is valid or not; receiving a second search query from a second user; providing to the second user second search results obtained in response to the second search query if it is determined that the webpage selected by the first user is valid; and correcting the second search results obtained in response to the second search query and providing the corrected second search results to the second user if it is determined that the webpage selected by the first user is not valid and is included in the second search results. |
| US08112409B2 |
Predicting future queries from log data
A system, media, and method for selecting future queries are provided. The selected future queries are used to transmit appropriate online advertising to a user that issues queries to a search engine. The search engine is coupled to a prediction component that predicts what subject the user is going to be interested in and when the user will be interested in the subject. The prediction component returns a future query using statistical language models representing a query history of the user and aggregate query histories for a community of users. |
| US08112408B2 |
System and method for generating a user-defined function using a shell
A method is provided for generating a user-defined function (UDF) on a database engine of a database server. A user-function is sent to the database engine. The user-function includes a relational declaration with application and query logic. When the database engine receives the user-function, the database engine generates a function shell. The UDF processes the relational declaration of the user-defined function. The UDF includes the user-function and the function shell. The function shell returns a final data result of the user-defined function through the shell from the database engine. |
| US08112406B2 |
Method and apparatus for electronic data discovery
Removing or minimizing human participation in the collection or hold process, pursuant to electronic discovery, in a robust, fast, transparent, and legally defensible manner. A method and apparatus that ensures a robust and defensible way of communicating electronic discovery collection and hold requests from electronic discovery management systems to disparate data sources in a uniform way. |
| US08112402B2 |
Automatic disambiguation based on a reference resource
A novel system for automatically indicating the specific identity of ambiguous named entities is provided. An automatic disambiguation data collection is created using a reference resource. Explicit named entities are catalogued from the reference resource, together with various abbreviated, alternative, and casual ways of referring to the named entities. Entity indicators, such as labels and context indicators associated with the named entities in the reference resource, are also catalogued. The automatic disambiguation collection can then be used as a basis for evaluating ambiguous references to named entities in text content provided in different applications. The content surrounding the ambiguous reference may be compared with the entity indicators to find a good match, indicating that the named entity associated with the matching entity indicators is the intended identity of the ambiguous reference, which can be automatically provided to a user. |
| US08112399B2 |
Method and apparatus for configurable data aggregation in a data warehouse
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code to identify a policy for managing data in a data storage system. Raw data is located in the data storage system for processing to form located data. The located data is aggregated based on the policy to form aggregated data. The aggregated data is stored in the data storage system. |
| US08112396B2 |
Backup and recovery of integrated linked databases
A programmatic method for automatically backing up and restoring an integrated database system including a Lotus Notes/Domino loosely structured database and a linked DB2 relational database that stores data mapped from the Domino database. The method includes integrated first and second client application programs running on server hosts for backup and recovery of the Domino and DB2 databases that communicate with the database managers for the databases using client application APIs. Backup and recovery of the integrated linked databases is controlled by the client application associated with the Domino database. |
| US08112393B2 |
Determining related keywords based on lifestream feeds
Embodiments are directed towards providing related keywords determined to be relevant to a search term using life-streaming data to identify the related keywords. Relevancy is determined by performing the related keyword analysis when life-stream services have been updated. Related keywords may be identified for a given search term using a combination of an aggregated life-stream analysis, a user profile based analysis, and/or a community based life-stream analysis. Each of these mechanisms identify a subset of updated life-streams or profiles to be analyzed to identify keywords that co-occur within each life-steam along with the given search term. The resulting co-occurring keywords may then be ordered based on a frequency of occurrence for the subset of life-streams. A weighted combination of the identified related keywords may be used to display related keywords to a user for use in modifying a search query. |
| US08112391B2 |
Synchronization of agent skill data
A method and system for automatically updating and synchronizing contact center agent skill data maintained in a central agent skill database with a routing system based upon skill-changing events triggered in skill-Impacting systems. Contact center agent skills may be maintained in a skill database for a set of agents. A skill-impacting system (such as an education system, a satisfaction system or a metrics system) may send skill/capability data for an agent. The agent's profile in the skill database may be updated based on the received skill data. Either immediately, when triggered by an event, or at a predetermined interval, a routing system's routing logic may be synchronized with the new data in the agent's profile. When the contact center receives a contact (such as a phone call, an email, a web chat, an instant message, or a fax) from a customer, processing logic in the routing system may select a best-fit agent based on availability and skill data from the agent profiles. |
| US08112386B2 |
Rotation based transformation method and apparatus for preserving data privacy
The present invention includes a rotation based transformation method for preserving data privacy. A rotation based transformation method according to an embodiment of the present invention divides a given data set into a plurality of data subsets, applies a plurality of different rotation matrixes to the plurality of divided data subsets, respectively, to rotate the plurality of data subsets, and re-concatenates the plurality of rotated data subsets to generate a rotated data set. The rotated data set is released and used for data clustering. The rotation based transformation method is effectively used when the impact of the AK-ICA attack is mitigated. Meanwhile, when the two parties are related to the present invention, the two parties need to agree on parameters, such as the number of data subsets. It is preferable that the data subsets be divided into equal sizes. Further, rotation-unification work that removes relative rotation deviation between the plurality of different rotation matrices can be performed in order to provide valid clustering between the data subsets rotated using the different rotation matrixes. |
| US08112385B2 |
Ready to render business intelligence result sets
A query that is based on a predefined format of an arbitrary query language is received. A data analyzing component performs the query to obtain a query result. The query result and a report layout specification are provided from the data analyzing component to a data processing component, the data processing component being on a computer. The data processing component associates the query result with at least one element of the report layout specification to generate an association. The query result is provided from the data processing component through an interface based on the report layout specification without reliance on the type of the arbitrary query language to a rendering component. The report layout specification is provided from the data analyzing component to the rendering component to render the query result in a report according to the association without reliance on the type of the arbitrary query language. |
| US08112383B2 |
Systems and methods for a database engine in-process data provider
Various embodiments of the present invention enable functions, procedures, and triggers to be written in any of the .NET languages and executed by the RDBMS. User code can access data from the local or other SQL servers using the SQL Programming Model and both the SqlServer or SqlClient implementations respectively. Moreover, to improve upon the previous extensibility mechanism, a set of APIs (commonly known as “the in-process provider” or “inproc provider”) is utilized to provide efficient and easy to use data access while running inproc, a data access API that is an implementation of the ADO.net programming model. |
| US08112382B2 |
Process for data driven application integration for B2B
Aspects of the present embodiments provide an eCommerce environment adapted to accept and process various message types (e.g., cXML and mXML). In general, requests are provided from a requesting entity to an application hosting entity. Data from incoming requests are mapped to a format understandable to an appropriate application(s). Responses from the application(s) are then mapped into a response format acceptable by the requesting entity. To this end, embodiments disclosed herein provide processes for the development and execution of a data driven process for mapping multiple request/response message pairs to a single application interface or set of application interfaces. In one embodiment, these processes are driven by development time and run time documents that describe a development time view of the message pairs and the application interfaces as well as runtime instructions for providing the mappings, respectively. |
| US08112380B2 |
Situation-aware thresholding for recommendation
In one embodiment, data relating to usage patterns of the user is stored, wherein the data includes information as to items which were used and the context in which they were used. The data is then clustered into clusters of data points. Then a centroid is determined for each of the clusters. A cluster similar to a current context of the user is selected by comparing a data point representing the current context of the user to one or more of the centroids. For each of one or more items, a threshold based on values for a plurality of the centroids with respect to the corresponding item, wherein a threshold is used to compare with centroid value of an item in a selected cluster to determine whether to recommend the item. |
| US08112378B2 |
Methods and systems for performing root cause analysis
A root cause analysis engine uses event durations and gradual deletion of events to improve analysis accuracy and reduce the number of required calculations. Matching ratios of relevant rules are recalculated every time notification of an event is received. The calculation results are held in a rule memory in the analysis engine. Each event has a valid duration, and when the duration has expired, that event is deleted from the rule memory. Events held in the rule memory can be deleted without affecting other events held in the rule memory. The analysis engine can then re-calculate the matching ratio of each rule by only performing the re-calculation with respect to affected rules related to the deleted event. The calculation cost can be reduced because analysis engine processes events incrementally or decrementally. Analysis engine can determine the most possible conclusion even if one or more condition elements were not true. |
| US08112376B2 |
Signature based system and methods for generation of personalized multimedia channels
A system for generating personalized channels of multimedia content. The system comprises an interface to one or more multimedia sources, wherein the multimedia sources provide multimedia content to the personalized channels of multimedia content; and a server for receiving multimedia content from the one or more multimedia sources through the interface and for serving selected multimedia content to users of the system over one or more of the personalized channels; wherein a user of the system receives personalized multimedia content gathered by the server into the one or more of the personalized channels responsive of preferences of the user as observed by the system for the user. |
| US08112375B2 |
Wavelength selection and outlier detection in reduced rank linear models
There is provided an optimization system and method for identifying useful channels. The method for selecting useful channels includes embedding a discrete predictor problem into continuous space of a predictor preweighting and executing an optimization algorithm to optimize a preweighting vector, wherein the optimization algorithm determines the relative importance of the each predictor. Also, the method includes constructing n different models, wherein a kth model comprises the k most important predictors and comparing the models using an information criterion to allow for automatic selection of a subset of the predictors. Additionally, an analytical Jacobian of the partial least squares regression vector is derived with respect to the predictor weighting to optimize the predictor weighting and select useful channels for use in the non-invasive medical device. |
| US08112373B2 |
Nerve equivalent circuit, synapse equivalent circuit and nerve cell body equivalent circuit
A nerve equivalent circuit, a synapse equivalent circuit and a cell body equivalent circuit are provided whereby electrical characteristics in accordance with the physiological functions and physical structures of nerve cells are reproduced. A nerve equivalent circuit simulating the electrical characteristics of nerve cells wherein an input signal fin(t) and an output signal fout(t) satisfies the relationship represented by [Numerical formula 11], wherein kP, kI and TI are each a definite constant number, N represents the total number of synapses, M represents the total number of the kinds of the first transmitters carried by the synapses, and L represents the total number of the kinds of the second transmitters carried by the synapses. |
| US08112368B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for predicting a fault utilizing multi-resolution classifier fusion
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to predict faults. Initially, a plurality of features are provided to a plurality of models. A subset of features is selected for each model. The plurality of features selected by a respective model is dependent upon a time scale associated with a respective model. As a result of their dependence upon different time scales, the plurality of selected features provided to a first model will differ from those provided to a second model. The plurality of models process the respective plurality of selected features. The outputs from the plurality of models are fused to generate a measure indicative of an impending fault. By providing different selected features to the models that are dependent upon the associated time scales and by then combining the outputs of the plurality of models, the resulting measure of an impending fault may accurately predict a fault well in advance of its occurrence. |
| US08112362B2 |
Storage system and license management method
A storage system and a license management method that can simplify license management are proposed. In a storage system in which a first storage apparatus is connected to one or a plurality of second storage apparatuses and the first storage apparatus virtualizes each of the second storage apparatuses, the first storage apparatus checks, based on this license key, which targets the license key input from the outside for setting a predetermined optional function has been issued for, and transmits the license key to the corresponding second storage apparatus when the target to which the license key has been issued is the second storage apparatus, and the second storage apparatus sets the corresponding optional function in its own storage apparatus based on the license key transmitted from the first storage apparatus. |
| US08112360B2 |
Digital media acquisition using credit
Improved techniques and systems to facilitate use of credit to acquire digital media assets from a network-based media server are disclosed. Digital media assets can include media items such as songs, albums, images, slideshows, audiobooks, podcasts, or videos. A user can acquire credit in a variety of different ways including, for example, through redeeming a credit invitation. Once a user has available credit by whatever means, the user can acquire one or more digital media assets from the network-based media server using his/her available credit. In one embodiment, the credit is provided as item credits, whereby each item credit can be used to acquire a selected digital media asset. However, not all of the digital media assets available from the network-based media server are permitted to be acquired using item credits. In some cases, the digital media assets that can be acquired with credit can be designated by their cost. The country of origin of the user and/or the type of media asset can also influence the digital media assets that can be acquired using item credits. |
| US08112358B2 |
Authorizing customer premise equipment on a sub-network
Systems and methods for authorizing a customer premise equipment (CPE) device to join a network through a network termination unit (NTU). The CPE device can send an encrypted connection request, and an authorization server can decrypt the connection request and provide a network membership key (NMK) associated with the CPE device to the NTU. The authorization server can encrypt the NMK associated with the CPE device using a device access key (DAK) associated with the NTU. |
| US08112349B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for pre-screening customers for credit card approval at a point of sale
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system and storage medium for pre-screening customers for a credit card at a point of sale. The method includes receiving the customer data at a point of sale system and, during a check out process: transmitting the customer data to a server; searching a database for the customer data; and based upon results of the searching, performing a credit worthiness check and providing said customer with an invitation to open a charge account. If the customer accepts the invitation, a charge account is opened before a payment method is selected whereby the customer can place the items selected for purchase on the new charge account while at the point of sale system. The system includes at least one point of sale system coupled to a communications link; a server coupled to the point of sale system via the communications link; a data storage device in communication with the server; and a link to a credit information server. |
| US08112347B2 |
Controlling implied markets during a stop loss trigger
A system mitigates the effects of a market spike caused by the triggering and the election of a conditional order in an automated matching system. Conditional orders submitted to a trading engine are evaluated to compare a price of an order to a predetermined price range. Matching of the orders may be delayed when the price of the orders lies outside of the predetermined price range. An opening price to be used by the trading engine is derived and a time interval is used to delay a matching of the orders until the opening price is within a predetermined price range up to a maximum delay time set by a control center. Implied spreads are also removed until other instruments within a trading unit are verified open. |
| US08112346B2 |
System and method for processing data related to convertible financial instruments
The present invention provides a system and method for administering an investment option known as a lifetime income share. Lifetime income shares mitigate survival risk, the risk that an individual will outlive his or her assets. More specifically, the purchase of a plurality of lifetime income shares certifies that an individual is entitled to receive a predetermined, periodic income payment for the life of the purchaser. Additionally, the lifetime income shares of the present invention may be purchased and distributed to participants by a third party (e.g. commingled fund). The third party wishing to provide the lifetime income shares of the present invention to participants may purchase a predetermined amount of shares of an annuity from the underwriting organization and distribute it to the participants. This plan has an investment phase, a distribution phase, and a payout phase. Once the payout phase begins, the stream of monthly income commences at a specified age or date. |
| US08112343B1 |
Capital markets high performance capability assessment
A high-performance capability assessment model helps a capital markets business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the capital markets business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high-performance capability assessment model helps the capital markets business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made, to understand how to make said improvements, and to establish levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal. |
| US08112341B2 |
System and method for determining the liquidity of a credit
The present invention relates to a credit index, a system and method for structuring a credit index, a system and method for operating a credit index, and a system and method for determining the liquidity of a credit. |
| US08112330B1 |
System and method for delivering financial services
A delivery system and method allow a financial institution to provide financial services to a plurality of remote devices and internally within the financial institution to staff terminals using a set of re-usable global components which are modular and are organized into services sets. The system and method operate in sessions and, for instance, employ a dialog component for gathering information from a customer, a rule broker component for providing answers to the various legal and regulatory rules in a particular country, a language man component for selecting appropriate language, a transaction executor component for performing transactions, and a presentation manager component for formatting outputs to the customer. The system and method provide interfaces which can be configured and delivered to the customer in a globally consistent format that is based on the customer's account profile, various languages, various currencies, different legal regulatory requirements, as well as, different sets of business products. |
| US08112329B2 |
Consolidating leads received from potential renters for billing a lister
In some example embodiments, a system and method are illustrated to bill a lister using consolidated leads received from potential renters. The system and method include receiving from at least one potential renter, at least one lead directed to a property listing associated with a lister. The system and method include consolidating two or more leads received from the same potential renter into a lead group. The system and method further include billing the lister according to the number of distinct leads received from potential renters counting each lead group as a distinct lead. In some example embodiments, the system and method further include setting a specified listing period for the lister and checking whether the specified listing period has expired before counting a received lead. |
| US08112328B2 |
Secure and mediated access for E-services
A system for providing secure access for a user to network accessible services. The system comprises a client software agent to generate a services request that is determined by a user. A services software agent is included and the service software agent is in electronic communication with the client software agent, to receive and fulfill the services request. A permissions software agent has a listing of user permissions for the network accessible services. The permission software agent is in communication with the services software agent and the services software agent requests user permissions from the permissions services agent so as to enable activation of the network accessible services selected by the user. |
| US08112325B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically capturing multiple images of motor vehicles and other items for sale or auction
An automatic “photo booth” for capturing images of objects including but not limited to motor vehicles provides consistent and rapid image capture from multiple viewpoints. Ultrasonic sensors or other positional sensing devices are used to both position the object with the photo booth enclosure and calculate field of view parameters controlling digital cameras to provide appropriate image scaling/cropping at time of image capture. The enclosure provides automatic entry/exit door opening/closure and a controlled interior space to provide a controlled environment for image capture. Captured images may be rapidly uploaded to a server for electronic distribution over the World Wide Web or other appropriate network. |
| US08112324B2 |
Collaborative structured tagging for item encyclopedias
Collaborative structured tagging enables a community of users to define different types of tags for online content. The diverse tag types provide a non-flat or dimensional tagging data structure that supports navigation and search for content, as well as comparison of the content. In one implementation, the collaborative structured tagging is employed in an item encyclopedia that offers community-authored information on various items in one or more electronic catalogs. In this context, the collaborative structured tagging facilitates comprehensive cross-product comparison and dimensional product navigation. |
| US08112323B2 |
Procurement requisition processing method and system
A purchasing method and system. The method includes purchasing method comprising generating by said computing system a database table. The database table comprises catalog purchase types for items available for purchase. An entity profile associated with an entity is generated. The entity profile is associated with entity allowable catalog purchase types selected from the available catalog purchase types in the database table. A catalog profile is generated. The catalog profile is associated with the entity profile. A user profile associated with the entity profile is generated. The user profile is associated with the entity allowable catalog purchase types. Specified catalogs are identified and presented to a user. The user profile is comprised of a default purchase type and additional user related details. The specified catalogs are associated with the default purchase type, the user profile, the entity profile, and the catalog profile. |
| US08112322B2 |
Automated system for managing baby care products
A method, in a computer-based online system having a memory, for managing an account for purchasing baby care products by a particular user, wherein the account is for use with a particular category of baby care products, including diapers. |
| US08112320B2 |
Multi-attribute web content auctions
Embodiments may provide for multi-attribute auctioning. Bids and offers which comprise non-price attributes may be received by an auction service, such as web content bids and offers for space on webpages. The service may evaluate attributes of bids and offers in a quantitative manner, developing a value for the bid and offer that includes both price information and other non-price attributes. Valuation may be performed through the use of willingness-to-pay functions which, based on a knowledge of an agent, may determine a numerical value for that agent's willingness to pay according to the non-price attributes. The result from evaluating this function may then be used to determine which auction bids and offers may be matched. The bid or offer can include one or more probability distributions for future performance, based on the published statistics about past performance of agents. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08112318B2 |
System and method for managing a plurality of tires
Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for managing a plurality of tires from their procurement through their disposal. An embodiment may include a method for determining all the costs of a tire over its total service life including procurement costs, repair costs, retread costs and disposal costs. An embodiment may include managing an inventory by automatically replenishing the inventory by following a set of stored inventory management rules. An embodiment may include helping to ensure that an impermissible tire is not mounted on a vehicle. A stored set of tire mounting rules automatically check the tire being mounted against requirements for the tire set by the rules, the requirements set as to by vehicle type and wheel position. |
| US08112317B1 |
Providing substitute items when ordered item is unavailable
In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method operating at a server system is disclosed. The server hosts and electronic procurement system. In response to a user request to access a first item associated with the electronic procurement system, wherein the first item is unavailable, a second available item corresponding to the first item is identified. The second available item is displayed to the user in accordance with business rules associated with the user. A purchase order is generated for the displayed item. Related methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08112316B2 |
Digital photograph processing and ordering system and method
The disclosure presents a system and method for processing and managing customer orders for digital documents, such as digital photographs, through a network, such as the internet. The system may be implemented in a variety of ways, including a system, a method and/or a computer readable medium for processing and managing customer orders for digital documents, such as digital photographs, through a network, such as the internet. |
| US08112315B2 |
System and method for an electronic gift key
A system and method for a physically-based gift key enabling a purchaser to deliver a single, fully integrated gift item to a recipient and including an electronic greeting card and store credits redeemable online is presented. The method includes the steps of activating a gift key, customizing an electronic greeting card associated with the gift key at a host site via physical or wireless linkage of a gift key to a first local computer, accessing the greeting card at the host site via linkage of the gift key to a second local computer, and redeeming store credit associated with the gift key at a retail website accessible from the host site. The system includes gift key and host computer system directly or indirectly controlling a host site. A local computer automatically launches a website at host or retailer levels when the gift key is linked to the local computer. |
| US08112314B2 |
Escrow payment to faciliate on-line transactions
A system and method enables sellers to define a secret shared with an on-line payment provider when listing an item or service for purchase. Consumers deposit funds into an on-line escrow or holding account before committing to a financial on-line transaction or purchase. Once an item is located, the consumer may contact the seller for additional information. By placing funds in escrow, the seller may be more willing to spend the time and effort to deal with the consumer. The consumer, in turn, receives more information to make a purchasing decision. If the transaction is to he completed, the consumer instructs the payment provider maintaining the escrow account to release the funds to the seller's account. The seller is notified by the payment provider, where the notification includes the secret. This enables the seller to authenticate the confirmation message. |
| US08112313B1 |
System and method for broadcasting a charge tone during an electronic transaction
A system and method of broadcasting a tone during an electronic transaction. The system includes a point of sale (POS) unit for receiving credit card information utilized for an electronic transaction, an authorization system for authorizing the electronic transaction by the credit card, and a tone bank for storing a tone. The tone bank associates the tone with the credit card information. The POS unit includes a speaker for broadcasting the tone. The stored tone is retrieved and broadcast at the POS unit in response to utilizing the credit card information for the electronic transaction. The POS unit may optionally broadcast a video clip. |
| US08112312B2 |
Multivariate testing optimization method
An advertisement optimization approach is presented, which utilizes multivariate testing to correlate characteristics of an advertisement to favorable responses received from an environment to which the advertisement was provided. As one example, a text based webpage advertisement may be tested to optimize a variety of different characteristics of the advertisement for response metrics such as click-through rate and conversion rate. Additional approaches are described, whereby advertisements may be tested and optimized across a plurality of different media formats, including both electronic and non-electronic media. |
| US08112307B2 |
Method of reporting the presentation of data, a data storage medium and a system for employing a web page
A method of reporting the presentation of data, a data storage medium, and a system for employing a web page is disclosed and that includes accessing a source of data having a specific segment, and reporting a presentation of the specific segment to a remote location. |
| US08112304B2 |
Method of risk management across a mission support network
A method of risk management across a mission support network is provided, including identifying a mission of the mission support network, and identifying, by a computer processor, assets of the mission support network. The assets include a mission asset to support the mission and a support asset to provide support to the mission asset. Each of the assets is characterized by a criticality index value to measure how important the asset is to a performance of the mission, and a vulnerability index value to measure a vulnerability of the asset to a threat. |
| US08112303B2 |
Digital online exchange for pricing items to exhaust inventory by an expiration time
A dynamic pricing system for pricing items for sale by a seller which items are available in a limited quantity comprises a pricing server and various types of data stored in memory. The pricing server includes memory, a processor and a clock. One type of data stored in memory is indicative of the initial quantity of an item available in a limited quantity. Another type of data stored in memory is indicative of the current remaining quantity of the item available in a limited quantity. Yet another type of data stored in memory is indicative of an expiration time at which it is desired that all of the item available in a limited quantity be sold. The processor is configured to price the item available in a limited quantity so as to deplete the inventory of the item available in a limited quantity by the expiration date based in part by accessing the memory to retrieve the data indicative of the initial quantity, the current remaining quantity and the expiration time and accessing the clock. |
| US08112302B1 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for forecast reconciliation
Systems and methods for reconciling a forecast for a dimension based upon data that is associated with the dimension. A method can be used that includes generating a plurality of forecasts for the dimensions such that the forecast of a first dimension is generated independently of a forecast of a second dimension. The forecast of the first dimension has a constraint that is influenced by the forecast of the second dimension. A reconciliation is performed between the forecast of the first dimension and the forecast of the second dimension in order to determine how the constraint of the first dimension's forecast is to influence the first dimension's forecast. |
| US08112301B2 |
Using consumer purchase behavior for television targeting
In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for using consumer purchaser behavior for targeting delivery of content to consumers through television and other media. An advertising measurement system, which may be accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program, may be used to process and analyze data. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. Data may be collected from a variety of people identification tools for analyzing the identities of one or more people viewing content delivered on a program delivery source. Data may also be collected from various types of metering devices. The data may be matched for calculating return on advertising investment measurements and other metrics. The data may be used to optimize media placement generally or to address advertising content to specific households. Methods for storing and accessing data in the advertising measurement system by distributing the data across multiple shards are also provided. In addition, methods for protecting privacy of communicated data are disclosed. |
| US08112298B2 |
Systems and methods for workforce optimization
Systems and methods are disclosed for an integrated process for optimizing operations at a contact center. In one embodiment, the method comprises: defining contact center business goals; planning at least one campaign to implement the goals; scheduling and deploying a workforce in accordance with the campaign to produce agent-customer interactions; measuring agent performance on the interactions to produce quality metrics; analyzing the metrics to produce a rating; combining quality metrics to produce performance indicators; and using the performance indicators in the planning step of a second campaign or another iteration of the first campaign. |
| US08112297B2 |
Dual-warehouse management system and method for calculating the minimum joint cost of a supply chain
A dual-warehouse management system for a supply chain and a method for calculating a minimum of a joint cost thereof are provided. A manufacturer function module and a distributor function module are used to estimate a manufacturer's total cost and a distributor's total cost respectively. Afterwards, a joint cost optimization module is used to calculate a minimum joint cost. Accordingly, a product lot and a delivery time of a deteriorating item delivered from the manufacturer to the distributor are obtained in a planning horizon. |
| US08112294B2 |
System and method for orchestrating clinical collaboration sessions
A system and associated methods for orchestrating a collaboration session are disclosed. One method involves orchestrating a collaboration session between a requesting clinician and another clinician where information is exchanged electronically. According to the method, requests for collaboration sessions are received by a computer system from the requesting clinician, with a given request related to a piece of patient-focused clinical data. Each request is analyzed to build a roster of potentially available clinicians for collaboration. A collaboration session is then facilitated between the requesting clinician and one or more of the potentially available clinicians on the roster. |
| US08112290B2 |
Methods for delivering a drug to a hospital patient for short-term use while minimizing long-term use of the drug
Novel methods for delivering a drug to hospital patients for short-term in-hospital use while minimizing long-term use of the drug. Embodiments are provided in which hospitals are identified which may be eligible to treat patients, for example, perform certain types of surgery, and which have measures in place to limit use of the drug to short-term use. The identified hospitals are preferably registered in a storage medium, including computer readable storage media, and may be authorized to receive the shipments of the drug. The received drug may then be dispensed to the patient. |
| US08112287B1 |
Systems and methods for determining an impact on spend and/or trend for a prescription drug plan
Systems and methods for determining an impact on spend and/or trend for a prescription drug plan are provided. In response to receiving the request to analyze spend and/or trend, a prescription drug spend and/or trend application may retrieve data related to the prescription drug plan from a database. The analysis of spend and/or trend includes a determination of components of spend and/or trend having a significant impact on spend and/or trend. In one example, the spend and/or trend application may determine whether an option is available to improve at least one of the components having the significant impact on spend and/or trend. If an option is available, the impact (e.g., financial impact, member impact) of the implementation of the option on the prescription drug plan may be modeled by the spend and/or trend application. |
| US08112282B2 |
Evaluating prompt alternatives for speech-enabled applications
A computer-implemented method is described for optimizing prompts for a speech-enabled application. The speech-enabled application is operable to receive communications from a number of users and communicate one or more prompts to each user to elicit a response from the user that indicates the purpose of the user's communication. The method includes determining a number of prompt alternatives (each including one or more prompts) to evaluate and determining an evaluation period for each prompt alternative. The method also includes automatically presenting each prompt alternative to users during the associated evaluation period and automatically recording the results of user responses to each prompt alternative. Furthermore, the method includes automatically analyzing the recorded results for each prompt alternative based on one or more performance criteria and automatically implementing one of the prompt alternatives based on the analysis of the recorded results. |
| US08112281B2 |
Accelerometer-based control of wearable audio recorders
Accelerometer-based orientation and/or movement detection for controlling wearable audio recorders, such as wrist-worn audio recorders, resulting in button-free operation of the audio recorders. Operating a button-free wearable audio recorder does not rely on conventional switches that are often small, difficult to operate, and not very reliable. A wrist-worn audio recorder can use an accelerometer to detect the natural orientation and/or movement of a user's wrist and subsequently activate a corresponding audio-recorder function, for instance recording or playback, without requiring the user to remember to activate the audio-recorder function. In addition, a wearable audio recorder with a vibration mechanism can use this method to remind a user of an undesirable repeated movement, such as restless leg movement. In such applications, and many others, accelerometer-based control of a wearable audio recorder offers significant advantages over conventional means of control, particularly in terms of ease of use and durability. |
| US08112279B2 |
Automatic creation of audio files
A method of building an audio description of a particular product of a class of products includes providing a plurality of human voice recordings, wherein each of the human voice recordings includes audio corresponding to an attribute value common to many of the products. The method also includes automatically obtaining attribute values of the particular product, wherein the attribute values reside electronically. The method also includes automatically applying a plurality of rules for selecting a subset of the human voice recordings that correspond to the obtained attribute values and automatically stitching the selected subset of human voice recordings together to provide a voiceover product description of the particular product. A similar method is used to build an audio description of a particular process. |
| US08112278B2 |
Enhancing the response of biometric access systems
Disclosed are arrangements that provide security for items to which access is restricted by providing a single layer of security requiring a biometric signature (101) for access. A memory-space reduction approach reduces the search time to identify a matching biometric signature, this based on an auxiliary input (112) that is vocally uttered by a user seeking access to the controlled item (811). The disclosed arrangements can also use the auxiliary codes as control signals to expand the utility of the disclosed voice controlled memory partitioning arrangements. |
| US08112276B2 |
Voice recognition apparatus
A voice recognition apparatus 10 carries out voice recognition of an inputted voice with reference to a voice recognition dictionary, and outputs a voice recognition result. In this voice recognition apparatus, a plurality of voice recognition dictionaries 23-1 to 23-N are provided according to predetermined classification items. The voice recognition apparatus further includes a voice recognition means 17 which carries out voice recognition of the inputted voice with reference to one of the voice recognition dictionaries so as to acquire the above-mentioned voice recognition result, an erroneous recognition judging means 15 which judges whether or not the voice recognition result indicates erroneous recognition, a recognition dictionary management means 19 which switches among the voice recognition dictionaries when the voice recognition means judges that the voice recognition result indicates erroneous recognition, and a voice recognition means 17 which carries out voice recognition of the inputted voice with reference to a switched-to voice recognition dictionary so as to acquire a voice recognition result. |
| US08112275B2 |
System and method for user-specific speech recognition
The systems and methods described herein may recognize natural language utterances that include queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands based on user-specific profiles. The systems and methods described herein may include a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment that makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and the user-specific profiles to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created and tailored to specific users. For example, the systems and methods described herein may create, store, and use extensive personal profile information for different users, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the results that the specific users may expect for a particular question or command. |
| US08112268B2 |
Method and system for prioritizing communications based on sentence classifications
A method and system for prioritizing communications based on classifications of sentences within the communications is provided. A sentence classification system may classify sentences of communications according to various classifications such as “sentence mode.” The sentence classification system trains a sentence classifier using training data and then classifies sentences using the trained sentence classifier. After the sentences of a communication are classified, a document ranking system may generate a rank for the communication based on the classifications of the sentences within the communication. The document ranking system trains a document rank classifier using training data and then calculates the rank of communications using the trained document rank classifier. |
| US08112266B2 |
Apparatus for simulating an aspect of a memory circuit
A memory subsystem is provided including an interface circuit adapted for coupling with a plurality of memory circuits and a system. The interface circuit is operable to interface the memory circuits and the system for emulating at least one memory circuit with at least one aspect that is different from at least one aspect of at least one of the plurality of memory circuits. Such aspect includes a signal, a capacity, a timing, and/or a logical interface. |
| US08112265B2 |
Simulating loss of logic power state due to processor power conservation state
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes creation of a randomization list that includes only a subset of the logic states of an integrated circuit (IC). The subset being selectable by signal so as to define logic states that can be randomized for specific events. The randomization list is during simulation to randomize the logic states defined therein to simulate a specific event occurring during operation of the IC. For example, the randomization list may include those signals that can be randomized upon exiting from a powered down state (e.g., deep power down, C6). The signals that can be randomized may be defined by excluding the signals that cannot be randomized (those still receiving power in the C6 mode). The contents of registers of the IC can be confirmed after the randomization and exit from the C6 mode. |
| US08112262B1 |
Service modeling and virtualization
The systems and methods described herein can be used to provide virtual service environments. In one embodiment, a virtual service model is generated by detecting one or more transactions, each of which includes a request sent from a requester to a software service and a response sent from the software service to the requester; storing information describing the detected transactions in a virtual service model, where the information describing each transaction includes information identifying a command included in the request and information identifying a response attribute included in the response; and generating information describing an unknown transaction, where the information describing the unknown transaction includes information identifying a first command and information identifying a first response attribute. The first command and the first response attribute are copies of a corresponding command and a corresponding response attribute associated with a corresponding one of the detected transactions. |
| US08112261B2 |
Methods and simulation tools for predicting GPS performance in the broad operating environment
To facilitate GPS hardware selection and evaluate performance of vehicle integrated GPS hardware, including various types of GPS antennas and receivers, within different vehicle operating environments, embodiments of the invention are used to provide a simulator which does not require physical GPS hardware to simulate GPS system performance. Preferably, the simulator randomly generates one or more GPS system link budget variables, within predetermined performance bounds, in order to predict GPS system performance in a specific vehicle operating environment for a given antenna radiation pattern and/or GPS receiver. The simulator employs a Monte Carlo technique to evaluate the GPS system performance based on generated pools of link budget variables. |
| US08112260B2 |
Methods for identifying protein specificity of brain cells that evoke a given mental state that does not contain smaller constituents
The invention provides methods for identifying brain cells that determine and can evoke subjective states that do not contain smaller constituents, by establishing a correspondence between intrinsic function of a cell type with its hierarchy of constitutively-expressed proteins. The hierarchy level of a dysfunctional protein is of diagnostic value and is an effective target for therapeutic modification. |
| US08112259B2 |
Method of predicting changes in the chemical composition of a reservoir oil as a result of biodegradation
Method of determining the compositional evolution of fluids present in a porous medium as a result of biodegradation.A biodegradation compositional scheme is defined from twelve chemical classes allowing the hydrocarbons and the gases resulting from biodegradation to be described. The initial amount of each one of these chemical classes contained in the fluids before biodegradation is determined. A reaction scheme is then defined for biodegradation, wherein the chemical classes react with electron acceptors according to parallel reactions having different velocities, and each class reacts with these acceptors according to sequential reactions. The biodegradation reaction velocities are determined for each class. The composition of the fluids is then deduced by assessing the amount of each chemical class by applying the reaction scheme. The composition of the biodegraded hydrocarbons, as well as the amount of acid gas and of methane produced, are notably deduced.Application: notably petroleum reservoir development. |
| US08112256B2 |
Method and apparatus for computer-aided design of three-dimensional objects to be fabricated
A computer-aided design apparatus generates a tree structure of coordinate systems defining the topology of a three-dimensional object to be fabricated. The coordinate systems are positioned and orientated in accordance with mathematical functions. The mathematical function positioning child coordinate systems has the identity of the parent coordinate systems as a variable so that the positions of the child coordinate systems relative to their parent coordinate systems vary in accordance with the identity of the parent coordinate systems. Data defining the coordinate systems and connections therebetween is stored in a graph. Bases having a defined relationship are identified and three-dimensional content objects are added thereto. The content objects are added using the same mathematical function to generate a three-dimensional content object in each of a plurality of coordinate systems. The mathematical function for generating the content objects has the identity of the coordinate systems as a variable thereof to generate the content object in each coordinate system with a different shape. |
| US08112251B2 |
Multi-sensor monitoring of athletic performance
Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which utilize, in some manner, global positioning satellite (“GPS”) data, provide data and information to athletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic event. Such systems and methods may provide route information to athletes and/or their trainers, e.g. for pre-event planning, goal setting, and calibration purposes. Such systems and methods optionally may provide real time information to the athlete while the event takes place, e.g., to assist in reaching the pre-set goals. Additionally, data and information collected by such systems and methods may assist in post-event analysis for athletes and their trainers, e.g., to evaluate past performances and to assist in improving future performances. |