Document | Document Title |
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US08123212B1 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting media positioning and indexing using an encoder in an image forming device
A method for indexing a lift plate in an image forming device according to one exemplary embodiment includes driving a motor in a first direction to drive a pick mechanism for feeding media from a stack of media sheets on a raisable lift plate such that as media is fed the height of the pick mechanism decreases. When the height of the pick mechanism falls below a predetermined level, the motor is driven a predetermined amount of rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction to raise the lift plate in order to raise the pick mechanism to a desired pick height. |
US08123210B1 |
Paper feeding assembly for printers
A paper feeding apparatus for a printer includes a motor; a first roller assembly includes a first roller having a first end, a second end and an axis; a first gear disposed at the first end of the first roller, wherein the first gear is configured to be driven by the motor; and a second gear disposed at the second end of the first roller, wherein the second gear having a first bevel gear; a drive shaft including a first end, a second end and an axis, wherein the first end of the drive shaft having a second bevel gear that is configured to engage with the first bevel gear of the second gear of the first roller assembly, and wherein the second end of the drive shaft having a third bevel gear; and a second roller assembly having a second roller and a fourth bevel gear that is configured to engage with the third bevel gear at the second end of the drive shaft. |
US08123204B2 |
Machining center with a rotatable and pivotable workpiece table having a clamping device for the rotation axis
A machining center that includes a swivel bridge supported by a bearing wall and pivotable about a horizontal axis, at least one drive sprocket attached to a disc-type connector of the swivel bridge, and at least one drive system attached adjacent the bearing wall and operatively connected to the drive sprocket of the swivel bridge. The machining center is characterized by clamping of the swivel bridge being performed by a friction-locked clamping system which is arranged rotationally fixed about a bearing pin of the swivel bridge in a circular ring shape and which is operatively connected to the disc-type connector. A clamping force of the friction-locked clamping system is generated by an energy storage. |
US08123201B2 |
Flexible aeration panel and methods of use
A flexible aeration panel is described, which does not include a rigid support plate. The flexible aeration panel can include a first perforated, flexible sheet sealed to a second non-perforated flexible sheet at their peripheral edges, thereby defining one or more cavities that are in fluid communication with at least one gas inlet. The flexible aeration panel can be configured to produce preferably evenly spaced bubbles of gas when positioned in a liquid body. Applications include, but are not limited to, aeration of wastewater, lakes, streams, water basins and the like. |
US08123198B2 |
Ignition system for a pulse fog generator
The present invention provides an ignition system for a pulse fog generator having a carburetor, a pump for pumping air into the carburetor, and a priming pump for directing a quantity of fuel into the carburetor. The ignition system includes an igniter operable on low voltage, a switch for activating and deactivating the igniter, and a grounding connection for grounding the igniter to the carburetor. The grounding connection includes structure for grounding the igniter including an igniter bracket and a ground wire assembly which couples to the igniter and to a location substantially near a sparkplug of the pulse fog generator. |
US08123197B2 |
Ethylene production isolation valve systems
The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective ethylene productions isolation valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter from one location to another in an ethylene productions operation where the valve comprises a first seat; a second seat aligned with said first seat; a blind; a main body having an orifice dimensioned to align with an orifice in said line; wherein said main body is coupled to said line; an upper and lower bonnet coupled to said main body, wherein said bonnets may be removed in order to replace valve parts without separating the main body from the line; and a plate located inside a bonnet, wherein the plate comprises a planar surface that contacts a surface of the blind. |
US08123194B2 |
On-off valve and process apparatus employing the on-off valve
A disclosed on-off valve includes a valve body having two openings that may place a process chamber and an evacuation apparatus in pressure communication with each other; a closure element located inside the valve body and adapted to close one of the two openings; a seal member provided in the closure element and adapted to seal the one of the two openings when the closure element closes the one of the two openings; a linear motion driver that linearly moves the closure element; a retreat portion located away from the two openings; and a pivotal motion driver adapted to pivot the closure element between a first position corresponding to the one of the two openings and a second position corresponding to the retreat portion; wherein the closure element is moved to the retreat portion by the linear motion driver and the pivotal motion driver in order to stay at the retreat portion when the closure element is away from the one of the two openings. |
US08123193B2 |
Magnetic valve
The invention relates to a magnetic valve having a magnetic assembly and a capsule. An armature is disposed in the capsule and a valve insert is inserted in the capsule. A tappet is guided in a displaceable manner within the inner bore of the valve insert and sealingly immerges in a sealing seat. The valve insert is arranged at a distance from the armature via an adjustable air gap. According to the invention, the sealing seat is arranged in a sleeve which itself is disposed inside the capsule. The sleeve has at least one opening through which adjusting elements act upon the valve seat in order to regulate the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic assembly. The air gap between the valve insert and the armature is variable, whereby the adjusting elements either move the valve insert in axial direction towards the armature in order to increase the magnetic flux or move the valve insert away from the armature in order to reduce the magnetic flux. |
US08123191B2 |
Mechanical override
A valve system comprising a closure member that is linearly translatable within a valve body. A fail safe assembly is connected to the valve body and a first rod member that is connected to the closure member. A linear actuator is movably connected to the fail safe assembly and is operable to move the first rod member. A mechanical override system is connected to the linear actuator and is operable to move the linear actuator relative to the valve body. |
US08123188B2 |
Apparatus for concealing multimedia devices
An apparatus for concealing a multimedia device. The apparatus may include a horizontal base with two vertical members, each vertical member being affixed to the horizontal base, with each vertical member having a metal plate affixed to the inner side of each vertical member. The apparatus may also include a pair of angular brackets, each bracket being rotationally coupled with each metal plate, a horizontal cross-piece, with each end of said cross-piece affixed to each angular bracket, a backing panel coupled with a picture frame and an art panel the backing panel being affixed to the horizontal cross-piece and a horizontal brace which is designed and adapted to support the weight of the picture frame, backing panel and the art panel. |
US08123186B2 |
Ruggedized mounting assembly and method for stabilizing one or more computer racks
A ruggedized mounting assembly or bracket and incorporated method and is provided to enhance structural rigidity of a computer environment and provide stability to it during sudden shifts and vibrations. The assembly comprises two intersecting planes. One plane will be disposed on the computer rack at an upper surface while the other plane is to be secured to a surrounding surface such as a ceiling. |
US08123184B2 |
Device-mounting stand
A device-mounted stand includes a support leg for supporting a device placed and fixed on a base, a cover disposed on the support leg in a vertically slidable manner for covering a front face of the support leg, and an elastic device applying an upward force to the cover. The elastic device makes a lower end of the device placed on the support leg and an upper end of the cover contact without any gap. This achieves the integration of the stand and the device placed on it. |
US08123183B2 |
Fixing device for a plastic mounting or housing that can be fixed in a rectangular opening in a thin wall
A fastening device for a fitting or housing of plastic such as a swivel lever control, socket wrench control, or sash closure which can be fixed in at least one preferably rectangular opening in a thin wall such as a sheet metal cabinet door and with tongues which project from the fitting or housing so as to be integral therewith, the free ends of the tongues being supported on the rear rim area or the edge of the opening. A supporting spring which is made of spring metal and which is bent to form a profile that is U-shaped in cross section encloses the free end of the tongue. |
US08123176B2 |
Velocity feedback control system for a rotor of a toy helicopter
There is provided a method and apparatus for controlling a toy helicopter in flight. The toy helicopter is powered by a first rotor and a second rotor. A target speed ratio is determined for the speed of the first rotor and the speed of the second rotor. The speed of the rotors is adjusted incrementally until the target ratio is achieved |
US08123175B2 |
Velocity feedback control system for a rotor of a toy helicopter
There is provided a method and apparatus for controlling a toy helicopter in flight. The toy helicopter is powered by a first rotor and a second rotor. A target speed ratio is determined for the speed of the first rotor and the speed of the second rotor. The speed of the rotors is adjusted incrementally until the target ratio is achieved. |
US08123170B2 |
Recovery and rescue system for aircraft
The recovery and rescue system includes a sail (5) with rigging (10) fitted around a spreader conduit (4), with an intake and outlet nozzle, wherein a starting system (6) is provided, including mechanical (12-13) and electromechanical (17-18) opening mechanisms, in the first case operated by a manual lever (16) and in the second case operated by a button (19). Air driven through the intake of the spreading conduit (4) activates the starting system (6) in order to spread the sail (5) and by parachute means retain or brake the aircraft wherein the said system assembly is fitted. Said system can be housed inside the aircraft in a container provided for the purpose. |
US08123169B2 |
Vertical non-bladdered fuel tank for a ducted fan vehicle
A vertical non-bladdered fuel tank for a ducted fan vehicle comprising: a pod that releasably connects to a core vehicle of a ducted fan vehicle, a vertical fuel tank contained by the pod, wherein the vertical fuel tank is centered between the fore and aft sides of the pod, an outlet in a floor of the vertical fuel tank located adjacent to a sidewall on the fore side of the vertical fuel tank, wherein the outlet is coupled to a draw tube contained by the core vehicle, and a pressure release vent located at the highlight of the pod's duct. |
US08123166B2 |
Primary structure for aircraft of composite material with improved crash resistance and associated energy-absorbing structural element
The disclosed embodiments relate essentially to a primary structure of an aircraft fuselage that has at least a first strut linked at one end to a crossbeam and at the other end to a reinforcing frame. A second strut has one end fastened to the structure below the end of the first strut, and another end linked to the first strut through an intermediate sliding linkage. A deformable member is linked to the struts so that in case of a crash, the compressive forces press against the second strut, so that the end of the second strut slides along the first strut so as to stretch the deformable member longitudinally to absorb the shock. |
US08123161B1 |
Aircraft landing gear unlock actuator
This disclosure relates to a landing gear system that includes a landing gear strut rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. A lock-stay is connected to the landing gear strut and is movable between locked and unlocked conditions. An unlock actuator is connected to the lock-stay and includes first and second members movable relative to one another. The first member is movable between first and second positions that correspond to the locked and unlocked conditions. A controller is in communication with the unlock actuator and is configured to command the unlock actuator between the first and second positions in response to an input. The second member is permitted to free-drive relative to the first member between the stowed and deployed positions with the lock-stay in the unlocked condition. |
US08123160B2 |
Aircraft configuration for micro and mini UAV
An aircraft arrangement for Mini or Micro UAV comprising a fore wing (14) and an aft wing (12) in tandem closed-coupled arrangement. The aft wing (12) has side panels (18) and control surfaces (19), and tapered planform with positive sweep, while the fore wing (14) has non-positive trailing edge sweep. The fore wing (14) and the aft wing (12) are disposed at different height, and the aircraft arrangement has no other wings or tail arrangements. |
US08123158B2 |
Reel and recording tape cartridge
A reel includes a hub formed in a cylindrical-tube-shape with a base portion, on an outer peripheral surface of which a recording tape is wound; a base side flange portion that projects-out to a radial direction outer side of a base portion side of the hub; a flange member configured in a disc-shape or an annular-plate-shape of a material with an elastic modulus at least equal to a material that constitutes the hub, the flange member being coaxially joined to an opening end portion of the hub; a metal plate formed in a circular-plate-shape or an annular-plate-shape, which is fixed coaxially to the base portion of the hub; and a groove wall that is formed integrally with the base portion of the hub and forms a groove portion which is continuous around the entire periphery between the groove wall and an outer peripheral surface of the metal plate. |
US08123157B2 |
Process for production of a bobbin tube for yarn, device for embodiment of such process, bobbin tube obtained and mode of utilisation of said bobbin tube
A cardboard tube, with respect to a narrow marginal end area of the same provided with a hollow interior roll, is applied against a rotatory die which has a concave surface suitable for forming an entrant perimetric step by means of constriction of the narrow marginal area. The diameter of the riser thereof is equal to the interior diameter of the cardboard tube. At the same time, against the interior hollow roll is applied a force of enough intensity to flatten the cavity of the interior hollow roll and apply the wall thereof against the interior face of the wall of the cantilevered end of the cardboard tube formed by the action of its rotatory die. |
US08123154B2 |
Seat belt retractor with a belt extension controlled force limiting
A seat belt retractor for motor vehicles with a vehicle-sensitive or belt webbing sensitive controllable locking device, or both, for the belt shaft, having a profiled head that acts as a support for a displaceably mounted locking member that locks the belt shaft in the housing, and a two-stage force limiting device having two force limiting elements that are switchable between a high level and a low level of force limitation via an interposed coupling (19, 20) that is controlled by means of a control device having a countergear which determines an amount of belt webbing that is extended from the belt shaft. |
US08123153B2 |
Recording medium destruction and discarding system, recording medium destruction and discarding method, recording medium destruction and discarding apparatus, recording medium management apparatus, and recording medium management system
A sheet destruction and discarding apparatus for destroying and discarding a sheet, comprising a destruction and discarding unit that destroys and discards the sheet based on a determination whether or not the sheet is allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded; a notification unit that notifies that the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded and a reason why the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded when the determination indicates that the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded; an insert sensor that detects whether or not the sheet is taken off, wherein, after the notification unit notifies that the sheet is not allowed to be destroyed and to be discarded and the reason, a state of the insert sensor changes to an off state and then a state of the sheet destruction and discarding apparatus changes to a standby state. |
US08123150B2 |
Variable area fuel nozzle
A nozzle is provided and includes a circuit by which fuel is delivered to a nozzle part and a valve, interposed between the circuit and the nozzle part and upon which the fuel impinges, an opening and closing of the valve being passively responsive to a fuel pressure in the circuit such that the valve thereby modulates a size of an area through which a corresponding quantity of the fuel flows from the circuit to the nozzle part. |
US08123149B2 |
Chemical mixing station
A molded plastic mixing station housing for mixing water and chemical for car wash applications comprises a generally right hexahedron having a deep top recess which visually divides the housing into parallel spaced apart towers. A cylindrical mixing reservoir is recessed into the front of the housing such that a Hyrominder can be mounted in the top recess to overlie the open top of the mixing reservoir. A stand-off welt wraps around the entire housing just below the vertical center line to provide a stand-off feature for both wall mounting as well as the mounting of a control panel on one of the side surfaces of the housing. Mounting bracket slots are provided in the four upper corners of the housing for both wall mounting and control panel mounting. A deep recess runs down the back side to provide space for an overflow tube. The housing is preferably rotocast from high density polyethylene and may be color coded to match with the supply for a particular chemical. |
US08123148B2 |
Vehicle windshield cleaning system
Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid two glow plug heating elements and a control for activating or energizing the glow plugs to heat fluid within a reservoir. |
US08123147B2 |
Powder coating system and components
A nozzle for a powder spray gun optionally includes an internal filter that allows air to be added to the powder flow within the nozzle shell. The nozzle may optionally include an off-axis outlet slot relative to a main flow axis of the powder into the nozzle shell so that powder encounters an obstruction before exiting through the outlet slot. |
US08123146B2 |
Wire combustion with increased application rates
Shaping the feed wire for a combustion wire thermal spray process improves the operating capability of the combustion wire gun through higher feed rates and high operating efficiencies. The efficiency of the wire melting is increased over conventional systems through increasing the surface area of the wire cross section and exposing more of the wire material directly to the burner jets. |
US08123144B2 |
Rail joint bars and rail joint assemblies
A rail joint assembly is provided for joining abutting railroad rails with an electrically-insulated joint. The rail joint assembly comprises abutting railroad rails compressing an insulating gasket therebetween and rail joint bars secured through a plurality of holes by fasteners to the adjacent railroad rails. The rail joint bars comprise a body and an insulating spacer comprising a porous mesh screen and washer. A layer of epoxy is sandwiched between a rail joint bar and railroad rail and comprises a rigid epoxy on lateral portions of a first side of a rail joint bar and a flexible epoxy placed on a central portion of the first side of a rail joint bar. Rail joint bars are rectangular shaped and may have a cutout. |
US08123143B2 |
Thermostatic valve for connecting an automatic transmission with an oil cooler
In a thermostatic valve for connecting an automatic transmission with an oil cooler, wherein the connection between an inlet conduit 12 for oil coming from the transmission and an outlet conduit 13 to the oil cooler is released or blocked by valve slider element 22, which is actuated by a thermostatic actuating element 16, 17 and is spring-loaded by a restoring spring 21, the valve slider element 22 with the restoring spring 21 is designed as a pressure-control valve which, with the open connection between the inlet conduit 12 for oil coming from the transmission and the outlet conduit 13 to the oil cooler, opens a bypass conduit 24 when a predetermined pressure of the oil is exceeded. |
US08123140B2 |
Mixing valve
A mixing valve (10) includes a valve body (12) having a hot fluid inlet (14), a cold fluid inlet (16), a mixed fluid outlet (18), and a cavity (20) in the valve body (12) between the inlets (14, 16) and the outlet (18). Mixing valve (10) includes a liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) positioned in valve body (12) and a valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840) movable therein between a first position restricting the flow of hot fluid and a second position. Liner (30, 130, 230, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830) includes a downstream valve seat (74, 174, 274, 474, 574, 674, 774) that, when engaged by valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840), restricts flow of hot fluid past valve member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540, 640, 740, 840). |
US08123139B2 |
Virtual code window
A machine readable code is defined by a portion of graphical indicium located on a substrate; wherein the code is delimited by a temporary boundary that is generated by a reading machine relative to a fixed trigger point only when the code is being read. |
US08123135B2 |
Very small subcard for identification applications
An apparatus includes a first substantially card-shaped body. The first card-shaped body has a plurality of voids formed therein to define sides of a second substantially card-shaped body. The second body is smaller than the first body and is adapted to be detached from the first body. The second body is joined to the first body by a plurality of breakable tabs. The voids have a total length, inclusive of the tabs, that does not exceed about 64 mm. |
US08123133B2 |
Protection device for an electronic card
The invention relates to an access-protection device for an electronic card, including a flexible circuit (2) that comprises an electrically conductive track (21) in the shape of a mesh connected to processing means of the electronic card, a guide (3) around which the flexible circuit (2) is arranged and for maintaining the flexible circuit (2) in position, and a protection hood (4) provided about the assembly comprising the guide (3) and the flexible circuit (2), wherein said access-protection device can be configured to be installed in an area of the card to be protected. |
US08123132B2 |
Optical reader having an imager
There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature. |
US08123126B2 |
Anti-counterfeit packaging
Anti-counterfeit marking for a product, comprising: a tamper evident marker attached to or integrated with a product or packaging for a product and having a random mark; and an electronic memory element containing data about the random mark, the memory element being attached to or integrated with the product or packaging for the product in a tamper evident manner. |
US08123125B2 |
Combined in-store and fuel center point-of-sale system
A combined in-store and fuel center point-of-sale system having a first point-of-sale system, having a checkout manager and one or more checkout terminals, and a second point-of-sale system, having a fuel center and one or more fuel pumps, in communication with each other and with one or more primary databases containing marketing data, consumer data, customer data, master sales data, discount data, and merchandise product data, for generating a fuel discount at the second point-of-sale system based on first purchasing activity at the first point-of-sale system and/or second purchasing activity at said second point-of-sale system. The fuel discount is maintained for each customer in one of said primary databases and is based on a total purchase of products, a total purchase of product units, a total purchase amount of a product type, time period for total purchase of products, or a tiered spending amount. |
US08123120B2 |
Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
A system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read card data from user cards including identifying data, and authorizes operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. The system is operative send a configuration XML message to a banking machine from an application server, wherein the configuration XML data includes configuration data targeted to the banking machine. The system comprising an application server is operative to send an application XML message to the banking machine, wherein the application XML application includes application data. In addition, the application data may be mapped to at least one corresponding resource on the banking machine responsive to the configuration data. The banking machine may performing a banking transaction using the at least one resource on the banking machine responsive to the application XML message. |
US08123119B1 |
System including an electronic key for safety deposit box cover lock and key managing dock
A system for use in banking operates responsive to data included in data bearing records. The system is suitable for securing the contents in safety deposit boxes or similar locked receptacles, and selectively permits access to key locks only to individuals who have been determined to be authorized to have such access. Each safety deposit box or other receptacle includes a door (16) with at least one key lock (22, 24) thereon. An assembly (26) is installed on the preexisting door to limit access to a key lock to an authorized person. The assembly includes a body (32) that is held in a blocking position by a cover lock. A selectively programmable data bearing electronic key module (28) is operative to change the condition of a selected cover lock from a latched to an unlatched condition. Electronic key modules are appropriately programmed to enable the particular user access to key locks on a particular safety deposit box, through operation of a customer station (126). |
US08123116B2 |
Fuel dispenser with intelligent switch
A system for providing dispensing of fuel for refuelling vehicles, comprising a control unit and at least two switches. Each of said switches is connected to the control unit and comprises a microcontroller for storing a unique identifier, which identifier is associated with the switch and readable by the control unit, for allowing the control unit to identify each of the at least two switches. |
US08123112B2 |
Self-locking security mechanism with universal mounting funnel for coin operated machine
A self-locking security mechanism for coin-operated machines. This mechanism consists of two units. The first unit mounts inside a coin-operated machine in alignment with the coin chute for receiving coins passing through the first unit. A second unit has a flexible bag secured thereon into which the coins are stored after passing through the second unit. This second unit also includes a door, which slides to an open condition by two teeth from the first unit when the second unit is connected by sliding into the first unit. The door is pushing the pivoting arm, which passes the snap stops and stays in preset condition. A pivoting arm is attached to the pivoting stopper with a spring between them. When the second unit is removed from the first unit, the door slides to a closed condition and releases the stopper. The spring lifts the stopper and blocks the door from sliding to an open condition. Only an authorized person can unlock the locked coin receptacle. |
US08123111B2 |
Production method of solder circuit board
A method for producing a solder circuit board includes imparting tackiness to a surface of a conductive circuit electrode provided on a printed wiring board to form a tackiness-imparted area. depositing solder powder on the tackiness-imparted area and heating the printed wiring board so as to melt the solder to thereby form a solder circuit. The solder powder is placed in a vessel. The printed wiring board having the electrode whose surface has been imparted with tackiness is placed in the vessel. The vessel is tilted to thereby deposit the solder powder on the tackiness-imparted area. |
US08123110B2 |
Method for soldering with a multistep temperature profile
A method in which no voids occur during the soldering processes is provided. A component with a soldering material is heated using a first temperature plateau for a first time duration such that the solder material is completely melted. Each subsequent heating is at a temperature plateau with a temperature that is lower than a temperature of the previous plateau. |
US08123108B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device and wire bonding apparatus
A terminal of a compact wire loop with a great strength of bonding is formed by a method including: a first folding step in which a tip end of a capillary is raised by a height of H1 from a point 86a where the center of the capillary is positioned during second bonding on a lead 74 to a point “p”, and then moved horizontally by a first distance of L1 toward a pad 73, and lowered to a point “r”; a second folding step in which the tip end of the capillary is raised from the point “r” to a height of H2 and then moved horizontally toward the lead 74 by a second distance of L2; and a third bonding step in which the center of the capillary is aligned with and then lowered to a point 87a on the lead 74 adjacent to the point 86a. |
US08123105B2 |
Process for brazing wide gaps
A method for repairing wider gaps in a substrate of a component by brazing at a brazing temperature is provided. Filler material and solder are prevented from separating in that, in a two-stage process, first the filler material and then the solder are applied to the wider gap. The powder does not melt at the brazing temperature and the filler metal does melt at the brazing temperature. |
US08123103B2 |
Adaptor for anvil delivery
An adaptor includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be releaseably secured to an anvil shaft of an anvil assembly. The second end is configured to be securely received within a flexible tube to releaseably secure the anvil assembly to the flexible tube. The adaptor and flexible tube assembly facilitates placement of the anvil assembly within the stomach during the performance a minimally invasive gastric bypass procedure. |
US08123102B2 |
Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same
A surgical instrument for creating an anastomosis includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing and a fastener support member extending distally from the housing. The fastener support member is configured and dimensioned to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The instrument further includes a tissue retaining mechanism which is selectively movable from a first position relative to the fastener support member to a second position in closer proximity with the fastener support member such that tissue disposed adjacent to the fastener support member is retained thereagainst. Upon actuation of the handle, a fastener firing mechanism simultaneously deforms the plurality of surgical fasteners to complete the anastomosis. |
US08123100B2 |
Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staple sizes
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge. |
US08123098B2 |
Battery holder for a driving tool
Vibration or the impact of a tool main body may be blocked by the support of a battery holder via elastic materials in a floating state at the rear end portion side in a feed direction of a driven-members-housing magazine and by the attachment of a battery pack to this battery holder. |
US08123096B2 |
Driving machine
A driving machine including: a driver blade for striking a fastener; and a nose portion having formed therein an injection passage which slidably guides the driver blade, and into which the fastener is fed to be injected therefrom, wherein an injection hole from which the fastener is injected is specified at a leading end in an injecting direction of the injection passage, wherein the injection hole being defined by a first guide portion and a second guide portion which is movable relative to the first guide portion so as to change a cross section, perpendicular to the injecting direction, of the injection hole, and wherein a positioning apparatus is provided to dispose the second guide portion at a plurality of positions relative to the first guide portion. |
US08123090B2 |
Multi-hanging position transportable article holder for multi-type seating
Disclosed is a combination backpack and seat cover apparatus which may be used with seats and benches without the need to use straps or buckles to hold the apparatus in place. A rigid, removable support for the apparatus is provided. |
US08123088B2 |
Dispensing assembly with a controlled gas environment
Techniques for dispensing fusible material onto a surface, wherein the fusible material is in molten form, are provided. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a dispensing assembly dispenses the fusible material and a gas environment surrounding a portion of a seal structure of the dispensing assembly is controlled to regulate an oxidation rate of the fusible material. |
US08123087B2 |
Container with extendable spout
A fluid container may have a body that defines a void for receiving a fluid. A neck extends outward from the body, and a spout the spout is at least partially located within the neck. The spout is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the spout is in the retracted position, a majority of the spout is located within the neck and the fluid is prevented from flowing out of the container through the spout. When the spout is in the extended position, however, the spout extends outward from the neck and the fluid is free to flow out of the container through the spout. An exterior surface of the spout may be at least partially formed from a deformable material, and a protrusion in the neck contacts the material and extends into the material to form a seal. |
US08123086B2 |
Reusable bottle stopper
A bottle stopper is provided having a cylindrical body formed of a resilient, flexible, elastic material that includes a first cylindrical section adapted to be inserted into an opening of a bottle in sealing engagement with the bottle and a second cylindrical section disposed adjacent the first cylindrical section for extending above the opening of the bottle when the first cylindrical section is inserted in sealing engagement with the bottle. An air passageway is disposed adjacent and extends longitudinally along substantially at least the length of the first cylindrical section and along the internal periphery of the cylindrical body. A visual indicator, preferably a spout, is disposed on an outer surface of the second cylindrical section for identifying the relative location of the air passageway with respect to the visual indicator. |
US08123081B2 |
Two component foam dispensing apparatus
A foam dispensing assembly comprises a dispensing head and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a purge portion for supplying a gas and a cleansing fluid to the dispensing head, a first supply portion for supplying a first fluid to the dispensing head and a second supply portion for supplying a second fluid to the dispensing head. Each of the purge portion, the first supply portion and the second supply portion include a plurality of check valves and flow control valves for controlling the flow of the first fluid, the second fluid, the gas and the cleansing fluid through the manifold assembly. Each of the first supply portion and the second supply portion include an integral flow control device for regulating a fluid flow rate to the dispensing head, and a thermometer for sensing the temperature of the first fluid and the second fluid respectively. |
US08123079B2 |
Holster assembly for a bar gun
A bar gun holster assembly for receiving a bar gun. Bar guns are used to dispense beverages, typically soda and/or water therefrom. A holster assembly is a device that provides a place for a user to put the bar gun, nozzle first when it is not being used. Applicant's bar gun includes three components: a mounting plate, a holster portion, and a drain portion. The mounting plate is designed to attach to a support surface, such as the underside of a table or bar. The holster portion includes a cylindrical bar gun nozzle receiving member for receiving the nozzle of a bar gun slideably therein. The drain body is adapted to receive fluids dripping from the end of a nozzle and passing them to a drain line. Applicant's device includes walls that releasably couple the three members one to the other. |
US08123076B2 |
Appliance controller system featuring automatic beverage dispenser shutoff system
An appliance controller is provided featuring one or more modules configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system, for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and for disconnecting the power to the appliance. The one or more modules may take the form of an appliance controller circuit having a first circuit part configured for providing power to an appliance that receives fluid from a fluid supply system; and a second circuit part configured for receiving a fluid supply system signal indicating that the fluid is not being provided to the appliance and disconnecting the power to the appliance. The appliance controller may form part of an appliance controller system having appliances, appliance controllers and the fluid supply system. |
US08123075B2 |
Automatic fill system for beverage machine
A system and method delaying refilling of a reservoir in a beverage dispensing system or dispensing of a mixed volume to prevent undesirable characteristics in the dispensed beverage. First, a volumetric freezing rate is determined for the product. Next, a volume of frozen product is dispensed. The rate the dispensed volume is refilled is controlled to be no faster than the volumetric freezing rate. |
US08123071B2 |
Methods and apparatus for increasing the speed of dispensing articles from vending machines
Improvements to increase the speed at which a vending machine can dispense articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine defines plural first arrays of receptacles for receiving articles with the first arrays stacked so that adjacent receptacles in the first arrays form second arrays. A separate user door closes each first array of receptacles, a slot door assembly provides a plurality of receptacle doors operative to open a particular receptacle when the user door is unlocked, and a slot access mechanism provides access to a particular receptacle. The machine waits a specified time period after dispensing to detect whether a subsequent user request is received. If a subsequent user request is received, the machine moves the slot access mechanism directly to a receptacle where the articles are available. Additional improvements include procedures for avoiding problems caused by misaligned doors and procedures for providing optimal article stocking. |
US08123070B2 |
Storage cover for storage case
A storage cover for a storage case is provided. The storage cover for the storage case for opening and closing an opening formed on one side of a storage case to take in and out stored goods includes a plate-shaped cover unit for covering the upper part of the opening and a flexible rim extended along the edge of the cover unit in the direction of the thickness of the cover unit, made of an elastic material to be elastically extended, and pulled back toward the upper part of the cover unit when the opening is opened and pulled back toward the lower part of the cover unit when the opening is closed to surround the external circumference of the opening. Therefore, opening and closing operations are simply performed so that the storage cover can be conveniently used and that airtight coupling force can be maintained in spite of the repeated opening and closing operations. |
US08123069B1 |
Halo cup holder system for drink coolers
A halo or ring system is described for holding cups for use with a large beverage cooler, such as those commonly used at sporting events. A first large ring has a diameter sized to fit around an upper portion of a beverage cooler, and a second ring is attached to the first ring. The second ring is sized to hold a stack of one or more cups for easy use with the beverage cooler. |
US08123068B2 |
Trophy cooler
A trophy cooler is provided, that is easy to transport and provides adequate separation of meat, skin and trophy-head while providing sufficient cooling. The trophy-cooler comprises a chamber comprising an inner wall of insulatory material. The trophy cooler further comprises one or more containers removably attached to an inner wall of the chamber. A removable lid is affixed to the top of the chamber, wherein said lid comprises means of opening one or more parts of the lid. A flexible sheet is removably affixed to the bottom of said lid, wherein said sheet comprises at least one slit. |
US08123065B2 |
Container with lid
A container with a lid comprises a container portion (10) having an opening portion (11) for the loading or unloading of a sample or the like, a lid portion (20) that can be detachably fitted in said opening portion (11) so as to close the same, and a lever mechanism portion (30) for opening said lid portion (20) in a closed state using leverage. The lever mechanism portion (30) is composed of a lever portion (33) having a force-applied point (P) portion that is pressed by a finger and an action point (Q) portion that is pressed against an external periphery portion of said lid portion (20) when pressed with the finger so as to open the same, and a support portion (31, 32) for supporting said lever portion (33) via a thin-walled portion (35) that constitutes a fulcrum (O) portion, in a freely swinging manner. The lever mechanism portion (30) allows the lid portion (20) to be easily opened with one hand without putting much burden on the fingers even if it is very tightly closed. In addition, a lock mechanism portion (70) is provided that locks the lid portion (20) when it is closed. Optionally, in response to a closing operation of the lid portion (20), the lid portion (20) is automatically locked by the lock mechanism portion (70), and in response to an opening operation of the lid portion (20) by the lever mechanism portion (60), the locking of the lid portion (20) by the lock mechanism portion (70) is automatically released. |
US08123059B2 |
Synthetic resin bottle having two depressions defining a grip
A synthetic resin bottle including a body having a bottom, wherein the body is divided by a waist into an upper body portion and a lower body portion. The bottle is easily portable and operable without requiring an additional handle, etc. and has high buckling strength. The bottle has a dome-shaped upper body portion connected, with the waist in between, to the lower body portion having the bottom, a shoulder surrounding the upper end of the upper body portion, and a tubular neck part connected to the shoulder. Two depressions facing each other are arranged on the rear side of the upper body portion along its circumferential direction. The portion formed between the depressions functions as a grip, and vertical ribs are each provided on a step surface formed on the front side of each depression. |
US08123058B2 |
Closure with stopping mechanism
A closure having a stopping mechanism whereby a stop lug is positionable between a flexed and unflexed position relative to a spring gap. The stop lug may project from a skirt of the closure top wall. The spring gap is positioned adjacent the stop lug to provide an area for the stop lug to travel when outside forces are applied to the stop lug and subsequently return back to the unflexed position. The stop lug may have a substantially vertical support rib in combination with a plurality of annularly spaced ribs. |
US08123057B2 |
Security rotating closure for a multi-compartment bottle including conical seals
A safety rotating closure for a multi-compartment bottle including a two-chamber bottle with a separate pour neck with a pour opening for each chamber and a rotating closure which can be screwed onto a common neck part of the multi-compartment bottle and is provided with a mechanically acting child safety device against unauthorized loosening of the rotating closure. The rotating safety closure has essentially conical seal parts which in the screwed-on state engage the pour openings of the pour necks and interact with the inside walls to form a seal. The interlocking elements of the child safety device are located on the rotating safety closure. |
US08123050B2 |
Display and demonstration stand for removable traction decks for miniature skateboards
This invention is directed toward a display rack for the sale of removable textured deck applications for miniature skateboards which can also serve as a miniature test course for a prospective purchaser to sample the merchandise before making the decision whether to buy. The display rack has a base heavy enough to keep the display rack upright, with one or more miniature skatepark features such as quarterpipes, grind rails, ramps, steps, or other testing obstacles and surfaces upon which a finger skateboard can be used. Upright members hold horizontal pegs in place from which packaged textured applications can hang. |
US08123047B2 |
Filter for fluids in conduits
The invention relates to a filter for fluids in conduits, consisting of: a tubular filter housing (1); a filtering basket (9) that is coaxial with the filter housing (1) and that is positioned to rotate; a stationary flushing connection (16) for removing substances that have been retained by the filtering basket (9), said connection covering successive parts of the filtering basket (9) and being connected to means for removing the substances. To achieve a simple construction for the filter, increased operational safety for the drive components and the rotational mounting of the filtering basket (9), in conjunction with reduced production and maintenance costs, a fluid-proof drum motor (3) is coaxial with the filter housing (1) and the filtering basket (9) is fixed to the drum (4) of said motor. |
US08123046B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating and removing fluids from drill cuttings
A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings created during the well drilling process. An apron assembly collects drill cuttings and deposits such cuttings on a central rotor having multiple distinct chambers. A first chamber is loaded with drill cuttings. The central rotor thereafter cycles to a second position wherein a pressure seal is formed around the loaded first chamber. An air knife or similar device is used to blast compressed gas at the cuttings in the sealed chamber and force the cuttings against a screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain in the sealed chamber, while liquid components pass through the screen and are collected using an auger assembly. Following such separation, the rotor is cycled again, allowing dried cuttings to empty from the first chamber. The process is repeated for each chamber of the rotor. |
US08123043B2 |
Screening module retaining assembly
A screening module retaining assembly 10 includes a body member 12 defining a passage 14. The body member 12 further includes a locating formation 16, associated with a first end 18 of the body member 12, for engaging a screening module to assist in retaining the screening module relative to a screen deck A retaining element 20 is displaceably arranged in the passage 14, the retaining element 20 being displaceable between a first, non-retaining position in which the retaining element 20 is accessible from the first end of the body member 12 and a second, retaining position in which the retaining element 20 is received within the passage 14 and acts on at least a part of the body member 12 for retaining the body member 12 in position relative to a component of the screen deck. A head portion 22 of the retaining element 20 defines a receiving formation 40 for receiving a complementary formation of the screening module to assist in laterally retaining the screening module relative to the screen deck. |
US08123039B2 |
Suspension packaging assembly
A packaging assembly includes a frame member and a retention member which is not permanently affixed to the frame member. The frame member can include a variety of features which allow the retention member to be tightened around an article to be packaged and thus protected from shocks and impacts during transport, display, and/or retail use. The retention member can be formed as a sleeve or with pockets for engaging the frame member. |
US08123033B2 |
Container for beverages
A container for beverages has a container body, an electronic device provided with a display for displaying electronic images, and an additional element for holding the electronic device on the container body and including an element connected with the electronic device so as to form together a circumferentially extending unit which is fittable on a surface of the container body and tightly held on the latter. |
US08123028B2 |
Contact lens storage and cleaning case
A contact lens storage and cleaning case is described. The case compromises (a) two contact lens chambers that are closed via a chamber cap for each contact lens; and (b) fluid reservoir and integrated pump. The contact lens chamber can be closed using removable chamber caps each of which has a flexible compressible cavity in whose center is mounted a flexible cap membrane that faces and isolates the chamber. Air can escape from the cavity via an opening in the chamber cap. |
US08123027B2 |
Explosive deployment bag
An explosives deployment bag includes a main body portion having a chamber for containing and carrying at least one flexible material. The bag further includes a hole disposed through the main body portion through which a flexible elongate material can be controllably pushed or pulled into or out of and attached to one or more initiator(s). The bag also includes enclosing means disposed at the top of the main body portion for selectively covering the top of the main body portion through which another end of the flexible elongate material can be attached to a blasting material. A cap covers the blasting material and the top of the main body portion. Protective siding selectively covers the initiator(s). A handle and label means are also provided with the bag. |
US08123021B2 |
Methods for singulating abutting articles
Methods for singulating laterally abutting conveyed articles in a conveyor (60). The method includes separating laterally abutting articles by means of a first conveyor section (62) having in-line rollers (64) or oblique rollers rotating at a first speed in a conveying direction (70) and a second laterally adjacent conveyor section (63) having oblique rollers (65) rotating at a second speed in a direction causing articles atop the oblique rollers (65) in the second section (63) to diverge from articles atop the rollers in the first section. Differing the roller speeds helps the abutting articles to increase their separation in the conveying direction. |
US08123018B2 |
Power transmitting device
A power transmitting device includes a front housing member, an inner shaft, and a main clutch that selectively permits and shuts off transmission of torque between the front housing member and the inner shaft. The power transmitting device is rotatably supported by a bearing arranged outside the front housing member. An intermediate member having a thermal expansion coefficient lower than the thermal expansion coefficient of the front housing member is arranged between the front housing member and the bearing. |
US08123016B2 |
Hydraulic actuator
A pump coupling or hydraulic actuator controlling one or more limited slip couplings of a distribution system for distribution torque between front and rear axles in all wheel drive vehicles and/or distribution of torque between left and right wheels in two or four wheel drive vehicles. The hydraulic actuator includes an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, driven by a drive shaft of the electric motor, and the one or more limited slip couplings. Each limited slip coupling includes a disc package and a piston acting on the disc package, which piston is actuated by a hydraulic pump. A centrifugal regulator is connected to a rotating part of the electric motor or the hydraulic pump, which centrifugal regulator controls a pressure overflow valve, connected to the oil outlet of the hydraulic pump. The pressure is controlled by current to the electric motor or by control of the motor speed. |
US08123015B2 |
Overload safety apparatus for robot hand
In a robot hand overload safety apparatus, a first magnetically attracting bearing face 3 is provided at a robot hand mounting portion, and a second magnetically attracting bearing face 9 is provided on the robot hand 4, so that the second magnetically attracting bearing face 9 is magnetically attracted by the first magnetically attracting bearing face 3 and the robot hand 4 is mounted and supported, and in which a shaft 10 projecting from the first or second magnetically attracting bearing face 3, 9 is fitted into a hole or groove 11 opening on the other bearing face, so that the robot hand 4 rotates in the lateral direction, moves in the vertical direction or inclines in the fore-and-aft direction against the magnetically attracting force via the fitting between the shaft and the hole or groove 11 due to an overload exerted to the robot hand 4. |
US08123014B2 |
Two-way actuator device in a torque transmitting assembly
A two way actuator in a torque transmitting assembly includes a piston member having a first side with a first contact surface and a second side opposite with a second contact surface. A backing member is sealed to the piston member. A first biasing member is disposed between the backing member and the piston member and a second biasing member is disposed between the piston member and a second member. The first torque transmitting device is engaged when a hydraulic fluid contacts the second side of the piston member and moves the piston member to contact the first torque transmitting device. The second torque transmitting device is engaged when the hydraulic fluid contacts the first side of the piston member and moves the piston member to contact the second torque transmitting device. |
US08123012B2 |
Rotational coupling device with wear compensation structure
A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch, a brake, or a combination clutch and brake is provided having structure to compensate for wear on braking surfaces. The device includes an armature coupled to an output member and movable between positions of engagement with a rotor and a brake plate. The brake plate is coupled to a stationary field shell that houses a conductor on one side of the rotor opposite the armature and brake plate. The brake plate is axially spaced from the field shell and a removable shim or adjustable spacer is disposed between the brake plate and the field shell. Removal of the shim or adjustment of the spacer permit movement of the brake plate towards the field shell to compensate for wear in any of the clutch or brake engagement surfaces of the device. |
US08123010B2 |
Retractable cord reel
A retractable cord reel is disclosed. The retractable cord reel may have a spool having a conductor carried thereon. The cord reel may also have a conductor lead coupled to a ratchet. The spool and the ratchet may be configured to make an electrical connection with each other. |
US08123005B2 |
End-stop damper
An end-stop damper including a damper body in the form of a cylinder, wherein a piston is guided so that it is displaceable in the cylinder receiving chamber. An air pressure is formed in the receiving chamber produces a braking force acting on the piston during its displacement. The receiving chamber includes at least one pressure reducing opening and the piston includes a bellows section which is actively connected to the cylinder according to pressure conditions in the receiving chamber. This invention substantially simplifies the structural design of the end-stop damper because the piston and the bellows section are connected to each other so that they are formed in one piece. |
US08123002B2 |
Elevator rope positioning apparatus
A system and method for minimizing compensation rope sway by altering the natural frequency of compensation ropes using servo actuators. The rope sway may be minimized by moving the compensation sheave to adjust the tension of the compensation rope or adjusting the position of the termination of a compensation rope to account for changes in the position of a structure. Servo actuators may also be used to re-level the elevator car to account for rope stretch. |
US08123000B2 |
Ladder rack
Apparatus used on extension ladder for supporting a paint can includes a platform. A first rod support member secured to such platform in a rotateable manner. A first leg secured to platform in a pivotable manner adjacent a second outer edge. A second leg secured to platform in a pivotable manner adjacent a third outer edge. A first adjustable leg engageable with such first leg for adjusting a length between a second end of first adjustable leg member and first end of such first leg. A second adjustable leg engageable with a second end of second leg for adjusting a length between a second end of second adjustable leg and the first end of second leg member. A second rod like support is secured to platform in a rotateable manner closely adjacent a fourth outer edge and a first and second ladder insert engageable with an end of a respective one of the first and second elongated rod support member. |
US08122998B2 |
Device for transporting and erecting a hunting ladder stand
A device is provided which can be converted from a transporting cart to an erecting hoist for a hunter's tree ladder stand. The device includes components which can be assembled into the cart, disassembled, and re-assembled into the hoist which allows one person to transport the ladder stand, and to raise and lower the ladder stand to and from a position against a tree. The hoist includes a clamp with jaws which can be operated by the hunter on the ground so as to secure the hoist to the tree. A rope or cable extends through a pulley on the hoist so that the ladder stand can be raised into position by a hunter, single-handily. The hunter can then climb the ladder stand, which is secured to the hoist, which is secured to the tree, and further attach the platform of the ladder stand to the tree with one or more straps. |
US08122993B2 |
Power steering for an all terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and a power steering unit supported by the frame. The power steering unit has an output shaft which is held at its free end in an aperture, and rotates within a bearing. |
US08122986B2 |
Powertrain and method for controlling a powertrain in a vehicle
A powertrain for a vehicle having an air intake includes an engine and an electric machine. The engine includes a manifold configured to receive intake air entering through the vehicle air intake, and a throttle disposed between the air intake and the manifold. The powertrain also includes a compressor disposed between the air intake and the manifold, and operable to compress the intake air before it enters the engine. A pressure sensor disposed downstream of the compressor and upstream of the throttle provides air pressure signals to a control system that determines a driver demand and operates the electric machine to boost torque output of the powertrain when the driver demand requires operation of the compressor and the driver demand is not met by the engine. The torque boost of the electric machine is based at least in part on signals output from the pressure sensor. |
US08122984B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes: an engine driven with gasoline; a lid member opening/closing an opening of an accommodation room that accommodates a nozzle receiving unit when gasoline is supplied; a rotating electric machine driven on electric power; a charging/power feeding unit receiving electric power; a lid member opening/closing an opening of an accommodation room accommodating a charging/power feeding unit; and an open/close control mechanism setting the other of the lid member and the lid member in the closed position when one of the lid member and the lid member is set in the open position. |
US08122983B2 |
Power output apparatus, hybrid vehicle with the same, and method for controlling power output apparatus
There is provided a hybrid vehicle which stops an engine in a state in which a drive source element connection by a clutch is released; a transmission is used to couple only one of the motors to a drive shaft; and one of the motors is caused to output power; at this time, in order to start the engine, a rotation speed of the other one of the motors which does not correspond to a current speed ratio and is not connected to the drive shaft is adjusted so as to enable the drive source element connection; and the clutch is connected as well as the engine is cranked by one of the motors. |
US08122981B2 |
Solar cell system for vehicles and control method thereof
A solar cell system for vehicles and a control method thereof, wherein even when a change of electric power generated from a solar cell is high, the variable voltage devices and the constant voltage devices selectively distribute the electric power according to the electric power without changing voltage. Accordingly, energy efficiency can be improved, the number of components can be reduced without using a voltage converter, and energy conversion loss can be decreased. Further, electric power generated from the solar cell is used for ventilation, air purification, cool and warmth, and convenience devices of a vehicle. Thus, a driver is provided with a controlled environment when riding on the vehicle. Accordingly, the present invention can meet a driver's requirements for the utilization of convenience devices and can provide a comfortable interior environment. |
US08122980B2 |
Rotary drag bit with pointed cutting elements
In one aspect of the invention a rotary drag bit has a bit body intermediate a shank and a working surface. The working surface has a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the working surface. At least one blade has a cutting element with a carbide substrate bonded to a diamond working end with a pointed geometry. The diamond working end has a central axis which intersects an apex of the pointed geometry such that the axis is oriented within a 15 degree rake angle. |
US08122978B1 |
Drilling device with undercutting
The invention is a drilling device for providing a conically shaped cavity in materials primarily used for anchoring systems. The drilling device is comprised of a solid shank for attachment to a drill, a reverse thread section, and a cutting head. The cutting head includes a cutting tip, clean out flutes, extendable cutting blades mounted within an internal chamber of cutting head body, and means for extending the cutting blades. The extendable cutting blades project from the cutting head body radially when the reverse thread section is driven into the internal chamber of the cutting head. The reverse thread section interacts with the means for extending the cutting blades. This may include a pair of cams that are spring biased outwardly. The cams push against the backsides of the extendable cutting blades for driving them from the cutting head body when the drill device is counter rotated. The extendable blades cut a conical cavity at the distal end of a bore hole made by the cutting tip of the cutting head. After the conical cavity is produced, the drilling device is then clockwise rotated to cause the reverse threaded section being at its most distal position to return to its initial position. Biased springs mounted on the outer part of the body push the cutting blades into the body so that the drilling device can be removed from the bore hole. |
US08122973B2 |
Three dimensional (3D) robotic micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) arm and system
A micro assembly having a substrate and an operating plane coupled to the substrate. The operating plane is movable from an in-plane position to an out-of-plane position. One or more electric connections provide electric power from the substrate to the operating plane in the out-of-plane position. A tool is coupled to the operating plane. The tool is operable to receive electric power from the operating plane to perform work. |
US08122971B2 |
Impact rotary tool with drill mode
An impact rotary tool is provided that is switchable between an impact mode where the tool delivers an impacting torque on an output tool and a drill mode where the driver delivers a smooth output on an output tool. The impact rotary tool includes an impact mechanism and a hammer block that in the impact mode is movable parallel to the axis of the driver shaft and delivers reciprocating blows to rotate an anvil and in the drill mode substantially constantly engages the anvil. The impact mechanism includes a stopper that does not contact the hammer block in the impact mode and engages the hammer block in the drill mode to maintain the substantially constant contact between the hammer block and the anvil. |
US08122970B2 |
Duplex frame hinge for farm implement
A duplex hinge having two pivot points. In one embodiment, the hinge is used between sections of multi-sectional farm implements to allow flex during field operations as well as folding for road transport. One pivot point is active both when folding and during field operations. The other pivot point is active during field operations but rigid while folding for road transport. |
US08122968B2 |
Fire suppression system
A sprinkler system comprises a network of CPVC conduits and a plurality of sprinklers. The system includes an electrically activated solenoid control valve to allow fluid to flow in the pipe network. One or more fire detectors operate independently of the condition of the sprinklers. Upon detection of an incipient fire situation, a fire detector sends an electrical signal to cause activation of the control valve. Upon activation of the control valve, fire suppression fluid is caused to flow through the conduits before the incipient fire situation matures into a sprinkler-triggering event. The cooling effect of fluid flowing through the conduit enables the conduit to resist structural failure prior to sprinkler deployment. The control valve may be disposed at a remote location in the sprinkler line and be operable as part of an inspector's test connection. |
US08122965B2 |
Methods for development of an offshore oil and gas field
Methods for developing an offshore field comprising deploying a lead drilling and production vessel to a offshore field to drill and complete at least one well. Production from the at least one well is initiated and evaluated. A secondary production vessel is selected based upon the evaluated production and is deployed to the offshore field to replace the lead drilling and production vessel and support production of the at least one well. |
US08122960B2 |
Spoolable coiled tubing spear for use in wellbores and methods of using same
Coiled tubing spears for retrieving a section of cut coiled tubing comprises a mandrel having attachment members, e.g., spears, at upper and lower ends for facilitating connection of the upper end of the mandrel to a spooled section of coiled tubing and the lower end of the mandrel to a section of cut coiled tubing disposed in a wellbore. Coiled tubing spears comprise one or more centralizers that are releasably secured to the mandrel. The centralizer(s) facilitate lining up a lower attachment member, or spear, with the bore of the section of cut coiled tubing so that the mandrel can be secured to the cut coiled tubing for retrieval. During retrieval of the cut coiled tubing, the centralizer(s) are released from the mandrel so that the mandrel and attachment members can continue through an injector head. |
US08122959B2 |
Methods and materials for zonal isolation
The invention relates to the use of one or more water-soluble reactive liquid component capable of subsequent polymerization or cross-linking to form a solid to improve the zonal isolation and alleviate the impacts of cracks and fissures in the cement sheath around a completed subterranean well. It includes the steps of injecting a wellbore fluid carrying the reactive component or additive into the wellbore, injecting a cementitious composition as slurry into the wellbore and letting said reactive liquid component pass through at least one of the interfaces between cement and formation, cement and filter cake, and filter cake and formation before forming a solid of said reactive liquid component that traverses said at least one of the interfaces. |
US08122956B2 |
Magnetic stirrer
A sample tank for receiving and storing sampled connate fluid from a subterranean geological formation. The sample tank includes a piston coaxially disposed within the tank. The piston can be disposed close to the end of the tank where the sampled fluid is introduced into the tank and urged along the length of the tank as sampled fluid is added to the tank. The piston includes an agitator for mixing the fluid and keeping particulates suspended within the fluid. The agitator includes a magnetic member, and is rotated by applying a varying electromagnetic field to the member. |
US08122953B2 |
Drainage of heavy oil reservoir via horizontal wellbore
Systems and methods for drainage of a heavy oil reservoir via a horizontal wellbore. A method of improving production of fluid from a subterranean formation includes the step of propagating a generally vertical inclusion into the formation from a generally horizontal wellbore intersecting the formation. The inclusion is propagated into a portion of the formation having a bulk modulus of less than approximately 750,000 psi. A well system includes a generally vertical inclusion propagated into a subterranean formation from a generally horizontal wellbore which intersects the formation. The formation comprises weakly cemented sediment. |
US08122951B2 |
Systems and methods of downhole thermal property measurement
Methods and systems of measuring in-situ time variant temperature for subsurface formations utilizing an active heating and/or cooling device and temperature sensors for purposes of characterizing hydrocarbon-bearing formations by deriving formation thermal properties. |
US08122950B2 |
Microwave-based downhole activation method for wellbore consolidation applications
Wellbore strengthening during drilling may be achieved by including chemicals in the drilling fluid that can be polymerised when exposed to microwave energy. Selected chemicals are mixed with the drilling fluid but do not react with it. The chemicals concentrate in a filter cake on the borehole wall during drilling-fluid circulation. A tool, which comprises a microwave source, is used to trigger polymerisation or crosslinking reactions within the filter cake. The polymerisation or crosslinking reactions cause the formation of a film or gel that strengthens the wellbore. |
US08122944B2 |
Combined potable water-surface heating and cooling system
The present invention relates to a method of heating or cooling a series of indoor spaces using domestic hot water and cooling using domestic cold water systems as a source for an efficient and cost effective distribution system that distributes heating and cooling water that can be used in surface heating/cooling panels built directly into the building construction. These panels form part of the space walls and ceilings and form a cost effective and ascetically pleasing method of delivering heating and cooling to a space. |
US08122938B2 |
Stationary side dam for continuous casting apparatus
Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus having elongated opposed casting surfaces forming a casting cavity. The side dam has an elongated upstream part and an elongated downstream part that are mutually laterally pivotable, and a smooth metal-contacting side surface extending continuously from an upstream end to a downstream end of the side dam. The surface has regions thereof formed on the upstream part and the downstream part. Mutual pivoting of the upstream part and the downstream part of the side dam enables the regions of the smooth metal-contacting side surface to be moved out of mutual coplanar alignment. The side dams can therefore be used to form either a convergent or divergent casting cavity to assists the casting procedure and to enhance the properties of the cast article. |
US08122933B2 |
Sectional door
A sectional door having a door frame, a door panel comprising sections coupled to another in articulated manner, a weight equalization device coupled to the door panel, and an electrical door drive for opening and closing movements of said door panel. The uppermost section in the closed position of the door panel, is guided on running rails as the header section, wherein said rails extend essentially horizontally up to the door frame, and have a vertical end segment on the frame side. The other sections that follow below the header section are guided in guide rails that have a vertical segment along the door frame, a horizontal segment parallel to the running rail that holds the header section, and an arc that joins the two segments. With this device, the door drive is attached to one of the sections connected below the header section, and has at least one power take-off shaft having an impeller at the end. The driven impeller engages in the guide rail and moves the door panel. |
US08122932B2 |
Multi-section window dressing with coupling clutch
The present application pertains to a system for adjusting the height of a covering, such as window or a wall covering formed of two or more covering segments that are axially aligned. The system includes a link that selectively transmits rotation between two adjacent coverage thereby allowing the two coverings to be controlled, e.g., raised or lowered, simultaneously. The link includes a clutch that allows one of the segments to be rotated with respect to the other so that the bottom end of one of the coverings can be adjusted and aligned horizontally independently of the other. Optionally, the clutch includes an internal member that provides a mechanical advantage while the one covering is adjusted. |
US08122925B2 |
Protective cover device for attachment over foot rest brackets on a wheelchair
An injury protection device for attachment over foot rest brackets on the front legs of a wheelchair includes a generally rectangular main body having an outer case constructed of a durable soft fabric material and defining a top side and a bottom side. An interior pocket formed between the top side and bottom side of the outer case is filled with a central core of premium densified batting sandwiched between upper and lower layers of polyester batting. An arrangement of tacking stitches made from the top side to the bottom side of the outer case increase flexibility of the main body and provide bend points to promote contoured wrapping of the main body around the front leg and foot rest brackets on a wheelchair, while also stabilizing the batting material fillers. A pair of straps extend from a side of the main body and include a component of a hook and loop fastener on one side for relaseable attachment with a mating component of a hook and loop fastener on the exterior top side of the case. The main body wraps around the front leg of the wheelchair, over the foot rest brackets, and is secured by the straps. |
US08122922B2 |
Closure and dispensing system
A closure (12) for a container (14) adapted to store fluid (16) to be dispensed, said closure comprising a body (17) having an outer surface (23) communicating with the exterior of said container and an inner surface (27) embedded within said body wherein said outer surface includes a cavity (26) adapted to sealably receive a dispensing device (32). |
US08122919B2 |
Dual fluid LNG transferring arm
Disclosed herein is an LNG transferring arm. The LNG transferring arm includes a cylindrical support base. A main body is rotatably provided on the support base. A boom assembly is connected to a side of the main body to rotate up and down. A support assembly supports the boom assembly and is bent along with the boom assembly. A transfer pipe and a return pipe are arranged along the boom assembly. An end of each of the transfer pipe and the return pipe is connected to a tank to which LNG will be transferred. A balance weight is rotatably supported above the main body via a bracket, and is hinged at one end thereof to the boom assembly, thus maintaining balance. A rotary branch means is provided in the main body, and includes two pipes having different diameters and arranged concentrically. |
US08122916B2 |
Reinforcing bar binding machine, wire reel, wire, and method of determining kind of wire
A wire reel containing portion 3 of a reinforcing bar binding machine 1 is provided with a rotation detecting lever 8 and a photosensor 7. When a wire reel is rotated in starting to bind a wire, rotation thereof is detected by the rotation detecting lever switched ON/OFF by a projected portion formed at a side face of the wire reel, the photosensor detects a reflection mark of the wire reel to determine a kind of the wire from a number of the marks, and a twist torque or the like is controlled. Wire information is detected not in an initializing operation (in setting wire) of rotating the wire reel at low speed but in a binding operation of rotating at high speed and therefore, an amount of swinging the rotation detecting lever is large and wire information can firmly be detected. |
US08122915B2 |
Fabric, in particular for shading purposes
A fabric, in particular for shading purposes, formed of interwoven warp and weft threads based on fluoropolymer plastics, wherein the fabric includes an upper side and an underside having colors that are different from one another. The fabric is interwoven from the warp and weft threads in a three by three twill weave with step two, wherein the warp threads and (n+2) consecutive weft threads are made in the color of the upper side of the fabric and n following consecutive weft threads are made in the color of the underside of the fabric and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. |
US08122913B2 |
High pressure hose protector
A hose or cable protector has a pair of articulating guides, each with rollers for creating an arcuate hose path around the sharp corner of a tunnel mouth which would otherwise cause abrasion to the hose. A stop imposes a guide to guide angle of eighty (80) degrees but the usual angle is greater and up to one hundred and twenty (120) degrees. Arches span the guides and retain the protector on the hose or cable. In a variant, the arches are spring loaded and adjustable to retain or release the hose. A control line positions the protector at the selected site. |
US08122910B2 |
Flexible manifold for integrated gas system gas panels
A flexible gas delivery apparatus having a gas panel with a first extension block having a first section and second section, the first section positioned between a mixing valve and the substrate having an exit port in fluid communication with a pump/purge manifold, and a second extension block having a first section and a second section, the first section positioned between a purge valve and the substrate having a discharge port in fluid communication with a mixing manifold, wherein the second portion of the first and second extension blocks extend outwardly from the gas panel. |
US08122908B2 |
Three-way valve with flow diverter
A three-way valve body comprises a throat defining a generally cylindrical throat cavity. At least one flow diverter is carried by the valve body and extends into the throat cavity. The flow diverter advantageously interrupts any circulatory fluid flow within the throat cavity, thereby increasing the efficiency at which fluid flows through the valve body. In one embodiment, the at least one flow diverter can comprise one or more ribs integrally formed with the valve body and disposed parallel to a central axis of the throat cavity. |
US08122904B2 |
Anti siphon tank inlet
The present invention provides a fluid tank inlet assembly having an inlet pipe extending from a mounting structure located at the proximal end of the pipe. A float valve assembly is disposed beyond the distal end of the inlet pipe and includes a float member. An obstruction is located within a housing between the inlet pipe and the float member. The obstruction blocks the line of sight or direct path between the inlet pipe and the float member, but a flow path remains and is defined between the obstruction and the housing wall to allow fluid to flow around the obstruction to the float valve assembly. |
US08122903B2 |
Close-coupled purgeable vaporizer valve
A method and system are provided for an integrated fluid and vapor delivery system design that optimizes vapor delivery. The method and system utilize a purgeable valve assembly which is closely coupled to a vaporizer. The purgeable valve assembly includes a liquid control valve and a purge gas valve which are connected by an outlet to the vaporizer in a manner minimizing the dead volume of the liquid supplied to the vaporizer. The system does not require the liquid precursor to be subjected to vacuum prior to entry into the vaporizer. |
US08122900B1 |
Cane with grasping device
The cane with grasping device provides a cane that has a selectively exposed pair of spring jaws disposed downwardly within the stationary stalk of the device 10 to selectively gasp a given object. The stationary stalk of the device is disposed downwardly from the handle and is partially within the sleeve. The sliding stalk is disposed partially within the sleeve and substantially around the stationary stalk. Spring jaws are disposed downwardly on the end block that is disposed downwardly on the stationary stalk. A compression spring is disposed within the stalk and around the stationary stalk, below the handle. Elevation of the lever to a position immediately below and adjacent to the handle slides the sliding stalk upwardly and fully exposes the otherwise retreated spring jaws. Releasing the lever allows the spring jaws to automatically grasp a given object. Conversely, releasing the lever allows the jaws to release the object. |
US08122899B2 |
Apparatus and method for treating substrate
An apparatus is provided for supplying a plurality of chemicals or gases to the surface of a substrate to clean and dry the substrate. The apparatus includes a substrate support unit with a chuck on which a substrate is loaded, a bottom chamber having an open top and configured to surround the circumference of the chuck, a top chamber configured to open or close the top of the bottom chamber such that a drying treatment for the substrate is performed while the substrate is isolated from the outside, and an indirect injection nozzle installed at the edge of the top chamber and configured to inject drying fluid toward the center of the top chamber such that the drying fluid is indirectly injected to the substrate. According to the apparatus, it is possible to enhance a substrate drying efficiency, suppress external contamination, and prevent the formation of an oxide layer. |
US08122891B2 |
Suction therapy apparatus and method
A suction device includes a membrane-covered walled enclosure from which pressure can be reduced therein, including through desired fluid removal from the enclosure, below ambient external air pressure to apply suction therapy to treat medical conditions, including sleep breathing disorders. |
US08122881B2 |
Particle dispersion device for nasal delivery
A nebulizer and a method of breathing using the nebulizer is described. The nebulizer and breathing techniques are capable of delivering medicament into the sinus cavity of a user. |
US08122879B2 |
Roof mounted solar collector devices with connection piping movable from protected to installation position
A solar collector device for mounting on the outside of a support structure and including a fluid circuit for receiving a fluid for heating by solar radiation, the device further comprising a length of connection piping connected to the fluid circuit and moveable relative to the fluid circuit while thus connected thereto from a protected position to an installation position where the distal end thereof extends to the inside of said support structure. |
US08122878B1 |
Solar concentrator with camera alignment and tracking
The invention in the preferred embodiment features a solar concentrator that can align and/or track based on images from a video camera, for example. The concentrator preferably includes one or more optical elements for directing light to a receiver, a camera for capturing an image of the optical elements, and a controller configured to: detect the orientation of the one or more optical elements from the one or more images, determine an orientation error based on the detected orientation, and automatically orient the one or more optical elements to minimize the orientation error. The optical elements generally comprise a plurality of mirrors or lenses arranged in a one or two dimensional array. |
US08122876B2 |
Ash bin and chimney device
An ash bin and chimney system comprising: an open topside and at least one side wall forming a device cavity, and the device further comprises at least one screen and a movable flap situated within the device cavity, the flap further comprises a leg, and the leg is in an extended position when the flap is in a generally perpendicular position relative to the screen during a chimney function, and the leg is in a folded position when the flap is in a generally parallel position relative to the screen, and the leg in its extended position prevents the device from being inserted within the internal cavity of the base. |
US08122875B2 |
Burner assembly for gas burners of radiant heating type
A burner assembly for a radiant heating type gas burner is provided. The burner assembly includes a burner chamber that receives a mixed gas, a burner mat on top of the burner chamber for making combustion, and a baffle part between a bottom of the burner mat and a side of the burner chamber. The mixed gas is introduced into the burner chamber through the baffle part for uniform distribution of the mixed gas to an entire part of the burner mat. |
US08122871B2 |
Fuel supply device for internal combustion engine and control device for the fuel supply device
A fuel supply device has a main line, a fuel pump, a first return line, a second return line, a valve mechanism, a first pressure regulator, and a second pressure regulator. The fuel pump pressurizes the fuel in the fuel tank and supplies the fuel to a fuel distribution pipe via the main line. The first return line returns the fuel from the fuel distribution pipe to the fuel tank. The second return line is branched from the main line and returns the fuel from the main line to the fuel tank. The valve mechanism selectively connects and disconnects the second return line with respect to the main line. The first pressure regulator is arranged in the first return line. The second pressure regulator is provided in the second return line and adjusts fuel pressure to a lower level than the first pressure regulator does. |
US08122865B2 |
Intake manifold for vehicle
The present invention relates to an intake manifold for a vehicle and comprises tanks for stabilizing intaken air introduced from a throttle body; a plurality of zip tubes diverged from the tanks; a plurality of runners connected to the zip tubes and communicated with respective cylinders; and a adjustment apparatus provided at one side of the zip tubes and the runners for varying the diameter of the zip tube and the diameter of the runner according to an engine operation range. Due to the above structure, the diameter of the zip tube and the diameter of the runner can be varied continuously within the overall operating range of an engine by the adjustment apparatus. Hence, the performance of the engine can be enhanced. |
US08122864B2 |
Intake manifold for multicylinder internal combustion engine
An intake manifold for a multicylinder internal combustion engine includes a number of inlet runners operatively connected with a mounting flange. A sealing region circumscribes only an outer periphery of the mounting flange and does not extend between adjacent ones of the intake runners. The sealing region includes a continuous groove formed in the mounting flange and a sealing composition applied to the groove. |
US08122862B2 |
Engine including cylinder deactivation assembly and method of control
A method of purging air from an oil passage in communication with a lifter assembly in an engine assembly may include isolating the oil passage from a pressurized oil source while the lifter assembly is engaged with a base region of a cam lobe to operate the first lifter assembly in the activated mode. The pressurized oil may be provided to the lifter assembly via the oil passage after the isolating when the lifter assembly is engaged with a lift region of the cam lobe. The lifter assembly may be maintained in the activated mode after the providing. Air may be purged from the oil passage based on the pressurized oil provided to the oil passage. |
US08122858B2 |
Abnormality diagnosis apparatus for cooling system of vehicle
A coolant circuit circulates coolant between an internal combustion engine and a radiator of a vehicle and is provided with a thermostat. A control unit obtains radiator side released heat amount information, which indicates the amount of heat released from coolant through the radiator or information relevant to the amount of heat released from the coolant through the radiator. The control unit determines whether a thermostat open state abnormality exists by determining whether a predetermined thermostat abnormal time correlation exists between the radiator side released heat amount information and a vehicle speed of the vehicle in a warm-up incomplete temperature range of the coolant. |
US08122849B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing a pharmaceutical product
An apparatus and method are provided for producing pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like products. The apparatus and method provide real-time monitoring of the pharmaceutical product and can provide real-time control. The apparatus and method can monitor the dosage both before and after it has been added to a carrier substrate. The apparatus and method can provide monitoring of each pharmaceutical product that is processed. |
US08122848B2 |
Film forming apparatus, manufacturing management system and method of manufacturing semiconductor devices
A film forming apparatus which forms a film on a substrate by utilizing a chemical solution, including: a correlation data creating unit which creates a correlation data that is related to the quality of a chemical solution, from data that is related to the properties of the chemical solution including at least one of data on storage temperature for the chemical solution to be loaded and data on pressure applied to the chemical solution to be loaded; and a determining unit which determines whether or not the chemical solution holds expected quality thereof on the bases of the correlation data. |
US08122846B2 |
Platforms, apparatuses, systems and methods for processing and analyzing substrates
Devices and methods for manufacturing displays, solar panels and other devices using larger size workpieces are provided. The workpiece is rolled into a cylinder, thereby reducing the physical size by a factor of 3 in one dimension. The stages on which the workpieces are rolled have a cylindrical shape, which allows a more robust and/or compact movement of the glass, reduced machine weight. The workpieces are relatively thin, more flexible, and are rolled onto a cylinder with a diameter of about 1 meter. |
US08122845B2 |
Envelope flap moistener
An envelope (5) flap (6) moistener has a moisture transfer member (4; 104) for transferring liquid adhering thereto to a flap (6) of an envelope (5). An encapsulation (11, 22; 110, 111, 122) containing the moisture transfer member (4; 104) is equipped with a cap (22; 122) suspended movably between a closed position and an open position. The encapsulation (11, 22; 110, 111, 122) encapsulates at least a portion of the moisture transfer member (4; 104) including a contact surface (12; 112) for contacting envelope (5) flap (6)s to be moistened when the cap (22; 122) is in the closed position and leaves the contact surface (12; 112) of the moisture transfer member (4; 104) exposed for allowing the contact surface (12; 112) to contact an envelope (5) flap (6) when the cap (22; 122) is in the open position. |
US08122843B2 |
Vehicle fuel efficiency monitor and signalling device
A fuel efficiency signal device intended to be interposed between the accelerator pedal of a vehicle and a floor below the pedal. The signal device has wedge shaped, flexible walled, self supporting air container having walls sealingly blended to adjacent walls to form the air container. The walls are a bottom wall, a fore end wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and formed with a lateral, inwardly extending living hinge, an aft end wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a pair of opposite, outwardly bowed side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and joined to the end walls and a top wall inclined at a wedge angle to the bottom wall and joining the side walls and the end walls. A whistle extends through a wall of the air container. An adjustable air escape valve also extends through a wall of the air container device for adjustably varying the air flow rate through the air escape valve and thereby adjustably selecting a rate of accelerator pedal depression at which the whistle will emit an audible signal to the driver. |
US08122842B2 |
Retractable boat roof
A retractable roof assembly for a boat is provided which can be moved from a deployed position above the deck of the boat to a retracted position closer to the deck of the boat. Pivoting struts support the roof and are caused to move by a motor or pair of motors. Rollers on two of the struts move along a cam surface and the cam surface is designed such that during movement of the roof, the roof remains substantially horizontal. |
US08122841B2 |
Device and a method of connecting an electrical power line between a ship and a terminal
A ship that is to be coupled electrically to a terminal a method, and a method and a device for connecting an electrical power line (1) between a ship (3) and a terminal (5). The device includes an unwinder (7) for unwinding a traction cable (13) from the ship (3) towards a connection end (15) of the electrical power line (1); a lashing device (9) for lashing the traction cable (13) to the connection end (15); and a traction device (11) for pulling the electrical power line towards the ship (3) so as to connect the connection end (15) with an electrical interface (17a) of the ship (3). |
US08122840B2 |
Transom stern hull form and appendages for improved hydrodynamics
An improved displacement hull form for ships and boats, in one of many possible embodiments includes a transom stern hull form (100F) having a hull underside (120A) that is substantially horizontal in transverse orientation along the aft-most portion of said hull form (100F), a pair of endplates (300D) having a substantially vertical orientation along the aft half of said hull form (100F) waterline length, a pair of cambered rudders (502J) located near the stern of said hull form (100F) with said cambered rudders (502J) having pressure faces oriented towards said hull form longitudinal centerplane (110A), and stern buttock-line shaping defined by a supercavitating hydrofoil (700M) shape. The hydrodynamics of said hull form (100F) are improved in terms of reduced resistance, reduced trim and draft aft, and reduced ship wave train. Other embodiments are described and shown. |
US08122838B2 |
Transplanter
Transplanter which can avoid skips when planting, which skips may occur when seeds in a tray row fail to grow into seedlings. This is accomplished by picking up an entire row of seedlings from a tray, transferring the seedlings to a mechanism which eliminates gaps between seedlings, and then discharging the seedlings one at time to the ground with a desired spacing between the seedlings. A novel tray indexing mechanism is provided which can index trays of varying sizes. The planting mechanism has an air knife mounted adjacent transfer disks for straightening out the foliage as stems of seedlings before they are received by the planting disks, and the planting and transfer disks may be moved towards and away from each other for seedlings of differing heights. |
US08122827B2 |
Apparatus for turning a sheet during transport through a printing press
An apparatus for turning a sheet during transport through a printing press provides better printed results as a result of improved sheet guidance. A transfer drum has gripper systems disposed in channels for holding the sheet at the leading and trailing sheet edge, and guide elements covering the channels. |
US08122825B2 |
Screenprinting device and method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a screenprinting device having a fabric and a template situated on the fabric. The fabric and/or the template each have a coating which reduces the adhesion of a screenprinting paste or a screenprinting ink to the fabric and/or to the template. In this way, finer structures may be generated, in particular in regard to electronic elements during the production of circuits using multilayer technology. Furthermore, the present invention describes a method for producing a corresponding screenprinting device. |
US08122821B2 |
Food-processing device
A food-processing device for chopping, mixing, or liquefying foods. The device comprises a container, a removable base, and a blender base. The container comprises a locking member located at the periphery of the container. The container has an opening. The removable base comprises a blade member and is removably affixable to the opening of the container. The blender base comprises a motor and a recessed well. The recessed well comprises a pressure-activated switch and a locking groove located adjacent to the switch. The removable base is adapted to removably fit within the recessed well such that when the locking member contacts and depresses the switch, the downward movement of the switch activates the motor, wherein the container can be depressed and rotated to allow the locking member to engage the locking groove, thereby permitting continuous operation of the motor without requiring a user to exert constant pressure on the container. |
US08122817B2 |
Rotisserie roto-robot kit for programmable skewer rotation
A cooking apparatus for programmable rotating rotisserie skewers includes an electromotor-driven and manually-driven gearboxes comprising linearly-positioned and sequentially-engaged drive gears, a frame with openings in which skewers is rotating, wherein each skewer is equipped with a gear that rests on a top of an individual drive gear and engaged to it by food and skewer weight; so skewers can be individually removed and turned for food position adjustment. The electromotor is connected to the electromotor-driven gearbox via safety clutch disengaging said motor when manual rotation is performed or in the case of mechanical failure. To perform programmable food processing of different kind of food including symmetric food, such as souvlaki, shashlik, shish kabobs, etc. and asymmetric or flat food, such as a chicken, burger or steak, a timing mechanism periodically slowing or stopping skewers rotation for a preset pause is utilized. |
US08122816B2 |
Grill with adjustable grilling space
A grill comprises an upper shell, a lower shell, an upper grill pan disposed on the bottom surface of the upper shell and a lower grill pan disposed on the top surface of the lower shell, wherein the upper shell connects to the lower shell by hinge mechanisms such that the distance between the two grilling pans is adjustable to accommodate to-be-grilled food items of varying thickness. |
US08122815B2 |
Device for stirring and cooking food
A cooking device and method heats a removable vessel with heaters of a cooking capsule, which includes a separator wall between the heaters and vessel. The heaters mount to the separator wall. The capsule is fixed in a housing, which also mounts a motor that rotates the vessel. The housing tiltably mounts on a base. Accessories can be fixed to the vessel or a lid secured to the housing, so the accessories can rotate with the vessel or remain stationary with respect to the vessel as it rotates. A locking mechanism that secures the lid to the housing prevents lid detachment when the vessel counter-rotates and an accessory is fixed to the lid. A heat sink wall reflects heat toward the vessel and fins draw heat from the heat sink wall away from the housing and out vent holes. Computer hardware and software control power to the motor and heaters. |
US08122813B2 |
Brewing element with a central inlet
A brewing element comprising an envelope for storing at least one comestible brewing ingredient therein; and an attachment means for removably attaching the element to a container, the element having formed therein a central inlet for admitting pressurized, heated water and a peripheral outlet for releasing a mixture of the at least one comestible brewing ingredient with the pressurized, heated water, wherein when the brewing element is incorporated into an operating beverage brewing system, the capsule releases the mixture multi-directionally through the peripheral outlet to provide a brewed beverage into the container. |
US08122808B2 |
Case activation bullet feeder
A bullet feeding device having an expandable collet insertable into a die body. The die body is capable of receiving bullets from a source and directing the bullets to the expandable collet. The expandable collet restricts the passage of the bullet through the die body until the mouth of a cartridge case is inserted into the die body opposite the bullet. The mouth of the cartridge case causes the expandable collet to expand and allow the single bullet to pass through the expandable collet and be placed in the mouth of the cartridge case. As the completed cartridge is drawn from the die body, the expandable collet contracts above the tip of the bullet and prevents the passage of additional bullets until a new cartridge case is inserted. The expandable collet is capable of accepting bullets of different lengths and shapes. In addition, the expandable collet is easily interchangeable with expandable collets of other sizes to be compatible with bullets of different diameters. |
US08122805B2 |
Paper processing tool with three-lever actuation
A paper processing tool includes a base having a receiving area for selectively receiving a sheet of paper. The tool further includes a first lever having a handle portion, the first lever being pivotable relative to the base about a first axis. An intermediate lever is pivotable relative to the base about a second axis in response to movement of the first lever. At least one cutting element is arranged along a cutting plane, the at least one cutting element being configured to selectively engage the sheet of paper. A drive lever is actuable by the intermediate lever to move the at least one cutting element relative to the base. The drive lever is pivotable relative to the base about a third axis parallel to the cutting plane. |
US08122803B2 |
Vise assembly
In a bench circular sawing machine as one example of a cutting machine, a vise assembly to be mounted to a guide fence includes a pressing part (e.g., an arm and a feed screw) configured to be capable of moving upward and downward and fixed at a desired height, in a position protrusively frontward of the guide fence, and a second pressing part (e.g., stopper plate) configured to be capable of moving along the guide surface upward and downward and fixed at a desired height. One of the pressing part and the second pressing part is selected for use in holding a workpiece down from above. |
US08122800B2 |
Cutting board apparatus and method
Provided is a cutting board apparatus comprising a catch pan and a cutting platform. The catch pan includes a substantially planar upper surface enclosed by a retaining member. The catch pan further includes a base member on an underside of the catch pan stabilizing the catch pan against cutting forces. The cutting platform includes a substantially planar cutting surface elevated from the catch pan by a support member extending away from the face of the planar cutting surface, wherein the cutting platform is positioned on the catch pan to form a discard channel between the catch pan retaining member and the cutting surface's outer boundary, and further, wherein the cutting platform and the catch pan are rotatably attached to each other about an axis. Also provided is a corresponding method of cutting an item utilizing a cutting board apparatus. |
US08122797B2 |
Tool incorporating a locking swing bolt construction with associated method
The invention relates to a tool for clamping together pivotable parts under bias relative to each other, using a swing bolt construction for mounting the pivotable parts on a fork of a holder. Such a swing bolt construction has a swing bolt with a widened part provided on a first outer end and provided on the other outer end with first fastener, such as a thread. Further the swing bolt construction has a nut provided with a second fastener, such as a thread, for fastening the nut to the first fastener on the other end of the swing bolt. The widened part of the swing bolt and the nut lie in use—i.e. in assembled state—against the pivotable parts for clamping thereof under the required bias. |
US08122793B2 |
Tool for aligning wind turbine tower fasteners
A tool for aligning a wind turbine tower fastener includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A first stop is disposed on the shaft proximate a first end of the shaft and a second stop is disposed on the shaft between the first end and the second end. The tool also includes a ram reciprocally movable about the shaft between the first stop and the second stop for applying a force to the first stop and the second stop respectively. The tool further includes a fastener engaging structure disposed proximate the second end for engaging at least a portion of a fastener and transferring the force applied by the ram to at least one of the first stop and the second stop effective to urge movement of the fastener responsive to the force for aiding alignment of the fastener. |
US08122792B2 |
Self-adjusting locking pliers
The self-adjusting locking pliers include a fixed assembly having a fixed jaw supported at one end. A moveable jaw is pivotably supported on the fixed assembly at a slidable pivot connection. The slidable pivot connection includes a pawl provided with teeth. A rack of teeth includes first and second sets of teeth offset from one another by ½ of the pitch that may each be engaged by the teeth formed on pawl. A lever is attached to the fixed assembly and a linkage transmits a force applied to the lever to the jaws and locks the jaws in the clamping position. The linkage allows the angle between the links to be preset to thereby control the clamping force applied to the work piece. The movable jaw is selectively attached to the linkage in one of two positions such that the jaw span may be adjusted without affecting the geometry of the linkage. |
US08122790B1 |
Insulated tool for linesmen
A tool for linesmen who work on high powered electrical installations. The tool is constructed of a single handle at one end and a integral forked end at the other end. The forked end receives a ratchet mechanism with two outwardly placed sockets. The handle and the integral forked end is manufactured of an electrical insulating and hardened material. |
US08122786B2 |
Parking lock arrangement
Locking arrangement for locking a first element which is movably mounted in a first direction, by means of a second element which is movably mounted in a second direction transversely with respect to the first direction. First element has a toothed contour with at least two teeth and a tooth gap which lies between. Second element has a projection which has a projection length which is shorter than the tooth gap length. The projection can be introduced into tooth gap when there is movement in the second direction, to lock the first element. Each tooth has a face which points towards the second element and has a first contour. Projection has a face which points towards the first element and has a second contour. First and second contours are matched to one another so that the projection is deflected by the teeth from becoming inserted into tooth gap if first element moves faster than a predetermined locking speed and slower than a maximum speed of first element. |
US08122779B2 |
Electronic pipettor with improved accuracy
A hand-held electronic pipettor is designed particularly to be programmed and operated with one hand for the convenience of the user. It uses a capacitance touchpad control for programming, and a separate run button for the operating mode. Internal components are located so that the center of gravity of the pipettor is located within the palm of the user. Flash memory stores an empirically derived table that correlates aspiration volume to motor steps and a separate empirically derived table the correlates dispensing volumes to motor steps. |
US08122778B2 |
Probe assembly
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a probe assembly comprising a flange assembly, a probe platform, a platform extension, an extension enclosure, and a fluid coupling assembly is provided. The fluid coupling assembly comprises a removable portion and a retained portion. An engaging interface of the retained portion cooperates with an engaging interface of the removable portion such that, with engagement of the removable and retained portions, respective fluid passages of the removable and retained portions form one or more integrated fluid channels configured to permit passage of fluid through the fluid coupling assembly. The probe assembly is configured such that the probe platform, the platform extension, and the removable portion of the fluid coupling assembly are interconnected and are configured to be withdrawn simultaneously from the probe assembly independent of the retained portion of the fluid coupling assembly. |
US08122769B1 |
Multi-diaphragm pressure sensors
The present invention relates to a pressure sensor comprising multiple flexible diaphragms to which are affixed, within which are embedded, or which themselves constitute part of transducer elements that are connected together electrically, providing greater sensitivity and allowing the diaphragms to be made smaller, thereby increasing burst pressure to operating pressure ratio. This multi-diaphragm pressure sensor can therefore be used to accurately measure small changes in dynamic pressure in a fluid of overall high static pressure, for example, in a flow inventory control system as may be used in a fire suppression system, or for control of nuclear reactor systems. |
US08122767B2 |
D'arsonval movement mems accelerometer
Microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer and acceleration sensing methods. A MEMS accelerometer includes a housing, a proof mass suspended within the housing by at least one torsional flexure, and a torsional magnetic rebalancing component. In an example embodiment, the torsional magnetic rebalancing component includes at least one planar coil on the proof mass that extends on both sides of an axis of rotation of the proof mass about the at least one torsional flexure and at least one magnet oriented such that a north-south axis of the at least one magnet is oriented approximately orthogonal to the rotational axis of the proof mass. A method includes sensing a change in capacitance of a pickoff in the MEMS accelerometer and rebalancing the MEMS accelerometer by sending a current through the planar coil. |
US08122766B2 |
Inertia force sensor
Inertial force sensor includes detecting element that detects inertial force. Detecting element includes: two first orthogonal arms each having first arm and second arm that are connected to each other in a substantially orthogonal direction; support portion that supports two first arms; fixing arms; and weights. Second arms include: bent portions; facing portions that are bent at bent portions so as to face second arms; driving electrodes that are formed in two facing portions facing each other, and drive and vibrate facing portions; and detection electrodes that are formed in the other two facing portions facing each other, and detect the distortion of facing portions. According to this structure, it is possible to achieve small inertial force sensor capable of detecting a plurality of different inertial forces and inertial forces acting on a plurality of detection axes. |
US08122760B2 |
Method of analyzing phosphorous acid, fosetyl-Al, or both simultaneously
Method for analyzing one or more pesticidal compounds present in amounts of less than or equal to 0.00005 mg/kg of a sample, comprising the following steps: a) preparation of the sample; b) optional dilution of the sample prepared; c) direct analysis of the optionally diluted sample by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). |
US08122758B2 |
Purge valve leak diagnostic systems and methods
A leak diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a tank pressure module and a leak diagnostic module. The tank pressure module selectively outputs first and second fuel tank pressures when an engine is shut down and when engine vacuum is greater than a predetermined engine vacuum, respectively. The leak diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a leak in a fuel vapor purge valve based on the second fuel tank pressure when the first fuel tank pressure is less than a first predetermined pressure. |
US08122749B2 |
Mandrel mill and process for manufacturing a seamless pipe
A mandrel mill is provided which can perform elongation rolling with a markedly increased working ratio and dimensional accuracy on a material which is inherently difficult to roll such as a hollow shell made of stainless steel or a thin-walled material. A mandrel mill for manufacturing a mother tube by performing elongation rolling of a hollow shell comprises a plurality of roll stands, having at least one 4-roll stand for wall thickness reduction of a hollow shell and at least one 2-roll stand including the final stand downstream of the 4-roll stand. |
US08122748B2 |
Hose fitting
A machine, tooling and method for cold forming complex metal parts such as a banjo style hose fitting starting with a near net shape volume of wire and continuing with multiple forging blows and an intermediate rotation of the blank to produce a hose coupling shell end, a transition neck, a large counterbored annular coupling body and a perpendicular alignment tang. |
US08122747B2 |
Can end scoring method, and tooling assembly and conversion press therefor
A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline. |
US08122742B2 |
Washing device and method controlling the same
A washing machine having a steam generator, which generates steam so that the steam is used in a washing or drying operation, and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The steam generator includes a case having a space for storing water; a heater provided in the space of the case for generating heat; and a water level sensor for sensing the minimum and maximum level of the water stored in the space of the case. A controller controls the water supply valve and the heater according to a result sensed by the water level sensor. The water supply valve is opened and closed, thereby controlling the supply of water to the steam generator. |
US08122739B1 |
Earring with integral spring
An earring is provided in the form of a spring ring with two mounting members and a bead with lock-screw. The first mounting member is stationary. The second mounting member remains in a normally closed position actuated by a spring. When the earring is in place, the mounting members pinch the auricle to keep the earring in place. Mounting gap is adjusted by the bead and can be locked or unlocked by turning the bead ninety degrees. This earring can be made in different diameters so that it can be worn in any part of the auricle without the ear being pierced. |
US08122737B2 |
Refrigerating device comprising tubular evaporators
A refrigerating device comprising a tubular evaporator which is connected to a compressor by means of a suction line. A coolant pipe of the tubular evaporator forms a plurality of serially connected tubular loops and one ascending outlet tube connecting the tubular loop that lies the furthest downstream to the suction pipe. The tubular loops have a course that ascends in the direction of the flow of the coolant for a distance that corresponds at least to the length of the outlet tube. |
US08122734B2 |
Refrigerator comprising a dispensing device
A refrigerator is provided that includes a housing and a dispensing device for flowable and/or pourable chilled material, the dispensing device being located in a front recess of the housing. The front of the housing is covered at least in part by an adjustable decorative plate. The recess is accessible through a hole in the decorative plate while a case that is open towards the dispensing device and the hole of the decorative plate is adjustably mounted in the recess. |
US08122733B2 |
Compressor arrangement
A compressor arrangement comprises a mounting, an evaporation trough, which may be inserted in the mounting on a number of slide-in tracks up to a final position and a compressor, wherein the separation of the evaporation trough from the compressor is greater in the final position of each slide-in track than at least one other point on the slide-in track. |
US08122732B2 |
Refrigerator with noise reduction structure using inverse phase sound wave
Disclosed is a refrigerator having a noise reduction structure. According to the refrigerator, a branch pipe for reducing the intensive noise occurring from an impeller part is provided to a discharge pipe connected so that the refrigerant is discharged in a direction of a condenser from the impeller part. Therefore, the traveling sound wave of the noise traveling along the discharge pipe and the reverse sound wave traveling toward the branch pipe provided to the outer periphery of the discharge pipe meet each other, so that the both sound waves are cancelled to reduce the noise. |
US08122729B2 |
Dehumidification systems and methods for extracting moisture from water damaged structures
A dehumidification system for removing moisture from the air within a structure comprises a refrigerant system and a heat transfer system. The refrigerant system comprises a condenser section and an evaporator section. The heat transfer system comprises a first coil and a second coil. A primary air path extends through the first coil, the evaporator section, and the second coil. A secondary air path extends through the condenser section. |
US08122727B2 |
Compliant metal support for ceramic combustor liner in a gas turbine engine
A combustion system for an engine, such as a gas turbine engine is provided. The combustion system has a ceramic component, such as ceramic combustor liner, and at least one metal support component, such as a metal ring or a plurality of metal cones, for providing radial and axial support to the ceramic component. The at least one metal support component includes a structure, such as axial slots or radial slots, for minimizing stress and for increasing compliance of the metal support component with respect to the ceramic component. |
US08122724B2 |
Compressor including an aerodynamically variable diffuser
A compressor includes a diffuser, a recirculation duct, and a flow control valve. The recirculation duct has an inlet in fluid communication with the air outlet of the diffuser, and an outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet of the diffuser. The flow control valve is selectively moveable between open and closed positions, to thereby fluidly couple and isolate, respectively, the recirculation duct inlet and outlets. During operation of the compressor, the flow control valve may be opened, which circulates a portion of the compressed air discharged from the diffuser air outlet back to the diffuser air inlet. The air that is circulated back to the diffuser air inlet reduces the effective area of the diffuser air inlet, thereby increasing the surge margin of the compressor. |
US08122723B2 |
Adjustment assembly
A fluid flow control device (26, 28) comprising a guide member (30) to guide a fluid passing through a duct (22, 24, 76), the guide member (30) being movable between first and second positions; and an urging arrangement (32) capable of providing an urging force (F1) to urge the guide member (30) towards the first position, characterised in that the urging arrangement (32) is a resilient torsion bar that is formed so as to allow the guide member (30) to be moved towards the second position by a pressure force (F2) exceeding and opposite to the urging force (F1), the pressure force (F2) being provided by a pressure difference across the guide member (30). |
US08122715B2 |
Self-contained refrigerant powered system
A self-contained refrigerant powered system is provided having a motor configured for receiving liquefied refrigerant and converting the liquefied refrigerant into gaseous form for powering the motor; a condenser in fluid communication with the motor for receiving gaseous refrigerant and for converting the gaseous refrigerant to liquefied form; and at least one pipe in fluid communication with the condenser and the motor for returning the liquefied refrigerant to the motor. |
US08122712B2 |
Exhaust system with improved NOX emission control
An exhaust system includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit and a NOx absorber that may include a lean NOx trap (LNT). The NOx absorber absorbs NOx and releases the NOx absorbed in the NOx absorber into the SCR unit. The SCR unit converts NOx of exhaust gas into nitrogen and water. |
US08122711B2 |
Procedure to acquire a sooty particle concentration in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine
The invention concerns a procedure to ascertain a concentration of sooty particles in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine or a depletion of an emission control system of the internal combustion engine due to the loading of sooty particles, whereby the sooty particle concentration in the exhaust gas system is determined by means of a collecting particle sensor, which emits a sensor signal and whereby the depletion of the emission control system due to the loading of sooty particles is determined from the sooty particle concentration.The task is thereby solved, in that the sensor signal is corrected by means of predetermined corrections with regard to a sensor temperature and/or an exhaust gas temperature and/or a flow velocity of the exhaust gas and/or a voltage applied at the particle sensor. Transverse sensibilities of the particle sensor can thereby be taken into account during the evaluation; and the determination of the accumulated loading of sooty particles and the determination of the sooty particle concentration in the exhaust gas system are improved. In the process, the sensor temperature enters into the correction to the extent that a temperature dependence of the electrical resistance of the loading of sooty particles is determined in a preparation phase and can be taken into account during the evaluation of the sensor signal. |
US08122709B2 |
Device for delivering a reducing agent to an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a device for supplying a reducing agent into an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The device includes a delivery pump for delivering the reducing agent from a storage tank into an exhaust tube of the exhaust system. A metering device is provided between the delivery pump and the exhaust tube, which metering device supplies reducing agent, which is delivered continuously by the delivery pump, in an intermittent fashion into the exhaust tube. |
US08122708B2 |
Exhaust gas purification device
An exhaust gas purification device having a DPF provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The device has one or more sound pressure measurement means for measuring exhaust sound pressure and calculation means for calculating the amount of PM accumulation based on the exhaust sound pressure measured. On the upstream side of the DPF are arranged exhaust gas temperature measurement means and exhaust gas temperature raising means. The exhaust gas temperature raising means is activated when the amount of PM accumulation calculated by the calculation means is higher than a preset default and at the same time when the exhaust gas temperature measured by the exhaust temperature measurement means is lower than a lower limit of a temperature region in which the DPF can be regenerated. |
US08122704B2 |
Motor system for diminution of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
A motor system is described that sequesters ambient carbon dioxide to a removable carbonate salt by reacting ambient carbon dioxide with an alkali metal hydroxide. The carbon dioxide is aspirated by a turbo-generator that receives exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The turbo-generator produces electricity to form the hydroxide in situ from the electrolysis of water in a salt solution. |
US08122703B2 |
Coaxial ignition assembly
A bi-propellant injector includes first and second injector elements and a spark exciter assembly. The first injector element has a conductive layer electrically connected to the spark exciter assembly and a nonconductive layer disposed on an exterior portion of the conductive layer. The second injector element comprises a conductive material and has an opening therethrough in fluid communication with a combustion chamber. An end of the first injector element is positioned at or near the opening in the second injector element. The spark exciter assembly can generate an electrical arc between the conductive layer of the first injector element and the second injector element. |
US08122701B2 |
Electrostatic colloid thruster
An electrostatic colloid thruster for implementing a method of ionizing a liquid is disclosed herein. The electrostatic colloid thruster includes an electrically conductive extractor having a plurality of holes defined therethrough; an ultrasonic atomizer having an electrically conductive atomization surface at least partially facing the extractor and being arranged relative thereto so as to define a gap; a reservoir system in fluid communication with the atomization surface; and an electrical power source in electrical communication with both the extractor and the atomization surface. The apparatus and method are generally utile in various applications including, for example, spacecraft propulsion, paint spray techniques, semiconductor fabrication, biomedical processes, and the like. |
US08122699B2 |
Ecology valve fuel return system operable in fluid isolation during gas turbine engine shut-down
An ecology valve (EV) fuel return system includes a housing assembly, an ecology valve, and a fuel routing assembly. The ecology valve includes an EV piston slidably disposed within the housing assembly for movement between a fuel storage position and a fuel return position, a fuel storage chamber defined by the EV piston and the housing assembly, and an EV control chamber defined by the EV piston and the housing assembly. The fuel routing assembly, which is fluidly coupled to the EV control chamber and to the fuel storage chamber, is configured to route fuel: (i) from the fuel storage chamber to a fuel supply system when a gas turbine engine (GTE) is in a start-up mode, and (ii) from the first fuel manifold and from the EV control chamber to the fuel storage chamber when the GTE is in a shut-down mode. |
US08122697B1 |
Leaf cutting apparatus
An apparatus includes a cover defining an interior chamber, a cutting box, the cover being mounted on the cutting box. A blade reel assembly is disposed within the cutting box, the blade reel assembly including at least one blade, and being configured to rotate about an axle. A cutting bar is disposed adjacent to a circumference defined by the at least one blade. A mesh screen is disposed beneath the blade reel assembly, proximate to the circumference. |
US08122693B1 |
Layered, adhesive construction for tooling components of a packaging machine
A forming tool usable with a packaging machine utilizes adhesive bonds rather than weld joints or fasteners to interconnect structural components of the forming tool. Using adhesive rather than weld joints and mechanical fasteners provides smooth interfaces thereby reducing the collection of bacteria, germs and cleaning residue on the surfaces of the forming tool, which is particularly advantageous for forming tools used with packing machines used in sanitary environments, such as for food or pharmaceutical packaging. |
US08122692B2 |
Empty bag supply method and empty bag supply apparatus
An empty bag supply method and apparatus first lifting up with a first suction member an empty bag of which bag bottom being in contact with and positioned by a first positioning stopper. The lifted bag is then held by chucks and transported upwards so that the empty bag is vertical with the bag bottom facing upward, and then a second suction member suctions the empty bag near the bag mouth and transports it onto a conveyor with the bag mouth facing forward, so that the bag mouth of the bag is stopped and positioned by a second positioning stopper. The empty bag is then lifted up by a third suction member, held by a chuck and transported upward so that the attitude of the bag is changed to vertical with the bag mouth facing upward, and then the bag is transferred to a gripper of a packaging apparatus. |
US08122691B2 |
Floral easel
An erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object is disclosed. Methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel are also disclosed. |
US08122687B2 |
Method of making flexible packages having slide closures
Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. Various types of fastener tracks are applied in-line with a plastic web and are bonded thereto. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Flexible packages are provided with shrouded and unshrouded slide fastener closures. |
US08122681B2 |
Self supportive panel system
A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel. |
US08122680B2 |
Concrete conduit members
An end connector for use in forming a conduit in a poured concrete member is provided. The end connector is adapted to be secured to a wall of a concrete member pouring form, the end connector having a surface feature to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal upon receiving an end of a tube that extends between opposite walls of the pouring form to form a conduit in the poured structural member. The end connector has a geometry capable of nesting with at least one other end connector to minimize a container size required to transport the end connectors. |
US08122679B2 |
Non-combustible reinforced cementitious lightweight panels and metal frame system for a fire wall and other fire resistive assemblies
A fire resistive assembly including metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, HAMBRO or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The assembly is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres. |
US08122674B2 |
Grating system forvehicular and pedestrian traffic
A grating system typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, longitudinal filler bars seated on the crossbars between the deep bars and axial joining bars which join the deep bars and filler bars to one another. The crossbars are inserted lengthwise through slots formed in the deep bars. The joining bars are inserted lengthwise into holes formed in the deep bars and filler bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the crossbars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are substantially flush with one another to form most of the upper surface of the grating system on which vehicular and pedestrian traffic typically travel. |
US08122673B2 |
Portable safety skylight replacement assembly
A portable skylight replacement safety assembly that includes a first and second support frames releasably connected to each other and having a plurality of support handles and support members which extend substantially perpendicularly from the first support frame for supporting the first support frame on and/or over the skylight on a working surface at a predetermined distance. |
US08122671B2 |
Steel-frame building and method of making
An improved building structure and method for making steel frame buildings includes a beam-to-column or beams-to-column joint or connection which is most preferably shop fabricated (as opposed to on-site fabrication) and which offers a considerable savings in both steel requirements (i.e., material savings) and labor to make the joint connection. Also, because material utilization is improved in the connection, the new structure is more resistant to damage by seismic events (i.e., earthquake), by severe weather, and to damage from blast effects (i.e., terrorist attack or accident), than was the prior technology. The improved building structure also mitigates against progressive collapse of the building. |
US08122669B2 |
Wooden roof truss
A roof truss is provided comprising a bottom chord, a first top chord, and a second top chord forming a triangle with an apex at a distance A above the bottom chord. At least a web member is disposed between the top chords and the bottom chord such that, in a first state of operation, the at least a web member is capable of transmitting at least one of a tension force and a compression force between the top chords and the bottom chord. The roof truss further comprises at least an expandable interface for expandable interfacing at least one of the at least a web member with one of the chords for enabling, in a second state of operation, expansion of the distance A to an extent that uplift of the bottom chord is substantially reduced. |
US08122668B2 |
Brick assembly
A brick assembly includes multiple bricks and each brick has at least one rib and at least one slot respectively on two sides thereof so as to be connected side-by-side. Each brick includes multiple passages defined through the top surface and the bottom surface thereof and multiple first recesses are defined in the top surface and multiple second recesses are defined in the bottom surface of the brick. Each of the first and second recesses communicates with two passages. A U-shaped reinforcement bar extends through the two passages and the connection portion connected between two ends of the two legs is engaged with the second recess and a plate is engaged with the first recess. The two legs extend through the plate and are securely connected with two nuts. |
US08122665B2 |
Break-away multi-purpose flooring transition
The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding. |
US08122664B2 |
Insulating and waterproofing membrane
An insulating and waterproofing membrane for over-lying attachment to a foam insulation layer of material fixed to a roof or other structure, the membrane including a first layer of a flexible foam material for over-lying attachment to the foam insulation layer, a second layer of a fabric fixed to and over-lying the first layer, and a third layer comprising a waterproof outer skin affixed to and over-lying the second layer. |
US08122662B2 |
Low-cost, energy-efficient building panel assemblies comprised of load and non-load bearing substituent panels
This invention relates to building materials and methods. A building assembly for constructing a building includes load bearing structural panels joined and finished with a non-load bearing panels. The load bearing panels comprise a structural concrete insulating panel (SCIP) comprising a pair of wire mesh members sandwiching a middle member comprising polystyrene, wherein each of said wire mesh members defines two outwardly projecting screed ridges. The non-load bearing panels comprise a pair of fiber cement boards sandwiching a polystyrene core. The load bearing SCIP panel is placed in position and then the non-load bearing panel is positioned in a desirous location abutting the SCIP. The SCIP then receives a layer of cementitious material that is cut flat using the screed ridges. The assembled SCIP and non-load bearing composite is then finished with a final finishing layer so that the entire assembly has the same outer appearance. |
US08122658B2 |
Reversible baseboard for covering a flooring border
The baseboard has a side with a first contour and an opposite side with a second contour. In order to be able to mount the baseboard in either of two 180°-rotated positions, the baseboard has a longitudinally extending axis of symmetry. The first contour in a first edge region, rotated through 180° about the axis of symmetry, corresponds to the second contour in a second edge region. Moreover, the second contour in the first edge region, rotated through 180° about the axis of symmetry, corresponds to the first contour in the second edge region. |
US08122650B2 |
Concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like
A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track. |
US08122647B2 |
Power transmission tower
Disclosed is a power transmission tower, which includes a tower body; first through sixth main insulation arms connected by one end thereof to the tower body with an angle with the tower body, respectively, and arranged radially and symmetrically about the tower body in a longitudinal direction; and first through eighth auxiliary insulation arms for selectively connecting the other end of the first through sixth main insulation arms and the tower body so that each of the auxiliary insulation arms constitutes each side of an octagon.Since the insulation arms are octagonally arranged, it is possible to reinforce a mechanical strength and enhance electric properties of the tower. |
US08122642B1 |
Horticultural growth medium
A horticultural growing medium is made up of composted bark, a carbon-based fibrous material, a hydrophilic polymer, sea solid, and beneficial bacteria/fungicide. The materials are formed into a solid substrate having structural stability, with both micro and macro interconnecting pores. The addition of a controlled release fertilizer provides for a perfect combination of nutrients, water retention, and pest and fungus control. |
US08122641B2 |
Watering device for plant irrigation
A plant watering device comprises a pair of water absorbent shells made from natural coconut husks. Cotton pads are placed between the shells for further water storage and slow persistent release. An amount of plant nutrient and water filtering carbon material is placed within the cotton pads for disbursement to the root system of a plant. The husks and cotton pads are stacked and wrapped in a mesh material. The device is buried in a planter in close proximity to a root system of a plant. |
US08122640B2 |
Vase with rotatable inner container
A vase in one embodiment includes an outer shell comprising open top and bottom ends and at least one opening on the surface; a base comprising a projecting member on the top with the bottom end of the outer shell being securely put thereon, an annular flange on the top of the projecting member, and an annular bearing releasably fastened in the flange; and an inner container disposed in the outer shell and comprising an upper member projecting out of the top end of the outer shell, a central shaft projecting downward from the underside to be rotatably disposed in the bearing, and at least one pattern on the outer surface. The inner container is adapted to rotate about the outer shell by rotating the upper member. |
US08122637B2 |
Ecosystem and apparatus to increase crop yield by treating agricultural land with algal by-products
A method to improve the yield of an acre of a crop having a growing season of less than one year. The method includes the steps of providing an irrigation system for the crop, providing an ecosystem producing algal by-products, and applying the algal by-crop to the crop with irrigation water. |
US08122623B1 |
Anchor
An anchor for a wear assembly on an excavating bucket is disclosed. The excavator bucket lip has a base having a nose, and the wear assembly includes a wear member having a cavity in which the nose can be received, and an aperture extending between an outside surface of the wear member and the cavity, an internally toothed ring being located within the aperture; and a lock for releasably holding the wear member to the base. The lock includes an operable member and an externally toothed resilient ring, the resilient ring having a central aperture for engagement with the operable member. The operable member and resilient ring are jointly rotatable relative to the cavity and the internally toothed ring between a plurality of rotationally spaced locking positions where the lock secures the wear member to the base with varying tightness, and a release position rotationally spaced from the locking positions. The teeth of the internally toothed ring and the teeth of the resilient ring engage each other in each of the locking positions to reduce the loosening of the lock during use. |
US08122619B2 |
Snow removal device
A snow removal device includes a power source or is connectable to a power source for powering a drive motor that is connected to a snow removal mechanism. The overall size and construction is designed to be lightweight and portable. In this way, considering the smaller size of the snow removal mechanism and its maneuverability, it is suitable to assist in removing snow from around the tires of a vehicle that is stuck in the snow, as one example of a suitable use. |
US08122617B1 |
Boot with heel spikes and method of use thereof
A shoe with retractable metal spikes on a heel area is herein disclosed. A bottom portion of a shoe heel comprises a plurality of metal spikes that retract in and out via a cam plate, driven by a cam lever and activated by a control dial located on the outside face of the heel. When the metal spikes are extended, they can be used to walk safely on snow and/or ice, and can also be used in wintertime sporting events. The metal spikes can be retracted by simply turning the dial and allowing them to retract flush or slightly below the surface of the shoe sole. The invention is viewed as being particularly useful for those in construction, public service, law enforcement or any profession in which walking outside in winter conditions and walking inside on finished floors is a regular and repeating part of their work day. |
US08122612B2 |
System for indicating the engagement depth of threadably engaged surfaces
A system for indicating a depth of engagement of two threadably engaged surfaces of a support pedestal. The system includes at least a first thread protuberance disposed on a first threaded surface of the support pedestal and at least a second thread protuberance disposed on a second threaded surface of the support pedestal. The first thread protuberance impinges against the second thread protuberance when the first and second threaded surfaces are threadably engaged and rotated to provide sensory indication of a depth of engagement of the first and second threaded surfaces. |
US08122611B1 |
Jig device
A jig device for accurately measuring an opening when installing shelving, windowsills, molding, and similar construction material is provided. The jig device comprises a first elongated bar and a second elongated bar. First incremental measurements are marked on the first elongated bar with the first incremental markings reading right to left. Second incremental measurements are marked on the second elongated bar with the second incremental markings reading left to right. A first fastening mechanism slidably connects the first elongated bar to the second elongated bar and is tightenable to inhibit movement between the first elongated bar and the second elongated bar. A first angle paddle and a second angle paddle are provided. A second fastening mechanism slidably and rotatably connects the first angle paddle to the first elongated bar and is tightenable to inhibit movement between the first angle paddle and the first elongated bar and a third fastening mechanism slidably and rotatably connects the second angle paddle to the second elongated bar and is tightenable to inhibit movement between the second angle paddle and the second elongated bar. Upon positioning the jig device within an opening with the second sides of the angle paddles rotated and moved along the second and third fastening means and positioned on the outside of the opening, the alignment of a common number on the first incremental measurements and the second incremental measurements indicates a center point for the opening. |
US08122610B2 |
Systems and methods for improved coordination acquisition member comprising calibration information
Apparatus, systems and methods for an improved probe for a coordinate measurement machine (PCMM) is disclosed herein. The probe comprises a machine readable unique serial number, which the PCMM can read from the probe to identify the probe and obtain information relating to calibration of the probe by matching the unique serial number with unique serial number stored with the information relating calibration. The coordinate information device further comprises modules configured to store and provide the machine readable unique serial number, and also information relating to calibrating the probe. |
US08122607B2 |
Electric shears
An electric shears includes a trigger operable to be pulled, a motor which rotates in accordance with a pulling operation of the trigger, a screw shaft which rotates interlockingly with the motor, a nut which is screwed onto the screw shaft and is slidable with respect to the screw shaft in accordance with a rotation of the screw shaft, a fixed blade, a movable blade which is coupled to the nut and is movable with respect to the fixed blade, a detector which detects a pulled position of the trigger, and a controller which controls a rotation of the motor based on the pulled position of the trigger detected by the detector. |
US08122606B2 |
Cartridge life indicator
A powered wet razor has a handle and a cartridge selectively detachable from the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade with a sharp cutting edge and is characterized by an expected shaving utility. An electrical arrangement that detects and tracks utility of the razor and determines a remaining shaving utility based on the expected utility and the tracked utility. The razor includes an indicator for providing a remaining shaving utility signal to a user. |
US08122604B2 |
Method for fastening an accessory to a plastic fuel tank
Method for fastening an accessory (2) at at least two points of a wall of a plastic fuel tank, this fastening taking place during the actual manufacture of the tank by molding. According to this method, the accessory (2) is provided, at least at one of its fastening points, with a fastening part (1, 1′) in such a way that the accessory (2) is fastened to the wall of the tank and can move relative to the corresponding fastening point on the wall of the tank (3). |
US08122603B2 |
Method of forming a catalyzed selective catalytic reduction (SCR) filter
Provided is an emission treatment system and method for simultaneously remediating the nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The emission treatment system has an oxidation catalyst upstream of a soot filter coated with a material effective in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx by a reductant, e.g., ammonia. Also provided is a method for disposing an SCR catalyst composition on a wall flow monolith that provides adequate catalyst loading, but does not result in unsuitable back pressures in the exhaust. |
US08122602B2 |
Sizing of mat material
The present invention relates to a spinning apparatus for forming a workpiece. The spinning apparatus includes at least one spinner capable of deforming the workpiece. The apparatus allows for the forming of the workpiece in four different axes. The spinning apparatus includes an arrangement allowing for the vertical arrangement of the workpiece while the spinner is working on the workpiece. The spinning apparatus includes a clamp for holding the workpiece vertically. The spinner is positioned vertically below the clamp and the workpiece. |
US08122598B2 |
Multilayer printed wiring board and component mounting method thereof
A component mounting method of a multilayer printed wiring board includes a plurality of solder bumps to mount electronic components formed on both of or either of the front and back thereof, wherein when the solder bumps are formed of any of first, second, third and fourth solders, the first, second, third and fourth solders have different melting points and the melting points of the first, second, third and fourth solders are arranged as the melting point of the first solder, the melting point of the second solder, the melting point of the third solder and the melting point of the fourth solder in order of high melting point and the first, second, third and fourth solders are sequentially used to solder electronic components and the like in order of high melting point. Further, in that case, it is preferable that the solder bump having large volume should be soldered earlier than other solder bumps. This multilayer printed wiring board is easy to mount components, excellent in work efficiency or easy in reworkable process and a mounting method of such multilayer printed wiring board is also provided. |
US08122595B2 |
Electronic parts mounting device
A paste supply unit that is located in a side opposed to an electronic parts supply table 6 with a mounting table 8 sandwiched between them to supply a paste to a board 24 includes a transfer head 5 that transfers the paste to the board 24 and an dispense head 4 that draws an image by discharging the paste to the board 24, and either the transfer head 5 or the dispense head 4 is selected to supply the paste depending on the kind of an electronic parts. |
US08122594B2 |
Method of manufacturing a deflectable electrophysiological catheter
A method of manufacturing a deflectable electrophysiological catheter includes constructing a shaft having a distal end and at least one lumen. The method further includes inserting a component into the lumen, and processing at least a portion of the distal end to reduce the cross-sectional profile of the lumen to capture/confine the component. A catheter manufactured using this method includes a shaft having at least one lumen. The lumen comprises a longitudinally-extending trough defined by a longitudinally-extending recess, within which a component is disposed, and a longitudinally extending open edge. The lumen further comprises a longitudinally-extending channel defined by a longitudinally-extending cavity and by the open edge of the trough. A planarity wire is disposed within the cavity and is configured to close the open edge of the trough to within a pre-defined tolerance that is less than the size of the component to retain the component in the recess. |
US08122593B2 |
Weaving machine for coil assembly of rotary electric machine
A weaving machine for an rotary electric machine coil assembly is disclosed including a rotating and driving section having timing belts causing rotary pulleys to rotate about their axes under the same attitudes while causing the rotary pulleys to rotate about an axis of a stationary pulley, movable members placed on the rotary pulleys to be movable in X- and Y-directions, coil feed magazines inclined such that coil wire segments have one ends slidably supported on the movable members and axes of the coil wire segments cross on a rotating axis of the rotary table, an orbit specifying member for specifying an orbit, in which the coil feed magazines are caused to rotate, in a rectangular shape, a rotating and driving member for permitting the coil feed magazines to perform synchronized rotating movements, and a coil transfer device operative to grip the coil wire segment for transfer. |
US08122591B2 |
Manufacturing method for a heating resistor element component
In order to provide a manufacturing method for a heating resistor element component, with which an insulating film (undercoat) can be easily handled, damage caused in the insulating film can be reduced, and a high yield can be ensured, the manufacturing method comprises the steps of: processing, on a surface of a supporting substrate (2), a plurality of concave portions (8) each forming a hollow portion (7) at intervals; processing, on the surface of the supporting substrate (2), a concave part (10) for each region straddling the plurality of concave portions (8) in an arrangement direction of the concave portions (8); placing an insulating film (3) made of sheet glass in each concave part (10); and bonding the insulating film (3) to the supporting substrate (2). |
US08122590B2 |
Manufacturing methods for a triple layer winding pattern
A method of manufacturing a triple-winding layer arrangement for a three-phase, four pole motor is provided. |
US08122585B2 |
Spanner plate
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector tool spanner plate. The electrical connector tool spanner plate includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes an aperture and a first opening. The aperture extends along a majority of a length of the first section. The spanner plate is configured to surround an electrical connector tool cam mechanism at the aperture. The second section includes a second opening. The second section extends from the first section in a general cantilevered fashion. The second opening is proximate a free end of the second section. The aperture is between the first opening and the second opening. |
US08122582B2 |
Surgical tools facilitating increased accuracy, speed and simplicity in performing joint arthroplasty
Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. |
US08122580B2 |
Methods for manufacturing an axle
A method for manufacturing an axle is provided. The method includes heating a billet at a heating station to a predetermined temperature, forging the heated billet at a forging station to form an axle, and machining the axle at a machining station to form a machined axle. A product is automatically transported to and from each station using a product transport system, wherein the product includes the billet, the axle and the machined axle. |
US08122578B2 |
Method and apparatus of integrating work
An apparatus 30 for coupling a first member 15 and a second member 17 by a clip and a screw is constituted by member moving means 131L, 131R for moving the second member 17 relative to the first member 15, reaction force detecting means 132L, 132R provided to the member moving means 131L, 131R for detecting a press reaction force generated when the second member 17 is matched to the first member 15, clip fitting determining means 135L, 135R for determining whether the clip is correctly fitted to a clip hole by reading the reaction force detected by the reaction force detecting means 132L, 132R, and screw fastening means 149 for fastening the screw when acceptable information is provided by the clip fitting determining means 135L, 135R. |
US08122567B2 |
Floor mat clip assembly
A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet. |
US08122564B2 |
Tube coupler
A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device within the base portion. A tube is provided that is formed by a first manufacturing operation, such as a blow molding process. The tube extends a relatively large distance away from the housing and air flows through the tube along a relatively large distance. A coupler is also included for coupling the tube to the housing. The coupler is separately formed by a second, different manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding process. The coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features configured to engage a plurality of receiver features located on the tube to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube. The housing can also include at least one male component and the coupler can include at least one complementary female component for securing the coupler to the housing. |
US08122562B2 |
Surface cleaning implement with independent suction nozzle and agitator
An surface cleaning implement comprises a recovery tank and a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank, a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. A fluid dispensing assembly is disclosed for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. An agitator assembly can be moved from a use to a non-use orientation to alternately scrub the surface to the cleaned and to extract fluid from the surface to be cleaned. |
US08122560B2 |
Windshield wiper bridge base assembly
A bridge base is utilized on a wiper blade support for mounting a housing through which a wiper arm is installed. The assembly of the bridge base and wiper blade support becomes a standard assembly that matches a plurality of housings of any (automobile) brands so as to achieve cost effectiveness and maximize selections of the wiper blade supports and the housings. |
US08122559B2 |
Wiper system for vehicle
A wiper motor has an output shaft, which is reciprocally pivoted forward and backward upon energization of the wiper motor and outputs a drive force for driving first and second wiper arms. A crank arm is integrally pivotably fixed to the output shaft. First and second connecting rods are pivotably connected to first and second connecting points, respectively, of the crank arm. A first lever arrangement is connected between the first connecting rod and the first wiper arm to reciprocally pivot the first wiper arm upon reciprocal movement of the first connecting rod. A second lever arrangement is connected between the second connecting rod and the second wiper arm to reciprocally pivot the second wiper arm upon reciprocal movement of the second connecting rod. |
US08122556B2 |
Cleaning device
A cleaning device is used to remove an alien substance adhering to a surface of an optical member arranged in front of a solid image sensing device inside a lens replaceable digital single-lens reflex camera. The cleaning device includes a supporting member that is supported by a user, and an elastic member having an adhesive surface 12 and being formed in a substantially square shape larger than equally divided four parts of a 135 format of a camera and smaller than an APS-C format of the camera. |
US08122555B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning floor
An apparatus for cleaning floor is disclosed, which is capable of maximizing a user's convenience by an automatic operation, minimizing jolt or vibration generated for its operation, and realizing enhanced endurance and safety, wherein the apparatus includes first and second movable members rectilinearly reciprocating along the same straight line in opposite directions with each other. |
US08122552B2 |
Counterbalance mechanism for fold out ramp
A ramp assembly has a ramp portion configured for reciprocating movement between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position, and a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a compression spring and an engagement fitting associated with a first end of the spring. A first bearing element is operably coupled to the ramp portion so that movement of the ramp portion from the neutral position toward the stowed position engages the first bearing element with the engagement fitting to move the first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring. A second bearing element is operably coupled to the ramp portions of that movement of the ramp portion from the neutral position toward the deployed position engages the second bearing element with the engagement fitting to move the first end of the spring toward the second end of the spring. |
US08122547B2 |
Washing machine and method for controlling the same
A washing machine includes a main body defining an outer appearance, a tub supported in the main body, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a steam generating unit supplying steam into the drum, and a circulation pump returning washing water exhausted from a first side of the tub to a second side of the tub. |
US08122546B2 |
Adjustable width mattress with relief portions
A mattress assembly includes an inner core assembly 48 including a core portion 49 having a head end and a foot end defining a core longitudinal length; a left width adjustment portion 56 comprising a plurality of left width adjustment bladders 60, the left width adjustment portion extending laterally away from a left side of the core portion; a right width adjustment portion 58 comprising a plurality of right width adjustment bladders 62, the right width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the right side of the core portion; the left and right width adjustment portions each having a head end substantially longitudinally aligned with the head end of the core portion and extending footwardly a longitudinal distance less than the core longitudinal length thereby defining left and right relief portions 66, 68. |
US08122545B2 |
Inflatable cushioning device with manifold system
A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient. |
US08122544B1 |
Baby feeding system
A base has upper and lower surfaces. The base has front and back edges. First and second side walls extend from the base. A center wall extends from the base spaced equally between the side walls. The side walls and the center wall have concave upper edges. The upper edges are adjacent to the back edge being at an elevation greater than at the front edge. The center wall divides the system into first and second reclining surfaces. The upper edges of the side and center walls are at an elevation above the upper edges of the reclining surfaces. Similarly configured first and second leg dividers extend vertically from the base adjacent to the front wall. The first and second leg dividers are in the first and second reclining surface. |
US08122539B1 |
Climate control and entertainment enclosure
An apparatus for climate control and entertainment, as well as a system for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort are disclosed. The apparatus affords the ability to control ambient conditions while at the same offering enhanced entertainment options. |
US08122535B2 |
Wheel systems for a hospital bed
A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel. |
US08122531B2 |
Shower curtain assembly
A shower curtain assembly is designed to provide users with an apparatus that provides much wide shower space for consumers than traditional one, prevents the curtain from moving inward, eliminate water spilling onto the floor, and even allows the user to sit on a top periphery of a bathtub near the curtain when the shower is in use. It is simply comprised of a shower curtain support rod that bows outward from a shower enclosure along its length, a shower curtain, hooks, and means that secures the shower curtain to achieve the abovementioned goal. The means includes main weights attached to the lower portion of the curtain, wires connected to the lower portion of the curtain and holders fixed to the bottom edges of the sidewalls of the shower enclosure, and wires with magnets attached. Only one of them needs to be chosen for the shower enclosure for the aforementioned functions. |
US08122530B1 |
Rotatably positionable hand rail
An adjustable hand rail has a wall-mountable base member and a bar member which mounts to the wall-mountable base member, an axis is defined by the bar member. The bar member is manually rotatable with respect to the wall-mountable base member. The bar member has means for being selectively locked into any one of a plurality of different axial positions with respect to the wall-mountable base member, including a vertical axial position, a horizontal axial position, and various intermediate axial positions between the vertical axial position and the horizontal axial position. |
US08122527B2 |
Shower chair dignity mat
A waste collection device suspended below a shower chair for collecting human defecation and other bodily waste before such waste contacts a shower room floor. Due to its function, the mat further provides greater confidence and less anxiety in physically challenged and infirm individuals. The present invention is suspended by a plurality of adjustable support straps which may attach to support structures of any conventional shower chair. Support straps may include upper straps and lower straps that may be used either separately or in combination. A disposable flat collecting material may be held in place atop the upper surface of the mat by holding straps attached along opposing edges of the mat. The present invention serves to eliminate the spread of infection by preventing the shower room floor from becoming contaminated with feces and/or other bodily waste. |
US08122526B2 |
Adjustable universal flapper
A toilet flush flapper valve includes a flapper and a ballast with a vent hole for enabling air to escape from the ballast, the ballast is rotatably fixed to the flapper for enabling positioning of the vent hole for controlling buoyancy of the ballast in order to control closing time of said flapper. |
US08122523B2 |
Toilet seat hinge
A toilet hinge includes a hinge body adapted for pivotally coupling with the toilet seat, a hinge base, which is adapted for attaching on the toilet bowl of the toilet, detachably coupled with the hinge body for detachably coupling the toilet seat on the toilet bowl; and a locking arrangement which includes a retention lock operatively moving between a locking status that locks up the hinge body with the hinge base and a releasing status that unlock the hinge body the said hinge base, and a self-lock retaining the retention lock at the releasing status. The user is able to easily remove the toilet seat by unlocking the retention lock such that the retention lock is remained at the releasing status by the self-lock. Therefore, the toilet seat is adapted to be removed from the toilet bowl by detaching the hinge body from the hinge base. |
US08122522B2 |
Toliet dosing dispenser
The invention relates to metering dispensers for release of a product into a WC bowl of a toilet, comprising a fixing region which is constructed in order to fix the metering dispenser in the region of the toilet, in particular under a WC lid, and a storage container for accommodating the product. Such metering dispensers have the problem that the product can be metered only inaccurately and not very variably. This problem is solved according to the invention in that the storage container is constructed for accommodation of pre-portioned products and a delivery device which is constructed in order to deliver at least one pre-portioned product from the storage container into the WC bowl is provided. |
US08127361B2 |
Hierarchical scheme for secure multimedia distribution
Various quality versions of an electronic content are defined, and one or more distortion algorithms (22, 32) that are executable to generate a lower quality version of the electronic content by a distortion of the highest quality version (21, 31) are defined. Each quality version is selectively assigned a content key (CK) whereby an electronic content player (34, 70) will have the appropriate information when decrypting, decoding, and/or distorting the highest quality version (21, 31) of the electronic content. |
US08127356B2 |
System, method and program product for detecting unknown computer attacks
A computer system and program product for automatically determining if a packet is a new, exploit candidate. First program instructions determine if the packet is a known exploit or portion thereof. Second program instructions determine if the packet is network broadcast traffic presumed to be harmless. Third program instructions determine if the packet is network administration traffic. If the packet is a known exploit or portion thereof, network broadcast traffic, or network administration traffic, the packet is not considered a new, exploit candidate. If the packet is not a known exploit or portion thereof, network broadcast traffic, or network administration traffic, the packet is an exploit candidate. Alternately, the first program instructions determine if the packet is a known exploit or portion thereof. The second program instructions determine if the packet is network broadcast traffic presumed to be harmless. Third program instructions determine if the packet is another type presumed or known from experience to be harmless. If the packet is a known exploit or portion thereof, network broadcast traffic, or the other type, the packet is not considered a new, exploit candidate. If the packet is not a known exploit or portion thereof, network broadcast traffic, or the other type, the packet is an exploit candidate. |
US08127352B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An information processing system which includes a compound content generation apparatus and a compound content consumption apparatus and processes a plurality of protected contents, the compound content generation apparatus comprising a compound content generation unit configured to generate a compound content from a plurality of protected contents, and the compound content consumption apparatus comprising a composite policy generation unit configured to generate a composite policy by obtaining an intersection of condition values of policies set for the respective protected contents contained in the compound content, and a compound content consumption unit configured to consume the compound content in accordance with the composite policy. |
US08127351B2 |
Program execution control apparatus and program execution control method
A program execution control apparatus and a program execution method are provided by which even when a program is rewritten into an illegal program after the first-mentioned program is checked, execution of the rewritten illegal program can be avoided, and also, which can readily confirm that which program has been rewritten in an illegal manner at which time instant.The program execution control apparatus of the present invention is equipped with: a flash memory 101 for storing thereinto a program; a condition detection unit 103 for detecting a check time instant for checking as to whether or not the program is illegal; an illegality check unit 104 for checking as to whether or not the illegal program is present at the check time instant; an execution control unit 105 for controlling as to whether or not the program is executed in response to the check result; and a CPU 102 for executing the program in response to a result of the execution control unit 105. |
US08127350B2 |
Multi-service VPN network client for mobile device
An integrated, multi-service network client for cellular mobile devices is described. The multi-service network client can be deployed as a single software package on cellular mobile network devices to provide integrated services including secure enterprise virtual private network (VPN) connectivity, acceleration, security management including monitored and enforced endpoint compliance, and collaboration services. Once installed on the cellular mobile device, the multi-service client integrates with an operating system of the device to provide a single entry point for user authentication for secure enterprise connectivity, endpoint security services including endpoint compliance with respect to anti-virus and spyware software, and comprehensive integrity checks. That is, the multi-service client provides a common user interface to the integrated services, and provides a VPN handler that interfaces with the operating system to provide an entry point for network traffic to which the integrated services can be seamlessly applied. |
US08127349B2 |
Point-to-multi-point/non-broadcasting multi-access VPN tunnels
A system establishes a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel to a destination and determines a next hop for the VPN tunnel. The system inserts the next hop, and an address associated with the destination, into an entry of a first table. The system inserts the next hop, and a tunnel identifier corresponding to the established VPN tunnel, into an entry of a second table. The system associates one or more security parameters, used to encrypt traffic sent via the VPN tunnel, with the tunnel identifier. |
US08127348B2 |
Method and arrangement for providing security through network address translations using tunneling and compensations
This invention provides a method for providing network security services, such as those provided by the IPSEC protocol, through network address translation (NAT). The method is based on determining the transformations that occur on a packet and compensating for the transformations. Because only TCP and UDP protocols work through NATs, the IPSEC AH/ESP packets are encapsulated into UDP packets for transport. Special operations are performed to allow reliable communications in such environments. |
US08127340B2 |
Communication apparatus
An authentication unit performs an authentication processing to obtain a permission for a physical interface including a driver to establish a connection to a network to perform a data transfer. A detecting unit detects authentication state information indicating a state of the authentication processing. Upon receiving the authentication state information from the detecting unit, a transmission control unit controls a transmission of data received from a module for performing a communication based on a protocol of an upper-level layer with respect to a data link layer to an external device based on the state of the authentication processing. |
US08127338B2 |
System and program product for automatically managing information privacy
A system for automatically managing information privacy includes an input system for receiving a request that includes a call for information in a bean and a purpose for the call, which indicates a manner an information requestor intends to use the information, wherein the call is to a method within the bean referencing at least one privacy control rule, which governs access and/or use of the information, that is packaged with the bean, the privacy control rule being additional to the information and methods of the bean and being packaged as an element of a deployment descriptor; and a privacy control system for automatically determining whether the request should be granted by comparing the purpose to the at least one privacy control rule to determine whether the purpose is valid, wherein the request is granted if the purpose complies with the at least one privacy control rule. |
US08127334B2 |
Audio/video and data signal redistribution system
A system for redistributing a multiple input audio/video and data signals having a redistributing device equipped to receive signals in a multiple formats and redistribute a selected signal to a user's premises over conductors, preferably existing twisted-pair telephone wire. The redistributing device is in interactive communication with a communications interface located in the user's premises which receives user-input control signals and contains switching circuitry which routes the selected signal to the user's premises where it is received by the receiving unit such as a television receiver. A single redistributing device services an entire multi-user network from a common distribution point, and services multiple users independently. The system of the invention does not interfere with normal use of the telephone network, so users can interactively access services provided by the system and use the telephone at the same time. In one preferred embodiment the system of the invention dynamically allocates frequencies and modulation techniques to various output signals, to maximize spectral efficiency and minimize interference and cross-talk. |
US08127329B1 |
Systems and methods for providing a scan
Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode. |
US08127326B2 |
Proximity detection using wireless connectivity in a communications system
The present invention is directed towards a primary device that detects the proximity of additional remote devices, which are intended to be within the same local network. The primary device communicates with the remote devices using wireless communication. In the event that the remote devices are outside of a predetermined range, the remote devices are disabled. |
US08127324B2 |
Audiovisual reproduction system
Audiovisual reproduction system comprising a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and a telecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlled by a host server, through a multitask operating system created around a tools and services library, characterized in that the operating system comprises a function that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in the various areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproduction system are used, this function being accessible through a management mode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining the ratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in one area is modified. |
US08127322B2 |
Optical disc drive with main shaft having end portion of particular configuration
For the purpose of suppressing an increase of temperature of a laser element, in an optical disc drive, even in case when recording/reproducing at such a low double speed that almost no expectation can be made upon the effect of the convection cooling due to circulating flow of an air, which is generated by rotation of a disc, and in particular, the structure for fixing both end portions of a main shaft, which is engaged with a transfer mechanism for moving an optical pickup into the disc radial direction, through the optical pickup, between two (2) pieces of shafts for supporting the optical pickup, one of which forms the main shaft, onto connector portions to be engaged with the both end portions of the main shaft, upon a mechanical chassis, on which is mounted at least a disc rotation mechanism, etc., has structures for enlarging a contacting area defined between the both end portions of the main shaft and the connector portions or pressure plates, each building up the connector portion (for example, a comb-like configuration). |
US08127318B2 |
Disc device
A disc device is disposed to include contact parts which are relatively and respectively disposed in a roller base member and a slider member in such a way that a movement of the roller base member which receives the spring force of a pushing member to move a conveying roller to a disk conveying position causes a backward movement force to be applied to the slider member after engagement between a rack and a driving gear is released and a driving action of a cam part on the conveying roller is released while the slider member retracts to a disc insertion standby position. |
US08127312B2 |
BIOS runtime services interface
A method and article of manufacture for accessing at least one unexposed runtime service. |
US08127311B2 |
Abstract interface for unified communications with dynamic models
The present invention provides a method and system for interfacing with a model regardless of model type. An abstract interface is provided for interfacing a model. The abstract interface is compatible with a plurality of model types. A call can then be made to a dynamic model via a method specified by the abstract interface. Data is then received from the dynamic model in response to the call. In certain embodiments the abstract interface is an application programming interface (API). |
US08127308B1 |
System and method for asynchronous processing in COBOL
The present disclosure provides a method for enabling events in a COBOL program, including maintaining, in a COBOL program, a index including a process identifier and an event associated with a child process. The method includes placing the child process in a wait state and signaling, by the COBOL program, the child process to run using the process identifier and the event associated with the child process. A system for coordinating processing in COBOL programs is also provided. The system includes a first COBOL program having a first routine for processing, a second COBOL program having a second routine for processing, and a module callable by the first and second COBOL programs. The module maintains a state sharable between the first and second COBOL programs to coordinate the processing of the first and second routines. |
US08127307B1 |
Methods and apparatus for storage virtualization system having switch level event processing
Methods and apparatus for a storage virtualization system with distributed event processing. In an exemplary embodiment, a method comprises receiving an event by an intelligent switch in a storage virtualization system in which the intelligent switch is coupled to a control path cluster, identifying a type of the event to determine whether the event can be processed by the intelligent switch, processing the event by the intelligent switch where the event type is of a type that can be processed by the intelligent switch, wherein the intelligent switch continues to run in the absence of the control path cluster without direct communication between data path controllers, and processing the event at a control path cluster if the event type cannot be processed by the intelligent switch. |
US08127296B2 |
Virtual machine migration between processors having VM migration registers controlled by firmware to modify the reporting of common processor feature sets to support the migration
A system and method for performing a VM migration which manages a cluster of machines in a pool for live migration to the same feature set or behavior. In certain embodiments, machines within the pool can be configured to emulate a certain feature set to enable a VM migration amongst the similar pools. The emulation can be by either masking reporting of a feature set or enabling/disabling a feature set. The handling of emulation registers within the hardware occurs at a firmware level rather than an operating system or hypervisor level. |
US08127294B2 |
Disk drive for handling conflicting deadlines and methods thereof
Disclosed is a method for handling conflicting deadlines by a disk drive. The method comprises: receiving a plurality of requests from a plurality of applications for accessing the disk drive; determining a plurality of service times for the plurality of requests; serving a first request of the plurality of request prior to an actual schedule when a deadline for serving the first request and a deadline for serving a subsequent request of the plurality of requests cannot be simultaneously met by the disk drive; and serving the subsequent request after the first request is served by the disk drive. |
US08127290B2 |
Method and system for direct insertion of a virtual machine driver
A method and system for a communication network containing both trusted peers and untrusted hosts within the network. Trusted peers can collaborate with each other to observe and monitor the activity of the untrusted hosts. In addition, a trusted peer instantiated with a virtual machine can have an operating system kernel collaborate with a hypervisor to determine whether threats are present. A trusted peer that needs particular functionality installed can collaborate with other trusted peers and with an administrative console to have that functionality installed. An untrusted host can have a driver directly inserted into it by an administration console, which will facilitate in the collaboration process. |
US08127288B2 |
Installing and updating interpreted programming language applications using a designated virtual machine
A mechanism is provided for executing an interpreted programming language application from a server at a designated virtual machine on a client computer. A manifest file is extracted which indicates at least one resource for the interpreted programming language application as well as the repository file that provides the at least one resource. The repository file is located in a web start cache and copied to a run directory accessible by the designated virtual machine, outside the web start cache. After terminating the web start application, a particular virtual machine is designated from a plurality of virtual machines based upon the run directory to which the bootstrap class copied the resource repository file thereby forming the designated virtual machine. The interpreted programming language application is then executed from the run directory using the at least one resource. |
US08127286B2 |
MSI enhancement to update RDP files
A Terminal Server Administrator is provided with the ability to indirectly update RDP files that have been placed inside an MSI file. The TS Web Access server retrieves the RDP file from the MSI file being published by the Active Directory, contacts the corresponding Terminal Server for any updated settings to the RDP file and icon allowing the remote program to be launched, and then passes the updated RDP file and icon to the client that is to connect to the Terminal Server. In this way RDP files can be dynamically updated without creating a new MSI file. |
US08127275B1 |
System and method for recording the state of variables and objects when running unit tests
A system and method for recording a state of an object in a computer program being tested. The system and method include: identifying an object having a plurality of fields, each field having a value; executing the computer program including a unit test; recording the values of each field of the identified object; generating assertions for the unit test from the recorded values of each field of the identified object; and inserting the generated assertions into the unit test. The computer program including the unit test having the generated assertions may be re-executed to verify the assertions. Furthermore, the unit test having the generated assertions may be modified and the computer program including the modified unit test having the generated assertions re-executed to generate new assertions. |
US08127264B2 |
Methods for designing integrated circuits employing context-sensitive and progressive rules and an apparatus employing one of the methods
Methods of designing an IC and an apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: (1) creating a functional circuit for a functional block of an IC design, (2) verifying said functional circuit satisfies a rule-set for said IC design, wherein said rule-set is context-based with respect to said design flow, (3) synthesizing a logical circuit based on the functional circuit; (4) verifying the logical circuit satisfies the rule set; (5) implementing a physical layout of the logical circuit; and (6) verifying the physical layout satisfies the rule set, wherein each step of the method is carried out by at least one EDA tool. |
US08127258B2 |
Data processing device design tool and methods
A method of designing a data processing device design includes determining thermal profile information to indicate a predicted operating temperature for a device instance in the design. The device instance is associated with a first library cell having a relatively high threshold voltage characteristic. A cost function value is determined for the device instance based on the thermal profile information and based on timing information for data paths associated with the device instance. Based on the cost function value, the library cell associated with the device instance can be changed to a cell having a higher threshold voltage characteristic. |
US08127254B2 |
Unlocking a touch screen device
A method for unlocking a touch screen device includes providing a touch screen device in an idle mode. An area or region displayed on a screen of the device in the idle mode is contacted or activated to reveal at least one application icon associated with an active/unlocked state of the device. The region is moved, expanded or dragged to an edge of the device to change a state of the device to an active/unlocked mode and activate the revealed application. |
US08127253B2 |
Predictive cursor interaction
Various embodiments can add predictability to user interactions with links that they encounter. In addition to adding predictability, various embodiments can enable a user to affect or change the behavior that is associated with a particular link selection. In at least some embodiments, a user is provided with discernible indicia that provide an indication of a behavior associated with selecting a particular link. In at least some embodiments, software executing as part of an end user application makes a determination that a user is about to or is likely to select a particular link. Once the application makes this determination, that application can cause the discernible indicia to be presented to the user. Such indicia provide the user with an indication of the behavior that is to be performed in the event the user selects the particular link of interest. |
US08127251B2 |
Method and apparatus for a user interface with priority data
A system and corresponding method for providing a 3-dimensional (3-D) user interface displays images in a 3-D coordinate system. The method includes receiving user data input information. The method also compares the user data input information to frequently used terms and generates priority information based on the comparison. The generated priority information is displayed as holographic images in a 3-D coordinate system. Sensors are configured to sense user interaction within the 3-D coordinate system, so that a processor may receive user interaction information including the selected priority information from the sensors. The sensors are able to provide information to the processor that enables the processor to correlate user interaction with images in the 3-D coordinate system. The system may be used for interconnecting or communicating between two or more components connected to an interconnection medium (e.g., a bus) within a single computer or digital data processing system. |
US08127250B2 |
Method for displaying menu items in a mobile device
The method for managing menu functions in a mobile station includes the steps of executing menu edition, selecting menu items the user uses frequently in the executed menu edition, to set up a menu, executing the menu, and displaying the menu of the selected menu items at first. The basic menu inclusive of all menu items the mobile station provides is selected as a last menu item of the mode menu displayed at first so that the user can access to menu items other than the menu items of preference. By providing easy mode menu with menu items the user or manufacturer of the mobile station uses frequently in advance, and displaying on a display window at first, the user is permitted a quick and easy access to a desired menu item without going through many steps of menus for using the desired menu item. |
US08127246B2 |
Varying user interface element based on movement
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for presenting a user interface element. Movement of a user interface element that includes first and second pattern layers is detected. While the user interface element is moving, a first pattern layer is translated relative to a second pattern layer. |
US08127235B2 |
Automatic increasing of capacity of a virtual space in a virtual world
A system and method for automatically increasing a capacity of a virtual space in a virtual world. It is determined if an allowable number of avatars are currently in the virtual space, and a capacity of the virtual space is increased when the allowable number of avatars are currently in the virtual space. The capacity of the virtual space may be increased by spawning a replicate new virtual space. The capacity of the virtual space may also be increased by expanding a size of the virtual space. The virtual space may include any type of virtual space such as for example, a store, a business, an arena, a building, a land area, a room, etc. The allowable number of avatars may be a maximum avatar capacity for the virtual space, or may be an ideal avatar capacity for the virtual space. |
US08127234B2 |
Display screen structuring apparatus
A screen program described with a non-object-oriented language is divided into a View performing a screen display and a Model that is an external processing logic of the screen display, and the View is associated with the Model by a binding setting. By associating plural Views with a Model, when the display has the same values in plural screens, the same processing result can be displayed on all screens only by processing the Model. The Model is associated with a schema describing a limitation of the input value from the screen, and a check of whether the input value from the screen is in the correct form or not is performed collectively. |
US08127228B2 |
Managing electronic documents utilizing a digital seal
A method for storing electronic documents can include associating a digital seal with at least one electronic document. An image within a user interface can be displayed, wherein the image is a user selectable representation for the digital seal. At least one metadata attribute can be stored as a characteristic related to the digital seal. A storage characteristic of at least one electronic document can be modified based on one or more of the metadata attributes. |
US08127225B2 |
Document specialization processing in a content management system
A content management system (CMS) provides a DITA specialization processing mechanism that provides the full functions of a content management system across the full functionality of the DITA architecture. A DITA specialization is used to generate an import descriptor that describes how to import the DITA specialization, which may include required modules, stylesheets, catalogs, and content rules into the repository of a content management system. When the DITA specialization is imported into the repository, a compound document is created with appropriate parent/child links. Dependency relationships between modules in the compound document are then created. In addition, new XML content rules for the DITA specialization may be automatically generated from existing content rules. |
US08127224B2 |
System for creating and editing mark up language forms and documents
A system for creating and editing mark up language forms and documents in a manner that is user friendly. The system dynamically generates a user interface that is customized to the particular form or document selected by the user. The user then enters information into the plurality of fields in the user interface for the form or document. Once the form or document is completed, the user can save the form or document in a document repository. The user can also transmit the form or document as an electronic filing document. Additionally, the data entry fields of the form or document can automatically expand or contract to accommodate data of varying length. Moreover, the user can create templates that include frequently used data. |
US08127223B2 |
User interface method and apparatus for data from data cubes and pivot tables
Systems, methods, and computer readable media provide space-efficient user interfaces to data cubes and pivot table information. Because the user interfaces are more efficient in usage of display area, smaller displays can be used more effectively in reviewing such data. The user interfaces provide a multi-dimensional navigation approach among dimensions represented in the data, which allows users to more easily maintain context when reviewing large pivot table reports, and the like. Other user interface features that ease review of such reports on smaller devices also are disclosed. |
US08127220B1 |
Scoring links in a document
A system modifies documents to aid users in determining which of the entries in the documents to choose. The system identifies a document that includes one or more entries. The system determines a score for each of the entries and modifies the identified document, or entries in the identified document, based on the determined scores. The system then provides the modified document to a user. |
US08127214B2 |
Unified decoder for convolutional, turbo, and LDPC codes
A unified decoder is capable of decoding data encoded with convolutional codes, Turbo codes, and LDPC codes. In at least one embodiment, a unified decoder is implemented within a multi-standard wireless device. |
US08127210B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission capable of improving receiving and equalizing performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcast transmitting system and a signal processing method thereof that improves the receiving performance of the system. A digital broadcast transmitter includes a randomizer to receive and randomize a transport stream into a specified position of which stuff bytes are inserted, a replacement sequence generator to generate known data including a predefined sequence, a stuff-byte exchange unit to insert the known data into the specified position of the transport stream into which stuff bytes are inserted, an encoder to encode the transport stream output from the stuff-byte exchange unit for an error correction, and a transmission unit to modulate the encoded transport stream, RF-convert the modulated transport stream and transmit the RF-converted data. The digital broadcast receiving performance is improved even in an inferior multi-path channel by detecting the known data from the received transmission and using the known data for synchronization and equalization. |
US08127209B1 |
QC-LDPC decoder with list-syndrome decoding
A QC-LDPC decoding system employing a trapping set look-up table is provided. The QC-LDPC decoding system includes an iterative decoder that utilizes a message-passing algorithm to decode a received codeword. If the iterative decoder fails to produce a valid codeword, additional processing is performed to decode the received codeword. The additional processing includes the steps of computing the syndrome pattern of the received codeword, searching the look-up table for a trapping set class that is responsible for the iterative decoder's failure, retrieving from the look-up table a syndrome pattern and an error pattern of a member of the responsible trapping set class, and calculating the error pattern of the received codeword based on its syndrome pattern and the information retrieved from the look-up table. The received codeword is then corrected based on its error pattern. |
US08127207B2 |
Method for processing packets, an apparatus for transmitting packets, and an apparatus for receiving packets
The present invention discloses a packet processing method, comprising: A. the transmitter acquiring the redundancy information based on the payload of at least one transmitted packet and transmitting the redundancy information to the receiver; B. the receiver restoring the payload of the abnormal packet according to the redundancy information relating to the abnormal packet. The present invention also discloses the packet transmitting apparatuses and packet receiving apparatuses. By performing error correction and restoration for abnormal packets, the present invention improves packet transmission reliability and thus the quality of transmitted media streams. |
US08127204B2 |
Memory system and method using a memory device die stacked with a logic die using data encoding, and system using the memory system
A memory system and method using at least one memory device die stacked with and coupled to a logic die by interconnects, such as through silicon vias. One such logic die includes an ECC system generating error checking and correcting (“ECC) bits corresponding to write data. The write data are transmitted to the memory device dice in a packet containing a serial burst of a plurality of parallel data bits. The ECC bits are transmitted to the memory device dice using through silicon vias that are different from the vias through which data are coupled. Such a logic die could also include a data bus inversion (“DBI”) system encoding the write data using a DBI algorithm and transmitting to the memory device dice DBI bits indicating whether the write data have been inverted. The DBI bits are transmitted using through silicon vias that are shared with the ECC bits when they are unused for transferring the ECC bits. |
US08127199B2 |
SDRAM convolutional interleaver with two paths
An SDRAM convolutional interleaver with two paths. Symbols are assigned to a given one of the two paths, then are sorted to minimize (to one) a number of breaks in a sequential Interleaver write address. After sorting, the symbols are stored staggered in SRAM and burst written to SDRAM. Before writing to SDRAM, data is accumulated for four symbols at a time, and the data is written four symbols wide to optimize SDRAM access time. 8 bit symbols are written 32 bits at a time to SDRAM. |
US08127196B2 |
Server and client for determining error restoration according to image data transmission, and method of determining error restoration according to image data transmission
Provided are a server and client for determining error restoration according to image data transmission, and a method thereof. The server includes a forward error correction (FEC) mode performer to output image data in which a redundant bit for error correction is added, an automatic repeat request (ARQ) mode performer to outputs the image data after receiving a response signal according to a data reception from a client that receives the image data, a mode determiner to determine whether to operate in an FEC mode or an ARQ mode so that error restoration is performed on the image data according to a reception buffering capacity of the client in regard to image data, and an interface to transmit image data outputted from the FEC mode performer or the ARQ mode performer to the client. |
US08127194B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving hybrid automatic repeat request operation in a wireless communications system
In order to avoid unknown behavior of a user equipment, the present invention provides a method of improving Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request, known as HARQ, operation for a network in a wireless communications system. The method includes adding a HARQ information information element, abbreviated to IE, and a Multi-Input Multi-Output, known as MIMO, parameters IE into a radio resource control message, wherein the radio resource control message is used by the network to assign, replace or release a physical channel used by the user equipment, and transmitting the radio resource control message to the user equipment. |
US08127192B2 |
Predicting lwarx and stwcx instructions in test pattern generation and simulation for processor design verification/validation in interrupt mode
During a test pattern build, a test pattern generator pseudo-randomly selects an address for a selected lwarx instruction and builds the lwarx instruction using the pseudo-random address into a test pattern. Subsequently, the test pattern generator builds a store instruction after the lwarx instruction using the pseudo-random address. The store instruction is adapted to store the pseudo-random address in a predetermined memory location. The test pattern generator also builds an interrupt service routine that services an interrupt associated with the interrupt request; checks the predetermined memory location; determines that the pseudo-random address is located in the predetermined memory location; and executes a subsequent lwarx instruction using the pseudo-random address. |
US08127191B2 |
Control method for semiconductor integrated circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a self-test circuit, wherein, when a operation mode of the self-test circuit has been switched from a low-speed operation mode to a high-speed operation mode, processing is performed in the high-speed operation mode during a given time period, and the processing result is invalidated based on a control signal. |
US08127190B2 |
Sampling a device bus
A method for preparing tapped data for analysis. The data on a bus is sampled and latched at a certain rate to produce raw data. The raw data is then decoded by a pod that is configured for the protocol of the bus in a system under test. The decoded data can then be presented to a protocol analyzer for analysis. The decoded data and the corresponding raw data may also be aligned and then presented to an analyzer for protocol analysis. |
US08127188B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and design automation system
A scan chain circuit causes a plurality of flip-flops to function as shift registers during execution of a scan test and can execute a scan shift that serially transfers test pattern data for the scan test. A clock gating circuit controls output of a pulse of a clock signal supplied to the scan chain circuit in accordance with a clock gating signal, whereas disables the clock gating signal based on a logic of a scan enable signal authorizing the scan shift. A first clock gating circuit included in the clock gating circuit disables the clock gating signal during the scan shift based on the logic of the scan enable signal and also inverts the clock signal and outputs a result of inverting. |
US08127187B2 |
Method and apparatus of ATE IC scan test using FPGA-based system
An apparatus and a method for enhancing the use of automated test equipment (ATE), are presented. The apparatus comprises a test load board that mounts a plurality of devices to be tested (DUTs), and a daughter card communicating with the test board and the ATE, testing each of the plurality of devices, and providing test results to the ATE. The method comprises mounting a plurality of devices to be tested on the test load board, using the daughter card to communicate with the test board and the ATE, and using the daughter card for testing each of the plurality of DUTs, providing test results to the ATE. Also provided is a system to perform automated tests of integrated chips, comprising an ATE scan test unit, an off-load tester resource coupled to the ATE scan test unit, a processor executing commands to control the ATE unit and the off-load tester resource. |
US08127185B2 |
Memory devices and methods for managing error regions
Memory devices and methods are described that include a stack of memory dies and a logic die. Method and devices described include those that provide for repartitioning the stack of memory dies and storing the new partitions in a memory map. Repartitioning in selected configurations allows portions of memory to be removed from use without affecting the rest of the memory device. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
US08127180B2 |
Electronic system for detecting a fault
An electronic adapter device and an electronic system that comprises the electronic adapter device are described. The electronic adapter device comprises a device and a redundant device able to receive data from a first plurality of electronic devices and redundant data from a second plurality of electronic devices, and able to select therefrom first data and first redundant data respectively. The electronic adapter device also comprises a controller able to receive the selected first data and the selected first redundant data and is able to generate therefrom an error signal indicating a fault in an electronic device of the first plurality or a fault in the device. |
US08127176B2 |
TR-069 savepoints
A method for improving the security of actions performed by Remote Procedure Calls RPC invoked during a TR-069 Remote Management Protocol session between an Auto-Configuration Server ACS and a Customer Premises Equipment CPE of a DSL telecommunication system. The TR-069 session comprises several RPC's executing actions on parameters of an object model and the method comprises the steps of starting a TR-069 session wherein RPC's are invoked; opening a transactional TR-069 session or transaction whereby parameters of the object model handled by RPC's are protected through a SavePoint mechanism; closing the transaction by the ACS; and either: committing the transaction via a StoreSavePoint RPC invoked by the ACS, or rolling-back actions of RPC's via a RestoreSavePoint RPC also invoked by the ACS. If the transaction is not committed during a first TR-069 session, the CPE sends an Inform with an event code OpenSavePoint to the ACS during a next TR-069 session and the ACS may reply by including an additional field in the InformResponse to close the transaction. The SavePoint mechanism saves parameter values of the object model prior to any RPC by storing these parameter values at the CPE-side. The SavePoint mechanism may also save a history of the RPC's invoked during the transaction. |
US08127173B2 |
Device and method for automatically determining a network element for replacing a failing network element
A device (D), intended for working for at least one network (N), comprises i) an ontology agent (OA) storing at least one ontology defining representations of network elements and relations between these network elements, and ii) a processing means (PM) arranged, when a status of a network element indicates that the latter is failing, for accessing to the ontology agent (OA) to get the representation of the failing network element and relations between this failing network element and at least one other network element, then for determining for each of these other network elements a parameter value representative of a functional likeness with the failing network element from their respective ontology representations, and for determining amongst the other network elements the one offering the parameter value representative of the greatest functional likeness in order to propose to replace the failing network element with this determined network element. |
US08127172B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving parallel SFI-5 data interfaced with very high-speed deserializer
The development of transmission technologies have resulted in a several tens Gbps optical transmission system. In the present invention, a low-speed FPGA receives a plurality of several Gbps signals according to a very high-speed parallel converting unit and the SFI-5, divides each of the plurality of several Gbps signals into a plurality of several hundreds (Mbps) parallel signals, and processes the plurality of several hundreds (Mbps) parallel signals in order to constitute an SFI-5 receiving end. |
US08127171B2 |
Method for generating a clock signal
An apparatus and method for generating a delayed clock signal is provided. The clock signal generator includes a synchronizing circuit for generating an output clock signal from an input clock signal and further includes a delay circuit having an input coupled to the output of the synchronizing circuit. The delay circuit provides an output clock signal having a delay with respect to the clock signal from the synchronizing circuit according to one of a plurality of programmable time delays selected in accordance with a selection signal. The method of generating a clock signal includes synchronizing an internal clock signal to an external clock signal, and delaying the internal clock signal different amounts based on a selection value indicative of external clock frequency to provide the clock signal. |
US08127165B2 |
Multipath power management
Disclosed is a method of controlling power. Multiple paths via multiple I/O ports couple a server to a storage array. When I/O loads are low, it is determined if an I/O port may be deactivated and placed in a power saving mode. An I/O port may not be deactivated if deactivating that I/O port will affect a high-availability requirement or a performance requirement. Requests are stopped from being sent to an I/O port to be deactivated. When the port to be deactivated becomes idle, the I/O port is placed in a power saving mode. When I/O loads increase to a point where it is necessary to reactivate the I/O port, the I/O port is activated. |
US08127164B2 |
System and method for energy savings on a PHY/MAC interface for energy efficient ethernet
A system and method for energy savings on a PHY/MAC interface for energy efficient Ethernet. Power savings for a PHY due to low-link utilization can also be realized in the higher layer elements that interface with the PHY. In one embodiment, subrating is implemented on a MAC/PHY interface to match a subrating of the PHY with a remote link partner. This subrating is less than the full capacity rate and can be zero. |
US08127163B2 |
Data network and method of controlling thereof
A data network that includes a plurality of nodes for storing data and a plurality of control units adapted to control at least one of the nodes in which individual nodes are powered-up when the assigned control unit receives a request from a client to access the data stored in the node. |
US08127161B2 |
Data processing apparatus
An access stop control apparatus is provided in a resource control apparatus so that reception of access from a master apparatus is temporarily stopped during changing of a clock frequency and the clock frequency is changed at safe timing. Thereby, the operation of the master apparatus does not need to be stopped during changing of the clock frequency and a period for which access to a resource is stopped can be suppressed. Therefore, execution of an application requiring real-timeness is not affected. |
US08127159B1 |
Power management in a wireless local area network
A power management scheme for use by subscriber equipment in wireless local area networks (WLAN) takes advantage to two different power management modes recognized by relevant standards. The addition of a media activity sensor and timer to a normal inactivity timer allows a WLAN to receive data in a first mode when activity is continuous and switch to a second, polling, mode when it appears that no more data is available. Using the combination of modes allows starting a download using a receive-only mode and switching to a polling mode when the media activity timer expires. The receive-only mode saves power over a continuous polling mode but changing to the polling mode at the end of a receive cycle saves power associated with the long inactivity timeout period of the continuous receive mode. |
US08127157B2 |
System and method of controlling an operating frequency in an electronic system
A method and apparatus for adaptively adjusting the operating voltage of an integrated circuit in response to tester-to-system variations, worst-case testing techniques, process variations, temperature variations, or reliability wearout mechanisms. The minimum operating voltage of an integrated circuit is determined either during external testing of the integrated circuit or during built-in-self-testing. The minimum operating voltage is transmitted to a variable voltage regulator where it is used to set the output of the regulator. The output of the regulator supplies the integrated circuit with its operating voltage. This technique enables tailoring of the operating voltage of integrated circuits on a part-by-part basis which results in power consumption optimization by adapting operating voltage in response to tester-to-system variations, worst-case testing techniques, process variations, temperature variations or reliability wearout mechanisms. Alternatively, the invention enables adaptive adjustment of the operating frequency of an integrated circuit. The invention enables system designers to adaptively optimize either system performance or power consumption on a part-by-part basis in response to tester-to-system variations, worst-case testing techniques, process variations, temperature variations or reliability wearout mechanisms. |
US08127154B2 |
Total cost based checkpoint selection
A cost associated with taking a checkpoint is determined. The cost includes an energy cost. An interval between checkpoints is computed so as to minimize the cost. An instruction is sent to schedule the checkpoints at the computed interval. The energy cost may further include a cost of energy consumed in collecting and saving data at a checkpoint, a cost of energy consumed in re-computing a computation lost due to a failure after taking the checkpoint, or a combination thereof. The cost may further include, converted to a cost equivalent, administration time consumed in recovering from a checkpoint, computing resources expended in taking a checkpoint, computing resources expended after a failure in restoring information from a checkpoint, performance degradation of an application while taking a checkpoint, or a combination thereof. |
US08127152B2 |
Method of operation of a memory device and system including initialization at a first frequency and operation at a second frequency and a power down exit mode
Methods of operation of a memory device and system are provided in embodiments. Initialization operations are conducted at a first frequency of operation during an initialization sequence. Memory access operations are then performed at a second frequency of operation. The second frequency of operation is higher than the first frequency of operation. Also, the memory access operations include a read operation and a write operation. In an embodiment, information that represents the first frequency of operation and the second frequency of operation is read from a serial presence detect device. |
US08127151B2 |
Hardware-based key generation and recovery
A system and method of recovering encoded information contained in a device by storing and retrieving at least part of the necessary decoding data by setting and measuring the physical characteristics of the device. Storage and recovery options include, but are not limited to, measurement of electronic or optical characteristics of electrically or optically conductive portions of the device using a range of measurement techniques that include, but are not limited to, time-domain reflectometry. |
US08127149B1 |
Method and apparatus for content based encryption
A method, system and computer-readable medium for encrypting a file on a computer system based on the content of the file. The method is setting an encryption policy, wherein the encryption policy is at least one attribute related to content of at least one file, scanning at least one file on a computer system for content, matching the content of the scanned at least one file to the at least one attribute set in the encryption policy and encrypting the scanned at least one file with a key in response to a match between the content of the scanned at least one file and the at least one attribute set in the encryption policy. The system is a computer system that includes policy-based encryption software that performs the steps embodied by the method. |
US08127146B2 |
Transparent trust validation of an unknown platform
A transparent trust validation of an unknown platform can be performed by communicationally coupling it to a trusted device, such as a portable peripheral device carried by a user, or one or more remote computing devices. Information from the unknown platform can be obtained by boot code copied to it from the trusted device and such information can be validated by the trusted device. The trusted device can then provide an encrypted version of decryption key to the boot code which can request the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) of the unknown platform to decrypt and return the decryption key. If the information originally obtained from the unknown platform and validated by the trusted device was authentic, the TPM will be able to provide the decryption key to the boot code, enabling it to decrypt an encrypted volume comprising applications, operating systems or other components. |
US08127145B2 |
Computer architecture for an electronic device providing a secure file system
A secure file service includes a cryptographic processor (302, 602) and a secure file system (301, 601). The cryptographic processor is comprised of a trusted microprocessor and a trusted operating system executing on the trusted cryptographic processor. The cryptographic processor includes hardware and software for accessing at least one classified data file from the secure file system, decrypting the classified data file, and serving the classified data file in decrypted form to a secure user processor (402, 502, 702) that has requested the file. The secure file system can be either a single-level secure file system (301) or a multi-level secure file system (601). |
US08127140B2 |
Group signature scheme
An efficient and safe group signature scheme is provided. According to the present invention, an open unit is provided to not an issuer but an opener, and a data required for operating the open unit does not include a key pair of the issuer, so that it is possible to accurately operate the open unit even if the issuer generates the public key in an illegal manner. In addition, it is possible to prove that a key pair of a member cannot be counterfeited. It is possible to implement from a discrete logarithm assumption a feature that a cipher text, that is, a portion of a signature text can be decrypted only by the opener in a method which is the same as a method representing that an ElGamal crypto scheme is safe. In addition, it is possible to implement from a random oracle assumption a feature that a knowledge signature has an extractability in a method which is the same as a method proving that a Schnorr signature is safe. |
US08127134B2 |
Systems and methods for efficiently authenticating multiple objects based on access patterns
Techniques for efficiently authenticating multiple objects and clustering objects based on access patterns are provided. For example, in an illustrative aspect of the invention, a technique for generating and/or reading authentication information, wherein the authentication information provides evidence that a plurality of objects were one of generated and sent by an entity, comprises using one or more object access patterns indicative of whether at least two of the plurality of objects are accessed within a similar time period to group objects together to reduce an overhead for at least one of generating and reading the authentication information. |
US08127133B2 |
Labeling of data objects to apply and enforce policies
One or more labels are associated with a data object. One or more policies are associated with each of the labels. Based on the labels associated with the data objects, the associated policies are dispatched to policy decision engines to take one or more actions to enforce the policy. The labels, and the policies associated with the labels, are chosen by a business administrator within an enterprise, and are implemented by an Information Technology (IT) administrator. The association between labels and polices allows the policy to be applied to an object to be decoupled from the characterization of the nature of the object, or its purpose and/or role within an enterprise, business purpose and/or context of the object. Examples of policies are: access, backup, retention, isolation, audit, etc. |
US08127128B2 |
Synchronization of swappable module in modular system
Exemplary methods, systems, and computer program product embodiments for synchronizing a swappable module between modular computer systems are provided. Each of the embodiments has dual controllers and distributed copies of states. Upon an insertion of the swappable module in a storage system, a plurality of storage components are queried, including a partner swappable module, to determine if a quorum of identification information is present. If the quorum is present, at least one of the plurality of storage components having non-matching identification information is overwritten with the identification information of the quorum. If the quorum is not present, a reset to default procedure is performed. The reset to default procedure designates at least as many storage components of the plurality of storage components with the identification information sufficient to constitute the quorum. |
US08127127B2 |
System and method for transferring configuration information to an embedded device using a command line interface
A system and method is disclosed for transferring configuration information to an embedded device associated with an option ROM during those periods in which the option ROM is disabled. The method of the present invention involves the enumeration of PCI devices within the system and the determination of whether the PCI devices are associated with an option ROM and whether the option ROM is enabled. If the embedded device is associated with an option ROM and if the option ROM is not enabled, the option ROM is loaded to a shadow memory and the command-line interface of the option ROM is called to transfer configuration data to the embedded device. The option ROM is later removed from shadow memory to remove the footprint of the option ROM in shadow memory. |
US08127117B2 |
Method and system to combine corresponding half word units from multiple register units within a microprocessor
A method and system to combine corresponding half word units from multiple register units within a microprocessor, such as, for example, a digital signal processor, during execution of a single instruction are described. An instruction to combine predetermined disparate source register units from a register file structure is received within a processing unit. The instruction is then executed to combine corresponding half word units from the source register units and to input the half word units into respective portions of a resulting destination register unit. During the execution of the instruction, the predetermined source register units are identified and corresponding most significant half word units and associated data are retrieved from the identified register units. The retrieved half word units are further combined and input into a respective most significant portion of a resulting destination register unit. Similarly, corresponding least significant half word units and associated data are retrieved from the identified register units. The retrieved half word units are further combined and input into a respective least significant portion of a resulting destination register unit. Finally, the resulting destination register unit is stored into the register file structure for further processing. |
US08127114B2 |
System and method for executing instructions prior to an execution stage in a processor
A method of processing a plurality of instructions in multiple pipeline stages within a pipeline processor is disclosed. The method partially or wholly executes a stalled instruction in a pipeline stage that has a function other than instruction execution prior to the execution stage within the processor. Partially or wholly executing the instruction prior to the execution stage in the pipeline speeds up the execution of the instruction and allows the processor to more effectively utilize its resources, thus increasing the processor's efficiency. |
US08127108B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for prefetching data in bus system
A method for prefetching data in a bus system is provided. First, according to an address signal from a master, a prefetching address generator generates a prefetching address signal and transfers it to a first select circuit. In response to a signal from the master indicates that the address is related to the previous address and the control signal is identical to the previous transfer, or in response to a signal from the master indicates that the address and control signals are unrelated to the previous transfer but is matched to a hit logic, a prefetching controller directs the first select circuit to transfer the prefetching address signal to a slave. And the prefetching controller also directs a second select circuit to transfer the prefetched data which is corresponding to the prefetching address signal from the slave to a master. |
US08127105B2 |
Parallel pruned bit-reversal interleaver
A parallel lookahead pruned bit-reversal interleaver algorithm and architecture have been proposed. The algorithm interleaves a packet of length N in at most log(N)−1 steps compared to N steps using existing sequential algorithms, and has a simple architecture amenable for high-speed applications. The proposed algorithm is valuable for emerging wireless standards especially those that employ PBRI channel (de-)interleavers on long packets in reducing interleaving latency on the transmitter side and deinterleaving latency on the receiver side. |
US08127104B1 |
Alignment matrix memory copy
In the various embodiments, memory controllers, methods and systems are described. A system can include a memory controller configured to, compose a characteristic key from a source address and a destination address for a memory copy; and invoke a memory copy routine, wherein the memory copy routine is identified by a wrap function in an alignment matrix, the wrap function corresponding to the characteristic key. |
US08127099B2 |
Resource recovery using borrowed blocks of memory
Disclosed are a method, information processing system, and computer readable medium for resource recovery. The method comprises associating at least one bit with at least one block of memory. The bit denotes a borrow status for the block of memory. The bit is set for resource recovery. A resource recovery event is detected and in response to the bit being enabled for resource recovery, the block of memory is borrowed for a given duration of time. The block is borrowed to temporarily store information associated with the resource recovery there into until the information is written to persistent storage. |
US08127096B1 |
High capacity thin provisioned storage server with advanced snapshot mechanism
Technologies for high capacity storage servers with thin provisioning can support an increased storage capacity and an increased number of snapshots within a data storage system while maintaining a reduced memory footprint. Flexible virtual address translation can support both direct, and indirect, translation from a virtual address to an address in physical storage. A data structure, referred to as a volume table, may be provided for supporting the virtual to physical address translation. Multiple volume tables for the various volumes within a data storage system can be stored together in a global volume table. Granularities of storage allocation units, such as territories, provisions, and chunks can be reduced to improve efficiencies in the operation of the storage system. Processes for handling volume and snapshot I/O operations with various data structures can contribute to improved efficiencies while supporting increased storage capacities and an increased number of snapshots. |
US08127090B2 |
Information processing method, and information processing system
A user-information managing unit controls reading of information stored in a user-information DB and a rule DB and writing of information to these databases. A customization processing unit receives a request for customizing rule information stored in the rule DB and, according to the request, customizes the rule information stored in the rule DB via the user-information managing unit. |
US08127087B2 |
Memory controller for improved read port selection in a memory mirrored system
Read commands on a mirrored memory computer system are scheduled by utilizing information about pending memory access requests. A conflict queue is configured to track a read/write queue associated with each of a plurality of memory ports on the mirrored memory system. The conflict queue determines a predicted latency on each memory port based on the contents of each of the read/write queues. A compare logic unit is coupled to the conflict queue, wherein the compare logic unit compares a predicted latency of a primary memory and a mirrored memory and schedules read commands to the memory port with the lowest predicted latency. |
US08127079B2 |
Intelligent cache injection
A first cache simultaneously broadcasts, in a single message, a request for a cache line and a request to accept a future related evicted cache line to multiple other caches. Each of the multiple other caches evaluate their occupancy to derive an occupancy value that reflects their ability to accept the future related evicted cache line. In response to receiving a requested cache line, the first cache evicts the related evicted cache line to the cache with the highest occupancy value. |
US08127075B2 |
Non-linear stochastic processing storage device
A storage device includes an interface for receiving and outputting messages for processing data units, wherein each data unit includes message input field parameters, message output field parameters, and content field parameters, a non-volatile memory for storing data units, a volatile memory, and a processor coupled to the interface, the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory, for manipulation of the parameter values in the data units, and storing the data units in at least one of the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. |
US08127069B2 |
Memory device including self-ID information
Disclosed is a memory device including self-ID information. The memory device has a storage unit for storing information related to the memory device, such as a manufacturing factory, a manufacturing date, a wafer number, coordinates on a wafer and the like. Each bank of the memory device stores self-ID information related to the memory device and outputs the self-ID information out of a chip when an address is applied thereto during a test mode. |
US08127066B2 |
Computer system with peripheral modules attached to a display/CPU assembly
A modular computer includes a display with a docking station on its back side. A CPU module connects to the docking station. Peripheral modules connect with the resulting display/CPU assembly so that the peripheral modules contact the back side of the display screen. |
US08127059B1 |
Apparatus for interconnecting hosts with storage devices
A system and method for providing redundant access paths to a storage device make use of a processor to analyze instructions received from hosts to allow for command queuing, host switching, and command replacement where necessary. The system allows for either Serially Attached SCSI or Serial ATA hard drives to be connected to the same topology and to require no host intervention on the coordination of drive access in a multi-host environment. A single ported SATA device can then appear multi-ported and can support a redundant architecture within a SAS topology. |
US08127058B1 |
System and method of video decoding using hybrid buffer
In one embodiment the present invention includes an apparatus having a random access memory, a first interface, and a second interface. The first interface is coupled between the random access memory and a plurality of storage devices, and operates in a first in first out (FIFO) manner. The second interface is coupled between the random access memory and a processor, and operates in a random access manner. As a result, the processor is not required to be in the loop when data is being transferred between the random access memory and the storage devices. |
US08127057B2 |
Multi-level buffering of transactional data
An apparatus, method, and system for implementing a hardware transactional memory (HTM) system with multiple levels of transactional buffers. The apparatus comprises a data cache configured to buffer data in a shared (by a plurality of processing cores) memory accessed by speculative memory access operations and to retain the data during at least a portion of an attempt to execute the atomic memory transaction. The apparatus also comprises an overflow detection circuit configured to detect an overflow condition upon determining that the data cache has insufficient capacity to buffer a portion of data accessed as part of the atomic memory transaction, as well as a buffering circuit configured to respond to the detection of the overflow condition by preventing the portion of data from being buffered in the data cache and buffering the portion of data in a secondary buffer separate from the data cache. |
US08127051B2 |
Apparatus and method for sharing a bus in a mobile telecommunication handset
An apparatus and method for sharing a bus in a mobile telecommunication handset are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile telecommunication handset comprises a first device, a second device, a shared bus, a memory configured to store a reference clock frequency, and a controller configured to simultaneously receive first data from the first device and transmit second data to the second device via the shared bus based on a clock signal of the reference clock frequency. The first device is configured to forward the first data received by the controller, and the second device is configured to receive the second data transmitted by the controller. |
US08127048B1 |
Systems and methods for segmenting and protecting a storage subsystem
A storage subsystem comprises a set of zone definitions that uses physical block addresses to divide a memory array in the storage subsystem into zones or segments. A set of zone parameters defines user access modes and security levels for each of the segments. Defining zones for the memory array provide flexibility and increased protection for data stored in the memory array. For example, data of one zone can be quickly erased without affecting data stored in other zones and critical data can be stored in read-only zones to prevent inadvertent overwrite. |
US08127045B2 |
Dynamically configurable connection on demand
Mechanisms to provide functionality that allows an electronic device to automatically use an appropriate network connection when an application requests access to a network resource. Initiation of the appropriate network connection may be determined based on contextual information provided by the application. |
US08127042B1 |
Data driven connection rule/constraint engine applied to trail management
A method of identifying a connectivity characteristic structure in a network provided between a plurality of nodes in a network comprises the steps of acquiring node information detailing for each port of each node a connection characteristic of that port; collating for at least a plurality of nodes forming a plurality of trails in the network each node's respective acquired node information to form a set of connection characteristics; and analyzing the set of connection characteristics to determine a set of at least one rule describing a connectivity characteristic structure of the plurality of nodes. |
US08127041B2 |
Datacasting system with automatic delivery of service mangement capability
A datacast system, and associated apparatus and method for automatically managing a data object or objects within a hierarchical carousel structure by enabling, among other functions, the dynamic allocation of bandwidth to each carousel within the structure. The dynamic bandwidth allocation enables a server platform to redistribute the bandwidth allocated to a carousel or set of data objects to adjust to desired changes in object transmission policies or priorities of a datacast application. |
US08127038B2 |
Embedded distributed computing solutions
Methods and Systems are provided for participating in distributed computing. The distributed computing program instructions are embedded in content delivered to a client computer. The client computer renders the content delivered from the server and executes the program instructions generating solutions for datasets delivered from the server, thus participating in distributed computing. |
US08127037B2 |
System and method for listening to teams in a race event
A computer-implemented method and system allows a remote computer user to listen to teams in a race event. The method includes receiving audio signals from a plurality of audio sources at the race event; transmitting at least some of the audio signals to a remote computer; and filtering the audio signals as a function of the source of at least some of the audio signals so that at least some of the audio signals are not played by the remote computer and heard by the user. |
US08127036B2 |
Remote session media data flow and playback
In one embodiment of the present invention, a first computer system is capable of performing a method whereby the first computer system may provide a continuous media data flow to a second computer system. The method involves the first computer system accessing that is to be presented at a second computer system. The first computer system formulates metadata representing the location and boundaries of a media application window. The first computer system formulates windows presentation information representative of the configuration of other interface elements that are to be presented along with the media information at the second computer system. The first computing system transmits the windows presentation information to the second computer system. The first computing system transmits the metadata to the second computer system and separately transmits the media information to the second computer system. |
US08127035B1 |
Distributed message engines and systems
Systems and methods that facilitate messaging capabilities within a unified plant model (UPM) via employing a plurality of message engines that collaborate in such system. Linkage can be provided among the plurality of message engines, to provide real time interaction among the message engines/services, wherein each message engine normalizes messaging of various messaging protocols and formats. Also various systems of the UPM can map thereto—and provide a consistent interface where events are sent/received consistently across the system. |
US08127034B2 |
Multi-protocol authentication and authorization in computer network environments
A multi-protocol authentication and authorization system including a request interceptor configured to receive from a requestor a first request using a first transport protocol and a second request using a second transport protocol, and an authenticator for validating a digest received from the requestor, where the request interceptor is configured to authenticate the requestor if the digest is valid and if at least one multi-protocol criterion applied to the requests is met. |
US08127029B1 |
Internet protocol based network architecture for cable television network access with switched fallback
A user accesses the Internet through a hybrid data communications system architecture in which upstream service is provided via the local loop of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and downstream service is provided via a cable television (CATV) network. The Cable Modem Data Termination system (CMTS) includes a routing table. Upon detection of a CATV service interruption, the CMTS re-routes IP traffic destined for a destination IP address (IP1) associated with the user to a different IP address, or endpoint, as a function of the routing table. In this instance, the different IP address is associated with equipment that provides downstream IP service to the user via the local loop of the PSTN. |
US08127027B2 |
Telephone system, server, and terminal device
According to one embodiment, there is provided a telephone system comprises terminal devices which process a signaling protocol, and a server which forms a session with each terminal device using a first protocol or a second protocol as a lower layer protocol of the signaling protocol. The terminal device comprises request module requests the server to form a session using the first protocol. The server comprises determination module, session forming module and switching module. The determination module determines permission or rejection to the request. The session forming module forms a session with a request source terminal device using the first protocol when the request is permitted, or using the second protocol when the request is rejected. The switching module switches the lower layer protocol of the session from the second protocol to the first protocol when the request from the terminal device is permitted. |
US08127025B2 |
System for an open architecture development platform with centralized synchronization
One aspect of the preferred embodiment relates to an application framework for managing mobile clients and application programs. By utilizing the preferred embodiment, a system administrator may be provided the capability to manage and control multiple devices, directly and indirectly, using push (server-initiated) and/or pull (client-initiated) techniques from a single location. Additionally, the preferred embodiment may be utilized to back up and securely store information on the mobile clients, identify device usage and to deliver files and databases to the mobile clients. |
US08127020B2 |
HTTP standby connection
An apparatus and a method for requesting data from a server. In one embodiment, a client opens a first HTTP connection and a second HTTP connection with the server. The client requests for data from a random access file from the server with the first HTTP connection. The client receives and reads the data while maintaining the second HTTP connection open. The client requests for additional data at another location in the file on the second HTTP connection. The client maintains the second HTTP connection by occasionally sending requests to the server on the second HTTP connection. |
US08127019B2 |
System and program product for session sharing
The present invention provides a system and program product for session sharing that allows multiple authorized users (e.g., assistants) to access the same session and synchronize the browser views, when the current state changes. Through the use of use of session sharing, it is ensured that all users work on the same data and have the same Web side state. The Client side is kept in synchronization through the use of a publisher-subscriber model that initiates an update of all connected Clients when a state change occurs. These functionalities of the present invention ensure that all participating users can work together and can share the same state both on server and Client side. |
US08127016B2 |
Techniques for hiding network element names and addresses
A technique for hiding network element names and addresses in communications between first and second networks includes providing a message generated by a network entity in the first network to be delivered to a target network entity in the second network, the messaging including first and second parts. The message generated by the network entity in the first network is routed to a contact point disposed between the first and second networks in accordance with the first part of the message and the message generated by the network entity in the first network is routed from the contact point to the target network entity in the second network in accordance with the second part of the message. |
US08127014B2 |
Quality of service management
A method and system for providing quality of service to a plurality of hosts accessing a common resource is described. According to one embodiment, a plurality of IO requests is received from clients executing as software entities on one of the hosts. An IO request queue for each client is separately managed, and an issue queue is populated based on contents of the IO request queues. When a host issue queue is not full, a new IO request is entered into the host issue queue and is issued to the common resource. A current average latency observed at the host is calculated, and an adjusted window size is calculated at least in part based on the current average latency. The window size of the issue queue is adjusted according to the calculated window size. |
US08127012B2 |
System and methods for efficient and adequate data collection in document production environments
A production process performance reporting system may include a plurality of print job processing resources and a computer-readable storage medium containing programming instructions for performing a method of providing a report of performance metrics in a document production environment. The method may include receiving job size information for print jobs and identifying a print job size distribution for the print jobs. Performance metrics such as, job turnaround time and inter-arrival time may be determined. It may be determined whether the print job size distribution exhibits a heavy-tail characteristic and a performance report may be prepared. If the print job size distribution does not exhibit a heavy-tail characteristic, the plurality of jobs may be processed with the print job processing resources based on the performance report. |
US08127008B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing proxy and non-proxy requests in telecommunications network
A method is disclosed for determining a location of a client session in a telecommunications network by comparing attributes of the client session connection to location definition information stored in a configuration file. A method of handling requests from proxy and non-proxy client connections in a telecommunications network by redirecting requests from unauthenticated proxy clients to a transparent proxy port on a captive portal such that the captive portal proxies the requests is also disclosed. The request may be directed to a service, such as a destination IP address and optional port number. A method for a proxy server to identify an edge session through an out-of-band request containing proxy metadata to a web portal for secure (HTTPS) requests is also disclosed. The edge session is identified for the web portal through a hostkey determined by the proxy server. |
US08127005B2 |
Method for lawfully intercepting communication IP packets exchanged between terminals
A method for lawfully intercepting communication IP packets exchanged between terminals is provided. The method involves assigning an IP address associated with a telecommunication service provider to, for example, a sending terminal for use as its IP address in communications with a receiving terminal, the telecommunication service provider providing SIP proxy services for establishing communication between the sending and receiving terminals. The communication IP packets are intercepted in such a way that the terminals are unaware of the interception. |
US08127002B2 |
Hypothesis development based on user and sensing device data
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: acquiring a first data indicating at least one reported event as originally reported by a user and a second data indicating at least a second reported event as originally reported by one or more sensing devices; and developing a hypothesis based, at least in part, on the first data and the second data. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
US08127001B1 |
Method and system for selecting providers for role based services
The present invention allows individual providers to be assigned to one or more roles. A role corresponds to a function, service, or action that can be fulfilled by the provider who is assigned to the role. A media session may be initiated by sending a session request from a requester toward a given role instead of being initiated directly to a particular provider. The media session may include a voice or video call, instant messaging session, file transfer session, application sharing session, or the like. The session request is routed to a role server, which may direct the session request to the provider who is assigned to the corresponding role. Once a decision is made to route the session request to a particular provider, provider routing rules may further control how the session requests are routed to the provider terminals of the particular provider. |
US08127000B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring and synchronizing user interface events with network data
Network data associated with a network session is captured at a first location. The network data includes, but is not limited to, web page data transmitted over a network between a web server and a user terminal. User interface events associated with the same network session are separately captured at a second user terminal location. The user interface events include, but are not limited to, user inputs for interacting with the web page data. Both the captured network data and the separately captured user interface events are then used for analyzing the network session. |
US08126996B2 |
Data providing system and communication apparatus
A data providing system includes a first communication apparatus and a plurality of second communication apparatuses that provide data to the first communication apparatus using a communication protocol capable of performing authentication by identification information. The first communication apparatus includes an identification information request sending section, an individual identification information receiving section, a first data request sending section, a first common identification information storage section, a second data request sending section, and a data receiving section. At least one of the second communication apparatuses includes an individual identification information storage section, a second common identification information storage section, an identification information request receiving section, an individual identification information sending section, a data request receiving section, a first data sending section and a second data sending section. The first data sending section sends first type data to the first communication apparatus when the identification information included in the received data request is the stored individual identification information. The second data sending section sends second type data to the first communication apparatus when the identification information included in the received data request is the stored common identification information. |
US08126989B2 |
Device and method for managing information data in a mobile telephone
A device and method for managing information data in a mobile IP-based mobile telephone. The device and method employ an embedded web server for displaying a homepage of the mobile telephone on a web browser when linked to the mobile telephone through the web browser; and a program of server driven by the embedded web server to generate a command to enable communication between the mobile telephone and a telecommunication system using the web browser and to transmit a message confirming that data updated in the web browser has been updated in the mobile telephone to the web browser. The homepage of the mobile telephone is adapted to display information management menus of the mobile telephone and includes a language pack that stores at least one language so that the information management menus can be displayed in any selected language. The system and method further employ a memory for storing data of the information management menus. |
US08126988B2 |
Public status determination and security configuration of a browser
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for dynamically identifying a publicly accessed system. A plurality of user profiles is generated for a plurality of users associated with a browser on a system. A set of unique user profiles is identified in the plurality of user profiles. The number of users associated with the set of unique user profiles is compared to a preconfigured threshold. Responsive to the number of users exceeding the preconfigured threshold, the system is identified as a publicly accessed system. |
US08126986B2 |
Advanced content and data distribution techniques
A method and apparatus for displaying locally stored content objects is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a message containing one or more parameters indicative of one or more characteristics of a client, and sending one of a plurality of groups of one or more content objects from a set of content objects to the client based on the one or more parameters, wherein each of the plurality of groups is suited for use with clients having a different set of one or more parameters. |
US08126983B2 |
Method and system for distributed infrastructure for streaming data via multiple access points
Methods and systems for distributed infrastructure for streaming data via multiple access points. Aspects of one method may include apportioning multimedia information among a plurality of transmitting devices based on feedback channel information received from a destination receiving device by, for example, a transmission controller device. The transmitting devices may transmit the multimedia information to the destination receiving device. A transmitting device that may not be apportioned multimedia information may transmit a probing signal. The destination receiving device may generate feedback channel information for a transmitting device, for example, based on the multimedia information or the probing signal received from the respective transmitting device. The apportioning of the multimedia information may be dynamically adjusted based on updated feedback channel information received from the destination receiving device. |
US08126979B2 |
Automated response to computer users context
Techniques are described for providing information about a current state that is modeled with multiple state attributes. In some situations the providing includes receiving from a first client an indication of an interest in receiving values for an indicated one of the state attributes of the modeled current state, receiving from a second client an indication of an interest in receiving values for another of the state attributes of the modeled current state, and, in response to receiving a value for the indicated one attribute from a first source, determining that the first client has an interest in receiving the received value and supplying the received value to the first client. |
US08126978B2 |
Methods, computer programs, and apparatus for performing format conversion of files attached to electronic messages
Methods, computer programs, and apparatus for performing format conversion of a file attached to an electronic message. A message entered by a user is accepted. The user's selection of a file is also accepted, and the file is copied for accompanying the message as a file attachment. The file attachment is in a first file format of a file category. The file attachment is converted from the first file format to a second file format of the file category. The message entered by the user is transmitted, and the transmitted message is accompanied by the converted file attachment in the second file format of the file category. |
US08126977B2 |
Method and system for sending bulk electronic messages
A method and system for sending massive e-mail messages that include test messages sent to selected small portions of the global targeted audience. A message containing the text or content part of the message can be stored and retrieved for inclusion in each test message so that the content does not need to be repeatedly retyped. The audience members are selected randomly for each test so that the tests provide statistically valid results. The test results are conveniently grouped for ease of evaluation of the test feedback. |
US08126968B2 |
System and method for coordinating a conference using a dedicated server
A system and method are described for initiating and conducting a data conference between a plurality of conference endpoints linked in communication by a private or public computer network. A first conference endpoint then sends a conference initialization request to a dedicated conference server coupled to the computer network. Upon receipt of the conference initialization request, the conference server responsively generates a conference code uniquely identifying the conference and transmits the code to the first conference endpoint. The first conference endpoint subsequently converts the received conference code to a form (such as a string DTMF tone) which can be transmitted by in-band audio to other conference endpoints. The other participating conferencing endpoints, after receipt of the conference code, are configured to log on to the conference server using the conference code. |
US08126966B2 |
Separating attachments received from a mobile device
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a message from a mobile device over a wireless network, the message including several attachments, wherein the several attachments include one or more mobile device attachments corresponding to content captured using the mobile device, identifying the one or more mobile device attachments; and separating the one or more mobile device attachments from the plurality of attachments. |
US08126965B2 |
Paper based meeting service management tool
The present invention provides a paper-based meeting service management tool for meeting support functions. The paper-based tool includes a digital pen that can be used to make strokes which can be transmitted from the digital pen to services that provide the meeting support functions. The paper-based tool also includes digital paper that has an underlying image pattern. The digital pen can locate itself on the digital paper by recognizing underlying dot patterns and transmitting the location information to a computer through a Bluetooth connection. |
US08126959B2 |
Method and system for dynamic redistribution of remote computer boot service in a network containing multiple boot servers
A method and a system are presented for facilitating a PXE-compliant (Preboot Execution Environment) remote boot process between clients and multiple servers. All clients are initially directed to the address of the central boot server when they initially request remote boot service. The central boot server returns the same small initial bootstrap program to every client, which is then executed by the client's embedded boot program. The received initial bootstrap program contains only enough logic to have the client request and receive a list of alternate boot server addresses. The list may be ordered to present to the client a series of best-available boot servers, or the client may search the list to determine an address of an alternate boot server that can efficiently continue the remote boot process. The client selects a boot server from the list and requests the next program from the selected boot server. |
US08126957B2 |
Managing position independent code using a software framework
An approach for managing position independent code using a software framework is presented. A software framework provides the ability to cache multiple plug-in's which are loaded in a processor's local storage. A processor receives a command or data stream from another processor, which includes information corresponding to a particular plug-in. The processor uses the plug-in identifier to load the plug-in from shared memory into local memory before it is required in order to minimize latency. When the data stream requests the processor to use the plug-in, the processor retrieves a location offset corresponding to the plug-in and applies the plug-in to the data stream. A plug-in manager manages an entry point table that identifies memory locations corresponding to each plug-in and, therefore, plug-ins may be placed anywhere in a processor's local memory. |
US08126954B2 |
Method and system for avoiding underflow in a floating-point operation
Methods and systems for detecting underflow in a floating-point operation are disclosed. In accordance with an example disclosed method a plurality of comparator circuits and a plurality of logic devices coupled to the plurality of comparator circuits are operated to determine whether performing a floating-point operation using a floating-point hardware unit will generate an underflow condition. The operating of the plurality of comparator circuits and the logic devices involves inputting a multiply-add operation result value to at least some of the plurality of comparator circuits. In addition, a plurality of logic outputs are outputted via the plurality of logic devices. The plurality of logic outputs are indicative of comparison operations performed by at least some of the comparator circuits based on the multiply-add operation result value. An underflow indicator is outputted based on the plurality of logic outputs. The underflow indicator is indicative of whether performing the floating-point operation using the floating-point hardware unit will generate the underflow condition. |
US08126952B2 |
Unified inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) microcode processor engine
The present invention provides a unified inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) microcode processor engine, which is able to process IDCT with different video standards and also achieves the processing speed requirement. The microcode processor engine comprises a read unit for reading input data; a shift left unit comprising: a first shift left block for left-shifting input data; and a second shift left block for left-shifting input data; an add unit for adding data output from the shift left unit; and a shift right unit for right-shifting data output from the add unit. The present invention also provides a system of inverse discrete cosine transform. |
US08126947B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program
Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program are provided. An information processing apparatus includes the following elements. A receiver receives a command requesting for the execution of predetermined processing. A storage unit stores data and first information indicating, among a plurality of stages in a lifecycle of the information processing apparatus, the current stage determined by the stored data and second information indicating an executable command in the current stage, the executable command being determined for each of the plurality of stages. A determining unit determines on the basis of the first information and the second information whether the command received by the receiver is an executable command in the current stage. |
US08126944B2 |
Unordered/fuzzy file path
Provided is an abstracting mechanism for the naming of files in a computing system. When a document is saved, individual components of the file path are segregated and the filename extension becomes the first component in a new file path. Remaining components are rearranged into the new file path according to a simple alphanumeric ordering scheme. In another embodiment, the order of file path components is determined by either some type of hash function or according to a predefined ordering function. Also provided is a search technique that takes advantage of the claimed file mapping technique. A file path is broken into an unordered set of components that are treated with equal weight when performing a search. Files are sorted and displayed based upon a number of “hits,” each hit representing a match between a component of the file path and a term of a search term. |
US08126943B2 |
Autonomic virtual log configuration
A method, system and apparatus for autonomically configuring a virtual log. In accordance with the present invention, events flowing into the virtual log can be heuristically processed to determine if any events have been lost. When an event is considered to have been lost, the size of the log associated with the event can be increased. Also, the interval in which the virtual log interacts with the associated log can be decreased so as to ensure that the events will not continue to be lost. When a period of time has elapsed during which no events are heuristically determined to have been lost, either or both of the interval and associated log can be adjusted so as to increase the interval and decrease the size of the associated log. |
US08126942B2 |
Data processing system and data processing method
A data processing system includes a display control unit of implementing a display module for displaying at least one format file containing a fixed format, and at least one data file containing item data to be set to the fixed format, a specifying control unit of implementing a specifying module for specifying any one of the format file and the data file, and also specifying the other category of file from this one file, and a setting unit of setting the item data of the data file to the fixed format of the format file in accordance with the specifying operation. This architecture makes it possible to easily input the item data to the fixed format by manipulations on the screen. |
US08126937B2 |
Visual database modeling
Methods, systems, and computer program products, implementing techniques for visual database modeling. The techniques include receiving in a web browser user input defining a structure for a database, the structure including one or more tables and one or more relations between the tables; and displaying in the web browser a visual model of the defined database structure, the visual model including one or more graphical objects representing the tables and relations. |
US08126934B2 |
Updating track databases after track maintenance
Techniques are disclosed for updating a train track database after track maintenance so that the database correctly reflects any changes to track geometry or to the geo-locations of features along the tracks (e.g., grade crossings, mileposts, signals, platforms, switches, spurs, etc.). Advantageously, the techniques of the illustrative embodiment enable a track maintenance crew to cost-effectively obtain post-maintenance measurements for features without the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit (e.g., using a tape measure, using a laser rangefinder, etc.). |
US08126931B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying the composition of a data structure during runtime
In one embodiment the present invention includes a computer-implemented method for dynamically displaying, during runtime, the composition of a data structure in a tabular format. During execution of an application, a command indicating the name of a data structure as an argument is executed, thereby causing a dynamic data structure display generator to request the type of the particular data structure whose name is included in the command as an argument. Upon receiving the type and the location of the data structure, the dynamic data structure display generator selects a process to analyze the data structure. Using the selected process, the data structure is analyzed and its elements are systematically communicated to a user interface service, which is responsible for displaying, in a tabular format, the elements (names and values) of the data structure. |
US08126927B1 |
Data structure, method, and computer program for providing a linked list in a first dimension and a plurality of linked lists in a second dimension
A data structure, method, and computer program provide a linked list in a first dimension and a plurality of linked lists in a second dimension. In use, a linked list in a first dimension is provided. Further, the linked list in the first dimension includes a plurality of nodes. Additionally, each node includes a head pointer and a tail pointer. In addition, a plurality of linked lists in a second dimension is provided. Furthermore, the tail pointer of one of the nodes in the linked list in the first dimension points to a first node in one of the linked lists in the second dimension. |
US08126925B2 |
Dynamic generation and automated distribution of user interface from database model
A method and apparatus for automatically and dynamically generating a user interface for a client based upon a database model. An application server creates a user interface description in accordance with the database model. The description is then distributed to the client, which interprets the description and creates the user interface therefrom. |
US08126924B1 |
Method of representing and processing complex branching logic for mobile applications
A system is provided for efficiently defining and navigating through complex workflow structures for mobile unit applications. In one embodiment, the system (100) includes business platforms (101), a mobility server (102), an application descriptor generator (103) and mobile units (104). The business platforms (101) may be existing data systems of a business entity. The mobility server (102) handles communications between the business systems (101) and the mobile units (104). The application descriptor generator (103) creates application descriptors that define the functionality of an application running on a client (108) of the mobile unit (104). This functionality may include complex branching logic. In this manner, applications can be rapidly deployed and readily adapted to meet the needs of a business entity. |
US08126921B2 |
System and method of transferring information
A system and method of transferring information comprising an input module configured to receive an access parameter from an entity authorized to provide the access parameter, an access module configured to access a first database or a second database and communicate information from the first database to the second database wherein the information is configured to perform an authorized function. The function can be authorized bill payment. The information to be transferred can include financial information, and can include account information. |
US08126920B2 |
Enterprise security management system using hierarchical organization and multiple ownership structure
A hierarchical security model for networked computer users is described. Files and resources are controlled or created by users within the network. Each user within the network has an account that is managed by a network administrator. The account specifies the user identifier and password. Users are grouped into organizations depending upon function or other organizational parameter. The groups within the network are organized hierarchically in terms of access and control privileges. Users within a higher level group may exercise access and control privileges over files or resources owned by users in a lower level group. The account for each user further specifies the group that the owner belongs to and an identifier for any higher level groups that have access privileges over the user's group. All users within a group inherit the rights and restrictions of the group. |
US08126916B2 |
Priority based LDAP service publication mechanism
A method and system are provided for directing a client to a preferred service instance. At creation of a service instance, the service binding attribute of the created instance is extended to include assigned domains and associated priorities. There are then two phases to directing a client to the preferred service instance. The first phase is compilation of a list of domains and priorities for the service in response to a query. Upon completion of the first phase, a second phase is executed to determine a preferred service for the client by comparing fully qualified domain name entries and assigned priority entries. |
US08126913B2 |
Method to identify exact, non-exact and further non-exact matches to part numbers in an enterprise database
A method of searching for customer part numbers stored in an enterprise database includes creating a set of discrete search strings from a set of supplier part numbers by which a search of the customer part numbers is performed and identifying any exact, non-exact and further non-exact matches between the discrete search strings and the customer part numbers from an output of the search. |
US08126912B2 |
Guided content metadata tagging for an online content repository
A method for tagging content. The method includes receiving an initial metadata tag and associating the initial metadata tag with an object of an online repository. Based on the initial metadata tag, a metadata tag knowledgebase is accessed to derive at least one suggested metadata tag. A confirmation regarding the at least one suggested metadata tag is received and the suggested metadata tag is associated with the object. The object is then uploaded to the repository, and the metadata tag knowledgebase is updated to reflect tags associated with the object. |
US08126911B2 |
System and method for content-based partitioning and mining
Methods and systems are provided for partitioning data of a database or data store into several independent parts as part of a data mining process. The methods and systems use a mining application having content-based partitioning logic to partition the data. Once the data is partitioned, the partitioned data may be grouped and distributed to an associated processor for further processing. The mining application and content-based partitioning logic may be used in a computing system, including shared memory and distributed memory multi-processor computing systems. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
US08126908B2 |
Creation and enrichment of search based taxonomy for finding information from semistructured data
Techniques are provided for creating and updating a entity hierarchy (taxonomy) based on information captured about user interaction with a system. Techniques are also provided for using the taxonomy to determine the nature of entities represented by terms submitted to a search engine. Search logs analyzed for related sets of entities, and used to improve the taxonomy for storing information. Once the taxonomy is created, information across data sources are fetched and aggregated based on the taxonomy. When the system is queried, the query is modified to a predefined template, and the best fit result is promptly returned. A feedback mechanism is also provided to enhance taxonomy and entity data based on search volumes. This system enables search engines to provide accurate answers when entities, their attributes and relationships are involved. |
US08126907B2 |
Commercial shape search engine
Embodiments including a system for searching through a database using two or three dimensional data or data derived from the two three dimensional data. The database may be populated by searching a network environment to compile two dimensional image or three dimensional model data. A search for two or three dimensional data may be utilized to determine related advertisements that may be shown on a results page in connection with the search results. A database being searched may contain pricing data related to products that are associated with two or three dimensional data. |
US08126905B2 |
System, method, and computer-readable medium for optimizing the performance of outer joins
A system, method, and computer-readable medium for optimizing the performance of outer joins in a parallel processing system are provided. Predicates involving only attributes of a left table of a left outer join are pushed down to the outer relation for left outer joins having join predicates involving left table attributes and/or predicates involving attributes of both the right and left table. In such an instance, the rows of the left table may be partitioned into two sub-relations according to the predicate involving only attributes of the left table. Rows of the left table are allocated to a first sub-relation if the rows satisfy the predicate involving only attributes of the left table and rows of the left table are allocated to a second sub-relation if the rows fail to satisfy the predicate involving only attributes of the left table. Accordingly, only rows of the first sub-relation are required to be left outer joined with the right table. Advantageously, a reduction in the requisite number of rows to be redistributed and joined is facilitated. The disclosed embodiments may be similarly applied for optimization of right outer joins. Further, embodiments for optimizing full outer joins are disclosed. |
US08126899B2 |
Information management system
An information management system creates data structures based entirely on the content of source files, then compares these data structures to discover synergies and commonalities. In one embodiment, the system accepts a first collection of source files, and extracts text from each source file. The text is compared to tags in one or more dictionaries, which comprise hierarchical listing of tags. Tags matching the text are associated with each source file. The system then generates a virtual relational network in which each source file having matching tags is a node. Tags associated with two or more source files are links between the nodes. This virtual relational network may be compared with another virtual relational network to discover common nodes or links. Source files later added to a collection are massively linked by associating all tags from all source files with the newly added source file, and vice versa. |
US08126894B2 |
Click chain model
Techniques are described for generating a statistical model from observed click chains. The model can be used to compute a probability that a document is relevant to a given search query. With the model, a probability of a user examining a given document in a given search result conditionally depends on: a probability that a preceding document in the given search result is examined by a user viewing the given search result; a probability that the preceding document is clicked on by a user viewing the given search result, which conditionally depends directly on the probability that the preceding document is examined and on a probability of relevance of the preceding document. |
US08126891B2 |
Future data event prediction using a generative model
The prediction of future data events using a generative model is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of predicting a search engine switch, by first tracking a sequence of events in a user search. Next, a search engine switch based upon the sequence of events tracked is predicted. Then, in response to predicting a search engine switch and prior to the user requesting a search engine switch, an action is taken toward changing a user experience. |
US08126890B2 |
Techniques for knowledge discovery by constructing knowledge correlations using concepts or terms
Techniques for identifying knowledge use a graphical user interface for inputting one or more terms to be explored for additional knowledge. Then a search is conducted across one or more sources of information to identify resources containing information about or information associated with said terms. The resources are decomposed into elemental units of information and stored in a data structures called nodes. A group of nodes are stored in a node pool and, from the node pool, correlations of nodes are constructed that represent knowledge using information about relation types. Information about relations types is determined using a relation classifier. |
US08126887B2 |
Apparatus and method for searching reports
A method of searching at least one report includes extracting at least one of report element instance content, report element instance metadata, report element instance data, and at least one of associated report element instance context content, report element instance context metadata and report element instance context data to define indexed fields. A search query is received. The search query is applied against at least one indexed field. Search query results are compiled to produce a list of relevant report element instances. |
US08126886B2 |
System, method, and software for researching, analyzing, and comparing expert witnesses
The present inventors devised, among other things, system, methods, and interfaces for researching, evaluating, and comparing expert witnesses. One exemplary system includes interfaces that facilitate users entering queries regarding experts based on name or subject matter and filtering search results based on damage awards, case types, attorneys, clients and date range. The system also enables side-by-side comparisons of the cumulative litigation history for multiple experts, and provides an expert challenge report that indicates whether an expert has been challenged in past litigation, the result of any challenges, the presiding judges in the any challenges, and the text of the challenged testimony. |
US08126885B2 |
History based search service operable with multiple applications and services
A method, a device and a computer readable storage medium for enhancing user experience associated with searching data associated with one or more applications/services accessible on a mobile computing device. The result of the search is selected organized based on previous history of user actions to present the most relevant data entries to the user. Options associated with the searched data entries are also selected and organized based on previous history of user actions to facilitate performing of the user's intended functions on the mobile computing device. Further, searched data entries may be presented to the user in an argument oriented presentation mode where the searched data entries represent arguments for functions or a function oriented presentation mode where the searched data entries represent functions to be performed on the mobile computing device. |
US08126883B2 |
Method and system for re-ranking search results
A method for re-ranking search results, includes: generating the search results from a data source based on a search query from a user; retriving a re-ranking expression; re-ranking all or part of the documents in the search results based on the re-ranking expression; and displaying all or part of the documents in the search results with the re-ranked order. |
US08126880B2 |
Systems and methods of adaptively screening matching chunks within documents
A computer identifies within a document multiple matching chunks in response to a search request from a user. The search request includes one or more search keywords and each of the multiple matching chunks matches at least one of the search keywords. The computer partitions the matching chunks into multiple groups. The matching chunks within a respective group have an associated matching level to the search request. The computer returns one or more groups of the matching chunks to the user in an order consistent with their respective matching levels to the search request. |
US08126876B2 |
Systems and methods for improving the ranking of news articles
A system ranks results. The system may receive a list of links. The system may identify a source with which each of the links is associated and rank the list of links based at least in part on a quality of the identified sources. |
US08126874B2 |
Systems and methods for generating statistics from search engine query logs
A computer-implemented method includes calculating first statistics about a user-identified event within a first subset of a database of events; selecting a second subset of the database of events based on said first statistics; calculating second statistics about the user-identified event within the second subset of the database of events; merging the first and second statistics as statistics of the user-identified event within the entire database of events; and generating a result including at least a portion of the merged statistics of the user-identified event. |
US08126869B2 |
Automated client sitemap generation
Methods and computer-storage media for automated generation of domain sitemap files are provided. A universal resource locator (URL) for a web site having a plurality of web pages associated therewith is received. Log files and permission controls are analyzed to ascertain whether each web page has been previously crawled and which web pages may be crawled and/or indexed. The permitted, not-previously-crawled web pages are subsequently crawled and the relational structure of the web site is ascertained. Other items of metadata, such as web page modification frequency or priority values, also are determined. Once the structure and metadata are available, a current sitemap is generated that provides the hierarchy and related details in the form of metadata. The sitemap file is then written to a disk and may then be sent to search engines as generated or in a compressed format. |
US08126866B1 |
Identification of possible scumware sites by a search engine
Users may be protected from scumware included on or associated with web sites indexed by a search engine. The search engine may, for instance take the presence of scumware into account when ranking or determining whether a document matches a search query or provide information with search results that indicates that a particular search result link may be associated with scumware. In one implementation, a search engine generates search results for a search query to obtain documents that are relevant to the search query. The search engine may then format the search results as a web page that includes visual indicators associated with those of the relevant documents that have been determined to be associated with scumware. |
US08126864B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing folder
A method and apparatus for managing a folder is provided. The method includes: setting a drive correspondence table showing a correspondence relation of first location information including location information of an apparent drive allocated to the folder in the operating system and second location information including location information of a target drive to be actually allocated to the folder; and changing, in response to a request for an access to the folder requested by the operating system, location information allocated to the folder from the first location information of the apparent drive allocated to the folder to the second location information of the target drive allocated to the folder in accordance with the drive correspondence table without notifying the operating system of a change of location information of the drive allocated to the folder, whereby enabling the operating system to consequently access the folder in the target drive. |
US08126861B2 |
System and method for managing large data sets
The present invention is directed to a method and system for managing large data sets (or studies) transferred from at least one acquisition device to a study process server in order to transfer the data sets to at least one review station. The method includes transferring a selected subset of the existing data sets to each review station, monitoring each review station for a login, and populating the review station with studies from at least one relevant working set upon detecting the login. In an alternate embodiment, the method may include sorting each received study into an appropriate working set, selecting a subset of the collected set of studies from at least one working set, and distributing the selected subset of studies to each review station. |
US08126855B2 |
Compression of tables based on occurrence of values
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for compression of tables based on occurrence of values. In general, a number representing an amount of occurrences of a frequently occurring value in a group of adjacent rows of a column is generated, a vector representing whether the frequently occurring value exists in a row of the column is generated, and the number and the vector are stored to enable searches of the data represented by the number and the vector. The vector may omit a portion representing the group of adjacent rows. The values may be dictionary-based compression values representing business data such as business objects. The compression may be performed in-memory, in parallel, to improve memory utilization, network bandwidth consumption, and processing performance. |
US08126853B2 |
Log managing apparatus, log managing system, log managing method and log managing program
A log managing apparatus includes a collecting unit that receives a log from at least one collecting object that acquires the log including time information, a management unit that manages log format information set for each the collecting object, and a conversion unit that converts the log with reference to the log format information and extracts time information from the log. |
US08126848B2 |
Automated method for identifying and repairing logical data discrepancies between database replicas in a database cluster
A method and system for monitoring and maintaining the consistency of replicated databases in a shared-nothing database cluster architecture is presented. The method involves the continuous monitoring of the database transaction logs that are maintained by the autonomous database managers that manage the individual database replicas in the cluster. In the event that data discrepancies are detected via the comparison of the transaction logs of the individual database replicas, remedial action is carried out according to configured rules in the main cluster controller. These remedial actions may include, but are not limited to, making a database node inactive within the cluster, or automatically repairing any data discrepancies that are detected among the database replicas in the cluster. |
US08126844B2 |
Multi-thread replication across a network
A replicated set of data is processed by receiving at a target, from one of a plurality of replication processing threads, a received batch of one or more non-synchronization tasks. It is determined that the received batch comprises a next batch to be performed at the target and the non-synchronization tasks included in the batch are performed in a task order. |
US08126843B2 |
Cluster-wide read-copy update system and method
A system, method and computer program product for synchronizing updates to shared mutable data in a clustered data processing system. A data element update operation is performed at each node of the cluster while preserving a pre-update view of the shared mutable data, or an associated operational mode, on behalf of readers that may be utilizing the pre-update view. A request is made for detection of a grace period, and grace period detection processing is performed for detecting when the cluster-wide grace period has occurred. When it does, a deferred action associated with the update operation it taken, such as removal of a pre-update view of the data element or termination of an associated mode of operation. |
US08126838B2 |
Systems and methods of developing intuitive decision-making trainers
Systems and methods can provide an immersive learning environment based on cognitive task analysis followed by an analysis of instructional requirements and development of an instructional strategy. One or more immersive scenarios can be created and presented via an audio/visual training structure which enables a participant to improve real-time decision making in stressful, rapidly changing circumstances. |
US08126835B2 |
Pattern detection
Apparatus for detecting a pattern in a data stream comprises a pattern matching device for receiving the data stream. The pattern matching device comprises one or more rule engines, each rule engine operating under a plurality of state transition rules encoding a plurality of patterns, a first state transition rule including a wildcard state component and a wildcard input component, a second state transition rule including a wildcard state component and a specified input component, and a third state transition rule including a specified state component and a specified input component, the first, second and third rules having differing priorities, and at least one state transition rule including an output component indicating a pattern match. The apparatus is arranged to pass the data stream to each rule engine, and is further arranged to output a signal indicating a pattern match when a state transition rule indicates a pattern match. |
US08126833B2 |
Detecting anomalous events using a long-term memory in a video analysis system
Techniques are described for detecting anomalous events using a long-term memory in a video analysis system. The long-term memory may be used to store and retrieve information learned while a video analysis system observes a stream of video frames depicting a given scene. Further, the long-term memory may be configured to detect the occurrence of anomalous events, relative to observations of other events that have occurred in the scene over time. A distance measure may used to determine a distance between an active percept (encoding an observed event depicted in the stream of video frames) and a retrieved percept (encoding a memory of previously observed events in the long-term memory). If the distance exceeds a specified threshold, the long-term memory may publish the occurrence of an anomalous event for review by users of the system. |
US08126825B2 |
Method for visualizing feature ranking of a subset of features for classifying data using a learning machine
A method for enhancing knowledge discovery from a dataset uses visualization of a subset features within a dataset that provide the best separation of the dataset into classes. One or more classifiers are trained using each subset of features and the success rate of the classifiers in accurately classifying the dataset is calculated. The success rate is converted into a ranking that is represented as a visually distinguishable characteristic. One or more tree structures may be displayed with a node representing each feature, and the visually distinguishable characteristic is used to indicate the scores for each feature subset. Connectors between the nodes may be used to indicate unconstrained and constrained feature sets. Nodes within a constrained path may be substituted for a feature within the preferred, unconstrained path if that feature is impractical to measure. |
US08126824B2 |
Advanced data integrity
A payment integrity system that processes data, including data associated with a biometric technology. The system includes a discovery module to receive insurance records from a source of data, which includes the data associated with the biometric technology, the records providing information that pertain to at least one transaction. The discovery module includes a query component and an artificial intelligence engine to process the records to identify a second subset of the records having anomalous information, and provide a second analysis output indicative of the second subset. The system also includes an audit module to determine whether to instruct the artificial intelligence engine to analyze the records according to the outputs. The system facilitates resolution of a claim payment based on the first analysis output and the second analysis output. |
US08126821B2 |
Methods and systems for supporting the production of shipping labels
Methods and systems for supporting the production of shipping labels are provided. Example embodiments provide a Shipment Management System (“SMS”), which facilitates the production of shipping labels. The SMS may be configured to generate a shipping uniform resource identifier (“URI”) that identifies a shipping protocol and includes shipment information and post-back information. The shipping URI may be provided to a shipping label module configured to produce a shipping label in accordance with the shipping protocol by outputting a shipping label based on the shipment information, and automatically posting information about the producing of the shipping label to a code module identified by the post-back information. In some embodiments, the actions of the SLPS may be initiated by a Web browser in response to a user selection of a shipping URI. This abstract should not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
US08126817B2 |
Product repair assistance using a virtual universe
An approach that provides product repair assistance using a virtual universe is described. In one embodiment, there is a method for providing repair assistance for a real-world product in a virtual universe. The method includes receiving diagnostic information relating to the real-world product, ascertaining repair assistance information for the real-world product from the received diagnostic information, and generating a rendition of the real-world product along with the repair assistance information for display to a resident on-line in the virtual universe. |
US08126814B2 |
Method and system for installing software and hardware feature licenses on devices
A method and system for installing software and hardware licenses on electronic devices supporting licensable features. Specifically, a method is disclosed for installing licenses in a node based licensing scheme. The electronic device defining the node receives an input containing an authorization key. The authorization comprises a license for a service feature, a node identifier, a software version, and a sequence number. Information in the authorization key is used to install the license on the electronic device. The node identifier is compared to an official node identifier stored at the electronic device. The sequence number is compared to an official sequence number stored at the electronic device. The license is installed into a pool of licenses available to the electronic device when the node identifier matches the official node identifier and the sequence number matches the official sequence number. The sequence number ensures that the authorization key at most can only be used once. |
US08126813B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, and data communication system and method
A client obtains license information. The client has a client module for using content under conditions defined in the license information. When the client module is updated and a new function is added, the client obtains updating license information including permission of the new function. The client is allowed to use the content under the conditions defined in the previous license information and the conditions defined in the updating license information without obtaining new rights information for the updated client module. |
US08126804B2 |
Decision support systems and methods for complex networks
Methods and systems for automated decision support in analyzing operation data from a complex network. Embodiments of the present invention utilize these algorithms and techniques not only to characterize the past and present condition of a complex network, but also to predict future conditions to help operators anticipate deteriorating and/or problem situations. In particular, embodiments of the present invention characterize network conditions from operation data using a state estimator. Contingency scenarios can then be generated based on those network conditions. For at least a portion of all of the contingency scenarios, risk indices are determined that describe the potential impact of each of those scenarios. Contingency scenarios with risk indices are presented visually as graphical representations in the context of a visual representation of the complex network. Analysis of the historical risk indices based on the graphical representations can then provide trends that allow for prediction of future network conditions. |
US08126798B1 |
System and method for margin loan securitization
A system and method for securitizing margin loans, wherein a processor system operates to analyze account data for a plurality of accounts, and to identify and flag accounts that are marginable. The process provides for flagging a group of accounts which collectively are representative of a portfolio of marginable accounts held by a brokerage company. The system and method also provides for generating a general ledger for the brokerage company, a SPV, and a trust, wherein these general ledgers track the sale of margin loans belonging to the flagged accounts, from the brokerage company to the trust via the SPV. The system and method further provide for processing transactions in the flagged accounts to identify and classify transactions in the flagged accounts which affect the margin balances for the flagged accounts. |
US08126796B2 |
System and method for automatically investing a portion of interest charged in a mortgage installment payment
A method and a system are provided to allocate a borrower's monthly home loan repayments to a loan provider to an interest payment account and an equity accrual account; and, to further allocate to a retirement or education account a monthly amount of savings that is correlated to that portion of each monthly home loan repayment comprising interest on the loan. The monthly amount of savings allocated to the retirement or education account is computed by multiplying that portion of each monthly home loan repayment comprising interest on the loan by a savings rate that is a function of an economic benchmark. |
US08126788B2 |
Method for tracking time attendance of either a dedicated user or multiple non-dedicated users, interchangeably, using a single multi-function electronic hand-held device
A method for tracking time attendance for either a single dedicated user, and typically owner, of a single multi-function electronic hand-held device without the need of entering password information, or selectively interchangeable to multiple non-dedicated users which must enter passwords to access their time tracking screens is provided. The time tracking software on the hand-held device can be placed into solo mode for a single dedicated user, which can be selectively deactivated so as to enable multiple non-dedicated users to enter their passwords to log in and clock-in or clock-out. The solo mode may be selectively reactivated so as to automatically log in the dedicated user and display his or her time tracking screen. An authorized administrator's password may be necessary to activate or deactivate solo mode. |
US08126787B1 |
System and method for preparing a tax return using electronically distributed tax return data
The present invention is a system and method for preparing a tax return using electronically distributed tax return data. Electronically distributed tax return data (such as W-2 data or 1099 data) that is stored at a third party's computer system for a taxpayer is accessed to prepare the tax return. The location of the electronically distributed tax return data is provided to a tax preparer that accesses the electronic data and prepares the tax return. The taxpayer provides authorization for the tax preparer to access the electronically distributed tax return data stored at the third party system. After the current tax year, the tax preparer checks the availability of the electronically distributed tax return data. When the electronically distributed tax return data is determined to be available, the tax preparer accesses it and prepares the tax return. |
US08126786B1 |
Notification and correction of E-filing rejections
An electronic filing system may electronically file a tax return created by a user using a tax preparation application. The electronic filing system may receive an error indication from a taxing authority identifying a specific tax return error. The electronic filing system may create an error notification including an error description, error solution, and mechanism for correcting the error. The electronic filing system may send the error notification to a device associated with the user. The device may not be the same device in which the tax preparation application created the tax return. The mechanism may enable the user to correct the error without the tax preparation application. The electronic filing system may receive an error correction sent from the user's device according to the mechanism of the error notification. The electronic filing system may correct an error of the tax return according to the error correction. |
US08126785B2 |
Automated transaction accounting processing engine and approach
Accounting data is classified to facilitate transaction processing and management. According to an example embodiment, data based rules are implemented for classifying transaction-related data into accounting categories. Accounting information is processed as a function of the data based rules and accordingly classified. This approach involves, for example, the identification of particular data based rules to apply to the accounting information, applying the rules and processing the information accordingly. |
US08126783B2 |
Rule-based shopping
A system, method, and computer-readable medium for generating an itinerary in response to a request from a user are provided. The system includes a memory for storing a market table associated with a respective market, a rule table comprising rules associated with a respective fare class, and a fare table comprising fares associated with each fare class within a respective rule table. Each market table includes rule identifiers corresponding to at least one connection path, and each rule table is associated with a rule identifier corresponding to one of the rule identifiers contained within a respective market table. The system also includes a processing element for determining whether criteria associated with each connection path satisfies the rules within a respective rule table and determining a fare from a respective fare table for at least one connection path corresponding to each fare class associated with the satisfied rules within a respective rule table. |
US08126780B2 |
Method for cultured sea algae
A method and apparatus for utilizing, processing, distributing and an accompanying business model for sea algae, particularly forced cultured kombu, to prevent the expansion of global warming, by encouraging a re-purchase of the cultured sea algae, by paying the purchaser back, in a constant rate, a part of the profit from the sales of a CO2 omission right, which right depends upon the CO2 absorption and fixation ability. |
US08126779B2 |
Machine implemented methods of ranking merchants
In a consumer information system, a method of comparing products and services including providing product specific information, providing merchant specific information on the specified product, providing merchant specific business information, providing product specific information collected by third parties, providing merchant specific information collected by third parties, applying weighting factors to the information provided, producing an aggregate value for each merchant based on the weighting factors as applied to the information provided, and producing a ranking of the merchants offering the specified product based on the aggregate value for each merchant. The system provides for consumers to select a set of standardized weighting factors or to modify the standardized weighting factors or to create their own weighting factors. The system provides detailed information to consumers on the breakdown of factors influencing the rating. |
US08126776B2 |
Method and systems for personal restaurant assistant
A method and systems for a personal restaurant assistant. In one embodiment, the method, that may be implemented on a system, comprises identifying from an invoice for a group of diner's having ordered meals, charge items from the invoice to be allocated to one or more of the diners; transmitting over a network connection to a service provider, the identification of the charge items having been allocated to the one or more diners, to have calculated an allocated amount of the invoice for the one or more diners; and receiving over the network connection from the service provider, a calculated allocated amount of the invoice for the one or more diners. |
US08126772B1 |
Rebate cross-sell network and systems and methods implementing the same
Embodiments of the invention provide a robust rebate cross-sell network in which business entities, including financial institutions, can make targeted offers, including pre-approved or pre-qualified credit offers, to a desirable consumer utilizing information submitted by the consumer during a rebate redemption process. These business entities may but need not be associated with a rebate-issuing entity (i.e., rebate sponsor) or a rebate processing center which processes rebate claims for the rebate sponsor. In one embodiment, a cross-sell network manager can determine the consumer's identity, look-up the consumer at credit bureau(s), and perform a passive, real-time inquiry. Contingent upon a plurality of factors (e.g., the results of the inquiry or look-up against the pre-approved/qualified customer list, etc.), one or more targeted offers are identified. A Web page can be dynamically generated with the selectively identified offers and presented to the consumer as disbursement options, perhaps after authenticating the consumer's identity. |
US08126770B2 |
Advertisement system using mash-up map and method thereof
A map advertisement system and method by using a mash-up map advertisement is provided, which can operate various advertisement cost billing policies. The map advertisement system includes an advertisement management unit for generating an advertisement layer and an identifier of the advertisement layer based on advertisement information including geographic location information received from an advertiser terminal; a base map providing unit for providing a base map layer capable of providing geographical information through on-line; and a mash-up map advertisement unit for generating mash-up map data by mixing the advertisement layer with the base map layer based on the geographic location information, wherein the advertisement layer identifier includes at least one information element related to an advertisement exposure on the advertisement layer. |
US08126766B2 |
Interactive user interface for collecting and processing nomenclature and placement metrics for website design
Computer implemented methods for conducting interactive surveys that define aspects of a web page, is disclosed. One method includes generating an interactive survey user interface (UI), where the interactive survey UI provides a plurality of selectable nomenclature items for a plurality of page objects of the web page. Then, enabling selection of one nomenclature item from the plurality of selectable nomenclature items. A drag and drop operation enables the selection of the one nomenclature item and dragging to the one of the plurality of page objects to define a placement for the one nomenclature item. The selection of the one nomenclature item and the defined placement is received to build metrics from multiple survey participants, where the metrics are used to define recommendation for rendering the plurality of page objects on the web page. The recommendations identify nomenclature and placement of page objects for the design of the web page. |
US08126762B2 |
Method for managing and controlling stability in business activity monitoring and management systems
A stabilization methodology and system component in Business Activity Monitoring and Management systems. This enables firms to use Business Activity Management (BAM) systems to manage business activity by only responding to monitored data when the overall business performance can be improved. This enables firms to identify appropriate tradeoffs between potentially conflicting objectives while meeting business objectives. Information from BAM systems are analyzed based on models of the business process and different information filter criteria are assessed for their impact on business performance indicators. Based on this, a filter criterion is chosen which is executed by an information filter. The outputs from the information filter are used as the basis for deciding the inputs for business process execution. |
US08126759B2 |
Social networking system capable of notifying users of profile updates made by their contacts
A networked computing system provides various services for assisting users in locating, and establishing contact relationships with, other users. For example, in one embodiment, users can identify other users based on their affiliations with particular schools or other organizations. The system also provides a mechanism for a user to selectively establish contact relationships or connections with other users, and to grant permissions for sharing personal data with such users. The system may also automatically notify users of personal information updates made by their respective contacts. |
US08126758B2 |
Method and apparatus for information boosting in related but disconnected databases
Method and apparatus for information boosting in related but disconnected databases, in one aspect, may comprise identifying disconnected data sources comprising data that are related or dependent on one another, determining one or more relationships and dependencies among the disconnected data, and refining the data sources based on one or more relationships and dependencies. |
US08126754B1 |
Resource management and planning for manufacturing organizations
A method for managing manufacturing resources and planning manufacturing activities includes tracking enterprise information detailing business records for an enterprise, the enterprise information including real-time information regarding resources, production, and inventory related to production of a product; communicating with a resource management system storing the enterprise information and multiple affiliated organizations using disparate protocols; translating communications between the protocols to facilitate transfer of data between the resource management system and the affiliated organizations; loading selected portions of the enterprise information into a scaled memory; and generating, in real-time, production plans based on the selected portions of the enterprise information loaded into the scaled memory to affect manufacturing and shipping of goods and materials. |
US08126753B2 |
Evaluation of a process metric
An exemplary method of responding to a request for a value of at least one metric associated with at least one process includes a step of determining whether responding to the request requires updating the value of the at least one metric. When responding to the request does not require updating the value of the at least one metric, a response is determined based at least in part on at least one stored value of the at least one metric. When responding to the request does require updating the value of the at least one metric, the value of the at least one metric is updated and a response is determined based at least in part on the at least one updated value of the at least one metric. Updating the value of the at least one metric, at least when responding to the request requires updating the value of the at least one metric, includes steps of determining at least one new value of the at least one metric based at least in part on at least one stored value of the at least one metric and storing the at least one new value of the at least one metric. The method also includes a step of responding to the request with the determined response. |
US08126752B2 |
System and method to provide maintenance for an electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system
A method for providing maintenance to an electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system, and an information system and one or more computer program software means for carrying out same. A method to provide maintenance to an electrical power generation facility and/or an electrical power transmission and distribution network system operated by a Utility. Maintenance personnel visit a site to inspect a condition of said apparatus, and examine information from an Information System operated in co-ordination with a Help Desk. The method comprises further steps such as preparing a report of the apparatus with a mobile web camera, making a report comprising a graphic image of the condition of said apparatus, receiving at said Help Desk and Information System the report and graphic image from the inspector/repairman, finding stored information about said apparatus and/or said system in said Information System, comparing said stored information with the report and/or graphic image, the inspector/repairman making in consultation with the Help Desk an assessment of the condition of said apparatus and providing a recommendation such as a repair, a temporary repair or making a plan for a repair at a later time. |
US08126751B2 |
Method for allocating system costs of the infrastructure of a computer center
A computer-implemented method for allocating system costs of an infrastructure of a computer center includes the steps of: determining total pro rata temporis costs of individual system resources of the infrastructure for a billing period; dividing the total pro rata temporis costs of individual system resources into individual performances by a key; dividing the individual performances into individual performance shares for one service each, such that the division corresponds to a percentage share of the individual performance actually used by one service each; adding up for one service each for one system resource each the individual performance shares, thereby providing performance share sums; and adding up the performance share sums, which have been formed each for the same service but different system resources. |
US08126748B2 |
Sports and concert event ticket pricing and visualization system
A system and method is presented for determining at what price and when to release so-called ‘flex’ price tickets during an on-sale using hazard functional analyses of sales velocity and sales/inquiry ratios. Exponential, power, and Weibull-gamma models are also used to predict demand, depending on what part of the on-sale is involved. Determining demand of seats from secondary markets is also described with methods to use the demand for either repricing the seats in the primary market or presenting ‘best value’ seats to a prospective purchaser. Demand can be interpolated or extrapolated to individual seats or rows. |
US08126747B2 |
Method and system for evaluating insurance liabilities using stochastic modeling and sampling techniques
In computer-implemented methods and systems for estimating financial modeling outcomes, financial data segmented into a number (x) of classes and scenario data for a set of model scenarios are processed to obtain an estimated model outcome distribution. The class segments are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive of the financial data. Multiple model tests are performed with samples of the financial data until a cumulative model outcome distribution is within a pre-determined acceptable tolerance limit from a distribution of fully assessed model outcomes obtainable by performing a single test of the scenarios using all of the financial data. The number (x) of classes, the sample size (z), and a number (y) of times that the tests are performed ensure that the cumulative model outcome distribution is within the pre-determined acceptable tolerance limit from the distribution of fully assessed model outcomes. |
US08126743B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing the selection of benefit options
A method for managing the selection of benefit options includes receiving historical user data covering a first time period, and receiving benefit information including at least one benefit option applicable to a second time period. A first portion of the historical user data is compared with a portion of the benefit information to determine anticipated future costs associated with the at least one benefit option. A user of the method optionally selects one of the available benefit options based on the comparison. The benefit options include at least two different insurance policies available for selection. The insurance policies may include at least two different policies of one or more types selected from the group consisting of medical, dental, vision, and life. |
US08126737B2 |
Pharmacy personal care account
A method for providing insurance coverage to a subscriber comprises offering an insurance policy to the subscriber wherein the insurance policy comprises providing allowances to pay for one or more expenses covered by the insurance policy and providing monetary credits to the subscriber for any unused portion of a given allowance where the monetary credits can be used to cover the cost of a subsequent allowed expense. The insurance policy may be a pharmacy benefits plan. The covered expenses may be pharmacy expenses. The allowed expenses may be medical expenses which qualify under Section 213 of the US Internal Revenue Code for payment by an employer without the subscriber having to declare the payment as taxable income. |
US08126733B2 |
Systems and methods for medical data interchange using mobile computing devices
A method according to the present invention includes receiving data through a wired connection from a medical device by a mobile computing device, where the wired connection includes an adapter that communicates with the mobile computing device using a first communication format and the medical device using a second communication format. The method further includes formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server by the mobile computing device. This method may be practiced automatically, either continuously or at set intervals, or may be initiated by someone utilizing the system (such as the patient or health care provider. The mobile computing device can be a properly-equipped cellular telephone, PDA, or other a small, portable device that is easy for a patient to transport. |
US08126730B2 |
Systems and methods for storage and forwarding of medical data
A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes receiving data through a wired connection from a medical device, storing the data, transmitting the data to an intermediary device, and formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information. This method allows the data to be stored for any desired length of time, and/or until a particular event occurs. |
US08126724B2 |
Voice recognition method and apparatus using model number lookup
A voice response system for use in obtaining return qualification information for a product using a non-unique product identifier, including: a dial-in voice system operable to prompt a caller for the non-unique product identifier, wherein the non-unique product identifies the product as a member of a defined product group; a product registration database including a plurality of different, non-unique product identifiers; a return policy storage that defines return policies for each of the non-unique product identifiers; and an arrangement that looks up a specific return policy for the non-unique product identified entered by the caller and provides information to the caller regarding return qualification for the product identified by the non-unique product identifier. |
US08126719B1 |
Interactive voice recognition and response over the internet
Methods and systems for handling speech recognition processing in effectively real-time, via the Internet, in order that users do not experience noticeable delays from the start until they receive responsive feedback. A user uses a client to access the Internet and a server supporting speech recognition processing. The user inputs speech to the client, which transmits the user speech to the server in approximate real-time. The server evaluates the user speech, and provides responsive feedback to the client, again, in approximate real-time, with minimum latency delays. The client upon receiving responsive feedback from the server, displays, or otherwise provides, the feedback to the user. |
US08126718B2 |
Facilitating text-to-speech conversion of a username or a network address containing a username
To facilitate text-to-speech conversion of a username, a first or last name of a user associated with the username may be retrieved, and a pronunciation of the username may be determined based at least in part on whether the name forms at least part of the username. To facilitate text-to-speech conversion of a domain name having a top level domain and at least one other level domain, a pronunciation for the top level domain may be determined based at least in part upon whether the top level domain is one of a predetermined set of top level domains. Each other level domain may be searched for one or more recognized words therewithin, and a pronunciation of the other level domain may be determined based at least in part on an outcome of the search. The username and domain name may form part of a network address such as an email address, URL or URI. |
US08126716B2 |
Method and system for collecting audio prompts in a dynamically generated voice application
A prompt collecting tool (190) for an interactive voice response system (100) includes a voice enabled application server (150), a voice simulator coupled to the voice enabled application server, and a processor coupled to the voice simulator. The processor can be programmed to execute (202) a voice application having a plurality of audio prompts, play (206) audio if a pre-stored audio is available for a particular prompt, capture (208) text when no pre-stored audio is available and forward (210) the captured text to the prompt collecting tool. The voice simulator can include a VoiceXML browser (160), a text to speech text service (170), and a text based recognition service (180) for example. |
US08126712B2 |
Information communication terminal, information communication system, information communication method, and storage medium for storing an information communication program thereof for recognizing speech information
An information communication terminal (100) that includes: a speech recognition module (6) for recognizing speech information to identify a plurality of words in the recognized speech information; a storage medium (20) for storing keyword extraction condition setting data (24) in which a condition for extracting a keyword is set; a keyword extraction module (8) for reading the keyword extraction condition setting data (24) to extract a plurality of keywords from the plurality of words; a related information acquisition module (11) for acquiring related information related to a plurality of keywords; and a related information output module (14) for providing related information to a monitor (2). |
US08126711B2 |
Method and module for modifying speech model by different speech sequence
A modifying method for a speech model and a modifying module thereof are provided. The modifying method is as follows. First, a correct sequence of a speech is generated according to a correct sequence generating method and the speech model. Next, a candidate sequence generating method is selected from a plurality of candidate sequence generating methods, and a candidate sequence of the speech is generated according to the selected candidate sequence generating method and the speech model. Finally, the speech model is modified according to the correct sequence and the candidate sequence. Therefore, the present invention increases a discrimination of the speech model. |
US08126705B2 |
System and method for automatically adjusting floor controls for a conversation
A system and method for automatically adjusting floor controls for a conversation is provided. Audio streams are received, which each originate from an audio source. Floor controls for a current configuration including at least a portion of the audio streams are maintained. Conversational characteristics shared by two or more of the audio sources are determined. Possible configurations for the audio streams are identified based on the conversational characteristics. An analysis of the current configuration and the possible configurations is performed. A change threshold is applied to the analysis. When the analysis satisfies the change threshold, the floor controls are automatically adjusted. The audio streams are mixed into one or more outputs based on the adjusted floor controls. |
US08126703B2 |
Method, spoken dialog system, and telecommunications terminal device for multilingual speech output
A method for providing multilingual speech output in an automated spoken dialog system includes setting up a connection between a telecommunications terminal device and the spoken dialog system. In response to a connection setup, a multilingual speech output is provided that includes an output of a first speech sequence in a first language and at least one second speech sequence in at least one second language different from the first language. The first speech sequence and the at least one second speech sequence are output, at least in part, simultaneously. |
US08126702B2 |
Translating data objects
Translating information, such as an object type and content, in a first data object from an initial language into a target language includes searching a database to locate a second data object having the object type, attempting to obtain, from the second data object, the object type and the content in the target language, and storing, in the first data object, the object type and content in the target language. |
US08126700B2 |
Computer-assisted comprehension of texts
A solution is proposed for the data-handling system-assisted comprehension of texts (particularly, when they are written in a foreign language). For this purpose, a difficulty index is associated with each known word (for example, according to its frequency of use in standard texts). The words of a current document opened using the data-handling system are sorted according to their difficulty indexes. The words having the difficulty indexes higher than a threshold value (for example, based on the skill of a reader) are selected as difficult. A translation of each difficult word is then extracted from a dictionary; this translation is displayed close to each occurrence of the corresponding difficult word. |
US08126699B2 |
Process for translating machine shorthand into text
A method for translating stenographic strokes includes the steps of receiving a series of stenographic strokes, creating a table of translations of one or more strokes within the series of strokes, sequentially assigning a score to each of the one or more strokes, determining at least one alternate translation to at least one of the translations in the table of translations, ranking the translations and alternate translations based on an accumulation of the score of the strokes within, and selecting one of the ranked translations or one of the ranked alternate translations based on a best score. |
US08126698B2 |
Technique for improving accuracy of machine translation
A system for translating messages is provided. The system includes a parsing unit that parses a first message and a second message in which the same content is respectively described in a first language and a second language that are different from each other so as to generate a first syntactic tree that represents the structure of the first message and a second syntactic tree that represents the structure of the second message, a determining unit that, in a case where the representation of a phrase represented by a certain subtree included in the first syntactic tree matches the representation of a phrase represented by a subtree, corresponding to the subtree, in the second syntactic tree, determines that the phrase is a phrase that need not be translated, and a translation unit that, in a process of generating a fourth message described in a fourth language by translating a third message described in a third language, outputs the phrase that need not be translated and is included in the third message, as represented in the third message, the phrase being put in the fourth message after the translation. |
US08126688B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying gaps between parts
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying gaps. A grid of points is generated on a first surface. The grid of points is associated with a point for a first part associated with a second part in a model. A line segment is formed from the first surface of the first part to a second surface of the second part for each point in the grid of points to form a plurality of line segments. A gap size is identified between the first surface and the second surface using the plurality of line segments to form a plurality of gap measurements. |
US08126685B2 |
Automatic real-time optimization and intelligent control of electrical power distribution and transmission systems
A system for real-time optimization of power resources on an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, an analytics server, a control element and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system. The analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and a power flow optimization engine. The virtual system modeling engine is configured to generate predicted data output for the electrical system utilizing a virtual system model of the electrical system. The control element is interfaced with an electrical system component and communicatively connected to the analytics server. The client terminal is communicatively connected to the analytics server. |
US08126677B2 |
Analyzing surface structure using scanning interferometry
A method includes comparing a scanning interferometry signal obtained for a location of a test object to each of multiple model signals corresponding to different model parameters for modeling the test object, wherein for each model signal the comparing includes calculating a correlation function between the scanning interferometry signal and the model signal to identify a surface-height offset between the scanning interferometry signal and the model signal and, based on the identified surface-height offset, calculating a height-offset compensated merit value indicative of a similarity between the scanning interferometry signal and the model signal for a common surface height. The method further includes, based on the respective merit values for the different model signals, determining a test object parameter at the location of the test object. |
US08126675B2 |
Product integrity tracking shipping label, and associated method
A product integrity tracking shipping label includes a label body for attaching to a product to be shipped or to packaging containing the product. One or more movement monitoring configured with the label body detects a movement metric of the product. A microprocessor configured with the label body and in communication with the one or more movement monitoring devices time-tags the movement metric when the movement metric exceeds a pre-selected threshold. A product integrity tracking system includes a movement monitoring device with one or more sensors for attachment to a product or packaging containing the product. The movement monitoring device senses at least one movement event during handling of the product. A processor compares the movement event with a pre-selected event threshold, and time-tags and stores above-threshold movement events in a memory. Information in the memory is readable via an interrogation device during shipment or at product delivery. |
US08126673B2 |
High rate line-by-line calculation method and program by forked line type resolution
The invention offers a calculation method and program capable of performing line-by-line calculations using a Voigt function at speeds of 50-100 times what is conventional. The Voigt function is divided into a first range around the peak and a skirt portion not contained in the first range. The first range is replaced by a cubic function, and the skirt portion is taken as the Voigt function to perform calculations in predetermined ranges of equal intervals. Furthermore, the peak area of the first range is replaced by a cubic function, and the skirt portion is taken as a function representing the difference between the Voigt function and the cubic function to perform calculations in second predetermined intervals smaller than the aforementioned first predetermined intervals. This is repeated until the desired level of precision is reached. Additionally, interpolation is performed by dividing these predetermined intervals into four or five parts. |
US08126672B2 |
Ear-type thermometer and a control method thereof
An ear-type thermometer which measures body temperature using a temperature detection element 21 that detects ambient temperature and an infrared detection element 22 that detects infrared radiation from a measurement site within the aural cavity, the 2 elements housed in a probe 3, wherein the ear-type thermometer comprises a probe cover 10 which can be detachably provided with the probe, a detection switch 60 which detects that the probe cover is attached or detached to the probe, and two temperature conversion coefficients 52a and 52b which corrects body temperature based on the detection result from the two detection elements. Further, the thermometer comprises a detection switch 60 which detects that the probe cover is attached or detached to and from the probe, a temperature conversion coefficient 52a which corrects body temperature based on detection results from the two detection elements, a control unit 50 which determines whether the probe cover has exceeded the usage count limit or not using an actual usage count, a speaker 12 or a liquid crystal display unit which alerts need to replace the probe cover when the usage count limit has been exceeded. |
US08126670B2 |
Method and device for calibrating a network analyzer for measuring at differential connections
A method for calibrating vectorial network analyzers, which provide exactly n test ports, for the testing of electrical components with differential connections, where several calibration measurements are implemented, and where several different calibration standards are connected to the test ports. In the method, n is a positive integer greater than 1, and exactly one arbitrary test port is used as a reference test port. The following measurements are implemented for the calibration: (n−1) calibration measurements, where the reference test port is connected to every further test port respectively in its own calibration measurement by direct connections or short matched lines of known reflection, length and attenuation, one calibration measurement where all n test ports are terminated by respectively known input impedances of arbitrary transmission properties, and one calibration measurement where all n test ports are terminated by unknown, respectively-identical, reflecting terminations. |
US08126665B1 |
Device, and associated method, for monitoring a meter
An antenna is adapted for receiving via a CDMA/1xRTT digital wireless cellular radio communications network incoming data from a client remote control station, and for transmitting via a wireless cellular communications network outgoing data to the client remote control station. A cellular modem is connected to the antenna for establishing a wireless telephony data connection, and a processor is connected to the modem for receiving and processing incoming data, and for processing and communicating outgoing data to the modem for transmission via the antenna and the wireless cellular communications network to the client remote control station. A communication interface is connected to the processor and connectable to the meter for communicating incoming data from the processor to the meter, and for communicating the outgoing data from the meter to the processor. A power supply is connected for supplying power to the processor and the modem. |
US08126661B2 |
Wet gas measurement
A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value. |
US08126660B2 |
Method and system for determining residential fuel usage
A method and system that accurately predicts fuel consumption rates in a residential structure is provided. The present invention more accurately determines the amount of fuel required to maintain a residential structure at a consistent temperature, thereby allowing identification of various system anomalies that may occur over time. Further, the method and system accounts for a number of fuel usage variables such as pilot light and domestic hot water usage in a manner that allows improved accuracy in determining the amount of fuel required to maintain a residential structure at a consistent temperature, thereby allowing identification of various system anomalies that may occur over time. |
US08126659B2 |
Computational method of material constant of composite material and volume fraction of material component in composite material, and recording medium
In computing the overall material constant of a composite material, a virtual composite material is defined as the one that predetermined material components are dispersed in a form of spherical particles in a matrix phase at known volume fractions, and a nonlinear equation having the overall material constant of the virtual composite material as an unknown is prepared. Next, the overall material constant of the composite material is computed by solving the nonlinear equation. The nonlinear equation is a recursive nonlinear equation which is obtained by defining the material constant in the surrounding areas of the spherical particles as the overall material constant of the composite material to be computed. The volume fraction of a material component dispersed in the composite material is computed using the recursive nonlinear equation. |
US08126658B2 |
Shape defect factor identification method, device, and program
Provided is a method for rapidly, surely, and easily identifying a factor of a shape defect of an artifact attributed to elastic recovery of deformation upon molding by using the numeric value simulation technique, thereby eliminating lowering of dimension accuracy. The method includes a step of calculating a stress distribution and distortion distribution working on an artifact before elastic recovery; a step of calculating a deformation amount δ0 based on the elastic recovery of an evaluation point when the stress distribution is given to the artifact shape before the elastic recovery; a step of dividing the artifact shape into a plurality of regions and calculating a deformation amount δn based on the elastic recovery of the evaluation point when the stress distribution is given to each of the regions of the artifact shape before the elastic recovery; and a step of comparing the deformation amount δ0 and the deformation amount δn and identifying a region where the difference between them is minimum as a main affect region, i.e., a stress distribution region which most affects the shape defect of the evaluation point before and after the elastic recovery. |
US08126657B2 |
Method and apparatus for the calculation of coal ash fusion values
The IT and FT values for coal and coke samples can be accurately predicted by applying equations to determined ST and HT temperatures. For reducing atmospheres, the equations are IT=C1×ST−C2×HT+C3 and FT=C4×HT−C5×ST+C6. For oxidizing atmospheres, the equations are IT=C7×ST−C8×HT+C9 and FT=C10×HT−C11×ST+C12. IT is the initial deformation temperature. ST is the softening temperature. HT is the hemispherical temperature. FT is the fluid temperature. C1-C12 are constants determined by multi-linear regression coefficient analytical techniques on a collection of data. |
US08126648B2 |
Method for predicting the best and worst in a set of non-unique solutions
Method for determining best and worst cases for values of model parameters such as porosity and shale volume fraction generated by non-unique matrix inversion of physical data such as seismic reflection amplitudes. The matrix is diagonalized, and then orthonormal basis vectors associated with insignificant diagonal elements are used to generate upper and lower bounds on the solution. Best and worst case solutions are determined as linear combinations of the null basis vectors, where the expansion coefficients are determined by making a best fit to the upper and lower bounds. |
US08126645B2 |
Direction indication device of a global positioning system
A direction indication device of a global positioning system which is composed of a host having a voice device and a display panel. An exterior of the display panel is enclosed with a cover, on which an indication unit is installed and includes at least one illumination element. Each illumination element represents a direction indication. An interior of the host also includes a navigation module which produces a navigation signal and a direction indication module which produces an indication signal on the indication unit. After the direction indication module has received the navigation signal, the illumination element representing the direction will produce light to represent the direction indicated by the navigation signal, such that a driver can be indicated the direction on the display panel without watching at the global positioning system. |
US08126644B2 |
Travel support system, method thereof, program thereof, and recording medium containing the program
A PC of a travel support system displays running video of a predetermined route, and if a predetermined intersection is set as a warning point by a user, sends warning point setting information to a server. If the server acquires the warning point setting information from the PC, the server updates a user DB. A navigational device sends travel route related information of a travel route set by the user to the server. The server sends detailed guidance information of the warning point included in the traveling route set in the navigational device to the navigational device. Upon arrival at the warning point, the navigational device notifies detailed guidance, and upon arrival at an existing guidance point, the navigational device notifies existing guidance. |
US08126638B2 |
Engine
In an engine which may show a behavior where an engine speed is not always minimized after compression top dead center of a cylinder in which poor fuel injection occurred, the cylinder in which poor fuel injection occurred is detected. A common rail diesel engine (1) includes a individual reference number-of-revolutions output unit (30) for outputting the individual reference number of revolutions Nstdi of each cylinder corresponding to each injector (3) incident to fuel injection thereof, an engine speed sensor (6) for calculating the individual actual number of revolutions Ni of each cylinder corresponding to each injector (3) incident to fuel injection thereof, and fuel injection failure detection means for judging a cylinder temporarily judged as poor fuel injection as a cylinder of poor fuel injection when the plus and minus by a contrast arithmetic operation unit (80) coincide entirely in each cylinder and the absolute value |ΔNi′| of the difference in number of revolutions at the time of forced stop means is entirely above the absolute value |ΔNi| of the difference in the number of revolutions at the time of temporary judgment means. |
US08126634B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an engine capable of operating on more than one type of fuel
A control system for an engine capable of operating on more than one type of fuel includes an engine control unit that determines a default fuel volume to be injected into the engine based on relevant engine parameters and characteristics of a default fuel type. A default mass fuel flow rate is derived from the default fuel volume and relevant engine parameters. The actual mass fuel flow rate into the engine is inferred from the mass air flow rate into the engine and the exhaust gas air-to-fuel ratio, which is determined using a wide range oxygen sensor. A fuel correction factor is calculated from the default mass fuel flow rate and the inferred mass fuel flow rate. The fuel correction factor is used to increment or decrement the default fuel volume in a subsequent fuel injection cycle thereby incrementing or decrementing the inferred mass fuel flow rate toward the default mass fuel flow rate. |
US08126633B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided and at least a first map of prefixed first values is predetermined, each prefixed first value being a function of a prefixed nominal fuel quantity (Qecu—prefix). The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of determining a nominal fuel quantity (Qecu) for one injection, calculating an actual, torque forming, injected fuel quantity of the injection (QUEGO) and calculating at least one first parameter (Qdelta) which is related to the actual, torque forming, injected fuel quantity of the injection (QUEGO). After that, the nominal fuel quantity (Qecu) is modified according to the value of the at least one first parameter (Qdelta) so as to obtain a corrected fuel quantity (QecuCorr) that corresponds to the actual fuel quantity injected during the injection. The method further includes, but not limited to the step of comparing the corrected fuel quantity (QecuCorr) with each of the prefixed nominal fuel quantity (Qecu—prefix) and operating the engine using, from the first map, the first values which corresponds to the corrected fuel quantity (QecuCorr), according to the result of said comparison. |
US08126628B2 |
Aircraft gas turbine engine blade tip clearance control
A method and system adjusts blade tip clearance between rotating aircraft gas turbine engine blade tips and a surrounding shroud in anticipation of and before an engine command that changes an engine rotational speed. The method may include determining when to begin adjusting the tip clearance by expanding or contracting the shroud before the engine command and may be based on monitored aircraft and/or aircraft crew data indicative of the engine. The aircraft and/or aircraft crew data may include communications between aircraft crew and air traffic control authorities or air traffic control surrogates. Determining when to begin adjusting the tip clearance may include using learning algorithms which may use the aircraft gas turbine engine's operating experience and/or operating experience of other jet engines on an aircraft containing the aircraft gas turbine engine and/or on other aircraft. |
US08126626B2 |
Vehicle path control for autonomous braking system
A motor vehicle travel path control which monitors, during an autonomous braking event initiated by a collision preparation system the actual motor vehicle travel path in relation to the driver intended motor vehicle travel path, and in the event a departure from the driver intended motor vehicle path occurs, the motor vehicle travel path control adjusts braking so as to return the motor vehicle travel path to that intended by the driver. |
US08126625B2 |
Vehicle drive assist apparatus and method
A vehicle drive assist apparatus for assisting in driving a vehicle by varying drive torque of wheels that includes: a torque-up mechanism increasing the drive torque; a step detecting mechanism detecting a step that may exist on a road surface in a traveling direction of the vehicle; and a switching mechanism switching a status of control between a first status in which the torque-up mechanism is permitted to operate and a second status in which the torque-up mechanism is restricted to operate, wherein the switching mechanism forms the first status if the step is detected by the step detecting mechanism. |
US08126621B2 |
Engine load control device of work vehicle
In an engine load control device of a work vehicle, an output of an engine is transmitted to a hydraulic actuator via a variable displacement type hydraulic pump. A controller is configured to calculate, based on a target rotational speed of the engine detected by a target rotational speed detecting portion and an actual rotational speed of the engine detected by an actual rotational speed detecting portion, a variation rate per unit time of a difference between the detected results, and to adjust the maximum absorbing torque of the hydraulic pump according to the magnitude of the variation rate. |
US08126619B2 |
Weight calculation compensation
A method and apparatus for determining weight of a payload lifted by a rig of a load lifting machine. The weight is determined from at least one parameter being or indicative of the force or pressure existing in or applied by the rig while the payload is lifted and a compensation for friction and/or other losses in the rig 14. |
US08126616B2 |
Vehicle seating system and method
A vehicle seating system including a seat and at least one powered seat adjustment actuator for altering the seating position formed by the seat. Additionally, the system includes a vehicle braking system including vehicle brakes and a brake pedal. The system further includes a signal sent in response to application of the vehicle brakes which leads to suspension of movement of the actuator during application of the vehicle brakes. |
US08126614B2 |
Selective anti-lock braking system
Automatic mechanical transmission system for a vehicle with antilock braking which is configured to selectively decouple the drive train of the vehicle from the wheels of the vehicle. The system includes a first sensor for sensing at least one operational state of the vehicle, a second sensor for sensing a wheel-lock up condition of the vehicle, and a logic control unit. The logic control unit is configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors. When the first sensor communicates a first predetermined operational state of the vehicle and the second sensor communicates a wheel-lockup condition, the logic unit directs disengagement of the drive train from the wheels. Alternatively, when a second predetermined operational state of the vehicle and wheel lock-up condition is communicated, the logic control unit directs engagement of the drive train and the wheels. |
US08126613B2 |
Vehicle safety system
A vehicle safety system comprising a vehicle stability-regulating system, one or more secondary safety components and an electronic interface. The electronic interface communicates with both the vehicle stability-regulating system and the secondary safety components. The electronic interface receives data from the vehicle stability-regulating system and controls the operating condition of the secondary safety components based thereon. |
US08126612B2 |
Steering system and method for independent steering of wheels
A steering system comprises a steering wheel adapted to receive a driver's rotational input. Left and right wheel units are rotatable along a steering angle for adjusting a direction of the vehicle during the driving movement. A steering mechanism converts the rotational input to a variation of the steering angle of the wheel units. The steering mechanism comprises a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel, and gear steering units for each said wheel unit. The gear steering units are connected to the steering shaft for mechanically converting the rotational input to steering outputs for both said wheel units to concurrently vary the steering angle of said wheel units. Independent steering units for each wheel unit each adjusting the steering angle of a respective one of the wheel units independently from the rotational input and from the other wheel unit. |
US08126611B2 |
On-vehicle communication system
An on-vehicle communication system has a plurality of buses relay-connected through a relay connection unit, each of the buses having at least one ECU connected thereto. In the vehicle communication system, a basic routing table that specifies a relay point for transmitting from the relay connection unit to the ECU is stored in a ROM and a transmission list report message about message IDs is transmitted. The ECU receives the transmission list report message and sends back a transmission request message about a message ID, which is not included in the transmission list report message but should be received, to the relay connection unit. The transmission request message is received by a table creation unit in the relay connection unit. The table creation unit creates a new additional routing table indicating a correspondence relationship between an ID requested by the transmission request message and a transmission destination and being stored in a RAM. |
US08126594B2 |
Method of generating a walking pattern for a humanoid robot
The present invention may provide a method of generating a walking pattern for a humanoid robot. The method of generating the walking pattern for the humanoid includes determining a position of a next Zero Moment Point (ZMP) along a moving direction of the humanoid robot, obtaining a first condition for generating a walking pattern based on the determined ZMP by using a periodic step module, generating trajectories of a ZMP and a Center of Mass (CoM) in an initial step based on the first condition and an initial value obtained from an initial state of the humanoid robot by using a transient step module, generating trajectories of a ZMP and a CoM in a steady step based on the ZMP of two steps by using a steady step module, and generating trajectories of a ZMP and a CoM in a final step by using the transient step module. |
US08126593B2 |
Apparatus for detecting malfunctions of electromagnetic brakes of robot
An apparatus is provided for detecting a malfunction occurring in an electromagnetic brake of a robot. In the apparatus, the main relay and the sub-relay are controlled to open the main contact and the sub-contact when the robot is activated. Detecting is then made whether or not the main contact is malfunctioning, by monitoring an energized state of the main contact. Activation of the robot is stopped when the main contact is malfunctioning and the main relay is controlled to close the main contact for a given period of time when that the main contact is operating normally. Detecting is further made as to whether or not the sub-contact is malfunctioning, by monitoring an energized state of the sub-contact The activation of the robot is stopped when the sub-contact is malfunctioning and the main relay is controlled to close the main contact when the sub-contact is operating normally. |
US08126588B2 |
Method and system for controlling transport sequencing in a process tool by a look-ahead mode
By providing a look-ahead functionality for a tool internal substrate handling system of process tools on the basis of a process history, the tool internal substrate sequencing may be significantly enhanced. The look-ahead functionality enables a prediction of process time of substrates currently being processed in a respective process module, thereby enabling the initiation of transport activity for substrate load operations in order to significantly reduce the overall idle time of process modules occurring during substrate exchange. |
US08126585B2 |
Collision preventing device incorporated in numerical control apparatus
A collision preventing device includes an acceleration/deceleration simulating unit 30 that performs acceleration/deceleration processing based on a moving command generated by a function generation unit 16 according to a method similar to that used by acceleration/deceleration units 18x and 18z and obtains a moving path resulting from the acceleration/deceleration processing, an interference check unit 34 that performs interference check between a mobile member and an interfering object along the moving path generated by the acceleration/deceleration simulating unit 30 and determines whether any interference may occur, a delay unit 32 that successively stores moving commands generated by the function generation unit 16 and successively outputs a moving command having been stored a predetermined time before, and a moving command blocking unit 36 that sends the moving command output from the delay unit 32 to the acceleration/deceleration units 18x and 18z if the interference check unit 34 determines that there is no interference, and blocks the moving command to be sent from the delay unit 32 to the acceleration/deceleration units 18x and 18z if the interference check unit 34 determines that interference may occur. |
US08126581B2 |
Improving design manufacturing, and transportation in mass manufacturing through analysis of defect data
A system for optimizing at least one of a design, production, or testing process of a product in a mass manufacturing process includes: a central processing unit; a network interface operatively connected to the central processing unit; a storage device; a memory including logic for execution by the central processing unit, wherein the logic includes: a server handler made up of a client applet and a client interface servlet which are configured for enabling authorized end-user communication; an error data collection handler configured for gathering error data; an error data classification handler; an analysis handler; a suggested actions report handler; and the system further includes a server database configured for storing, modifying, and deleting data. |
US08126573B2 |
Method and device for optimizing processes
The invention relates to a process-optimizing device, particularly a manufacturing execution system device. Such a process-optimizing MES device is mounted between an enterprise production planning system, especially an enterprise resource planning device, and a control system, particularly a process instrumentation and control device. The inventive MES device comprises at least one optimization unit for influencing one or several process parameters of the control system, especially the PLT device, at least one data-determining unit for monitoring the process parameter/s, and at least one evaluation unit for automatically determining an optimization of the process parameter/s, which is created by the optimization unit/s. |