| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| US08127368B2 |
Semiconductor memory card and data reading apparatus, and data reading/reproducing apparatus
A semiconductor memory card comprising a control IC 302, a flash memory 303, and a ROM 304. The ROM 304 holds information such as a medium ID 341 unique to the semiconductor memory card. The flash memory 303 includes an authentication memory 332 and a non-authentication memory 331. The authentication memory 332 can be accessed only by external devices which have been affirmatively authenticated. The non-authentication memory 331 can be accessed by external devices whether the external devices have been affirmatively authenticated or not. The control IC 302 includes control units 325 and 326, an authentication unit 321 and the like. The control units 325 and 326 control accesses to the authentication memory 332 and the non-authentication memory 331, respectively. The authentication unit 321 executes a mutual authentication with an external device. |
| US08127367B2 |
Refreshing software licenses
A license access agent is configured to execute on a client computer. The license access agent comprises a license manager configured to receive a software license upon a request for authorizing usage of a protected software product so as to allow one or more functionalities of the protected software product to run on the client computer. The license manager is configured to disable the protected software product upon expiration of the software license unless the license manager obtains a refreshed software license. |
| US08127366B2 |
Method and apparatus for transitioning between states of security policies used to secure electronic documents
Techniques for dynamically altering security criteria used in a file security system are disclosed. The security criteria pertains to keys (or ciphers) used by the file security system to encrypt electronic files to be secured or to decrypt electronic files already secured. The security criteria can, among other things, include keys that are required to gain access to electronic files. Here, the keys can be changed automatically as electronic files transition between different states of a process-driven security policy. The dynamic alteration of security criteria enhances the flexibility and robustness of the security system. In other words, access restrictions on electronic files can be dependent on the state of the process-driven security policy and enforced in conjunction with one or more cryptographic methods. |
| US08127365B1 |
Origination-based content protection for computer systems
Content, such as confidential information of an organization, may be protected by automatically categorizing the content. The automatic categorization may be performed by calculating a sensititiy score of the content, the sensitivity score being indicative of whether or not the content is confidential. The sensitivity score may be compared to a threshold. Metadata of the content may be provided to collaborating computers outside the computer network where the content was created. The collaborating computers may compare the metadata to received content to determine if the received content discloses confidential information described by the metadata. |
| US08127363B2 |
Method and apparatus for booting a processing system
Machine-readable media, methods, apparatus and system for booting a processing system are described. In an embodiment, whether to launch an open operating system or a closed operating system to boot a processing system may be determined. A key may be retrieved from a processor register of the processing system and used to decrypt an encrypted version of the closed operating system based at least in part on a determination of booting the processing system with the closed operating system. In another embodiment, the processor register stored with the key may be flushed based at least in part on a determination of booting the processing system with the open operating system. |
| US08127362B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method of the apparatus, computer program for implementing the method, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus acquires restricted function data indicating functions whose execution is restricted, and acquires function data indicating a plurality of functions to be called by script data. The apparatus determines, based on the acquired function data, a realizable function by combining the functions indicated by the function data, and determines, based on the restricted function data and the realizable function, whether to permit execution of the script data corresponding to the function data. |
| US08127360B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting leakage of sensitive information
A method and apparatus for preventing leakage of sensitive information from a computer is described. The method includes identifying data entered into the computer system as sensitive data, tainting the sensitive data with at least one taint bit to form a tainted data, tracking the tainted data within the computer system and identifying at least one condition that compromises the security of the tainted data. The system is a computer system including taint analysis software for identifying data entered into the computer system as sensitive data, tainting the sensitive data with at least one taint bit to form a tainted data, tracking the tainted data within the computer system and identifying at least one condition that compromises the security of the tainted data. |
| US08127359B2 |
Systems and methods for real-time network-based vulnerability assessment
A system for real-time vulnerability assessment of a host/device, said system comprising an agent running on the host/device. The agent includes a a first data structure for storing the status of interfaces and ports on the interfaces of the host/device. An n executable agent module is coupled to the first data structure to track the status of interfaces and ports on the interfaces of the host/device and to store the information, as entries in said first data structure. The executable agent module compares the entries to determine a change in the status of interfaces and/or of ports on the interfaces of the host/device. A remote destination server is provided that includes a second data structure for storing the status of interfaces and the ports on the interfaces of the host/device. An executable server module is coupled to the second data structure to receive the information communicated by the agent executable module of the agent on the host/device. The executable server module stores the received information as entries in the second data structure wherein the entries indicate the state of each of the ports on each of the active interfaces of the host/device as received. The executable server module compares the entries in said data structures to determine the change in the status of interfaces and ports on the interfaces of the host/device. The executable server module runs vulnerability assessment tests on the host/device in the event of a change in the status of interface/ports. |
| US08127355B2 |
System and method for protecting network resources from denial of service attacks
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for protecting network resources from denial of service attacks. In one exemplary embodiment, a responder stores an access filter value used to determine whether an incoming message frame has been transmitted from an authorized user. In this regard, a user communication device includes logic for determining the access filter value stored at the responder and includes the access filter value in a message frame transmitted from the computer to the responder. The responder compares the received access filter value to the stored access filter value. If such values match or otherwise correspond, the responder authenticates the message frame. However, if such values do not match or otherwise correspond, the responder discards the message frame. Thus, the responder processes authenticated message frames and discards unauthenticated message frames thereby preventing denial of service attacks from malicious users. |
| US08127354B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for identifying vulnerabilities associated with data loaded in memory
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying vulnerabilities associated with data loaded in memory. In operation, a subset of data that is loaded in memory is identified. Additionally, the subset of data is compared to a list of known data. Furthermore, there is a reaction based on the comparison. |
| US08127353B2 |
Real-time user awareness for a computer network
A computer system, device, computer software, and/or method performed by a computer system, is provided for determining a user name likely to be associated with an attack, a configuration, or a vulnerability. First data is obtained which associates user names with individual IP addresses onto which the user names were logged in. Second data is obtained which associates attacks, configurations, or vulnerabilities with individual IP addresses on which the attacks occurred or on which the configurations or vulnerabilities exist. The user names from the first data are associated with the attacks, configurations or vulnerabilities from the second data based on having the same IP address during a log-in. An individual user name is indicated as being associated with attacks which occurred while the individual user name was logged in or with configurations or vulnerabilities for an IP address onto which the user logs in. |
| US08127346B2 |
Network security system and method
In a security system for network communications with client devices, each client device has a communication module for communicating with at least one server over a network, a data storage module for storing one or more covert data values of one or more operational events at the client device, and a covert identifier generating module which creates at least one covert identifier based on the stored covert data values. The covert identifier is provided in one or more network messages to the server, or otherwise sent to the service provider, and may be provided in response to a specific request received over the network, or routinely in one or more messages normally involved in network communications. The server compares covert identifiers received from client devices having the same client identifier in order to detect possible clones. |
| US08127345B2 |
Method and system for managing access to protected computer resources provided via an internet protocol network
A method and system for controlling access, by an authentication server, to protected computer resources provided via an Internet Protocol network that includes storing (i) a digital identification associated with at least one client computer device, and (ii) data associated with the protected computer resources in at least one database associated with the authentication server; authenticating, by the authentication server, the digital identification forwarded by at least one access server; authorizing, by the authentication server, the at least one client computer device to receive at least a portion of the protected computer resources requested by the at least one client computer device, based on the stored data associated with the requested protected computer resources; and permitting access, by the authentication server, to the at least the portion of the protected computer resources upon successfully authenticating the digital identification and upon successfully authorizing the at least once client computer device. |
| US08127344B2 |
Rapid archivable WORM memory system based on a hard disc
A process is described which permits particularly rapid writing and reading of small files, such as e-mails and scanned documents, for legally relevant WORM data storage which preserves evidential integrity. The process is implemented using currently available operating systems and standard hardware, wherein the disadvantages of these operating systems in the processing of many small files and the insecurity of the data storage are overcome by the architecture of the hardware and the implementation of the process.In accordance with the invention there are on a first hard disc (4) an operating system (5) and also WORM server software (6) with an API (12), a second hard disc (7) serves as a work area and cache, wherein the secured data are loaded onto mass memory units (11) in content storage containers (CSCs), using the WORM server software (6) access rights are configured, CSCs are loaded, the number of files is reduced and secure storage is carried out. |
| US08127343B2 |
Image forming system, information processing program, and image forming device handling secure job information
An image forming system includes an information processing device and an image forming device. The information processing device includes: a generator configured to generate secure job information including image forming information and image forming authentication information; and a transmitter configured to transmit the secure job information. The image forming device includes: a receiver configured to receive the secure job information; a storage configured to store the secure job information and deletion authentication information; an input unit configured to input image forming input information and deletion input information; an execution determining unit configured to determine, based on the image forming authentication information and the image forming input information, whether the image forming device executes an image forming process based on the image forming information; and a deletion determining unit configured to determine, based on the deletion authentication information and the deletion input information, whether the image forming device deletes the secure job information from the storage. |
| US08127336B2 |
Systems and methods for policy-based service management
Systems and method for policy-based service management are provided. An exemplary system includes a rule definition interface module configured to receive a plurality of rule definitions and a separate policy management interface module configured to allow a user to define a rule instance from an existing rule definition instance and to define a policy instance based on the defined rule instance. A policy may be simply expressed via the policy management interface as “perform the following set of action if all of the following rule instances are true unless any of the following rule instances are true.” Additionally, policies may be associated with a context at a specific a level in a context hierarchy having multiple levels. The policy may therefore inherit rules from contexts at a higher level in the hierarchy. |
| US08127333B2 |
Device for imaging an aircraft cabin
A service network in which a monitoring system is implemented under the aspect of weight and space optimization. The service network for an aircraft includes a multi-purpose flight attendant panel, a bus system and a switch, wherein the multi-purpose flight attendant panel and the switch are connected via the bus system, wherein the switch includes an interface for at least one recording device, and wherein the multi-purpose flight attendant panel includes a control device for controlling the recording device. |
| US08127332B2 |
System and method for dynamically transmitting program system information from television network to stations using information embedded in an HDTV signal
A system for dynamically transmitting recent program system information from a television network to an affiliate station using information embedded in an HDTV signal includes a program data server configured to provide current program system information protocol (PSIP) data, a network video programming source configured to provide network video programming, a data inserter configured to insert the PSIP data into vertical ancillary (VANC) space of a high definition television (HDTV) signal to develop a combined network video programming and PSIP data signal, and a transmission facility configured to transmit the combined network video programming and PSIP data signal. |
| US08127328B2 |
Method and system for real-time reconciliation for unused content
A method and system includes a scheduling system generating a pre-break window and a post-break window and an automation system in communication with the scheduling system receiving a content signal and generating a deviation signal when an expected trigger for an insert material is not within the pre-break window or post-break window. The scheduling system reschedules the insert material in response to the deviation signal. |
| US08127327B2 |
Method for providing multiple streams in digital media and to select viewable content based on geography
A method for selectively displaying viewing content based on geographic considerations, the method includes: decoding audio/video (A/V) information; detecting geographic identifiers in the A/V information; displaying specific portions of the A/V information associated with the geographic identifiers, in response to one or more geographic considerations; and wherein the A/V information is from one or more information streams inserted in a single digital broadcast or digital media. |
| US08127323B2 |
Information storage medium, reproducing method, and recording medium
According to one embodiment, an information storage medium includes an organic dye material which records information with a light beam having a wavelength equal to or smaller than 620 nm. |
| US08127321B2 |
Suspension arm actuator for a scanning device including a printed coil having a plurality of layers
The invention relates to a suspension arm comprising a suspension arm designed as a two-arm lever, said suspension arm mounted to a support such that it can be pivoted between the lever arms about an axis extending perpendicularly to said suspension arm. One of the lever arms supports on its end side an optical head having a focal lens and comprises an elastic region for initiating a motion of the optical head in focusing direction perpendicularly to the pivot plane of the suspension arm. The other lever arm is provided with a coil of a magnetic drive for initiating a swivel motion about the axis. In addition, the suspension arm actuator comprises a magnetic drive for initiating the motion of the optical head in the focusing direction. It solves the problem of designing such a suspension arm actuator such that the sensitivity of said suspension arm actuator is increased. To achieve this, at least one of the magnetic drives is designed with at least one printed coil which is provided with at least one layer increasing the magnetic field strength. |
| US08127319B2 |
Disk reproducing apparatus implementing detection of disk insertion condition for loading and ejection operations
A disk reproducing apparatus includes a disk detecting lever that has a switch abutting section and a light intercepting section and rotates according to the loading operation and the ejecting operation of a disk caused by abutment of the outer edge of the disk against a detecting pin; a single switch that is switched by the switch abutting section and thereby detects the loading start position, and also the inserting position of the disk; and a single photosensor that detects the inserting position of the disk with keeping the light intercepting condition thereof by either the light intercepting section or the disk and also detects the ejection end position when the light intercepting condition brought about by the disk has been released and then the light intercepting condition brought about by the light intercepting section is released. |
| US08127316B1 |
System and method for intercepting process creation events
A system for detecting creation of a program instance includes an interceptor routine that obtains a parameter corresponding to a characteristic of a program instance and an interceptor module that can be injected into a native operating system process. In certain examples, the interceptor module can replace an address of a selected routine in an address table with an address to the interceptor routine, such that the native operating system process can call the interceptor routine in place of the selected routine. Additionally, the system can include a comparison module that compares the parameter to a set of identified programs to determine whether the program instance corresponds to at least one of the identified programs. The system can also include a security module that can modify execution of the program instance based at least in part on a determination that the program instance corresponds to at least one identified program. |
| US08127314B2 |
Method for using information in another domain, program for using information in another domain, and information transfer program
To use data in another domain while executing a script language based on a security limit of an HTTP client. A main program provided to an HTTP client from a first domain executes a first program and the first program urges start of a second program provided to the HTTP client from a second domain. The second program acquires predetermined information from a second domain. Moreover, the second program urges start of a third program provided to the HTTP client from the first domain. Furthermore, a tree structure is used for storing domain browser region the tree and transferring information among a domain server and different domain browser regions. |
| US08127306B2 |
Integrating eventing in a web service application of a multi-functional peripheral
Techniques are provided for efficiently processing SOAP requests at a Web service application (WSA) of a multi-functional device (MFP). In one technique, a WSA includes at least three threads. An external request processing thread processes SOAP requests from different client applications. A request processing thread processes a SOAP request according to the business logic of the WSA. A internal communications thread communicates with other components of the MFP that are distinct from the WSA. In another technique, a WSA processes different SOAP request differently, depending on the size of the SOAP and the resources required to process the SOAP request so that fast requests may be processed immediately while slow requests are pending. In another technique, a WS-Eventing specification is implemented within a WSA to simplify the event subscription and notification process. |
| US08127304B2 |
Mapping and communicating data from a user interface to an application program
Provided are a method, program, and article of manufacture for mapping and communicating data from a user interface to an application program. Data is received from a user interface via a network protocol directed to an application program. State information is generated for a user of the user interface to use to invoke the application program. The received data is mapped to application variables. The application program uses the state information for the user and the application variables including the mapped data. |
| US08127302B2 |
Method for dynamically adjusting audio decoding process
A method for dynamically arranging DSP tasks. The method comprises receiving an audio bit stream, checking a remaining execution time as the DSP transforms the audio information into spectral information, simplifying the step of transforming the audio information when the DSP detects that the remaining execution time is shorter then a predetermined interval, and skipping one section of the audio information and decoding the remaining section when the execution time is less than a predetermined interval. |
| US08127301B1 |
Scheduling selected contexts in response to detecting skew between coscheduled contexts
Management of contexts that execute on a computer system is described. More specifically, context scheduling in a virtual machine environment is described. A set of coscheduled contexts is monitored. If a skew metric associated with any one of the coscheduled contexts fails to satisfy a condition, then all coscheduled contexts in the set of coscheduled contexts not already descheduled are descheduled. After the contexts are descheduled, a subset of the set of coscheduled contexts is scheduled before the remainder of the set of coscheduled contexts. |
| US08127300B2 |
Hardware based dynamic load balancing of message passing interface tasks
Mechanisms for providing hardware based dynamic load balancing of message passing interface (MPI) tasks are provided. Mechanisms for adjusting the balance of processing workloads of the processors executing tasks of an MPI job are provided so as to minimize wait periods for waiting for all of the processors to call a synchronization operation. Each processor has an associated hardware implemented MPI load balancing controller. The MPI load balancing controller maintains a history that provides a profile of the tasks with regard to their calls to synchronization operations. From this information, it can be determined which processors should have their processing loads lightened and which processors are able to handle additional processing loads without significantly negatively affecting the overall operation of the parallel execution system. As a result, operations may be performed to shift workloads from the slowest processor to one or more of the faster processors. |
| US08127299B2 |
Landscape reorganization algorithm for dynamic load balancing
A method and system for reorganizing a distributed computing landscape for dynamic load balancing is presented. A method includes the steps of collecting information about resource usage by a plurality of hosts in a distributed computing system, and generating a target distribution of the resource usage for the distributed computing system. The method further includes the step of generating an estimate of an improvement of the resource usage according to a reorganization plan. |
| US08127298B2 |
Operations management apparatus of information-processing system
Information processing equipment and power/cooling facilities are managed together for power savings without degrading system processing performance. An operations management apparatus 60 is connected to an equipment group 201 to 20q and facilities 401 to 40u and 501 to 50v. The operations management apparatus 60 includes: a database 64 which stores a history of positions and operation information 61 of the equipment group of 201 to 20q and facilities 401 to 40u and 501 to 50v, and workloads 301 to 30r of the equipment group of 201 to 20q. An index value of workloads from the history is calculated and the workloads 301 to 30r are allocated to the equipments 201 to 20q. In addition, the operations management apparatus 60 allocates the workloads 301 to 30r. |
| US08127297B2 |
Smart virtual objects of a virtual universe independently select display quality adjustment settings to conserve energy consumption of resources supporting the virtual universe
Described herein are processes and devices that use smart objects in a virtual universe to conserve computing resources. One of the devices described is a virtual resource conserver. The virtual resource conserver reads data that indicates that a resource conservation setting is to be selected for a virtual object in a virtual universe. The virtual resource conserver selects the resource conservation setting for the displayed virtual object. The resource conservation setting comprises data that describes a displayable characteristic about the virtual object, which can be reduced in display quality. The virtual resource conserver reduces the display quality of the virtual object in accordance with the selected resource conservation setting, thus conserving computing resources. |
| US08127295B1 |
Scalable resource allocation
A device, system, and method are directed towards managing limited resources in a computer system with multiple processing units. Each processing unit has a corresponding bucket. Each thread executing on a processing unit has a corresponding wallet. Buckets and wallets contain credits corresponding to units of the limited resource. When a request for the resource is made, mechanisms of the invention attempt to fulfill the request by looking in a local wallet, a local bucket, or non-local buckets. In a resource shortage situation, credits may be moved to a primary bucket. A load balancing mechanism may distribute credits among buckets, or move credits from wallets to buckets. |
| US08127293B2 |
Identifying executable process contents of flow executor(s) in flow generation system
The function restriction information of a designated flow executor is acquired. The acquired function restriction information is analyzed. An operation screen that identifiably displays process contents executable by the flow executor in association with setting target functions to be set in the flow is displayed on the basis of the analyzed function restriction information. Process contents of a setting target function to be set in the flow are selected on the basis of an operation in the operation screen. The flow of the flow executor is generated by combining the functions of the selected process contents. |
| US08127292B1 |
Virtualization system with hypervisor embedded in bios or using extensible firmware interface
A computer system includes a first portion of a Hypervisor is loaded into the memory as a part of an Extensible Firmware Interface upon start up and prior to loading of an operating system. The first portion is responsible for context switching, at least some interrupt handling, and memory protection fault handling. The first portion runs on a root level. An operating system is loaded into a highest privilege level. A second portion of the Hypervisor is loaded into operating system space together with the operating system, and runs on the highest privilege level, and is responsible for (a) servicing the VMM, (b) servicing the VMs, (c) enabling communication between code launched on non-root level with the second portion of the Hypervisor to perform security checks of trusted code portions and to enable root mode for the code portions if allowable. The VMM runs on the highest privilege level. A Virtual Machine is running under control of the VMM. Trusted code runs on non-root level. The first portion of the Hypervisor verifies trusted code portions during their loading or launch time, and the trusted code is executed on root level. |
| US08127285B2 |
System, and associated method, for downloading an application
A method for facilitating the downloading of an application from a server computer to a client device, whereby the client device generates to the server computer an initiation request for information describing available applications. In response to receipt of the initiation request, the server computer retrieves, for each available application, information describing the respective application, and a link to an application descriptor for the respective application. The server computer transmits the information and link to the client device, which in turn displays the information and stores the link. When the user selects an application, the link for the selected application is recalled and is reached on the server computer for retrieval of the application descriptor. From the application descriptor, the client device may determine whether the application fits the device profile and, hence, whether to download the application. |
| US08127283B2 |
Enabling graphical notation for parallel programming
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for developing of a parallel program by specifying graphical representations for input data objects into a parallel computation code segment, specifying graphical representations for parallel program schemes, each including at least one graphical representation of an operator to perform an operation on an data object, determining if any of the parallel program schemes include at least one alternative computation, and unrolling the corresponding parallel program schemes and generating alternative parallel program scheme fragments therefrom. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08127281B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient multiple-pattern based matching and transformation of intermediate language expression trees
A computer implemented method, system and computer program product for efficient multiple-pattern based matching and transformation of intermediate language expression trees in a compiler. Such an approach includes three constructs of pattern matchers namely a registry, a mapped registry and a registry instance for constructing multiple patterns and for enabling a matching and transformation process. These constructs narrow the number of relevant patterns applied against input expressions without repeatedly implementing an algorithm and also significantly reduce memory footprint and compilation time. |
| US08127279B2 |
Systems and methods for graphical indexer operation on documents with SOSI characters
Systems and methods associated with indexing of information in documents where the documents include line data with shift out/shift in (“SOSI”) code point encodings. SOSI controls are often embedded in documents encoded as simple line data (data formed to be printed on line printers). A document indexing system in accordance with features and aspects hereof converts the SOSI characters embedded in such a document to reserved codes for presentation on a user interface. The user may then precisely select trigger and field parameters used for identifying index values in such a line data document for purposes of indexing and archiving. The reserved controls help a user identify trigger and field value in a manner that the indexing system can track to determine whether and where the selected trigger and field values contain SOSI characters and thus require different column counting and indexing. |
| US08127278B2 |
System and method for extending legacy applications with undo/redo functionality
In a system and method for recalling a state in an application, a processor may store in a memory data representing a first set of previously executed commands, the first set representing a current application state, and, for recalling a previously extant application state different than the current application state, the processor may modify the data to represent a second set of commands and may execute in sequence the second set of commands. |
| US08127277B2 |
Framework for conditionally executing code in an application using conditions in the framework and in the application
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for returning a return code to an error hook in an application using a framework. An identifier and a pass-through are received from the error hook. The error hook is software code in the application. The pass-through is a set of parameters. If the identifier has an active status, a set of framework conditions is retrieved using the identifier. If the set of framework conditions is met, an inject callback is retrieved using the error identifier. The inject callback is called with the error identifier and the pass-through. An inject callback return code is received. If the inject callback return code is an execute return code, the execute return code is returned to the error hook. |
| US08127276B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer readable medium thereof for generating and utilizing a feature code to monitor a program
Apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for generating and utilizing a feature code to monitor a program are provided. The program is run in a secure environment at the beginning. The program calls a function through an application program interface. A return address of the application program interface is used to generate the feature code. When the application runs again at another time, the feature code is utilized to monitor the program. According to the aforementioned arrangement and steps, the application program interface can be monitored dynamically. Consequently, any program can be monitored by this approach, which results in a more secure environment. Further, fewer application program interfaces are required to be monitored, so the required computer resource is less. |
| US08127274B2 |
Dynamic intervention with software applications
A system for teaching a learning objective is provided. The system includes a software application comprising an application logic component and that provides a user view and a facilitator view. An intervention control is arranged to interface directly with the application logic component. A method is also disclosed for teaching a learning objective and includes the steps of executing a software application that includes an application logic component and that provides a user view and a facilitator view; and using an intervention control to interface directly with the application logic component. The system and method may be implemented as part of programmed instructions in a computer system and/or a computer readable medium. |
| US08127272B2 |
Automated source code generation
Automated source code generation is presented. Processing uses a parser call back function to identify relevant HTML tags in an HTML file. Processing extracts HTML tag information from the relevant HTML tags and stores the HTML tag information in a variable table. A user may configure the variable table to instruct processing to generate getter source code and/or setter source code on a tag-by-tag basis. Processing retrieves a source code template and generates java bean source code by combining the source code template with the information in the variable table. |
| US08127271B2 |
Method and system for accessing a resource implemented in a computer network
The present invention relates to method and system for accessing a resource implemented in a computer network, wherein a plurality of different runtime environments exist used by either one of the resources or by a systems management application accessing one of the resources, wherein the different runtime environments require the usage of a web service resource framework comprising a plurality of respective different, runtime-specific web service standards. |
| US08127270B1 |
Abstracting transformation for model driven architecture
An example embodiment of the present invention provides a process for abstracting an implementation-independent model to an implementation-specific model during transformation in a MDA system. In the example embodiment, the MDA system comprises a transformation engine whose components might include software tools such as AndroMDA and Muse. The transformation engine accepts as input an implementation-independent model written in a modeling language such as UML that provides graphical notation to describe inheritable classes and their attributes and relationships. The transformation engine also accepts a configuration file which allows the designation of a class in the model as a manageable resource. From these inputs, the transformation engine creates a manageable resource corresponding to the class, which resource includes any subclasses by inheritance from the designated class unless the subclass is specifically excluded in the configuration file. In one embodiment, the manageable resources created by the transformation engine are WSMD manageable resources. |
| US08127269B2 |
Transforming a flow graph model to a structured flow language model
The invention provides a solution for transforming a flow graph model to a structured flow language model. In particular, the nodes in the flow graph model are traversed, and each node is mapped to an activity in the structured flow language model. When a node comprises a branch point, the corresponding branch region is identified and mapped. This process is repeated until all nodes in the flow graph model have been mapped to corresponding activities in the structured flow language model. In this manner, the desired nesting and containment relationships can be identified and generated in the structured flow language model. |
| US08127268B2 |
Server testing framework
A system and method of developing software includes a configuring a build tool configuration file with instructions to start a server software application, provision the server software application with test data; run unit tests on software that communicates with the server software application using the test data, clean up the test data, and stop the server software application. The build tool may automatically run tasks associated with the configured instructions upon changes to software that interacts with or otherwise depends the server software application. |
| US08127265B2 |
Pattern verification method, program thereof, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A verification method of an integrated circuit pattern includes extracting a pattern which is not greater than a preset pattern size, extracting a pattern edge as a target of lithography simulation from the extracted pattern, and performing the lithography simulation on the extracted pattern edge to verify the integrated circuit pattern. |
| US08127263B2 |
Improving routability of integrated circuit design without impacting the design area
Improving routability of an integrated circuit (IC) design without impacting the area is described. A local region of congestion of an IC design is determined according to a design parameter. A cell with a specified level of complexity is identified within the local region of congestion. An alternative cell is algorithmically created with a same logic function as the cell by adding an access point to the alternative cell. The cell is then replaced with the alternative cell within the local region of congestion. |
| US08127261B2 |
System for quickly specifying formal verification environments
Computer-implemented techniques are disclosed for defining an environment for formal verification of a design-under-test. Initially there is extraction of design inputs by a design analysis module, and presentation of the inputs on a graphical user interface. Behavior options for the design inputs are offered on the graphical user interface for selection by an operator. Environment code that is descriptive of the design inputs and selected behavior options is emitted, typically in a hardware description language, for submission to a formal verification tool. A meta-code file containing the assigned behavior options is generated to aid subsequent sessions. |
| US08127259B2 |
Synthesis constraint creating device, behavioral synthesis device, synthesis constraint creating method and recording medium
A synthesis constraint creating unit has a process emergence number acquiring unit that acquires, for each process attribute, the emergence number of the process belonging to each process attribute, the process being in the behavior level description, a circuit structure component specifying unit that specifies a kind of a circuit structural component which can embody the process belonging to each process attribute and which can be described in a register transfer level description, for each process attribute, and a synthesis constraint creating unit that creates synthesis constraint information indicating the kind and number of circuit structural component necessary for expressing the process described in the behavior level description by the register transfer level description based on the emergence number of the process acquired for each process attribute and the kind of the circuit structural component specified for each process attribute. |
| US08127256B2 |
Pattern data generation method, design layout generating method, and pattern data verifying program
A pattern data generation method according to an example of the present invention includes based on design pattern data of a circuit including a plurality of MIS transistors having the same gate size, identifying types of the plurality of MIS transistors, setting size specs for gate patterns of the plurality of MIS transistors, the size specs being different for different types of the MIS transistors, and verifying whether gate patterns of the MIS transistors predicted by simulation using mask pattern data for forming the MIS transistors satisfy the size specs. |
| US08127255B2 |
Method to extract and apply circuit features in organic substrate for automation of warp modeling
A method of characterizing an organic substrate including a plurality of circuit layers is provided includes the steps of: receiving an image of the organic substrate, the image including a geometric description of the circuit layers of the substrate; segmenting the substrate into multiple processing regions based, at least in part, on geometric coordinates of circuit structures defined in the image of the substrate; generating a circuit layer image corresponding to a selected one of the processing regions of the substrate; identifying one or more geometric features in the circuit layer image; estimating at least one thermomechanical property of the circuit layer image as a function of the identified geometric features; repeating the steps of receiving an image, generating a circuit layer image, identifying one or more geometric features in the circuit layer image, and estimating at least one thermomechanical property of the circuit layer image until all circuit layers in the substrate have been processed; and generating a 3-D representation of the selected one of the processing regions of the substrate including the plurality of circuit layer images as a function of the at least one thermomechanical property of each of the plurality of circuit layer images. |
| US08127247B2 |
Human-machine-interface and method for manipulating data in a machine vision system
This invention provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in connection with a machine vision detector or other machine vision system, which provides a highly intuitive and industrial machine-like appearance and layout. The GUI includes a centralized image frame window surrounded by panes having buttons and specific interface components that the user employs in each step of a machine vision system set up and run procedure. One pane allows the user to view and manipulate a recorded filmstrip of image thumbnails taken in a sequence, and provides the filmstrip with specialized highlighting (colors or patterns) that indicate useful information about the underlying images. The programming of logic is performed using a programming window that includes a ladder logic arrangement. |
| US08127245B2 |
Multi-dimensional systems and controls
An information access system and method are disclosed. A system includes a user input device and a graphical user interface responsive to commands from the user input device. A plurality of graphical structures is displayed in the graphical user interface. Each graphical structure is defined by three or more spatial dimensions, the intersection of which defines a segment. Each segment represents a defined group of information associated with the intersection of dimensions. Each group can be created manually, or defined algorithmically. The system further includes one or more controls displayed in the graphical user interface, responsive to the commands generated from the user input device, and configured for graphically manipulating selected segments of the one or more graphical structures. |
| US08127242B1 |
Graphic user interface and software for processing large size signal data samples in a small buffer using automatically adjusted decimation ratio
A method for rapidly analyzing and editing data files with a number GUI's and an adaptive decimation ratio in a computer allows processing data files and signal data files within a given data segment for a better fit into a limited-size working space buffer and provides improved resolution of data segments in a simplified way using GUI's that allow the user to point and click at a computer screen instead of performing manual calculations. A large data segment is adaptively decimated to a smaller size automatically so that a lower resolution version of the data segment will be loaded into a fixed-size small buffer in hardware working space for further data editing. The decimation and loading process will be repeated until the user finds the desired data-section of interest. |
| US08127240B2 |
Seamless drag and drop operation with multiple event handlers
A computer-implemented method of selecting event handlers can include initiating a drag and drop operation for a source object and, responsive to detecting contact between the source object and a window of a graphical user interface (GUI), displaying a plurality of icons, wherein each icon represents an event handler for a drop target within the window. The method can include detecting contact between the source object and at least one of the plurality of icons while dragging the object, designating each event handler associated with a contacted icon to process the source object, and responsive to dropping the source object onto the drop target, invoking each designated event handler to process the source object for the drop target. Each designated event handler can output a process result. |
| US08127238B2 |
System and method for controlling actions within a programming environment
This patent discloses tools, methods and systems for dynamically visualizing, controlling and modifying the timing of actions that are implemented as part of an interactive multimedia experience. The tools, methods and systems include a timing region that dynamically reflects the timing of at least some of the cells along a selected single path in the multimedia experience and allows a designer to play through the cells and to change the timing of actions associated with the cells. |
| US08127237B2 |
Active business client
Methods and apparatuses enable generation of and consumption of business context data. A server generates business context data that describes a resource, a view, and actionable context data related to a business scenario. The business context data is not specific to any particular UI capability of the client device, and may include little or no UI information. The server transmits the business context data to a client device that has an active client. The active client identifies one or more UI capabilities of the client device and generates a UI component based on the business scenario and the UI capabilities. The UI component enables functionality in the client device related to execution of the actionable context data. In one embodiment, the active client enables predictive deployment of services on the client device based on an understanding of the business scenario. |
| US08127236B2 |
Virtual universe subject matter expert assistance
Methods, devices and systems are provided for enabling virtual universe users to find and engage subject matter experts within a virtual universe by defining a virtual universe subject matter expert conduit within the virtual universe. A virtual universe user avatar engages the conduit and a user indicates a subject matter expert search term. A data storage is searched for a tag relevant to the search term, and an expert-avatar is identified and located through the relevant tag. The user is enabled to directly communicate with the identified expert-avatar through a conduit communication medium entirely within the virtual universe, without requiring the user to engage a resource outside of the virtual universe or without requiring the user to engage an interface outside of the virtual universe. |
| US08127231B2 |
System and method for audio equalization
The present disclosure relates to audio equalization devices and methods. A system is provided that permits frequency equalization or balancing of frequency response for stereo or multiple surround sound channels through the use of visual representation of audio signals. The system also permits the balancing or “tuning” of concert venues and audio listening environments by generating visualizations for original and reflected audio signals. |
| US08127229B2 |
Controlling focus, and movement of the focus, between focus items in a multi-frame document
The present invention enables a focus to be moved easily among focus items in different frames when frames are displayed. To do so, the last focused item in an in-frame document once activated is stored (S11) and, when a frame movement event is caused by a focus movement operation (S12, Yes), the focus is moved to a focus item stored for a new frame (S13). If the stored focus item is not in the display area of the frame, the focus is moved preferably to a predetermined (for example, the first) focus item in the display area. Operation means for the focus movement operation may be used with frame switching means for switching the active frame among frames. |
| US08127226B2 |
Method and apparatus for stream based markup language post-processing
Systems, methods and apparatus operate to receiving a markup processing program containing a set of markup processing instructions. Each markup processing instruction includes an operation defining a processing operation to be matched to a markup language representation and a corresponding action to be performed upon matching the operation to the markup language representation. The system receives the markup language representation containing encoded items representative of markup language constructs and executes the markup processing program in conjunction with the markup language representation to dynamically control generation of an output control signal indicating how the markup language representation is to be processed for generation of output based on the markup language representation. The markup processing program is applied in real-time to streaming XML data and represents logic instructions that carry out application of post processing such as XPATH expression evaluation, schema validation or other post processing on the stream of XML data. |
| US08127222B2 |
Latches-links as virtual attachments in documents
A system and method are disclosed for managing target documents referred to by referring documents. A user sends a delete request for a referring document from a user client computer to a master server computer. Next, the master server computer accesses and deletes the referring document, updates a counter for a target document hypertext linked to the referring document, and updates a database, which contained the deleted referring document. The master server computer then determines whether the count for the counter of the target document equals zero. If the counter for the referring document is not equal to zero, the master server computer sends a message to the user indicating that the referring document has been deleted and sends a message to the user asking whether the user wants to delete another referring document. If the user wants to delete another referring document the process goes back to the initial process step, and the user sends another delete request for a referring document. However, if the counter for the referring document equals zero, the master server computer sends a message to the user indicating that the referring document has been deleted and then sends a message to an author of the target document (author client) asking whether the author client wants to delete the target document. Automatic deletion of target documents is also disclosed. Further disclosed are systems and methods for viewing, creating, and providing security for target documents referred to in referring documents. |
| US08127216B2 |
Reduced state soft output processing
Devices, methods, and systems of a communications channel detector are disclosed that can compare a plurality of candidate sequences of bits and decisions to identify unlikely error events. The detector may then discard at least one candidate sequence based on an unlikely error event to produce a set of remaining paths. A branch metric calculator may be adapted to calculate metrics for a set of remaining paths. |
| US08127213B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for adjacent-symbol error correction and detection code
A circuit and method for generating an Error Correcting Code (ECC) based on an adjacent symbol codeword that is formed in two clock phases. In an embodiment, a set of m bits of a first symbol and a set of m bits of a second symbol from a first set of data for transmission over a channel during a first clock phase are generated. A set of n bits of the first symbol and a set of n bits of the second symbol from a second set of data over a channel are also generated during a second clock phase. Other embodiments are also claimed and/or disclosed. |
| US08127212B2 |
System and method for determining the fault-tolerance of an erasure code
A method for determining a fault tolerance of an erasure code includes deriving base erasure patterns from a generator matrix of an erasure code, determining which of the base erasure patterns are adjacent to one another and XORing the adjacent base erasure patterns with one another to produce child erasure patterns of the erasure code. The method further includes combining the base erasure patterns and the child erasure patterns to form a minimal erasures list (MEL) for the erasure code, whereby the MEL corresponds to the fault tolerance of the erasure code. Also provided are methods for communicating and storing data by using the fault tolerance of erasure codes. |
| US08127211B2 |
Adding known data to CRC processing without increased processing time
Cyclic redundancy check processing is applied advantageously to a set of input data that includes an unknown data portion and a data portion that is already known before the unknown data portion becomes available. A syndrome contribution that the already-known data portion contributes to a syndrome for the set of input data is determined before the unknown data portion becomes available. When the unknown data portion becomes available, the syndrome for the set of input data is determined based on the unknown data portion and the syndrome contribution. |
| US08127208B2 |
Method and apparatus for error management
To derive a Hamming code to manage data errors a set of at least four parity bit positions is selected for parity bits which will protect a set of data bits (where each data bit has a data bit position in the data bit set). A syndrome is determined for each data bit position. This involves selecting a unique sub-set of at least three parity bit positions. The unique sub-set shares at least one parity bit position with at least one other unique sub-set of at least three parity bit positions. A parity bit value may then be calculated for each parity bit position based on the determined syndromes. The header of a packet may be provided with a word which defines the length of the packet and an error management code generated utilizing this word so that errors in the word may be detected and, possibly, corrected. |
| US08127206B2 |
System and method for wireless communication of uncompressed video having reed-solomon code error concealment
A system and method for wireless communication of uncompressed video data includes concealing corrupted portions of video data. Video packets received are transmitted over a wireless channel. Each of the video packets includes data blocks forming video data representing at least part of a video frame. Each of the data blocks is encoded with an error correction code. A data block determined to be corrupted is replaced with an uncorrupted data block selected from the data blocks in the video packets. The corrupted data block includes a first displayable element on the video frame and the uncorrupted data block includes a second displayable element on the video frame. The uncorrupted data block is selected at least partially based on proximity between the first and second displayable elements on the video frame. |
| US08127205B2 |
Error correction code generation method and memory control device
A correct error correction code can be generated even if a RAM error occurs before writing store data in cache memory (RAM) after confirming that cache line data for storage includes no errors. Before writing the store data, cache line data for storage is stored in a register, the store data is written to the cache memory, the stored contents of the register are merged with the store data, and an error correction code is generated for a result of the merger. |
| US08127203B2 |
Method, data processing apparatus and wireless device
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a method, to a data processing apparatus and to a wireless device. In an embodiment of the invention a data processing apparatus is provided. The data processing apparatus may include a chip-integrated unit to select a check location of an external memory and to generate a check value, an internal memory associated with the chip-integrated unit, the internal memory to save the check location and the check value, and an external memory coupled to the chip-integrated unit, the external memory to store the check value at the check location. |
| US08127200B2 |
Flash memory device and system with randomizing for suppressing errors
A device for storing data includes a nonvolatile memory and a controller and/or circuitry that randomize original data to be stored in the memory while preserving the size of the original data, that store the original data in the memory, and that, in response to a request for the original data, retrieve, derandomize and export the original data without authenticating the requesting entity. A system for storing data includes a first nonvolatile memory and a processor that similarly stores data in the first nonvolatile memory by executing driver code stored in a second nonvolatile memory. ECC encoding is applied either before or after randomizing; correspondingly, ECC decoding is applied either after or before derandomizing. |
| US08127198B2 |
Adaptable channel compensation for reliable communication over fading communication links
A method for reducing fading channel signal data loss for serial data rates up to approximately 10 gigabits per second includes sequentially distributing serial data to multiple encoders. Individual data bytes are sent from the encoders to a convolutional interleaver. Each byte is distributed to an individual memory element of the interleaver in a received byte sequence. An address generator generates write and read addresses assignable to each memory element. Multiple shift registers have variably graduated lengths. The serial data is distributed between channels each having a different delay element created by shift register length differences. The delay elements are adjustable to correct data dropout due to daily atmospheric/channel changes. Fade detection signals are inserted before transmission and measured at a receiver. The fade signals help create erasure bits to improve decoding accuracy and adjust interleaver delay parameters. |
| US08127193B2 |
Methods and apparatus to reduce errors during a re-transmission
Methods and apparatus to reduce errors during a re-transmission performed by a communication module are disclosed. An example method includes detecting an error in received data, predicting a time interval that is expected to be substantially error-free, and transmitting a re-transmission request message for the data based on the time interval. |
| US08127182B2 |
Storage utilization to improve reliability using impending failure triggers
Disclosed is a method of improving storage reliability comprising receiving an indicator of an impending failure of a first storage device in a RAID group. In response to the indicator, writing data to the first storage device is ceased. A first block of data directed to be written on the first storage device is written to a memory device. Data stored on the first storage device is copied to a second storage device. The first block of data is copied from the memory device to the second storage device. The RAID group is operated with the second storage device functioning in place of the first storage device. Data is read from said second storage device. |
| US08127181B1 |
Hardware warning protocol for processing units
Processing units are configured to capture the unit state in unit level error status registers when a runtime error event is detected in order to facilitate debugging of runtime errors. The reporting of warnings may be disabled or enabled to selectively monitor each processing unit. Warnings for each processing unit are propagated to an exception register in a front end monitoring unit. The warnings are then aggregated and propagated to an interrupt register in a front end monitoring unit in order to selectively generate an interrupt and facilitate debugging. A debugging application may be used to query the interrupt, exception, and unit level error status registers to determine the cause of the error. A default error handling behavior that overrides error conditions may be used in conjunction with the hardware warning protocol to allow the processing units to continue operating and facilitate in the debug of runtime errors. |
| US08127178B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method of controlling image forming apparatus, program, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes a process execution unit which processes data input to a storage area by using the attribute of a process set in the storage area, an error event generation unit which generates an error event to execute an error process when an error is detected during execution of the process by the process execution unit, and an error process execution unit which executes an error process associated with the storage area in accordance with the error event generated by the error event generation unit. |
| US08127177B2 |
Apparatus and method for executing workflow
If an error occurs during workflow processing, the present invention interrupts job processing appropriately while dispersing a load to the devices. When executing a plurality of processing steps with a plurality of devices in accordance with workflow setting information that defines the sequence of processing, a workflow execution method of the present invention includes the steps of: interrupting the processing step being executed when an error occurs in a first device; searching the workflow setting information including the processing step in the first device in which the error has occurred; specifying a second device in which another processing step included in the searched workflow setting information is executed; giving a notification that the error has occurred in the first device to the second device; restarting the interrupted processing step when the first device is recovered; and giving a notification that the first device has recovered to the second device. |
| US08127174B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing transparent in-memory checkpointing
A method and apparatus for performing transparent checkpoint data backup by identifying portions of memory that store the checkpoint data that have been modified since a prior in-memory checkpoint process and backing up only the identified portions of memory containing the modified checkpoint data. |
| US08127170B2 |
Method and apparatus for audio receiver clock synchronization
An audio receiver's output clock is synchronized based on a number of input and output audio samples measured over a predetermined sample period. In one embodiment, a sample difference may be determined by subtracting the measured number of input audio samples from the measured number of output audio samples. This sample difference may then be compared to a predetermined threshold. In one embodiment, if the absolute value of the sample difference is less than the predetermined threshold, no adjustment to the output clock may be needed. When the absolute value of the sample difference is greater than the predetermined threshold, the output clock rate may be adjusted either upwards or downwards. |
| US08127169B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for generating internal control signal
A semiconductor memory device includes: a command input unit configured to receive a plurality of external commands in synchronization with a rising edge of an internal clock to generate a plurality of pre-control signals; an output control signal generating unit configured to receive the plurality of external commands to generate an output control signal in synchronization with a falling edge of the internal clock prior to the rising edge of the internal clock; an address input unit configured to receive a plurality of addresses to output a plurality of internal addresses in response to the output control signal; and an internal driving signal generating unit configured to receive the plurality of internal addresses and the plurality of pre-control signals to generate a plurality of internal driving control signals. |
| US08127147B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing data storage while insuring control by logical roles
A storage device with hardened security features has a storage medium, an interface, and a controller. The interface is adapted to communicatively couple the storage device to a host system. The controller is within the storage device and is adapted to read and to write information to and from the storage medium. The controller is adapted to require a security partition authorization from a manufacturer of the storage device before executing a security partition creation command received over the interface. |
| US08127142B2 |
Method of authenticating a user on a network
A method of controlling access to electronic information is provided. The method requires the use of a portable token adapted to read and verify a user's biometric data in order to view encrypted files or data fields. If the proper biometric data is entered into the token, the user is presented with a unique and dynamic password for logon. The unique password is displayed on a small LCD screen on the token. Access to the protected information is allowed once the unique password is verified by the enterprise system containing the encrypted. |
| US08127138B1 |
Method for embedding information in sonar
The invention as disclosed is of a method to authenticate identify and trace sonar transmissions and echoes by embedding transparent, secure and robust digital watermarks in signal space, where the additional information incurs no cost in bandwidth. The complex short time Fourier transform is selected as the domain for embedding the digital watermark, secured by a secret key, in the time frequency representation of the signal. The watermark is designed through an iterative optimization step. This step insures that the watermarked sonar is also realizable. Selection of the time frequency region for watermarking is driven by avoidance of interference with the sonar itself, or in case of network operation, other watermarks. In addition, the selected time-frequency region remains robust to sound channel and other transmission effects. Sonar echoes are authenticated in the time-frequency plane by a correlation receiver tuned to the watermarked region using the secret key. |
| US08127131B2 |
System and method for efficient security domain translation and data transfer
A mobile UE includes a CPU, a secure DMA module, a secure cryptographic module, secure memory, and non-secure memory. The secure cryptographic module and secure memory allow access only by secure processes, including the secure DMA module. The CPU manages cryptographic keys and initializes DMA transfers in secure mode. The CPU executes the DMA transfers in non-secure mode. A first DMA transfer moves data encrypted in a first security domain to the secure cryptographic module, and moves clear text data to the secure memory. A second DMA transfer moves the clear text data to the secure cryptographic module, and data encrypted in a second security domain out of the secure cryptographic module. The data encrypted in the second security domain are transmitted to an external device. The secure memory protects the clear text data from being copied; only encrypted data is accessible by non-secure processes. |
| US08127129B2 |
Method and network system for negotiating a security capability between a PCC and a PCE
A method and a network system for negotiating a security capability between a path computation client (PCC) and a path computation element (PCE) are described. The method includes the steps as follows. The PCE sends a packet carrying security policy capability information to the PCC. After receiving the packet, the PCC acquires a security policy capability supported or required by the PCE or a security policy capability supported by both of the PCE and the PCC. In various embodiments of the present invention, negotiation of PCC-PCE and PCC-PCC may be performed by sending the packet carrying the security policy capability information, thereby greatly simplifying the security policy configuration between PCC-PCE and PCE-PCE, and simplifying the complexity in PCE deployment. |
| US08127124B2 |
Remote configuration of computing platforms
An embodiment of the invention relates to a computing platform (10) having an attribute (241) that is configurable by a remote system (350), the computing platform (10) storing a first verifier (332) for verifying that a message is from a trusted remote source (360) and being operable to: acquire a second verifier (331) from a trusted remote source (360), including by verifying the second verifier (331) using the first verifier (332), the second verifier (331) being usable for verifying that a message is from a remote configuration system (350) that is trustable to configure the attribute (241); acquire a configuration setting (I) from the remote configuration system, including by verifying the configuration setting (I) using the second verifier (331); and configure the attribute (241) according to the configuration setting (I). |
| US08127123B2 |
Method and system for migrating information between information handling systems
A system for migrating information includes a first information handling system (IHS). The first IHS is for, in response to a first boot event, booting from a computer readable medium, bypassing the first IHS user authentication requirement, and establishing a connection between the first IHS and a second IHS. The system for migrating information also includes the second IHS, coupled to the first IHS. The second IHS is for, in response to a second boot event, booting from a storage device of the second IHS, establishing the connection between the first IHS and the second IHS, and migrating information from the first IHS to the second IHS. |
| US08127120B2 |
Secured processing unit
A method for executing by a processing unit a program stored in a memory, includes: detecting a piece of information during the execution of the program by the processing unit, and if the information is detected, triggering the execution of a hidden subprogram by the processing unit. The method may be applied to the securization of an integrated circuit. |
| US08127118B2 |
Microarchitecture, method and computer program product for efficient data gathering from a set of trace arrays
An architecture for collecting performance data in a processor, that includes: a trace read control unit and a trace data collect unit, each unit coupled to a plurality of trace array and multiplex units for providing performance data, the coupling accomplished by a trace read control bus, a data select bus, a trace row address bus and a data return bus; wherein each of the trace array and multiplex units receives a trace read signal and provides data including trace data and the trace read signal to the trace data collect unit. A method and a computer program product are provided. |
| US08127115B2 |
Group formation with multiple taken branches per group
Disclosed are a method and a system for grouping processor instructions for execution by a processor, where the group of processor instructions includes at least two branch processor instructions. In one or more embodiments, an instruction buffer can decouple an instruction fetch operation from an instruction decode operation by storing fetched processor instructions in the instruction buffer until the fetched processor instructions are ready to be decoded. Group formation can involve removing processor instructions from the instruction buffer and routing the processor instruction to latches that convey the processor instructions to decoders. Processor instructions that are removed from instruction buffer in a single clock cycle can be called a group of processor instructions. In one or more embodiments, the first instruction in the group must be the oldest instruction in the instruction buffer and instructions must be removed from the instruction buffer ordered from oldest to youngest. |
| US08127110B2 |
Method, system, and medium for providing interprocessor data communication
A method of transmitting data between processors, including: establishing and storing an encoding method for each area of virtual address space of a first processor in a predetermined storage device; determining an area of virtual address space corresponding to data to be transmitted to a second processor; and determining the encoding method corresponding to the determined area of the virtual address space with reference to the storage device and transmitting the data to the second processor by using the determined encoding method. |
| US08127109B2 |
Virtual block device
A virtual block device is an interface with applications that appears to the applications as a memory device, such as a standard block device. The virtual block device interacts with additional elements to do data deduplication to files at the block level such that one or more files accessed using the virtual block device have at least one block which is shared by the one or more files. |
| US08127102B2 |
Storage system, copy method, and primary storage apparatus
A storage system having a primary storage apparatus for storing data from a host computer in a primary logical volume, and a secondary storage apparatus connected to the primary storage apparatus, for providing a secondary logical volume for storing a copy of the data, the storage system comprising: a search unit for checking whether or not data exists in each primary slot area formed by partitioning a storage area in the primary logical volume into predetermined storage areas; a transmission unit for sending, if no data is held in the primary slot area, a notice indicating no data stored to the secondary storage apparatus; and a data write unit for writing, when the notice is received from the primary storage apparatus, zero data in the secondary slot area. |
| US08127098B1 |
Virtualization of real mode execution
In one embodiment, a processor is configured to operate in a first mode in which privilege level protection is disabled and paging is enabled. In another embodiment, a method is contemplated including intercepting a write to a control register by a guest executing in a processor; determining that the write attempts to establish a first mode in the processor in which privilege level protection is disabled and paging is disabled; and causing the guest to execute in a second mode in which privilege level protection is disabled and paging is enabled instead of the first mode. A computer accessible medium comprising instruction implementing at least a portion of the method is also described. |
| US08127097B2 |
Dual writing device and its control method
A data storing system include a first and second storage system, each including a cache memory and a disk drive, and a third storage system coupled to the first and second storage systems and including a third disk drive to provide a third logical volume based on the third disk drive. First and second write data is transmitted from the first storage system to the second storage system according to copy pair management information. A certain storage system, which is one of the first and second storage systems, destages the second write data from a cache memory of the certain storage system to the third logical volume in the third storage system according to a volume and storage conversion table in the certain storage system. |
| US08127092B2 |
Migration management based on destination performance information
Implementing migration of a computer or data in consideration of the performance of an entire computer system is disclosed. A management computer is coupled to a computer 41000 and to a storage system 51000 having RAID groups 51220 and 51221 for providing logical volumes 51210 to 51212. When a predetermined event occurs at a resource on an I/O path from the computer 41000 to the RAID groups 51220 and 51221, the applicable I/O path is extracted. Moreover, it is determined whether or not there is another I/O path used by another computer and another logical volume, which does not share any resources and does not use the extracted I/O path. When there is the other I/o path, it is determined whether or not a performance of a resource contained therein remains within a preset range of a threshold requirement in the case of migrating the computer 41000 and the logical volumes 51210 to 51212 to the other I/O path. If the performance falls within the range, the other I/O path is determined as a migration destination. |
| US08127089B1 |
Hard disk controller which coordinates transmission of buffered data with a host
The transmission of buffered data is coordinated between a storage medium and a host in response to a request from the host. One or more blocks of data are transferred from the storage medium to a buffer memory. One or more frames of data are transmitted from the buffer memory to the host, wherein the number of blocks ending in the frame is recorded in a blocks/frame register, and possibly also in a block count accumulator register. Buffer release pulses for releasing buffer space in memory are sent to the buffer memory, based on the number of blocks in the blocks/frame register, or the number of blocks accumulated in the block count accumulator register when a signal is received from the host. A pointer which points to the last block of data successfully transferred is updated in accordance with the buffer release pulses. |
| US08127088B2 |
Intelligent cache management
An exemplary storage network, storage controller, and methods of operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of managing cache memory in a storage controller comprises receiving, at the storage controller, a cache hint generated by an application executing on a remote processor, wherein the cache hint identifies a memory block managed by the storage controller, and managing a cache memory operation for data associated with the memory block in response to the cache hint received by the storage controller. |
| US08127086B2 |
Transparent hypervisor pinning of critical memory areas in a shared memory partition data processing system
Transparent hypervisor pinning of critical memory areas is provided for a shared memory partition data processing system. The transparent hypervisor pinning includes receiving at a hypervisor a hypervisor call initiated by a logical partition to register a logical memory area of the logical partition with the hypervisor. Responsive to this hypervisor call, the hypervisor transparently determines whether the logical memory is a critical memory area for access by the hypervisor. If the logical memory area is a critical memory area, then the hypervisor automatically pins the logical memory area to physical memory of the shared memory partition data processing system, thereby ensuring that the memory area will not be paged-out from physical memory to external storage, and thus ensuring availability of the logic memory area to the hypervisor. |
| US08127081B2 |
Memory hub and access method having internal prefetch buffers
A memory module includes a memory hub coupled to several memory devices. The memory hub includes history logic that predicts on the basis of read memory requests which addresses in the memory devices from which date are likely to be subsequently read. The history logic applies prefetch suggestions corresponding to the predicted addresses to a memory sequencer, which uses the prefetch suggestions to generate prefetch requests that are coupled to the memory devices. Data read from the memory devices responsive to the prefetch suggestions are stored in a prefetch buffer. Tag logic stores prefetch addresses corresponding to addresses from which data have been prefetched. The tag logic compares the memory request addresses to the prefetch addresses to determine if the requested read data are stored in the prefetch buffer. If so, the requested data are read from the prefetch buffer. Otherwise, the requested data are read from the memory devices. |
| US08127080B2 |
Wake-and-go mechanism with system address bus transaction master
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a data processing system. The wake-and-go mechanism is configured to issue a look-ahead load command on a system bus to read a data value from a target address and perform a comparison operation to determine whether the data value at the target address indicates that an event for which a thread is waiting has occurred. In response to the comparison resulting in a determination that the event has not occurred, the wake-and-go engine populates the wake-and-go storage array with the target address and snoops the target address on the system bus. |
| US08127078B2 |
High performance unaligned cache access
A cache memory device and method for operating the same. One embodiment of the cache memory device includes an address decoder decoding a memory address and selecting a target cache line. A first cache array is configured to output a first cache entry associated with the target cache line, and a second cache array coupled to an alignment unit is configured to output a second cache entry associated with the alignment cache line. The alignment unit coupled to the address decoder selects either the target cache line or a neighbor cache line proximate the target cache line as an alignment cache line output. Selection of either the target cache line or a neighbor cache line is based on an alignment bit in the memory address. A tag array cache is split into even and odd cache lines tags, and provides one or two tags for every cache access. |
| US08127076B2 |
Method and system for placement of data on a storage device
Embodiments of systems and methods for a storage system are disclosed. More particularly, in certain embodiments locations of storage devices may be allocated to store data when commands pertaining to that data are received. Specifically, in one embodiment a distributed RAID system comprising a set of data banks may be provided where the different performance characteristics associated with different areas of disks in the data bank may be taken into account when allocating physical segments to corresponding logical segments of a volume by allocating certain physical segments to a particular logical segment based upon a location of the physical segment or criteria associated with the logical segment. |
| US08127074B2 |
Mechanism for a reader page for a ring buffer
In one embodiment, a mechanism for a reader page for a ring buffer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a reader page for a ring buffer includes allocating, by a processing device, a block of storage separate from a ring buffer as a reader page for a reader of the ring buffer, the ring buffer stored in a physical memory device, and swapping, by the processing device, a head page of the ring buffer with the reader page so that the reader page is part of the ring buffer and the head page is no longer attached to the ring buffer. |
| US08127073B2 |
Memory system, multi-bit flash memory device, and associated methods
A memory system includes a multi-bit flash memory device and a flash controller configured to control the multi-bit flash memory device. The flash controller is configured to output a series of commands, pointers, and addresses to the multi-bit flash memory device for read/program operations. |
| US08127064B2 |
Method of managing the software architecture of a radio communication circuit, corresponding application, computer program product and circuit
A method of managing the software architecture of a radio communication circuit is provided. The software architecture includes a radio communication software stack and at least one client application. The radio communication software stack includes a radio communication interrupt manager and at least one radio communication task. The client application includes at least one client task. The method includes interleaving, within the radio communication software stack, at least one client interrupt manager, included in the client application, and belonging to the group comprising: a first client interrupt manager of execution priority level that is higher than the at least one radio communication task and lower than the radio communication interrupt manager; and a second client interrupt manager of execution priority level that is higher than the at least one radio communication task and higher than the radio communication interrupt manager. |
| US08127062B2 |
Interlocking input/outputs on a virtual logic unit number
In one embodiment, a solution is provided wherein a lock client sends lock requests to a lock manager upon receipt of an input/output (I/O) and receives back a lock grant. At some point later, the lock client may send a lock release. The lock manager, upon receipt of a lock release from a lock client, remove a first lock request corresponding to the lock release from a lock grant queue corresponding to the lock manager. Then, for each dependency queue lock request in a dependency queue corresponding to the first lock request, the lock manager may determine whether the dependency queue lock request conflicts with a second lock request in the lock grant queue, and then may process the dependency queue lock request according to whether the dependency queue lock requires conflicts with a second lock request in the lock grant queue. |
| US08127061B2 |
Bus systems and reconfiguration methods
A processor chip includes data processing elements that each has dedicated to it a respective switch for dynamically establishing an interconnection between the data processing elements conditional upon verification of a validity of the interconnection, which verification is automatically performed by at least one of the data processing elements to be interconnected. |
| US08127060B2 |
Methods and apparatus for control configuration with control objects that are fieldbus protocol-aware
The invention provides, in some aspects, improved apparatus for configuring a control system. The apparatus includes a model made up of objects representing devices of such a system, including, at least one device that defines and/or controls communications on at least a portion of a network within that system. That device is referred to, here, as a “bus master” and the portion of the network is referred to as a “segment.” The object (or objects) representing the bus master can include information defining timings, port assignments and/or other aspects of the configuration of the segment. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. This includes transferring to the bus master communications configuration information for the segment. A download service according to this aspect of the invention generates—e.g., for logging by a change tracking system—indicia of the configuration information transferred to the bus master. The download service can likewise generate for logging (by the change tracking system) information transferred from the model to other devices in control system. |
| US08127056B2 |
Data transfer control device including a switch circuit that switches write destination of received packets
A data transfer control device including: a link controller which analyzes a packet received through a serial bus; a packet detection circuit which detects completion or start of packet reception based on analysis result of the received packet; first and second packet buffers into which the packet received through the serial bus is written; and a switch circuit which switches a write destination of the received packet. When a Kth packet has been written into one of the first and second packet buffers and completion of reception of the Kth packet or start of reception of a (K+1)th packet subsequent to the Kth packet has been detected, the switch circuit switching the write destination of the (K+1)th packet to the other of the first and second packet buffers. |
| US08127054B2 |
Time-gap defect detection apparatus and method
A programmatic time-gap defect correction apparatus and method corrects errors which may go undetected by a computer system. Buffer underruns or overruns, which may incur errors in data transfers, yet remain undetected and uncorrected in a computer system, are corrected by an error avoidance module in accordance with the invention. Bytes transferred to and from buffers, used by an I/O controllers to temporarily store data while being transferred between synchronous and asynchronous devices, are counted and an error condition is forced based on the count. If the count exceeds the capacity of the buffer, an error condition is forced, thereby reducing chances that errors are incurred into the data transfer. |
| US08127049B1 |
Input/output pin allocation for data streams of variable widths
There is described a method and system for inputting/outputting multiple data streams of variable widths. Input/output pins are grouped together via a plurality of transfer blocks, each transfer block being controlled by an independent clock. Data streams can therefore be input/output using asynchronous clocks. Two data streams can also be input/output on a single pin using the rising and falling edge of the clock. |
| US08127046B2 |
Medical device including a capacitive slider assembly that provides output signals wirelessly to one or more remote medical systems components
A medical system includes an input assembly for receiving one or more user inputs. The input assembly includes at least one slider assembly for providing an input signal. Processing logic receives the input signal from the input assembly and provides a first output signal and a second output signal. A display assembly is configured to receive, at least in part, the first output signal from the processing logic and render information viewable by the user. The second output signal is provided to one or more medical system components. The information rendered on the display assembly may be manipulatable by the user and at least a portion of the information rendered may be magnified. |
| US08127044B2 |
Method for the delivery of audio and video data sequences by a server
The invention relates to a method for the delivery of audio and video data by a server device. A network can interconnect various media components in the same home. Such a network comprises a server, generally a computer, and clients, for example a decoder. This configuration offers the possibility of creating a desktop managed by the server but remotely controlled by the client via the network. Such a network must transmit data and process them rapidly. Currently, the trend is to compress the data traveling through the network as much as possible. However, the more these data are compressed, the longer they take to process. The invention does not provide for facilitating the transfer of the data but for reducing the time required to process the data flowing through the network. |
| US08127043B2 |
Network transcoding system
The system is a distributed video transcoding system that allows content to be transformed from one digital format to another close to the ingest and delivery points to minimize the time and cost of the transfer between end points. Additionally by making transcoding an integral part of the distribution of content itself, significant efficiencies can be gained. The distribution can be improved by transcoding at different phases of the transfer. Within the system decisions can be made to utilize different transcoding resources based on various business rules and priorities. |
| US08127040B2 |
Signaling buffer parameters indicative of receiver buffer architecture
The specification and drawings present a new method, system, apparatus and software product for signaling parameters of multiple buffers by a terminal to a server and determining multiple buffer status of the terminal by the server using these parameters, e.g., for an adequate rate adaptation of multimedia streaming services provided to the terminal by the server. The terminal can be (but is not limited to) a computer, a communication device, a wireless communication device, a portable electronic device, a mobile electronic device, a mobile phone, etc. |
| US08127033B1 |
Method and apparatus for accessing local computer system resources from a browser
A method and apparatus for accessing local system resources from a browser is described. The method for providing access to local computer system resources through a browser includes processing network traffic associated with a browser to identify at least one command parameters and communicating the at least one command parameter for execution using local computer system resources. |
| US08127028B2 |
Method and arrangement of a multimedia gateway and communication terminals
A multimedia gateway for enabling a remote device to access a local device located in a private network via a residential gateway of the private network is provided. The multimedia gateway includes: connecting means for connecting to the private network and a multimedia service network, first receiving means for receiving authentication information from the remote device over the private network, storing means for storing the authentication information in a memory, second receiving means for receiving a session invite message from the remote device over the multimedia service network, the session invite message including authentication information, and authenticating means for authenticating the remote device by determining whether or not the authentication information included in the session invite message has been stored in the memory by the storing means. |
| US08127024B2 |
Parameter passing in web based systems
Systems, methodologies, media, servers, and other embodiments associated with parameter passing are described. One exemplary system embodiment can include a web browser executable within a computing device and configured to communicate with a network device using a network connection. The web browser can be configured to at least display web pages where the web pages include data parameters. The system can also include a parameter passing logic configured to cause selected parameters from the data parameters to be stored locally in a parameter data store and be selectively retrieved from the parameter data store to cause the selected parameters to be available between multiple web pages without using a cookie. |
| US08127023B2 |
Method, system and article of manufacture for controlling client access
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein in certain embodiments a request is received to initiate a session. A determination is made whether the session should be initiated with addressing information provided by a client. The session is initiated with trusted addressing information corresponding to the client, in response to determining that the session should not be initiated with the addressing information provided by the client. |
| US08127022B2 |
System and method to identify customer premises equipment devices
A computer implemented method includes sending a request from a customer service terminal to a broadband remote access server to retrieve a device identifier of a customer premises equipment device. The device identifier is received by the broadband remote access server via a point to point protocol over ethernet active discovery initiation packet sent from the customer premises equipment device. The computer implemented method includes receiving, at the customer service terminal, a response from the broadband remote access server that includes the device identifier of the customer premises equipment device. |
| US08127018B2 |
Redirection techniques in a communication network
Systems and methods are provided for redirecting a client device to a network service in a communication network is described. In one implementation, the communication network includes at least a first and a second service provisioning environment each capable of providing the network service. The service provisioning environments are addressable under a common first domain name that is resolvable into a dedicated first network address of each service provisioning environment. In accordance with an exemplary method, the following steps are carried out in the first service provisioning environment: receiving a first client request at a first network address of the first service provisioning environment, responding to the first client request with a redirection to a dedicated second domain name of the first service provisioning environment, the second domain name being resolvable into a second network address of the first service provisioning environment, receiving a second client request at the second network address, and initiating the establishment of a session with the requesting client device over the second network address to provide the network service. |
| US08127015B2 |
Alerting system, architecture and circuitry
A method for supporting ASF in an ASD using one or more embedded processors. In one aspect of the invention the method comprises accepting ASF related packets, examining the ASF related packets using a firmware routine running on the one or more embedded processors, and generating a response. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. |
| US08127011B2 |
Network resource negotiation between a service provider network and an access network
Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for methods and systems for negotiating resources in a communication system. One exemplary method includes transmitting, by a service manager, a request for a service, wherein the service request either explicitly provides, or implicitly refers to, a list of a plurality of service options for providing the service. Additionally, a resource manage can receive the transmission request from a service manager and process the request based upon either the explicitly transmitted list of service options or the reference to a list of service options. |
| US08127009B2 |
Renewable conditional access
Included are systems and methods for providing access. At least one embodiment of a system includes a host configured to receive at least one tool for providing conditional access and a secure processor configured to receive conditional access logic. Some embodiments of the conditional access logic are configured to send at least one configuration message for configuring the at least one tool at the host component for operation with the received access logic. |
| US08127006B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for collecting SNMP bandwidth data
A method, system, and storage medium for collecting bandwidth data is provided. The method includes producing master and slave text files in response to simultaneous collection of data samples from a network device by servers. The method also includes generating a clean data file by sorting data in the master and slave text files by the network device port, sorting data samples for the port by collection time, and for each of the samples: adding a designated interval of time to a time on the network device resulting in a target network device time whereby the time on the network device corresponds to a time the data sample was collected, examining data samples in the master and slave text files corresponding to the time the respective data samples were collected, selecting from one of the master and slave text files the sample with a collection time most closely matching the target network device time, and storing the selected sample in the clean data file. |
| US08127004B2 |
Event problem report bundles in XML format
A network device may include logic configured to detect that an event has occurred in the network device, determine an XML document structure based on the detected event, and generate an XML document with the determined structure including information relating to the detected event. |
| US08127003B2 |
Method of operating a network subnet manager
A method of operating a network subnet manager, in particular Infiniband network subnet manager in a subnet of a network. Only one subnet manager entity can be master within a subnet. A problem related with this specification is that a specific vendor implementation may exist with many features and internal functionality that are not specified in the network specification. If such a subnet manager loses its exclusivity because another subnet manager enters the subnet, having higher priority, the additional features from the vendor implementation can no longer be used in the subnet. The proposed method solves this problem by allowing a subnet manager that has a lower hierarchy level and thus lower priority to maintain its managing operation by becoming the master subnet manager again. |
| US08126998B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method of controlling thereof
In order to identify a wireless device that is not under management in a wireless communication network, a management apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire information from the wireless terminal; a storage unit configured to correlate and store the wireless base station detected by the wireless terminal and a wireless terminal wirelessly connected to this wireless base station; a deriving unit configured to derive a wireless base station which does not have a wireless connection with a wireless terminal; a requesting unit configured to request a wireless terminal for transmission of data that has passed through this wireless base station; and a determination unit which, if requested data that has passed through the wireless base station from the wireless terminal has not been received, is configured to determine that this wireless base station is a wireless base station that is not under management. |
| US08126995B2 |
Multi-source broadcasting in peer-to-peer network
A computer-implemented method for broadcasting over a network using peer-to-peer technology including commencing a broadcast over a peer-to-peer network, wherein a control computer selects at least one of multiple computers in the peer-to-peer network as an originating source of the broadcast; and changing the originating source of the broadcast, during the broadcast and as indicated by the control computer, from the at least one of the multiple computers to at least another of the multiple computers. |
| US08126993B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for communicating sub-device state information
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for communicating sub-device state information. In use, a plurality of sub-devices of a device is exposed to an application, utilizing a driver. A request may then be received from the application for state information associated with at least one of the sub-devices. In response to the request, the state information is provided to the application. |
| US08126987B2 |
Mediation of content-related services
Systems and methods for mediation of content-related services are provided. A client device playing content may send a request for a service related to the content. Configuration information is generated for the client device, reflecting a set of permissions that are determined based on a market segment of the client device. Once the client device is configured according to the set of permissions, the client device can communicate with a service provider of the requested service. Such communication and any further activity regarding the service is governed by the set of permissions, as is reporting regarding such communication and activity |
| US08126985B1 |
Prioritizing virtual object downloads in a distributed virtual environment
As a client connects to a peer in a distributed virtual environment, the peer provides the client with virtual objects that are relevant to the client so that the virtual objects can be rendered by the client and displayed to a user via a display device. In the distributed virtual environment, the client may require that each peer to which the client connects provide the client with virtual objects, referred to herein as content virtual objects, depicting a landscape of a region hosted by the peer. The client can render the content virtual objects on the display device for the user, depicting the region hosted by the respective peer. |
| US08126984B2 |
Multidimensional approach to context-awareness
A context aware enterprise system includes a network, an enterprise service coupled to the network, and a plurality of information sources that include enterprise information related to one or more activities of the enterprise system. The enterprise system also includes a plurality of clients with user interfaces by which a user may access the enterprise service over the network. A context determination service determines context information describing a multi-dimensional context based on the enterprise information. The context information determined by the context determination service includes a user identification, an identification of a client selected by the user, a user role, a user expertise related to the enterprise service, and a user expertise related to the selected client. Based on the context information, an interface adaptation service adapts the user interface of the client. |
| US08126976B2 |
Delivery of email messages in multiple parts
A method, server and system for managing the delivery of email messages in multiple parts is provided. A method for sending email messages in multiple parts to a mobile communication device, comprises receiving a request for additional content from a mobile communication device in respect of an email message for which a selected part of the content has been previously sent to the mobile communications device; and determining if processing technology used to provide the previously sent selected part is compatible with currently available processing technology, and if compatible then processing additional content from the email message using the currently available processing technology and sending the processed additional content to the mobile communication device. |
| US08126973B2 |
System and method for incorporating social networking maps in collaboration tooling and devices
A system and method for incorporating social networking maps in collaboration tools is presented. A user creates rules that are based upon the user's relationship with other users and provides the rules to a network server. The network server uses these rules when the network server receives a relational request from the collaboration tool in order to filter a hierarchal social networking map. The hierarchal social networking map is centrally located such that different collaboration types may utilize the hierarchal social networking map. After filtering the hierarchal social networking map, the network server sends a list of user identifiers to the collaboration tool, which allows the user to collaborate with recipient users corresponding to the list of user identifiers, which are users that share a particular relationship with the user. |
| US08126972B2 |
Access management for messaging systems and methods
An exemplary system includes an access management facility and a message processing facility communicatively coupled to the access management facility. The access management facility is configured to generate and activate an access code, and initiate providing of the access code to a potential message source. The message processing facility is configured to receive an incoming message, determine whether the incoming message includes the access code, deliver the incoming message to a user if the incoming message is determined to include the access code, and not deliver the incoming message to the user if the incoming message is determined not to include the access code. In certain implementations, the access code is used in conjunction with a set of authorized message sources for selectively filtering the incoming message. In certain implementations, at least one tool is provided, the tool being configured to enable the user to manage the access code. |
| US08126971B2 |
E-mail authentication
A system and method for determining whether an e-mail originates from a sender authorized by an address provider to send the e-mail to an intended recipient's e-mail address. The e-mail identifies an address provider from which the intended recipient's e-mail address was obtained. The e-mail is delivered to the intended recipient only upon verification that the sender is authorized by the address provider to obtain the intended recipient's e-mail address. The system and method may also provide for determining whether an e-mail originates from a forged source. A server receives data relating to an e-mail, including a purported sender and a verification host. The server queries the verification host with information pertaining to the e-mail and requests confirmation that the e-mail originates from the purported sender. The e-mail is determined to originate from a forged source unless the verification host responds that the e-mail originates from the purported sender. |
| US08126970B2 |
Method and apparatus for engineering change management
A method for engineering change management, includes providing access to at least one notification template, the notification template including predefined information for providing notification information to at least one party and providing a system for managing notifications sent to parties, the notifications including information messages, wherein the notifications can be created using the at least one notification template. |
| US08126969B1 |
Policy based dissemination control of electronic messages
Disclosed is a system and method for policy based dissemination control of controlled content (e.g., electronic messages). Upon detection at a receiving device that a user is attempting further dissemination (e.g., forwarding) of controlled content, the receiving device sends a query to a policy control server. The policy control server uses the information received in the query to perform a database lookup in order to determine dissemination control instructions. The dissemination control instructions are sent to the receiving device and the receiving device enforces the instructions with respect to the attempted dissemination. The dissemination control instructions may, for example, allow further dissemination, deny further dissemination, or allow further dissemination only upon receipt of permission from the content owner. The dissemination control instructions may also indicate that the content owner is to be notified of the attempted dissemination. |
| US08126964B2 |
Method for displaying data in an industrial control system
A method to distribute or share data provided by a server process of an industrial control system to a client process running on a first machine of a first user, with a client process running on a machine of a second user. The server session is logged by the server process. It is determined that the first user makes a selection to distribute or share a client process with at least one second user. An address is retrieved for the at least one other user, and a channel is opened thus providing the same data provided to the client process running on the first machine to a client process running on a second machine of at least one second user. Also included are system, a human-machine interface and a computer program for carrying out the method. |
| US08126962B1 |
Systems and methods for tracking user activity at website
A data source generates a requested page for an electronic network site to include inserted tracking parameters to aid in tracking the activities of the user at the site. The site receives the generated page with the inserted tracking parameters and returns to a user the received page as the requested page with the inserted tracking parameters removed therefrom. The site appends the removed tracking parameters to the URL associated with the returned page at the query string thereof, and sends to a tracking database the appended URL. The tracking database stores the sent URL for being accessed by one or more analytical tools to analyze the tracking parameters regarding the activities of the user at the site. |
| US08126961B2 |
Integration of client and server development environments
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, related to integration of client and server development environments. A message may be caused to be sent to a server development environment engine where the message characterizes an action mapped from a client development environment to a function of the server development environment engine. Another message characterizing an event of the server development environment engine may be received where that message is to cause the client development environment to resolve the event. The messages may be used to integrate the client and server development environments by providing a path of communication by which the server development environment engine may provide services to a client development environment that integrates the service in a user interface of a client development environment engine. |
| US08126960B2 |
Technique for effective organization and communication of information
In a communication arrangement in accordance with the invention, a server is employed to collect and organize information for mobile device users according to the user profiles, e.g., personal profile, business profile, vacation profile, etc., which reflect different user personae. By using this arrangement, the user advantageously maintains only the necessary information in the mobile device and downloads any additional information from the server on an as needed basis. In addition, the server is capable of serving mobile devices which may be incompatible to one another, thereby facilitating an exchange of information between such devices. Moreover, with the server, incoming messages for the user are organized and stored according to the source of the messages and the user criteria established in the user profiles. Further, information in a mobile device may be organized using electronic information cards, referred to as “E-cards,” which facilitate, among others, transfer of information from the mobile device to the server, or other mobile devices to conduct various commercial and data transactions. |
| US08126958B2 |
System and method for billing system interface failover resolution
A determination is made whether a first application server of a group of N application servers, N being at least two, is a coordinator of the group. Responsive to determining that the first application server is the coordinator of the group, a connection to a billing system is established, via a terminal server, by the first application server. A determination is made whether a second application server of the group of N application servers is the coordinator of the group. Responsive to determining that the second application server is not the coordinator of the group, a periodic check is made whether the second application server of the group of N application servers is the coordinator of the group. The second application server may later be determined to be the coordinator of the group, when the first server experiences difficulty. Once it is determined that the second application server now is the coordinator of the group, a connection is established to the billing system, via the terminal server, by the second application server. |
| US08126955B2 |
N bit adder and the corresponding adding method
An n bit adder includes first computing circuit with 2n inputs for receiving n values of bits of first and second binary numbers and an additional input for receiving an input carry digit. The first computing circuit elaborates from each of the n pairs of bit values of the same significance, a carry digit propagating signal and diagonal generation signals. The adder further including: an estimating circuit performing a first estimation of each coefficient of the number resulting from the sum of the first and second numbers, by using the complement of the corresponding bit of significance of the first number; a second computing circuit, elaborating a set of correcting signals based on the propagating signals and the diagonal generation signals; a correcting block applying to each estimated value of bit of significance k of the sum, k+1 corrections using the correcting signals, and delivering n bits of the sum. |
| US08126951B2 |
Method for transforming a digital signal from the time domain into the frequency domain and vice versa
A method for transforming a digital signal from the time domain into the frequency domain and vice versa using a transformation function comprising a transformation matrix, the digital signal comprising data symbols which are grouped into a plurality of blocks, each block comprising a predefined number of the data symbols. The method includes the process of transforming two blocks of the digital signal by one transforming element, wherein the transforming element corresponds to a block-diagonal matrix comprising two sub matrices, wherein each sub-matrix comprises the transformation matrix and the transforming element comprises a plurality of lifting stages and wherein each lifting stage comprises the processing of blocks of the digital signal by an auxiliary transformation and by a rounding unit. |
| US08126949B1 |
Reconfigurable filter node for an adaptive computing machine
A reconfigurable filter node including an input data memory adapted to store a plurality of input data values, a filter coefficient memory adapted to store a plurality of filter coefficient values, and a plurality of computational units adapted to simultaneously compute filter data values. Filter data values are the outputs of a filter in response to input data values or a second plurality of filter coefficients to be used in subsequent filter data value computations. First and second input data registers load successive input data values input data memory or from adjacent computational units. Each computational unit comprises a pre-adder adapted to output either the sum two input data values stored in the computational unit or alternately to output a single input data value, and a multiply-and-accumulate unit adapted to multiply the output of the pre-adder by a filter coefficient and accumulate the result. |
| US08126941B2 |
Memory management method and system
A memory management method and a system for performing garbage collection. The method includes the steps of providing in a memory space a heap partitioned into a plurality of areas including an area for object allocation and a To area for future object allocation. In garbage collection, an object reachable from a root set among objects allocated in the area of use is copied into the To area. In addition, a finalizable object among the objects allocated in the area of use is set as a finalization target. Here, the finalizable object is an object unreachable from the root set and has a finalize method. After the garbage collection is completed, the finalizable object of finalization target allocated in the area of use is finalized. |
| US08126935B2 |
System and method for enabling a storage system to support multiple volume formats simultaneously
A plurality of types of volumes are maintained, a volume being a logical arrangement of storage space on one or more data storage devices. A volume type field is used to designate the type of a particular volume, and a flexible volume paradigm is selected by the volume type field for interpreting data within a data structure written to a data storage device of the one or more data storage devices. A physical volume block number to virtual volume block number mapping pair (pvbn/vvbn pair) is designated by the volume type field, the pvbn/vvbn pair is used to translate a physical volume block number to a virtual volume block number. A request to write a data to a first block of the particular volume is received, a pvbn/vvbn pair is determined. The data is written to the physical block designated by the pvbn/vvbn pair. |
| US08126932B2 |
Indexing strategy with improved DML performance and space usage for node-aware full-text search over XML
Techniques are provided for searching within a collection of XML documents. A relational table stores an entry for each node of a set of nodes in a collection of XML documents. Each entry of the relational table stores an order key and a path identifier along with the atomized value of the node. Instead of storing the atomized value in a full-text index, a virtual column can be created to represent, for each node, the atomized value of the node. Alternately, each entry of the relational table stores an order key and a path identifier along with, for simple nodes, the atomized value, and for complex nodes, a null value. For a complex node with a descendant text node, a separate entry is stored for the descendant text node in the relational table. |
| US08126930B2 |
Micro-bucket testing for page optimization
Methods for optimizing webpage content by micro-bucket testing user customization to the webpage include presenting a plurality of modules at a webpage based on a request from a user. The modules define an intent of the webpage. A change defining customization to one or more modules within the webpage is detected. A test case representing the change is automatically generated. The generated test case is a modified webpage having the customization. The webpage is presented to a first segment of users as a control page and the modified webpage is presented to a second segment of users in response to a request for the webpage. User interaction by the first and segment of users is monitored at the webpage and the modified webpage to determine website metrics of the corresponding webpages. The website metrics is used in defining a new control page of the webpage from the modified webpage or retaining the webpage as the control page. |
| US08126929B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding list of variable length structures to support bi-directional scans
Techniques are disclosed for encoding a variable length structure such that it facilitates forward and reverse scans of a list of such structures as needed. While the techniques are applicable to a wide variety of applications, they are particularly well-suited for use with structures such as those found in compressed database indexes. For example, a computer-implemented method for processing one or more variable length data structures includes the following steps. Each variable length data structure is obtained. Each variable length structure comprises one or more data block. A variable length encoding process is applied to the one or more blocks of each variable length data structure which comprises setting a continuation data value in each block to a first value or a second value, wherein the setting of the continuation data values enables bi-directional scanning of each variable length structure. |
| US08126926B2 |
Data visualization with summary graphs
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with visualizing data using summary graphs are described. One example method includes constructing a summary graph for display. The summary graph represents the data as a summary node having a plurality of property edges connected to the summary node. The summary node represents the set of values for the node in the data. |
| US08126923B1 |
List building system
A system implementable using a programmable processor includes a plurality of pre-stored commands for building an inventory of audio, musical, works or audio/visual works, such as music videos. A plurality of works can be collected together in a list for purposes of establishing a play or a presentation sequence. The list can be visually displayed and edited. A plurality of lists can be stored for subsequent retrieval. A selected list can be retrieved and executed. Upon execution, the works of the list are presented sequentially either audibly or visually. The works can be read locally from a source, such as a CD, or can be obtained, via wireless transmission, from a remote inventory. If desired, establishment of a predetermined credit can be a pre-condition to being able to add items to the list for presentation. |
| US08126922B2 |
Calendar system
A calendar system displays event data via an electronic calendar form that is accessible over a network by a user of a client computer. The system stores event data for multiple events and selectively displays event data based on whether a calendar access request is received from a guest user or an authenticated user. The system displays event data via a default calendar to guest users and displays event data via a customized calendar to authenticated users. The default calendar displays event data for related events based on a contextual relationship that is derived by examining event data for each the multiple events to determine a position separation and/or a frequency of a user supplied keyword in the event data. The customized calendar displays events based on contextual relationships and based on the viewing history of the user and other input data from user. |
| US08126919B2 |
Update manager for database system
A database management protocol exchanges update tokens between a client and a server on which the database resides. When a client requests data to be read from a database, an update manager either reads an update token stored therein or generates one dynamically. The update token represents a current state of the data object being read. Sometime thereafter, if the client requests new data to be stored in the object, the client may furnish the update token back to the update manager. The update manager compares the client's update token to a local update token representing a current state of the database and, if they match, determines that the state has not changed. If they do not match, an error results. |
| US08126917B2 |
Method and device for transporting an object to a destination address specified incompletely
A method and a device transport a postal object to an incompletely specified destination address. The object has at least one information item relating to a destination address to which the object is to be transported. A set of address components is predetermined. An address database is used which in each case contains a computer-available record per destination address for a set of possible destination addresses. Each record contains in each case one entry for each predetermined address component. At least one destination address information item on the object is detected. A screen form is used which contains in each case one input field for each address component. The detected destination address information is compared with the records of the address database. When exactly one record is consistent with all detected destination address information items, a transportation of the object to the destination address of the record is triggered. |
| US08126915B2 |
Expanding the scope of an annotation to an entity level
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for creating and sharing an annotation associated with a data object other than the particular data object described by the annotation are provided. The annotation may be associated with an entity, even though the annotation may describe only a particular data object encompassed by the entity. By associating the annotation with the entity, the annotation may be made available to other users viewing information related to the entity, even if the particular data object described by the annotation is not displayed in the information being viewed. |
| US08126910B2 |
System and method to perform mobile printing from handheld devices
A system and method for printing a file on a remote printer via an electronic message. A personal electronic device transmits an electronic message requesting a listing of available electronic files. The personal electronic device then receives an electronic message in response to the request containing a list of available electronic files. At least one electronic file is then selected from among the listing of available files. The personal electronic device then receives, from the remote computer, an electronic message containing the selected electronic file. The personal electronic device then forwards the message containing the file to an image processing device. |
| US08126903B2 |
Computer implemented method for allocating drivers and passengers sharing a trip
Techniques for allocating drivers and passengers sharing a trip. The techniques may include a trip sharing service comprising receiving a first service request; specifying a first potential trip data object by the trip sharing service and executing a matching method. Matching may include checking a first potential trip data object against at least a second potential trip data object. Matching may further include comparing the specifications of the first potential trip data object with the specifications of the at least one second potential trip data object, determining the degree of congruency of the specifications of the compared potential trip data objects, assigning one role to a first and a second user, and adding the second potential trip data object to a result list in case the determined degree of congruency between the first and the second potential trip data object exceeds a predefined threshold. |
| US08126902B2 |
Operating method for a computer having sequences of data sets changing over time and corresponding devices
Two sequences of data sets having at least two dimensions and referring to an object which changes over time are specified to a computer. Each data set in each sequence is assigned a measure of time which can be used to determine the temporal relationship of the data sets to the other data sets in the respective sequence. The computer compares the first data set) in the first sequence with the data sets in the second sequence and automatically determines a first data set from the second sequence corresponding to a first data set from the first sequence. With the aid of the corresponding first data sets in the first and second sequences and the measures of time assigned to the data sets, the computer then determines, for each of the other data sets in the first sequence, the corresponding data set from the second sequence. |
| US08126898B2 |
Method and system for generating scored recommendations based on scored references
A computer method includes receiving a query from a user system; searching a plurality of data objects of a first type for data objects that substantially match the query; generating a first-relevance score for each data object of the second type that is associated with at least one data objects of the first type identified in the search; searching a plurality of data objects of the second type for data objects of the second type that substantially match the query; generating a second-relevance score for each data object of the second type identified in the second search; generating a list of data objects of the second type that are identified in the first and second search steps; ranking the data objects of the second type in the list of data objects based on the relevance scores; and transferring the list of data objects to the user system. |
| US08126895B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for indexing, synchronizing and searching digital data
A system, method and computer program product provide a search module for searching digital data. The search module operates, according to an embodiment, by indexing stored data without interrupting use of the stored data, synchronizing the indexed data with data stored subsequent to the indexing step, searching at least one of the synchronized data and the indexed data, and outputting results of the searching step. |
| US08126881B1 |
Predictive conversion systems and methods
In one embodiment, a system and method of predicting sale transaction conversion rate of an item operates through a search of information in response to a query over a network. The item can be included in a category of items. Information for other relevant items of the category is available through network query and historical data, among others. Respective information for the other items of the category is available to the method. The system and method includes discovering available information of the item of interest, extracting certain of the available information of the item, analyzing the certain information for the item by comparing the information to other item information for the category of items, weighting the information for the commercial item in comparison to other items of the category, calculating a predictive score for the commercial item of interest, and presenting the information of the commercial item of interest ranked according to the predictive score as compared to other items of the category. |
| US08126879B2 |
Assisted management of bookmarked web pages
In a method of assisting in management of a collection of bookmarked web pages, browsing information is received. The browsing information is related to a history of web browser use. A ranked list of web pages is generated from a plurality of web pages which is received in the browsing information. The generating is based upon a function including one or more statistical elements of the browsing information. Management information is provided based upon the ranked list of web pages. The management information is for assisting in management of a collection of bookmarked web pages. |
| US08126878B2 |
Academic study tool utilizing e-book technology
A software interface to increase the efficiency for reading, abstracting of information and locating material within an electron publication, pursuant to which author content and/or researcher content may be quickly searched, accessed and stored on an academic tool utilizing e-book technology. Topic mapping tools may be further used to enhance searching to link and cross reference terminology. For example, such tools are described in ISO/IEC 13250:2000 and more recently extended into XML format in XTM specifications. W3C® standards, such as DAML+OIL and topic map standards as well as functionally similar standards may also be utilized. |
| US08126877B2 |
Arranging search engine results
Search engine results arranged according to one or more first criteria (e.g., relevancy) are obtained. The results are assigned groups within chosen or calculated relevancy ranges. The results are then resorted within each group according to one or more second criteria (e.g., payment). The groups maintain original placement relative to each other during resorting. A list of at least some of the resorted results is then created for various uses, including search or further manipulation. |
| US08126875B2 |
Instant answers and integrated results of a browser
A method, system, and medium are provided for searching multiple search services in parallel and utilizing multiple search providers in a computer system. Multiple search providers are installed onto a browser application of a user computer system. Upon receipt of a user search query and a user designated search provider, an instant answer is automatically displayed without any user interaction. Other aggregated results are displayed together in a combined window pane. One section displays results of any recent searches that match the search query entry. Another section displays search suggestions provided by the designated search provider. Another section displays results of any previously visited sites in which results of the previously visited site match the search entry. Additional searches of different designated search providers can also be made. These multiple searches of multiple search providers are conducted from the same browser window as the initial search. |
| US08126873B2 |
Portable and iterative re-usable suboptimization of database queries
A method, apparatus and program product to optimize a database query. A query plan is generated for the database query where the query plan includes first and second subplans. Cached optimization data associated with the first subplan and generated during evaluation of another query plan for a previous query that uses the first subplan is retrieved. The first subplan is evaluated for resource cost using the retrieved optimization data. The second subplan is also evaluated for resource cost. The query plan is then evaluated for resource cost based upon the evaluations of resource cost for the first and second subplans. A query plan is selected based on evaluations of resource cost and the plan is executed to generate a result set. |
| US08126871B2 |
Systems and computer program products to identify related data in a multidimensional database
Systems and computer program products that identify data that is related to and associated with data that has been selected from a multidimensional database. The overwhelming amount of data in a multidimensional database that may be viewed by a user, such as a data analyst, is reduced to the selected and associated data by use of index data and related index data, according to the present invention. The views of selected data and related data may be highlighted and formatted for presentation to the user. Further, irrelevant data is filtered out and not presented to the user. Existing systems have not been able to efficiently and adequately identify data that is related to and associated with selected data in a multidimensional database. |
| US08126868B1 |
Search rankings with dynamically customized content
A server identifies descriptors related to an item of content and inserts them into an address of a template web page. The server extracts the keywords in the address after receiving a request for the web page from an application program. Content relating to the descriptors is determined and associated with the web page, thereby creating a customized web page. In response to the request, the server provides the customized web page to the application program. |
| US08126867B2 |
Returning a second content based on a user's reaction to a first content
Embodiments include a device, a system, a computer program product, and a method. A method embodiment includes receiving from a requester sensor data indicative of a response by a person to a first content displayed to the person. The method also includes analyzing the received sensor data for an indication of an expression by the person corresponding to the first content. The method further includes facilitating a search for a second content using a search parameter corresponding to the indication of an expression by the person and to a content attribute of the displayed first content. The method also includes returning to the requester an indication of the second content. |
| US08126865B1 |
Systems and methods for syndicating and hosting customized news content
A system provides client access to customized news content. The system includes a custom news source server and a news search server. The custom news source server periodically sends one or more customized search queries to a news search server. The news search server fetches news content from multiple news source servers and aggregates the news content. The news search server also periodically receives the one or more search queries from the custom news source server, searches the aggregated news content based on the one or more search queries, and periodically provides selected news content to the custom news server based on results of the searches. The custom news source server permits access to clients, from across a network, to the selected news content provided by the news search server. |
| US08126863B2 |
Search control combining classification and text-based searching techniques
A search control in a user interface enables a user to search documents on text or a tag. |
| US08126862B2 |
System for enhanced customer service
Systems according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, systems of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty. |
| US08126859B2 |
Updating a local version of a file based on a rule
In an embodiment, a local version of a file is found in response to detecting an access of a remote version of the file. In response to the detecting, a determination is made whether the remote version meets a rule, and if the rule is met, then the local version is updated with the remote version of the file if the remote version is valid. The rule may be customized for the file. In various embodiments, the determination includes determining whether the remote version of the file was created more recently than the local version, whether the remote version has a level that is greater than the level of the local version, or whether the remote version is stored at a source location specified by the rule. In various embodiments, the level may be an audio or video quality of the file or an update identifier of the file. In this way, out-of date local versions of files may be updated with newer or better remote versions of files. |
| US08126856B2 |
File access management system
In one embodiment a method of managing file access in a computer system comprises recording at least one file access attribute information over a period of time; generating one or more file access policies based on the access attribute information; and managing one or more subsequent file access requests in accordance with the one or more file access policies. |
| US08126854B1 |
Using versioning to back up multiple versions of a stored object
Using a versioning feature of an authoring application to back up multiple versions of a stored object in single, version-enabled instance stored on backup media is disclosed. In some embodiments, an indication is received that a subsequent version data associated with an object an existing instance of which is stored in a backup storage location is to be backed up. A version control mechanism of an authoring application that created or updated the object as stored in a primary storage location is invoked to incorporate the subsequent version data into the existing instance of the object as stored in the backup storage location. |
| US08126851B2 |
System for automatically recovering a computer memory using shadowed data and file directory structures
The Data Shadowing System comprises a memory module that is connected to the monitored computer system via an existing input/output port to store the shadowed data. The memory module includes a memory device for data storage as well as software, including a control software component that is automatically installed on the monitored computer system when the memory module is first connected to the monitored computer system, as well as associated module software for maintaining a record of the data stored on the memory device. The Data Shadowing System automatically stores the data on the memory module in a single format, while representing it in a data management database in two formats: disk sectors and files. The Data Shadowing System thereby efficiently tracks and stores the state of multiple file systems over time, while allowing for correct disk-level and file-level restoration to a point-in-time without storing redundant data. |
| US08126849B2 |
Method of redundant data storage
Embodiments of the invention concern a method of redundant data storage in a peer-to-peer overlay network (N), and a network node (211) and a computer program product to execute said method. The peer-to-peer overlay network (N) comprises a plurality of nodes (0, 20, 50, 87, 112, 140, 179, 200, 211, 223, 240). A physical hardware on which a first node (211) of said plurality of nodes (0, 20, 50, 87, 112, 140, 179, 200, 211, 223, 240) runs is identified. At least one second node (240) of said plurality of nodes (0, 20, 50, 87, 112, 140, 179, 200, 211, 223, 240) which runs on a different physical hardware than the first node (211) is determined. A replica (203) of data for which the first node (211) is responsible is stored on the at least one second node (240) in addition to or instead of storing a replica (203) of the data on a next logical node (223) of the first node, whereby said next logical node (223) is a node of the plurality of nodes (0, 20, 50, 87, 112, 140, 179, 200, 211, 223, 240) neighboring the first node (211) with regard to a topology structure of the peer-to-peer overlay network (N). |
| US08126847B1 |
Single file restore from image backup by using an independent block list for each file
Image-based data restoration restores an entire image of a volume or selective files. A restore engine receives a request to restore data from a backup image that includes a plurality of data blocks and metadata describing attributes of the data blocks. In response to the request, the restore engine determines a restore mode. If it is determined to be a logical restore mode, the restore engine restores a file by retrieving the metadata associated with the file and the data blocks that are pointed to by the metadata. If it is determined to be an image restore mode, the restore engine restores an entire image of the volume by using the data blocks in the backup image without using the metadata. |
| US08126846B2 |
System and method for replicating data
According to the present invention, techniques for controlling copying of logical volumes within a computer storage system are provided. A representative embodiment includes a plurality of storage devices controlled by a control unit, one or more processors, and a buffer memory for temporarily storing data read from the storage devices within the control unit. The storage devices can be addressed as logical volumes. |
| US08126836B2 |
Call group management using the session initiation protocol
A method, apparatus, and electronic device for hierarchical communications are disclosed. A connection interface 1260 may receive a query. A processor 1210 may select an initial expert from the hierarchical expert tree based upon the query and direct the query towards the initial expert. A session initiation protocol server 418 may generate a hierarchical expert tree from an expert pool. |
| US08126832B2 |
Artificial intelligence system
An artificial intelligence system and method for interpreting input from a user and generating a response to the user. The input is converted into an array of concepts which are compared to a database of interrelated concepts. A response is generated based on the concepts in the database and their relationship to the concepts in the input array. The system and method may be implemented in a number of electronic or computer devices to interact with humans or computer systems. |
| US08126831B2 |
System and method for dynamically inferring data preconditions over predicates by tree learning
A system and method for inferring preconditions for procedures in a program includes formulating predicates based on inputs to a procedure, including formal arguments, global variables and external environment. Truth assignments are sampled to the predicates to provide truth assignments that lead to a feasible set of input values. Test cases are generated for testing the program in accordance with the truth assignments having feasible sets of input values. The truth assignments are classified to the predicates as providing an error or not providing an error. |
| US08126830B2 |
Method for ensuring privacy while querying a database by using quantum superposition and multiple responses
In a database query operation, a quantum private query (QPQ) protocol allows a user to determine whether the database provider has been trying to obtain information about their query by performing quantum superpositions of different queries in addition to performing normal queries. This means that, in addition to being able to request the jth or the kth records in the database, the user can also request both records in a quantum superposition. To find out whether the database provider is trying to discover her queries, the user sends proper superpositions of queries and then checks the answer provided by the database to determine whether the superposition has been preserved. If superposition has not been preserved, the user can be confident that the database provider has cheated, and has tried to obtain information on the query. |
| US08126829B2 |
Source segmentation using Q-clustering
A system and method that facilitates and effectuates accurate source segmentation of multi-dimensional signals in a computationally efficient manner. By employing Queyranne's algorithm along with a model for combining adjacent multidimensional elements of signal into locally consistent regions, significant improvement in time to identify an optimal segmentation can be achieved. Additional, by saving values computed when executing the algorithm and recalling the values when needed during subsequent iterations of the algorithm provides an additional in algorithm execution speed. |
| US08126827B2 |
Predicting candidates using input scopes
Embodiments are configured to provide one or more candidates based in part on an input identifier associated with an input interface. In an embodiment, a system includes an input method editor (IME) that can be configured to provide one or more candidates based in part on a prediction model and one or more input scope values associated with an input interface. The IME can also operate to store an entered string including one or more associated input scope values to a storage component. The stored information can be used when suggesting candidates. |
| US08126826B2 |
Method and system for active learning screening process with dynamic information modeling
Systems and methods consistent with the present invention improve manual screening processes for a group of documents by implementing an active learning screening process with dynamic information modeling. A classification algorithm is trained to recognize the relationships between concept tags applied to a subset of the documents and true or correct utility or relevance ratings applied to the subset of documents. Once adequately trained using several subsets of documents, the classification algorithm may be applied to the entire group of documents, screening out documents that are not relevant or important. |
| US08126823B2 |
Support vector inductive logic programming
A computer implemented method of particular, although not exclusive application to analysing a plurality of molecules which comprises computing a kernel function for each pair of the plurality of molecules, the kernel function being representative of the number of features present in both molecules of the pairs and using the kernel function in a kernel based learning algorithm to model the relationship between the features and a property of the molecules. The method is also applicable to predicting a numerical value representing a characteristic of a molecule and, more generally, modelling instances of data in a database. A particular, although again not exclusive application, is the prediction of toxicity of a molecule. |
| US08126822B1 |
Virtual post office box
A method that enables the post to deliver letters, flats, post cards and packages (mail) addressed to a recipient's virtual post office box and then to be delivered directly to the recipient. The process enables individuals or entities to rent a virtual post office (VPO) box i.e., a box that does not physically exist, from the post office (“post”). Mail addressed to the virtual post office box would be captured by the post during the post's sortation process and rerouted to the specified address of the renter of the virtual post office box. |
| US08126820B1 |
Community to support the definition and sharing of source trust level configurations
A method for managing trust level in a community comprises selecting a data provider and a data entry entity from the community, wherein the community comprises data providers providing provided data, data entry entity providers providing data entry entities, and reviewers, obtaining provided data and a trust level of the provided data from the data provider, retrieving a data entry quality level of the selected data entry entity from a community system, wherein the community system comprises data entry quality levels corresponding to the data entry entities, and determining a data source trust level based on the trust level of the provided data and the data entry quality level of the selected data entry entity, wherein the data source trust level indicates validity of data produced by the selected data entry entity. |
| US08126819B1 |
Online lawn care estimate process
An online lawn care service quoting method and system are disclosed. The method and system are initiated by an estimate inquiry from a customer, preferably via the Web. Data from a lawn care service administration database is retrieved. The data includes customer demographic information and GPS satellite imaging photographs of various lot size dimensions. The lot size information and customer demographic information are combined to provide at least one quote for the customer estimate inquiry. The data in the database is upgraded and amended as needed by any change in industry standards and customer change requests. At least one quote is displayed to the customer online in response to the estimate inquiry. |
| US08126818B2 |
Knowledge-management systems for law firms
The present inventors devised unique systems, methods, interfaces, and software for managing and leveraging knowledge in law firms and potentially other enterprises. For example, one system provides a single user interface for researching case law for online legal research service and identifying and accessing law-firm documents. |
| US08126808B2 |
System and method for processing checks and check transactions
A method of processing paper checks that divides into two independent paths the processing of a data file representing a check and the digital image of the check. The data files and image files are separated both in time and in space, with the data files being used to promptly initiate the transfer of funds to and from appropriate accounts, while the paper checks, at a remote location and typically lagging in time, are scanned to create digital image files and deposited as an image or substitute check if deemed ACH ineligible. The method provides for the comparison of data files to image files, based on MICR information, to find any unmatching or mismatched items for exception processing and a process to manage ACH-ineligible items as an image or substitute check. A process for translating raw MICR data to a desired format, and for identifying the proper translation to be applied, is described. |
| US08126806B1 |
Method for launching an electronic wallet
A portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device comprises a contactless communication transceiver configured to provide payment information to a point-of-sale terminal, a first input device configured to receive inputs, and a processor. The first input device is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a microphone, a camera, and a biometric sensor. The processor is configured to activate an electronic wallet based on inputs from at least one of the first input device and the contactless communication transceiver, to access the payment information in the electronic wallet, and to provide the payment information to the contactless communication transceiver. |
| US08126805B2 |
System and method for revolving credit product offer customization
A system and method are disclosed for making an offer for at least one revolving credit product to an applicant. An identifier for each of a plurality of revolving credit products is stored and at least one attribute (145) is associated with each of the revolving credit products. An application for a revolving credit product is received from an applicant (105). One or more of the revolving credit product issuer's (160) objectives are identified. A set of revolving credit products that fit within an applicant profile is created, ranked, and at least one of the top ranking revolving credit products are then offered to the applicant from the set of revolving credit products. |
| US08126800B2 |
Public offering risk management
The present invention provides an auction system that allows IPO sales to be offered in an open and transparent manner, wherein, a certain percentage (up to 100%) of shares in an IPO can be offered to qualified bidders at a “buy now” pre-auction price, set by an issuer and/or underwriter. Investors can be allowed to “bid some shares out of the auction process” and thus guarantee those investors' allocation while also allowing bidders to participate in an open auction for other shares. Shares of stock to be offered in an IPO can include a subset of pre-auction price shares and a subset of auction price shares. The pre-auction price shares are offered to pre-auction bidders at a pre-auction price, and auction shares are generally sold to the highest bidder. Pre-auction sales can serve as a catalyst for generating enthusiasm for an associated IPO auction. |
| US08126799B2 |
Method of bidding to drive competition in an auction
A method of bidding to drive competition in an auction, including receiving a plurality of bids from a plurality of bidders, distinguishing the bidders according to a subset of a parameter, assigning at least one identifier to the bidders in each subset, the subset associated with the identifier is unknown to the bidders outside of the subset, and displaying a lowest bid with the identifier for each bidder. |
| US08126794B2 |
Replicated derivatives having demand-based, adjustable returns, and trading exchange therefor
Methods and systems for trading and replicating contingent claims, such as derivatives strategies, in a demand-based auction are described. In one embodiment, a set of demand-based claims, each of which can be a vanilla option or a digital option, approximate or replicate the contingent claim into a vanilla replicating basis or a digital replicating basis, and the order for the contingent claim is then evaluated or processed in the demand-based auction. In another embodiment, a plurality of strikes and a plurality of replicating claims are established for a demand-based auction on an event, one or more replicating claims striking at each of the strikes in the auction. A contingent claim, such as a derivatives strategy, is replicated with a replication set that includes one or more of the replicating claims in the auction. The equilibrium price and/or the payout for the derivatives strategy is determined as a function of the demand-based valuation of each of the replicating claims in the replication set. For a customer order requesting a number of a certain derivatives strategy in the demand-based auction and a limit price per derivatives strategy, the premium of the customer order is determined as a product of the equilibrium price for the derivatives strategy and a filled number of derivatives strategies for the order, each determined as a function of the demand-based valuation of each of the replicating claims in the demand-based auction. |
| US08126793B2 |
Automated payment system and method
An automated payment system for processing payment by a customer to a company. The payment system includes a document scanning system which has an input receptacle adapted to accept a document. After receiving an authorization agreement from the customer, the scanner acquires at least one image from the document. Also provided is a first computer adapted to receive images from the document scanning system. Adapted to communicate information represented by the image, a first communication link couples the document scanning system and the first computer. The payment system also includes a second computer adapted to receive images which is in communication with the first computer via a second communication link. The second communication link is adapted to communicate images and payment information. |
| US08126792B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing person-to-person money exchange
A system conducts online financial transactions between individuals or between individuals and entities such as banks, merchants and other companies. Each user establishes an online account, which is used to transfer funds to and from other online accounts. Any user may initiate a send money transaction or a request payment transaction with any other entity provided that entity has an e-mail address. The online fund transfer may include a verification of a user's information including verifying a mailing address. |
| US08126790B2 |
System for cost-sensitive autonomous information retrieval and extraction
A multi-agent system is provided for automatically acquiring desired information from one or more information sources. The multi-agent system includes a plurality of data provider filter agents associated with the one or more information sources. The data provider filter agents are configured to search for the desired information within the respective information sources based on an assessment of the one or more information sources. The multi-agent system also includes a content extraction agent configured to acquire a plurality of articles containing the desired information from the one or more information sources based on the search. |
| US08126778B2 |
Network reputation and payment service
This document discusses, among other things, example embodiments of a transaction system that may receive, over a network, a first set of transaction data associated with a transaction for an item. In an example embodiment, a reputation application may adjust a rating associated with the transaction when the first set of transaction data indicates a purchase or a return of the item. |
| US08126777B2 |
Systems, method, and computer medium for multi-source transaction processing
A system and method for multi-source transaction processing receives order requests from a client system operated by a user. The order requests may include order placements and order inquiries. For example, an order request may be a placement for a computer system and associated peripherals. The user may have particular fulfillment organization preferences, and different components of the computer system and associated peripherals may be fulfilled by different fulfillment partners. Accordingly, the orders order requests are processed by an order request servicing system to, for example, split the order request into multiple processed order requests and each of the processed order requests is associated with an order request management system and prepared for transmission to the associated order request management system. The order request management systems can utilize the processed order requests to fulfill the order request. The order request management systems transmit order request management system data which provides, for example, order status information, financial information, and other data. The order request servicing system may, for example, internally process the order request management system data associated with an order request, transmit the order request management system data to the client system, or transmit the order request management system data to another system depending upon the nature of the order request management system data. Thus, the order request servicing system can transparently link users to one or more order request management systems. Additionally, the order request management systems can be linked together over a network, such as the Internet, to provide a network of order request management systems. |
| US08126775B1 |
Method and system for transmittal of extended data attributes for product items, pricing and trade promotion transactions
A method and system that facilitates communication between demand and supply side trading partners of the consumer goods industry in the electronic transmittal of extended data attributes for product items, pricing and trade promotions. The method includes the steps of establishing a connection to a program, which provides for the definition and establishment of extended data attributes specific to the user. The method also includes inputting extended data into the program and outputting the information to a designated trading partner in the form of an XML-based message as communicated through the Internet. The system incorporates the transmittal of the extended data attribute information by attaching it to a standards-based determined transaction message for item introduction, pricing and promotions, thus allowing ease of integration of both standards-based and extended data attribute information on product items, pricing and promotions to trading partners' respective ERP or legacy systems. |
| US08126769B1 |
Transit card state sequence self-help correction
A method of electronic transit fare payment is provided. The method comprises receiving a transit card state correction input and storing a transit card state correction record based on receiving the transit card state correction input. The method also comprises changing the transit card state in response to receiving the transit card state correction input. The method also comprises providing transit card information including the transit card state correction record to a exit fare gate to support electronic payment with a transit card. |
| US08126767B1 |
System and method for tuning a segmented model representating product flow through a supply chain or manufacturing process
A method of systematically applying parameter evaluation techniques to large numbers of complex segmented models used for managing and analyzing a segmented manufacturing or supply chain process. These models include a plurality of segment models, each segment model representing a process segment within the segmented manufacturing or supply chain process and comprising a mathematical expression including at least one parameter. The method compares predicted values generated by a segment model with actual observed values to determining a score representative of the performance of the segment model. New parameters for the mathematical equation associated with the segment model are determined through statistical techniques when the model score indicates an unacceptable performance of the segment model. The segment models may be evaluated and updated in parallel and without manual intervention. |
| US08126765B2 |
Market demand estimation method, system, and apparatus
A method to estimate demand of a market for a service is disclosed. The method includes selecting a set of feasible service offerings to offer for sale to the market from a set of candidate service offerings, observing a response of the market to the set of feasible service offerings offered for sale, and estimating a demand of the market for the service based upon the observed response. Each service offering of the set of feasible service offerings and the set of candidate service offerings is defined by a price and a service level. |
| US08126756B2 |
Method and system for real time measurement data adjudication and service level evaluation
A method and system for adjudicating measurement data in real time and re-adjudicating a segment of an input measurement data stream upon submission of a new adjudication instruction in a service level evaluation system. An adjudication instruction associated with a service level is received. Measurement data including a first measurement data point is received. The received adjudication instruction is applied in real time to the first measurement data point to generate a first adjudicated measurement data point. A service level is evaluated based on the first adjudicated measurement data point. To re-adjudicate the data stream segment, a new adjudication instruction is received and the segment is identified. The input data stream's adjudication is suspended and the stream is queued into storage. The segment of measurement data is retrieved and re-adjudicated by applying the new adjudication instruction. The input data stream's adjudication is resumed afterwards from the queued input stream. |
| US08126755B2 |
Systems and methods for automated parallelization of deployment
Systems and methods are provided for creating a distribution plan for one or more products from a source location to a destination location. In one exemplary embodiment, the systems and methods may include defining a parallel processing profile to be associated with the distribution plan, and determining whether the parallel processing profile is specified prior to creating the distribution plan. If the profile is determined to be specified, one or more packages may then be built of the one or more products. Building one or more packages may comprise building a location products table of one or more location products. The location products table may specify the name, location, and deployment information of each of the one or more location products. The one or more location products may be selected for each package based on the deployment information. The distribution plan for each package of the one or more products may then be determined. |
| US08126749B2 |
System and method for processing a request for price information
A computer travel reservation system includes at least one data processor connected with at least one memory that stores software executable by the at least one data processor. Also included is a fare family database connected with the at least one data processor that stores data defining a plurality of fare families each including a plurality of fare classes. The fare family database also stores data defining determination rules used to determine an association of at least one fare family for each fare class, each fare class being defined according to at least commercial parameters. The system further includes a fare fixing engine implemented by the at least one data processor and software. The fare fixing engine is configured to apply the determination rules to a travel product to determine a fare family associated with the travel product. |
| US08126746B2 |
System and method for processing and administering flexible guaranteed income payments
A system is provided for administering fixed income immediate and deferred payments in any of a plurality of different payout schemes selected by a purchaser to accommodate varying retirement income needs. The system can be configured to administer an immediate income annuity where payments start within one year and the system can also administer a deferred payout annuity through a single dual natured payout contract. Additional options available for administration by the system include options to permit the contract owner to change the annuity commencement date and the ability to commute future period certain periodic payments into a single lump sum payment. |
| US08126745B1 |
Digital asset insurance
Digital assets may be insured against loss. The digital assets may comprise commercial products and/or user-generated data. An insurance product may provide either for monetary reimbursement or replacement (e.g., repurchase) of the digital assets and/or for backup services to backup insured digital assets so that the insured digital assets may be retrieved if the original user copies are lost. |
| US08126744B2 |
Method for rectifying faults in technical facilities
Faults in technical facilities are oftentimes unanticipatable and unplannable. For the operator of a facility, it is therefore always uncertain when and at what level costs will be incurred for fault rectification. A method is therefore proposed for rectifying faults in technical facilities by which for a defined period of time, and for a number of facility components which are defined before the period starts, the rectification of faults is undertaken by a technical service organization, for which purpose an operator of a facility pays the service organization a defined sum of money for the defined period of time, whereby the costs of fault rectification during the defined period of time are then met by the service organization, up to level of the sum of money, and costs over and above this are met by an insurance company. The facility operator then has from the outset costs which can be estimated and planned, and need not establish separate reserves. On the other hand, it is possible to guarantee expert fault rectification in a short time, whereby the downtimes for the facility are reduced. |
| US08126741B2 |
System and method for managing prescription data to detect pathogens
A system for managing prescription data is provided. The system for managing prescription data includes a switch system. The switch system is configured to receive prescription submissions from pharmacy systems, submit the prescription submissions to approval systems, receive responses from the approval systems, and transmit the responses to the pharmacy systems. The switch system is further configured to receive treatment classification data including pathogen groups and pharmaceuticals prescribed to treat symptoms occurring from exposure to each pathogen group. The switch system is further configured to determine normal variations of the prescription submissions, detect anomalous variations of the prescription submissions, and generate a notification in response to detecting an anomalous variation. |
| US08126740B2 |
Electronic health record case management system
A method and system for transparent recording, storing, and accessing financial, clinical, and data/information case management services. The method includes collecting service data pertaining to a customer from a plurality of sources, storing the data, and providing multiple points of access to the data for retrieval by an individual via a user interface. A decision-support system may operate independently as an electronic health record or in conjunction with an integrated electronic health record and allows customers or their representatives to plan, facilitate, and monitor the management of financial, clinical, and data/information issues pertaining to their healthcare. In particular, the system is adapted to identify data tending to indicate an anomaly in the customer's health record and facilitate the selection and implementation of one or more options to address and/or correct the anomaly. |
| US08126739B2 |
Method and system for tracking treatment of patients in a health services environment
Methods and systems for tracking treatment of patients are presented. An exemplary method for tracking treatment of patients includes scheduling appointments for a patient with service providers based on requests for services and generating appointment information corresponding to each of the scheduled appointments; capturing service information corresponding to claims received from the service providers for payment of charges associated with services rendered by the service providers to the patient; and establishing for the patient an episode of care pertaining to treatment of a specified ailment and associating with the established episode of care at least one of the requests for services, the scheduled appointments, and the received claims for the patient that correspond to the treatment of the specified ailment. |
| US08126738B2 |
Method and system for scheduling tracking, adjudicating appointments and claims in a health services environment
An exemplary method for determining the appropriateness of service provider claims for payment includes scheduling appointments for patients with service providers based on requests for services, generating appointment information corresponding to each of the scheduled appointments, and capturing service information corresponding to claims received from the service providers for payment of charges associated with services rendered by the service providers to the patients. The method further includes automatically identifying candidate appointments that correspond to a particular received claim based on a degree of similarity between the service information associated with the particular received claim and the appointment information associated with the scheduled appointments. Additionally, the method includes flagging the particular received claim for resolution when none of the candidate appointments corresponds to the particular received claim, and presenting the particular received claim for payment when at least one of the candidate appointments corresponds to the particular received claim. |
| US08126735B2 |
Systems and methods for remote patient monitoring and user interface
A method according to one aspect of the present invention includes receiving patient information, analyzing the patient information to identify a condition for the patient, and formatting a report based on the patient information and the patient condition. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to monitor any appropriate medical device from essentially any location from which a communications signal can be sent and received. This enables patients to enjoy an active lifestyle by not being tied to medical device monitoring equipment that is difficult or impossible to transport or having to routinely visit health care facilities. Multiple reports can be formatted to include any desired amount and type of information, and can be transmitted selectively to any number of users. |
| US08126732B2 |
Systems and methods for processing and transmittal of medical data through multiple interfaces
A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a plurality of device interfaces, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from one or more medical devices through a wired connection coupled to at least one of the device interfaces, and transmits the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport. |
| US08126731B2 |
Systems and methods for medical data interchange activation
A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes activating a first device in response to an event, receiving data through a wired connection from a medical device by the first device, transmitting the data to a second device by the first device, and transmitting the data from the second device to a medical data server. This method may be practiced automatically, either continuously or at set intervals, or may be initiated by someone utilizing the system. This method allows the first device to be activated only as necessary to communicate with the medical device in order to conserve battery life. |
| US08126729B2 |
Systems and methods for processing and transmittal of data from a plurality of medical devices
A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes receiving data from a plurality of medical devices through a wired connection, 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 also allows any number of different medical devices to be monitored, even where such devices each communicate using different wired connections and/or using different communication protocols. |
| US08126725B2 |
Coordinating anatomic pathology consultations and inventory tracking
An on-line approach to coordinating intradepartmental anatomic pathology consultations is provided. In accordance with one method in a clinical computing environment, a command to initiate the share event for the anatomic pathology case is received. Review of the anatomic pathology case by one or more share recipients is then coordinated by the system. Coordination of the share event may include tracking the location of physical case materials associated with the anatomic pathology case. Finally, the system may receive an indication that the share event for the anatomic pathology case has been completed. |
| US08126717B1 |
System and method for predicting prosodic parameters
A method for generating a prosody model that predicts prosodic parameters is disclosed. Upon receiving text annotated with acoustic features, the method comprises generating first classification and regression trees (CARTs) that predict durations and F0 from text by generating initial boundary labels by considering pauses, generating initial accent labels by applying a simple rule on text-derived features only, adding the predicted accent and boundary labels to feature vectors, and using the feature vectors to generate the first CARTs. The first CARTs are used to predict accent and boundary labels. Next, the first CARTs are used to generate second CARTs that predict durations and F0 from text and acoustic features by using lengthened accented syllables and phrase-final syllables, refining accent and boundary models simultaneously, comparing actual and predicted duration of a whole prosodic phrase to normalize speaking rate, and generating the second CARTs that predict the normalized speaking rate. |
| US08126715B2 |
Facilitating multimodal interaction with grammar-based speech applications
Multimodal interaction with grammar-based speech applications may be facilitated with a device by presenting permissible phrases that are in-grammar based on acceptable terms that are in-vocabulary and that have been recognized from a spoken utterance. In an example embodiment, a spoken utterance having two or more terms is received. The two or more terms include one or more acceptable terms. An index is searched using the acceptable terms as query terms. From the searching of the index, permissible phrase(s) are produced that include the acceptable terms. The index is a searchable data structure that represents multiple possible grammar paths that are ascertainable based on acceptable values for each term position of a grammar-based speech application. The permissible phrase(s) are presented to a user as option(s) that may be selected to conduct multimodal interaction with the device. |
| US08126714B2 |
Voice search device
A text data search using a voice is conventionally a full-text search using a word as an index word for a part recognized as a word in an input voice. Therefore, if any of the parts recognized as the words is falsely recognized, a search precision is lowered. In the present invention, referring to a language model generated by a language model generating part from text data to be subjected to a search which is divided by a learning data dividing part into a linguistic part and an acoustic model obtained by modeling voice features, a voice recognition part performs voice recognition for the input voice to output a phonemic representation. A matching unit converting part divides the phonemic representation into the same units as those of a text search dictionary, which is obtained by dividing the text data to be subjected to the search into the units smaller than those of the language model. A text search part uses the result of division to make a search on the text search dictionary. |
| US08126713B2 |
Conversation control system and conversation control method
The present invention includes a morpheme extracting unit 420 configured to extract, based on a character string corresponding to input information, at least one morpheme constituting a minimum unit of the character string, as first morpheme information, a topic search unit 340 configured to compare the first morpheme information extracted at the morpheme extracting unit 420 with topic titles, and to search a topic title corresponding to the first morpheme information from among the topic titles, and a reply retrieval unit 350 configured to retrieve, based on the topic title searched at a topic identification information search unit 320, a reply sentence associated with the topic title. |
| US08126707B2 |
Method and system for speech compression
Methods, encoders, and digital systems are provided for predictive encoding of speech parameters in which an input frame is encoded by quantizing a parameter vector of the input frame with a strongly-predictive codebook and a weakly-predictive codebook to obtain a strongly-predictive distortion and a weakly-predictive distortion, adjusting a correlation indicator based on a relative correlation of the input frame to a previous frame, wherein the correlation indicator is indicative of the strength of the correlation of previously encoded frames, and encoding the input frame with the weakly-predictive codebook unless the correlation indicator has reached a correlation threshold. |
| US08126706B2 |
Music detector for echo cancellation and noise reduction
An audio signal is divided among exponentially related subband filters. The spectral flatness measure in each subband signal is determined and the measures are weighted and combined. The sum is compared with a threshold to determine the presence of music or noise. If music is detected, the noise estimation process in the noise reduction circuitry is turned off to avoid distorting the signal. If music is detected, residual echo suppression circuitry is also turned off to avoid inserting comfort noise. |
| US08126701B2 |
Translation technology in electronic sourcing
A method for providing effective communication in a network, including obtaining from an editor data in a first language, accepting from the editor at least one allowable language other than the first language, receiving a request from a reader to access the data in a second language, if the second language is the at least one allowable language, rendering a version of the data in the second language to the reader, and if the second language is not the at least one allowable language, providing the data to the reader in the first language. |
| US08126697B1 |
System and method for language coding negotiation
Systems and methods are provided for establishing a communication session between a first and second communication device. A request may be received for a communication session from the first communication device, the request indicating a language for media streams transmitted to, and received from, the first communication device. A communication session invitation specifying a plurality of languages supported for the communication session may be transmitted to the second communication device. A response may be received, from the second communication device, indicating a language for media streams transmitted to, and received from, the second communication device. The communication session, between the first and second communications devices may be established such that the media streams transmitted to, and received from, the first and second communications device are in a language indicated by the first and second communications devices respectively. |
| US08126696B1 |
Modifying length of synchronization quanta of simulation time in which execution of nodes is simulated
Nodes interconnected by a network have their substantially parallel execution simulated. Substantially parallel execution of the nodes during a current quantum of simulation time having a quantum length is simulated. Simulation of execution can result in simulation of inter-node data packets being transmitted over the network. When the current quantum of simulation time has elapsed, simulation of execution of the nodes is synchronized. If no inter-node data packets were transmitted in simulation during the current quantum of simulation time, then the quantum length is increased. If one or more inter-node data packets were transmitted in simulation during the current quantum of simulation time, then the quantum length is decreased. This process is then repeated for a next quantum of simulation time having the quantum length as has been increased or decreased. |
| US08126695B2 |
Systems and methods for event based execution of fieldbus process control strategies
Systems (200, 230, 240) and methods (400) for event based execution of a Fieldbus process control strategy (FPCS) for simulation of an industrial process at least partially implemented by a Fieldbus system including a FIM (114, 116, 212, 214, 232, 234) and a field device (122, 124). The methods involve representing an implementation of the FPCS (702) as a Fieldbus data structure (FDS) comprising operational blocks (802, . . . , 818) representing operations of the FIM and a field device. The methods also involve creating a Link Active Schedule (LAS) using the FDS. The LAS (706) schedules software operations for simulating the field device operations. The methods further involve running simulation software installed on a computing device (222, 226, 232, 234, 242) for simulating the field device operations. The simulation software is configured for performing functional block executions of the software implementations identified and scheduled in the LAS. |
| US08126694B2 |
Modeling conductive patterns using an effective model
A model of a sample with a periodic or non-periodic pattern of conductive and transparent materials is produced based on the effect that the pattern has on TE polarized incident light. The model of the pattern may include a uniform film of the transparent material and an underlying uniform film of the conductive material. When the pattern has periodicity in two directions, the model may include a uniform film of the transparent material and an underlying portion that based on the physical characteristics of the periodic pattern in the TM polarization direction. When the sample includes an underlying periodic pattern that is orthogonal to the top periodic pattern, the sample may be modeled by modeling the physical characteristics of the top periodic pattern and the effect of the bottom periodic pattern. The model may be stored and used to determine a characteristic of the sample. |
| US08126691B2 |
System and method for block diagram simulation context restoration
A method of saving portions of a simulation or execution engine image at various points in a simulation or execution is disclosed. The saving of the simulation or execution context in addition to the more traditional saving of the system state information enables the restoration of a simulation or execution that is capable of producing, in a subsequent simulation or execution of a block diagram continuing from the point of the saved simulation or execution, results that are identical to those of the initial simulation or execution. The ability to restore more than just system state variables enables a user to run multiple variations of a simulation from a given point without having to replicate the simulation up until the point of the saved initial simulation, and the ability to run multiple iterations of a block diagram execution in a non-simulation execution from a given point without having to replicate the execution of the block diagram up until that point. |
| US08126690B2 |
Algorithms to predict clinical response, adherence, and shunting with thiopurines
A method of using a variable set from complete blood counts and blood chemistry panels to generate a machine learned algorithm for determining the effectiveness of thiopurine treatment on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients using CART, boosted trees, random forest classification, RuleFit and/or logistic regression analysis. |
| US08126684B2 |
Topology optimization for designing engineering product
Improved topology optimization for engineering product design is disclosed. An engineering product including a design domain to be optimized is defined. Design domain can be a portion or the entire engineering product. Design objective and optional constraint are defined such that optimization goal is achieved. Additionally, initial configuration of the design domain is represented by a finite element analysis (FEA) mesh. Each element or element group is associated with a design variable. A set of discrete material models is created from the baseline material used for the design domain. The set of discrete material models is configured to cover entire range of the design variable and each discrete material model represents a non-overlapping portion. Each element representing the design domain is associated with an appropriate discrete material model according to the design variable. Structure response is obtained via FEA to evaluate design objective and update design variable. |
| US08126683B2 |
System and method for embellishment placement
A method for embellishment placement is provided. More specifically, an automated method for determining placement of embellishments for an item, such as a jewelry item, is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises, determining and setting values for parameters, creating offsets along a portion of the item to be embellished, setting points along the offsets, randomizing the points, adding decorative features to the item, and eliminating points based on the parameter values. After points violating the parameter values have been eliminated, the remaining points comprise positions for embellishments. |
| US08126682B2 |
Support system with improved reusability of work history data and design support method
To provide a design support system which can enhance reusability of historical data about past design work and improve work efficiency, design work history data is divided according to an instruction to generate unit work history data, input work made by a person in charge of work in a history is retrieved, input of design support information for the work is accepted, and the input design support information is inserted into the unit work history data to be stored in a database 1. The person in charge of work who reuses the unit work history data performs design work with reference to the design work history data which is previously reproduced in a design support window shown on a display section 24 of a design support device 2 and the design support information contained in it. |
| US08126681B2 |
Semiconductor outlier identification using serially-combined data transform processing methodologies
A method for identifying outlier semiconductor devices from a plurality of semiconductor devices includes performing at least one electrical test to obtain electrical test data including at least one test parameter, applying at least a first data transform processing methodology to the electrical test data to generate processed test data, and applying a second data transform processing methodology that is different from the first data transform processing methodology to process the processed test data. The second data transform processing methodology applies an outlier test limit to identify non-outlier devices that comprise semiconductor devices from the semiconductor devices that conform to the outlier test limit and outlier devices that do not conform to the outlier test limit. The semiconductor devices are dispositioned using the outlier identification results. At least one of the data transform processing methodologies can include statistics. |
| US08126680B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects
Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects are disclosed. According to one system, a locating device can be configured to determine a location of an object. According to another system, an identifying device can be configured to determine the identification of an object. Further, a tracking system configured to store tracking information associated with the object. A communications system can be configured to communicate a signal to a remote computer device that identifies the location of the object and includes the tracking information associated with the object. |
| US08126679B2 |
Automatic remote monitoring and diagnostics system
A Monitoring and Diagnostics System is provided, which includes a monitoring unit and a monitored unit remotely located from the monitoring unit. The System also includes communication means between the monitoring unit and the monitored unit. The monitored unit includes data acquisition means for providing fault data of the monitored unit and the communication means are adapted to communicate the fault data from the monitored unit to the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit includes a rules engine having a set of expert rules for analyzing the information contained in the fault data and being adapted to deduce diagnostics information from the rules and from the information. In addition, a communication method for communicating between a first Programmable Logic Controller and a second Programmable Logic Controller or a central unit is provided, in which a description file is provided. |
| US08126676B2 |
Door monitoring system
A system for monitoring an angle of a door is provided comprising: an angle measuring device for measuring an angle of a door and transmitting a signal representing the measured angle; a computer for receiving from the angle measuring device the signal representing the measured angle; and computer software for determining and at least one of displaying and recording the measured angle based on the signal received by the computer. |
| US08126671B2 |
Measurement system and method for monitoring a measurement system
A measurement system has a transmitter for determining the position of a movable element, and a first energy store which, in the event of failure of an external electrical supply unit of the transmitter, supplies at least a part of the transmitter with electrical power such that a stored count of the transmitter is maintained in the event of failure of the external electrical supply voltage. The first energy store produces a first auxiliary supply voltage, wherein a first data item is stored in the transmitter when a reference mark of the transmitter is detected for the first time. The first data item is deleted in the event of failure of the external electrical supply voltage for the transmitter and failure of the first auxiliary supply voltage for the transmitter. As a result, an incorrectly determined position resulting from a failure of the electrical power supply for the transmitter can be identified. |
| US08126669B2 |
Optimization and matching of optical systems by use of orientation Zernike polynomials
The present disclosure relates to specification, optimization and matching of optical systems by use of orientation Zernike polynomials. In some embodiments, a method for assessing the suitability of an optical system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus is provided. The method can include determining a Jones pupil of the optical system, at least approximately describing the Jones pupil using an expansion into orientation Zernike polynomials, and assessing the suitability of the optical system on the basis of the expansion coefficient of at least one of the orientation Zernike polynomials in the expansion. |
| US08126668B2 |
Signal detection using delta spectrum entropy
Disclosed is a method of signal detection. A received input signal is divided into a frame unit and each input signal present in a first frame and a second frame is transformed into a frequency signal. Then, first power spectrum information and second power spectrum information are computed utilizing the transformed frequency signal and a delta spectrum entropy value corresponding to a difference of the two computed power spectrum information is obtained. A predetermined input signal is included in a predetermined frame among the input signal after judging through comparing the delta spectrum entropy value with a critical value. Desired signal can be detected in a noisy environment including a noise signal by using the delta spectrum entropy value. |
| US08126666B2 |
Fuel cell evaluation method and fuel cell evaluation apparatus
A fuel cell evaluation apparatus of the present invention is provided with a fuel cell for generating electricity using fuel gas and oxidizer gas; a fuel gas supplying section for supplying the fuel gas; an oxidizer gas supplying section for supplying the oxidizer gas; an inert gas supplying section; a detector for detecting an amount of electricity generated by the fuel cell; a bypass for interconnecting a gas supply port of the fuel cell with a gas exhaust port of the fuel cell; three-way valves for switching the gas to either the fuel cell and the bypass; and a control section for controlling at least one of the three-way valves so as to replace the gas inside the fuel cell. The fuel cell evaluation apparatus and a fuel cell evaluation method of the present invention can evaluate the properties and performance of a fuel cell in a nondestructive manner. |
| US08126664B2 |
Detection, localization and interpretation of partial discharge
In order to detect, localize and interpret a partial discharge occurring in a partial discharge site along an electrical equipment, two measurement probes and a synchronization probe are installed along the electrical equipment. The measurement probes detect pulses travelling in the electrical equipment while the synchronization probe detects a phase angle in the electrical equipment and is usable for calibration purposes. A control unit receives the signals sensed by the probes and conditions them. Digital processing applied on the conditioned signals, involving their correlation, a time-frequency distribution and a form factor estimation, allows establishing a diagnosis indicating a detection of a partial discharge and its localization along the electrical equipment. A wideband magnetic probe may be provided for detecting the pulses traveling in the electrical equipment. |
| US08126663B2 |
Signal level detection method
An electronic signal level detection system and method are provided. The method receives an analog input signal having a variable voltage and compares the input signal voltage to a threshold. A detection signal is generated for input signal voltages exceeding the threshold in a periodic first time frame. In a second periodic time frame (following the first time frame), a count is updated in response to the generated detection signals. The count is used to create a metric representative of the difference between the input signal voltage and the threshold. The count is incremented in response to the generating a detection signal (“1”) in the first time frame, and decremented in response to not generating a detection signal (“0”) in the first time frame. |
| US08126656B2 |
Molecular design method and computer-readable storage medium
A computer-implemented molecular design method constructs and stores a data structure including an atomic data structure, a bond axis data structure, a molecular data structure, an auxiliary data structure, and an event data structure, with respect to data of a given three-dimensional (3D) molecular structure. A partial structure that is a modifying target is determined using the data structure, based on an atom or bond axis that is specified. A modified 3D molecular structure in which the partial structure has been subjected to a modifying operation is specified. An Undo or Redo operation is performed on the specified modifying operation using the data structure. |
| US08126655B2 |
Information processing system using information on base sequence
The present invention provides a highly-safe information processing system that is capable of effectively using nucleotide sequence information differences between individual organisms to offer semantic information useful for each individual organism while properly preventing leakage and illegal use of nucleotide sequence information.Further, the present invention includes steps a and b. Step a is performed to acquire either encrypted nucleotide sequence-related information or cryptographic key that corresponds to positional information indicating a position within a nucleotide sequence. Step b is performed to acquire the encrypted nucleotide sequence-related information or cryptographic key, whichever is not acquired in said step a, decrypt, with the cryptographic key, the encrypted nucleotide sequence-related information corresponding to the positional information compliant at least with a request for an object and/or a service, and acquire the nucleotide sequence-related information corresponding to the positional information compliant at least with the request for an object and/or a service. |
| US08126654B2 |
Identification and monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus
A method for identifying or monitoring SLE in an individual is provided. The method includes quantitating complement component C4d on the surfaces of platelets and comparing the amounts of C4d to reference levels of C4d on platelets of individuals without SLE and/or on platelets of the individual obtained at a different time. Kits for use in the above-described methods are provided along with computer readable media tangibly embodying executable instructions to perform the methods. |
| US08126653B2 |
Synthetic nucleic acids for expression of encoded proteins
A method of determining a property that affects expression of polynucleotides in an expression system. A plurality of polynucleotides, each encoding a polypeptide sequence, is constructed. An amino acid is encoded a plurality of times in both a first and second polynucleotide in the plurality. The amino acid is encodable by a plurality of synonymous codons including a first codon. The first codon is in the first polynucleotide at a first frequency relative to other synonymous codons, and is in the second polynucleotide at a second frequency relative to other synonymous codons. The first and second frequencies are different. Each polynucleotide is individually expressed in the expression system to measure an expression property value of the polynucleotides, thereby determining a property that affects expression of polynucleotides. The property is an effect that a frequency of use of one or more codons has on expression of polynucleotides in the expression system. |
| US08126652B2 |
Azimuth correction for data reconstruction in three-dimensional surface-related multiple prediction
A best fitting trace in seismic data is determined for a desired trace to be reconstructed. An azimuth correction is calculated for the azimuth difference between the best fitting trace and the desired trace. The azimuth correction is applied to the best fitting trace to reconstruct the desired trace for 3D surface-related multiple prediction. |
| US08126651B2 |
Method for obtaining porosity and shale volume from seismic data
Method for obtaining rock parameters such as porosity and vshale directly from inversion of seismic data corresponding to a single trace location. This method is distinguished from existing methods that obtain elastic properties from inversion of seismic data, then relate the elastic parameters to rock lithology parameters such as porosity or vshale because it is accomplished in one step, can incorporate anisotropy and does not require multiple trace locations for stability. The data are separated into partial stacks, and a wavelet is specified for each stack. A set of linearized equations are constructed relating seismic reflectivity to changes in elastic parameters, and another set of linearized equations is constructed relating the changes in elastic parameters to the lithologic parameters. The linearized reflectivity equations are combined with the linearized rock physics equations, convolved with the specified wavelets, and equated to the seismic data. The resulting matrix equations are then inverted and a solution is obtained for all offsets simultaneously. |
| US08126647B2 |
Lithofacies classification system and method
A method of analyzing characteristics of a subterranean formation includes applying a wavelet transform to measured data or to derived data obtained from the measured data, the measured data obtained by measuring a physical property at each of a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates the subterranean formation; selecting one or more scales for analyzing wavelet coefficients; performing a segmentation of the data; calculating a distribution of wavelet coefficients for each scale, for one or more spatial directions of wavelet transform application, for the wavelet transform of the data and for each segment that belongs to the portion on which the wavelet transform has been calculated; and for each segment, analyzing a distribution of the data and the distribution of the wavelet coefficients for each scale in terms of their overlap with corresponding distributions of training samples to produce a geological interpretation of the subterranean formation. |
| US08126646B2 |
Perforating optimized for stress gradients around wellbore
A technique includes determining a stress tensor in a formation that surrounds a wellbore. The stress tensor varies with respect to the wellbore. The technique includes running a perforating charge into the wellbore to perforate the formation and performing at least one of selecting the perforating charge and orienting the perforating charge in the wellbore based at least in part on the determination of the stress tensor. |
| US08126643B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing instructions to a destination that is revealed upon arrival
An apparatus for providing instructions to a destination that is revealed upon arrival may include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive indications of context associated with a user, determine a destination for the user based on the context and user information, provide for a presentation of guidance instructions to guide the user to the destination, and reveal the destination to the user only when the user is proximate to the destination. |
| US08126642B2 |
Control and systems for autonomously driven vehicles
A navigation and control system including one or more position sensors configured to generate position signals indicative of the location and heading of a vehicle. The system includes one or more operation control mechanisms having inputs and producing outputs which control an operation of the vehicle and includes a self-contained autonomous controller disposed remote from the operation control mechanisms. The autonomous controller includes a processor configured to receive the position signals from the position sensors and to generate operation control signals defining an updated travel path for the vehicle, and a programmable interface providing communication among the position sensors, the operation control mechanisms, and the processor. The programmable interface is configured to normalize inputs to the processor from the position sensors and to generate compatible operation control signals applied as the inputs to the operation control mechanisms, whereby the self-contained autonomous controller is configurable for operation with a variety of different sensors and different operation control mechanisms. |
| US08126641B2 |
Route planning with contingencies
A route planning system comprises a receiver component that receives a request for directions between two points. A route generator component outputs directions between the two points, the directions include a contingency such that an alternate route is provided, a selected route between the two points is dependent upon a user perception at a geographic location that corresponds to the contingency. |
| US08126636B2 |
Method of operating an internal combustion engine arrangement
An arrangement includes, but is not limited to an internal combustion engine, a pressure reducer that reduces gas pressure of gaseous fuel for the engine. The reducer connects on a high-pressure side to a gas tank and connects on the low-pressure side to a controllable gas injection valve regulating the gas flow. A high-pressure shutoff valve is on the high-pressure side and connected to the reducer to shut-off the gas flow from the gas tank. The high-pressure shutoff valve includes, but is not limited to a pilot valve with a small opening and a main valve with a large opening, and an electronic controller used at least for controlling the high-pressure valve and a gas injection valve. The pilot valve of the high-pressure valve opens in chronological order before the gas injection valve. |
| US08126635B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control apparatus and air-fuel ratio control method
An air-fuel ratio control apparatus includes a learning unit learning amounts of divergence of a correction amount from a reference value thereof respectively as to a plurality of set lift amount regions as divergence amount learning values, a correction unit calculating a divergence amount correction value and correcting a fuel injection amount command value, and a reflection unit reflecting a learning result of the divergence amount learning value of a specific one of the plurality of the set lift amount regions on the divergence amount learning value of another one of the lift amount regions when there is a history indicating that the divergence amount learning value of the specific one of the lift amount regions has been learned and there is no history indicating that the divergence amount learning value of that another one of the lift amount regions has been learned. |
| US08126630B2 |
System for controlling torque converter temperature during torque converter stall conditions
A method and system are provided for controlling the operating temperature of a torque converter during torque converter stall conditions. The torque converter has a pump rotatably driven by an internal combustion engine and a rotatable turbine fluidly coupled to the pump. The system first determines whether the torque converter is currently in a torque converter stall condition, and, if so, determines a slip speed as a difference in rotational speeds between the pump and the turbine, determines an engine output torque limit as a function of the slip speed and a desired slip speed, and controls the operating temperature of the torque converter by limiting output torque produced by the engine based on the engine output torque limit. |
| US08126627B2 |
Cruise control system having verification and/or notification features
Cruise control systems and methods suitable for use in vehicles, such as Class 8 trucks, are provided. For example, cruise control systems are disclosed that include verification and/or notification features for verifying the operational condition of the cruise control system, and if non-operational, notifies the vehicle operator of system inoperability and/or instructs the operator to activate a specified control input, e.g., press and release the clutch pedal, the service brake pedal, the parking brake, etc., so that cruise control functionality may be enabled. |
| US08126624B2 |
Method for selection of optimal mode and gear and input speed for preselect or tap up/down operation
A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission at an input thereto selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes combining sets of preferability factors inputted from engine sensors in a microprocessor or computer with other preferability factors generated during engine and vehicle operation to provide an output for a transmission control module, which may execute an operating range or engine state change. |
| US08126623B2 |
Shifting device for a manual transmission
A shifting device is provided for the gear selection in a manual transmission that includes, but is not limited to a shift/selector lever that can be moved in a shifting degree of freedom and a selection degree of freedom, a measuring sensor for measuring a current position (s, w) of the shift/selector lever in the two degrees of freedom, a two-dimensionally controllable actuator device and a control circuit for the controlling of the actuator device in a position (S, W) which is associated with the sensed position (s, w) of the shift/selector lever, which depicts the movement region of the shift/selector lever on a region of possible positions of the actuator device. The movement region of the shift/selector lever included, but is not limited to a two-dimensional prohibited part region, in which the shift/selector lever is simultaneously moveable in both degrees of freedom. The control circuit depicts this prohibited part region on positions on an edge of the region of the possible positions of the actuator device. |