| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08152172B2 |
Resilient seal
An annular, axial seal has a central section having a first linear section that has first and second ends. The seal has a curved, first portion that is contiguous with the first end of the first linear section and extends to a first end. The seal includes a second portion that is contiguous with the second end of the first linear section. The second portion includes an arcuate portion and a second linear section contiguous with the arcuate portion wherein the arcuate portion is between the first linear section and the second linear section. The second linear section is located across from the first linear section. A curved end portion is contiguous with the second linear section wherein the second linear section is between the arcuate portion and the curved end portion. The curved end portion extends to a second end that is located across from the first linear section. |
| US08152168B2 |
Apparatus and method for forming a stream of overlapping sheets or stacks of sheets
An apparatus for forming a stream of overlapping sheets or stacks of sheets, includes a first transport device to deliver overlap-free sheets or stacks of sheets at a speed v1 along a plane of transport EV. A second transport device carries away the sheets or stacks of sheets at a speed v2 along a plane of transport EH. A decelerating device is arranged to receive the sheets or stacks of sheets at the speed v1 from the first transport device, decelerate the sheets or stacks of sheets to the speed v2 and deliver the decelerated sheets or stacks of sheets to the second transport device to form the stream of overlapping sheets or stacks of sheets. The decelerating device comprises a suction roller unit actuated independently of the transport devices. The suction roller unit comprises a stationary element and an unevenly driven movable element. |
| US08152167B2 |
Printing apparatus having optical sensor unit
A printing apparatus has a sensor unit which optically detects, at a measurement position, a surface of a sheet, for measuring a moving state of the sheet. The sensor unit measures the moving state of the sheet when the sheet is located at the measurement position, and measures a moving state of a surface of the rotary member when the sheet is not located at the measurement position. The sensor unit has at least one of an image sensor arranged to perform imaging of one of the surface of the sheet and the surface of the rotary member so as to obtain image data, based on which the moving state is measured and a Doppler velocity sensor. |
| US08152165B2 |
Apparatus for transferring paper media and automatic teller machine having the same
Provided are a paper media transfer device and an automatic teller machine having the same. The paper media transfer device may include: a medium guide portion being provided on one side of a transfer direction of the paper media, and including a guide surface having at least one high point and at least one low point along the transfer direction of the paper media; and a medium transfer portion forming a transfer path of the paper media together with the medium guide portion to transfer the paper media, and including a belt member that is curved in correspondence to the guide surface, and a belt roller that drives the belt member and maintains the curved shape of the belt member, or adds a tension to the belt. Through this, it is possible to improve a tightening force. |
| US08152159B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus including a controlled elevator mechanism
A sheet feeding device has: a sheet accommodating portion that accommodates a sheet stack of a plurality of sheets; a sheet carrying plate that is provided within the sheet accommodating portion and stacks the sheet stack thereon; a pickup roller that contacts an upper face of the sheet stack and dispatches a sheet on an uppermost layer of the sheet stack, an elevator mechanism that displaces the sheet carrying plate between a sheet feeding position in which the upper face of the sheet stack contacts the pickup roller, and a separating position in which the upper face of the sheet stack separates from the pickup roller by a predetermined distance; and a controller that controls an operation of the elevator mechanism such that the sheet carrying plate is lowered to the separating position after a sheet feeding operation for feeding a sheet at the sheet feeding position is completed. |
| US08152158B2 |
Automatic document feeder with sheet pick-up module
An automatic document feeder includes a top cover having a fixing structure and first attracting element, a sheet pick-up module and a second attracting element. The fixing structure and the first attracting element are disposed on an inner surface of the top cover. The sheet pick-up module includes a sheet pick-up arm. The sheet pick-up arm is rotated to either a standby position or a sheet feeding position. The second attracting element is disposed on the sheet pick-up arm. When the sheet pick-up arm is rotated to the sheet feeding position, the sheet pick-up module feeds the sheet into an internal portion of the automatic document feeder. When the sheet pick-up arm is rotated to the standby position, the first attracting element and the second attracting element are attracted by each other so that the sheet pick-up arm is fixed on the standby position. |
| US08152156B2 |
Rotation-body controlling apparatus, sheet feeding apparatus, and image recording apparatus
A rotation-body controlling apparatus including: a first motor configured to rotate a first rotation body; a second motor configured to rotate a second rotation body; a first rotation amount detecting portion configured to detect a rotation amount of the first rotation body rotated in synchronization with the first motor; a second rotation amount detecting portion configured to detect a rotation amount of a second rotation shaft rotated in synchronization with the second rotation body; a transmitting mechanism configured such that a rotation of the first rotation body is transmittable to the second rotation shaft; and an origin-position detecting portion configured to detect an origin position of a rotation phase of the first rotation body on the basis of a phase of the first rotation body at a time when the second rotation amount detecting portion has detected a rotation of the second rotation shaft, where the rotation of the first rotation body operated by the first motor is transmitted to the second rotation shaft via the transmitting mechanism. |
| US08152155B1 |
Envelope feed apparatus
An envelope feed apparatus comprises a main body having a bottom; top (located opposite the bottom); and sides (located between the bottom and the top). The main body top has a flat surface that supports, for example, a stack of envelopes. The envelope feed apparatus also has a slider that includes sides contacting at least two of the main body sides. The slider sides move in a parallel direction to the main body sides as the slider moves relative to the main body. The slider has at least one roller connected to opposing slider sides. The roller(s) are positioned adjacent the main body top. The roller(s) move in a perpendicular direction to the flat surface of the main body top as the slider moves relative to the main body. The roller(s) contact the stack of envelopes when the stack of envelopes is on the flat surface of the main body top and apply pressure to the stack of envelopes in the perpendicular direction toward the flat surface of the main body top. The slider sides align the stack of envelopes positioned on the flat surface of the main body top and the roller keeps the top of the stack of envelopes mostly parallel to the flat surface of the main body to aid in feeding the envelopes into intake feed rollers of a printer. |
| US08152151B2 |
Clamping fixture including a chuck and a workpiece pallet releasably located thereon
A clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and a workpiece pallet (22) releasably located thereon. The chuck (1) is provided with a clamping mechanism for locating the workpiece pallet (22). The clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping members configured as plungers (10). The workpiece pallet (22) comprises a clamping surface (28a) running essentially along its shell surface (26) for surface contacting the plungers (10) by its front part (12) provided with a compression surface (13) during clamping. |
| US08152150B2 |
Fastening device for electronic component
A fastening device includes a base and a fastening member. The base defines a receiving space for receiving an electronic component. The fastening member includes a fastening portion and an elastic abutting portion. The fastening portion is fixed to the base. The elastic abutting portion extends from the fastening portion upwards and through the base and is configured for securing the electronic component in the receiving space. |
| US08152147B2 |
Torsion spring assembly and portable electronic device with torsion spring assembly
A torsion spring assembly includes a torsion spring body and a fixed base. The torsion spring body has a first coil part and a second coil part. The first coil part connects to the second coil part. The fixed base has a first fixed arm and a second fixed arm. The first coil part is wound around the first fixed arm and the second coil part is wound around the second fixed arm. The winding direction of the first coil part is perpendicular to the winding direction of the second coil part. A portable electronic device with the torsion spring assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08152145B2 |
Isoelastic magneto-rheological elastomer isolator
A conically-shaped, magneto-rheologically responsive shock and vibratory isolator. The isolator includes a conically-shaped magneto-rheological elastomer component attached to opposing faces of a first and second mounting plate. Within the magneto-rheological elastomer component is a magneto-rheologically responsive fluid contained within an elastomer jacket. By its conical shape and magneto-rheological elastomeric composition, the isolator is capable of both adjusting its response to shock and vibratory disturbances of varying frequency, while maintaining an identical response along any axis (isoelasticity). |
| US08152142B2 |
Service water pipe faucet direct-connected ozone water producer with self-power generator
An apparatus for producing water having dissolved ozone therein of the type direct-connectable to a pressurized-water supply faucet (26) includes a nozzle (5) for directing a flow of pressurized water from the supply faucet (26) to a turbine (1) to effect rotation thereof, the turbine (1) having magnets (13) attached thereto magnetically coupled to corresponding magnets (13) attached to a disc (14) of a power generator (3). Rotation of the turbine (1) is magnetically coupled to the power generator (3) to generate electrical power for supply to an ozone generator to generate ozone for combination with the so-supplied water to produce ozonated water. |
| US08152141B2 |
Decorative fencing system
A customizable decorative fencing system. A plurality of stakes, configured to be driven into the ground at selected positions, have projecting portions projecting above the ground. Posts have cavities in lower distal ends thereof. Any stake projecting portion is configured to slide into any post cavity, and be frictionally, removably, interchangeably retained therein. Fence components, including base units, gate units, and end units, include post collars, and hinge collars, respectively, through which any post can slide. Removability and interchangeability of posts with respect to fence components, and removability and interchangeability of posts with respect to stakes, provides for an infinite number of possible fence configurations. |
| US08152138B2 |
Self-sealing bite valve
A bite valve for a hydration system includes a body, a sheath, a seal post, a first seal, and a second seal. The body includes a body channel configured to flow a fluid. The sheath is configured to attach to the body. The sheath includes a sheath channel extending from the body to a sheath opening. The seal post is positioned within the sheath channel and is configured to be movable with respect to the sheath and the body between a sealed position and an unsealed position. |
| US08152137B2 |
Relief valve in a turbomachine
A relief valve in a turbomachine is disclosed. The valve includes a gate designed to be mounted so as to pivot about a shaft for the opening and closing of an orifice for the passage of air, a seal, and an attachment device for attaching the seal to the peripheral edge of the gate. The gate and the attachment device are made of a plastic and formed of a single piece or secured to one another by welding or bonding. |
| US08152136B2 |
Polymer microvalve with actuators and devices
The present invention relates to a microvalve having a valve plug, connecting legs, anchors and actuators, allowing the valve plug to move vertically to open or close the valve. The valve plug can contain magnetic materials, and be operated by an actuator. |
| US08152131B2 |
Wafer-shaped pilot-type valve
In a pilot-type valve, a valve box enclosing a main valve is arranged in a state wherein same is sandwiched between pipe flanges tightened to one another with bolts. In the pilot-type valve, a pilot valve is used to control a driving force required to operate the main valve to open and close same. In addition, the valve box is flangeless at its connection end portions for connection with the pipe flanges and has an inlet and outlet for a pressurized fluid. A cover flange neck extended upward from the valve box is constricted only at sites on its walls corresponding to adjacent bolts extended between the pipe flanges, so that the cover flange neck can be passed through the interval between these bolts. |
| US08152127B2 |
Protective apparatus for electronic device
A protective apparatus for an electronic device includes a first supporting bracket, a second supporting bracket mounted to the first supporting bracket, and a number of abutting members disposed on the second supporting bracket. The electronic device is received in the second supporting bracket and sandwiched between the plurality of abutting members. A first spring is disposed between the first supporting bracket and the second supporting bracket. A number of second springs is disposed between the first supporting bracket and the corresponding abutting members. The first resilient member and the second resilient members can absorb shocks, therefore, a shockproof protection is provided for the computer. |
| US08152125B2 |
Methods and apparatus for mounting devices
A device mounting apparatus includes a mounting base portion having a plurality of opposing pairs of rails. The mounting base portion is adapted for mounting on a support structure. The apparatus further includes a mounting tab affixed to a device for snap in mounting between a pair of rails, whereby the device is captively retained on the mounting base portion, and can be disengaged therefrom by snapping the mounting tabs out of the associated pairs of rails. |
| US08152121B2 |
Bracket for thermal expansion valve bulb
A single bracket serves to both attach a TXV bulb to an outer surface of an outlet header and to place a securely hold the distribution assembly in a fixed position with respect to the TXV bulb. A pair of clam shell clamping members on opposite ends of a central member are put in position and clamped to hold the TXV bulb tightly in place against the outlet header and to clamp around the equalizer of the distributor assembly, thereby resulting in a rigid interconnection which maintains the desired positions for each of the components. |
| US08152119B2 |
Luminaire bracket assembly
A bracket assembly comprising at least one mounting base including at least one surface association means, at least one engaging extension extending from the at least one mounting base, the at least one engaging extension rotatingly associating at least one luminaire with the mounting base, and at least one luminaire leveling device adjustably extending from the at least one mounting base, a contact portion of the leveling device removably contacting the at least one luminaire. |
| US08152117B2 |
Adjustable bushing
An adjustable bushing according to one embodiment includes a first part having a threaded section that extends outwardly from a base section such that an upper surface of the base section defines a ledge that surrounds the threaded section. The adjustable bushing also includes a second part having a threaded opening that is open along a bottom surface of the second part. The threaded opening has threads that are complementary to threads of the threaded section of the first part to permit the first and second parts to be securely coupled to one another and permit a height of the bushing to be adjusted between a fully retracted position where a height of the bushing is at a minimum and a fully extended position where the height of the bushing is at a maximum. |
| US08152115B2 |
Beer brewing stand
An improved brewing stand enables ease of assembly, repeated assembly and disassembly allowing the brewing stand to be transported from one location to another location. The modular assembly enables a plurality of tiers to be positioned in an infinite number of vertical positions between a bottom of a mast and a top of the mast. A plurality of legs are removably attached to the bottom of the mast. Leveling devices are provided to maintain the mast in a vertical position. |
| US08152111B1 |
System and apparatus for indicating the position and condition of a switch point in a railroad switch
A railroad switch point indicator comprising a mounting plate mountable to a railroad switch point, a tubular housing mounted to the mounting plate, a piston slidably disposed in the housing and extendable to variably engage an associated railroad rail, a bias spring operatively connected to the piston for biasing the piston in an axial direction with respect to the housing and the railroad switch point, and a signal mechanism operatively connected to the piston for indicating the positional status of the switch point via an attitude of a signal flag. When the switch point is engaged with a rail, the flag is in a first attitude. When the switch point is disengaged from the rail, the flag is in a second attitude. When the switch point is positioned incorrectly, i.e., damaged, the flag may be in a third attitude intermediate between the first and second attitudes, indicating alarm. |
| US08152110B2 |
Sensor system for monitoring the synchronism of control surfaces of an aircraft
The present invention relates to a sensor system for monitoring the synchronism of control surfaces of an aircraft with two transmission links for the mechanical transmission of the movements of one or more control surfaces to at least one sensor, wherein the two transmission links are coupled with each other mechanically and/or via the at least one sensor, whereby a difference between the movements transmitted by the transmission links can be monitored. |
| US08152109B2 |
Method and system for controlling fluid flow in relation to a foil and harnessing energy therefrom
A method and system 10 for controlling fluid flow 12 in relation to a body or foil 14. The system 10 has one or more channels 16, at least some of which having an inlet port 18 and an outlet port 20 defined in the foil 14 through which at least some of the fluid 12 may flow. The inlet port 18 is defined adjacent to a leading edge region 22 of the foil 14 and the outlet port 20 is located in a another region 24 of the foil. Optionally, a differential vectoring means 24 provides a differential mass flow rate across the foil 14 to provide a resultant force that in one illustrative environment creates, enhances, or stops a rolling action of the foil 14. |
| US08152108B2 |
Solar array peak power extraction
Apparatuses and methods for optimizing power generation of a solar array are disclosed. The bus voltage is regulated with a regulator controlled through one or more reference signals. When the power bus is being used by electrical systems that are tolerant of a higher variable voltage range, the bus voltage can be temporarily set higher by a commanded reference signal to allow additional solar array power to supply to the power bus. The peak power point may be identified through an established relationship with the solar array performance as a function of temperature, season and/or the age of the solar array. In addition, a reference signal controlled by one or more temperature sensors on the solar array may also modify the bus voltage set-point. Improved solar array power may be extracted from spacecraft beginning-of-life to end-of-life operations due to low insertion loss of a direct energy transfer scheme. |
| US08152107B1 |
Applying sealant to narrow deep gaps in an ablative heat shield surface
A method of applying sealant to a narrow, deep gap in a surface includes covering the gap to form a covered channel, inserting a flared end of a dispensing nozzle into the covered gap at a first location, and applying a vacuum to the covered gap at a second location while using the nozzle to inject the sealant into the gap at the first location. This method may be used to seal gaps between ablative elements of a heat shield. |
| US08152102B2 |
Module for accommodation of crew members having a stowage bin usable from inside the module
A module for an aircraft is provided for the accommodation of crew members. The module includes, but is not limited to a trough-shaped floor region having an external contour that corresponds to the contour of further stowage bins installed in the aircraft. The storage space created in this way in the interior of the module is accessible from the interior of the module. In this way the stability of the module may be enhanced and the installation expenditure may be reduced. Furthermore, comfort may be enhanced, in particular as a result of more space being available for the crew. |
| US08152099B2 |
Method of landing an aircraft and apparatus therefor
A method of landing an aircraft having wheels includes causing the aircraft to land in a manner that causes the wheels to have a spin-up phase on contact with the landing surface during landing. A braking force is applied immediately after the wheels touch the runway so as to reduce, or delay the start of, the spin-up of the wheels. The braking force is, for example, applied using the same braking system as used conventionally to decelerate the aeroplane on landing. The peaks, over time, of the vertical wheel to ground loads (LV) and the horizontal drag loads (LH) caused by friction between the tires of the wheels of the aircraft and the ground can be decoupled, or separated, such that the maximum total load,owing to the combination of the vertical loads (LV) and the drag loads (LH), sustained by the aircraft during landing is reduced (compared with peak 8). |
| US08152095B2 |
Aircraft having a reduced acoustic signature
An aircraft, the propulsive units of which include engines, and which is distinguished by reduced noise emissions, includes a wing structure fixed to an upper region of the fuselage, and a vertical tail system having at least two vertical stabilizers which are generally vertically fixed to the fuselage aftwardly of the wing structure. The engines are disposed side by side in a propulsive package disposed above the fuselage, which propulsive package includes the following: air inlet openings for the propulsive package, which openings are disposed above the fuselage between a point at the leading edge and a point at the trailing edge of an aerodynamic root chord of the wing structure; and exhaust nozzle conduit outlets associated with exhaust nozzle conduits, which outlets are formed by the structure (cowling structure) of the propulsive package, and are disposed above the fuselage forwardly of an aft terminus of the fuselage and between the vertical stabilizers. |
| US08152094B2 |
Engine mounting apparatus
An engine mounting apparatus that includes thrust struts, a balance yoke, and primary and secondary mount blocks. The thrust struts are connected to the balance yoke and the primary mount block has at least one thrust load connection connectable to the balance yoke for transferring thrust loads from an engine during normal operation of the engine mounting apparatus. The engine mounting apparatus is characterized in that the secondary mount block is connected to the balance yoke via at least one thrust load catcher connection, the at least one thrust load catcher connection being arranged to be unloaded during normal operation of the engine mounting arrangement and to transfer the thrust loads from the engine in the event of a failure condition of the primary mount block. |
| US08152092B2 |
Aerial transporter
This invention relates to an aerial transporter comprising rigid cell structures which are covered with light materials as a skin, composed of modules. The invention aerial transporter represents some type of airship without a tail unit as well as an approximate balloon construction comprising a rigid structure and an independent drive unit. Said aerial transporter can transport loads in the range of about 20 t and more over short to medium distances using lighter-than-air technology while meeting air traffic regulations. Furthermore, the disclosed aerial transporter can be used as an air crane in the tied state. |
| US08152086B2 |
Wear lining element and an arrangement for the attachment of such
The invention concerns an arrangement for the joining and attachment of a wear lining element (1) onto a surface that is subject to wear, a supporting surface (5) of a supporting construction (2), comprising attachment means (9) that when anchored in the wear lining element are each one intended to be inserted into attachment holes (10) arranged in the supporting construction whereby the wear lining element is held fastened against the supporting surface by means of supplementary fastening means (16) that are associated with the attachment means positioned to interact with the tensioning surface (11) located on the opposite side of the supporting surface. For rapid and safe fixing, the attachment means (9) comprises a holder (13) fixed attached to the wear lining element (1), a guide (14) designed to guide the wear lining element into place against the supporting surface through interaction with a hole wall in the attachment holes (10) of the supporting construction, a mounting (15) designed to hold the wear lining element fastened against the supporting surface (5) through interaction with the tensioning surface (11) of the supporting construction and fixing and locking means (12) that allow the guide and the mounting to be held in place in a manner that allows exchange, supported by the holder. The invention concerns also a wear lining element intended to be mounted on the inner surface of a rotary grinding drum. |
| US08152083B2 |
Apparatus for preparing food
Apparatus for preparing food, for instance baby food, the apparatus (1) comprising a receptacle (3) for receiving food to be prepared, a blending assembly comprising a blender element (10) for blending the food and heating means arranged for heating the food, wherein a first end (4) of the receptacle (3) is adapted to cooperate with the heating means to heat the food and wherein the blender element (10) is provided at an opposite second end (5) of the receptacle (3), such that in use an orientation of the receptacle (3) relative to the apparatus (1) is adaptable for switching between a heating operation and a blending operation. |
| US08152081B2 |
Comminuting machine containment system
A comminuting machine including a frame, an infeed conveyor connected to the frame, a hammer mill connected to the frame, the hammer mill including a hammer mill housing substantially surrounding the hammer mill, a containment system substantially surrounding a comminuting portion of the comminuting machine, the containment system includes at least one cage, the at least one cage including a cage frame extending to substantially block projectile travel paths through openings of the comminuting machine, the cage frame being connected to the frame, and a drive unit movably coupled to the frame for effecting movement of the at least one cage relative to the comminuting portion of the comminuting machine without disconnecting the cage frame from the frame. |
| US08152079B2 |
Method for dry grinding of one or more mineral materials consisting of at least one calcium carbonate
A first object of the present invention is a process for dry grinding of one or more mineral materials which include at least one calcium carbonate, characterized in that the said process includes the stages of: a) crushing the mineral material or materials in at least one crushing unit until a crushed material is obtained with a d95 of less than 10 cm; b) possibly improving the material crushed according to stage a); c) dry grinding the material crushed according to stage a) and/or b) in at least one grinding unit: (i) in the presence of at least one comb-type hydrophilic polymer containing at least one polyalkylene oxide function grafted on to at least one unsaturated ethylene monomer, (ii) in such a manner that the quantity of liquid in the said grinding unit is less than 15% by dry weight of the said material crushed in the said crushing unit; d) possibly classifying the material dry ground according to stage c) with at least one classification unit; e) possibly repeating stages c) and/or d) on all or part of the dry ground material resulting from stages c) and/or d); and characterized in that the material recovered following stage c) and/or d) and/or e) has a d50 (average diameter) of 0.5 to 500 microns. |
| US08152077B2 |
Flat atomizer pump
A flat pump for producing liquid spray or for producing an atomized liquid stream may have a thickness of 6 millimeters or less. The flat pump may include an internal reservoir, a valve, a valve conduit and a vortex chamber wherein fluid from the reservoir may be pumped through the valve, along the valve conduit, and into the vortex chamber. An atomized liquid stream, spray, or mist formed in the vortex chamber may be expelled from the flat pump. |
| US08152076B2 |
Device for collecting and dispensing roof rain water
The container is mounted onto the structure and attached to the bottom of the rain gutter. It collects rain gutter water and pumps the water out across the lawn area using a battery/solar powered system, using a sump pump with hoses and nozzles. It also keeps leaves and debris from collecting in the unit and thus expelling them out of the unit using a debris disposal mechanism which is also powered by the battery/solar system. The container is mounted to the structure using a T-channel bracket with shims. The solar panel is mounted onto the unit and is used to charge the battery which is inside the container.It eliminates the need for downspouts making them obsolete using a revolutionary way to properly disperse rain water. It eliminates foundation erosion and dead grass areas. |
| US08152073B2 |
Method and apparatus for the detection of counterfeiting
A system is provided for counterfeiting countermeasures, the system comprising: a first authenticity indicator disposed in a print substrate coating; a second authenticity indicator disposed in a print generating matrix; a print pattern comprising the print generating matrix disposed upon the print substrate coating; a detector configured to detect the first and the second authenticity indicators in a portion of the print pattern within the field of the detector. |
| US08152072B2 |
Computer system with wireless pen and relay pairing
A computer system includes a printer configured to print visible information and invisible coded data tags on print media. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data. A relay is configured to receive the transmitted data. One or more servers are interfaced to the relay, and are configured to process the received data from the relay and to perform an action based upon the received data. |
| US08152071B2 |
Multi-purpose portable computer with integrated devices
A portable computer having multiple modes of connectivity is disclosed. The portable computer may be configured to communicate using several wireless transmission protocols, including WWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The portable computer may also receive input from multiple devices, including a bar code scanner, camera, RFID reader, fingerprint reader, digitizer, and an audio subsystem. The portable computer may also contain an accelerometer, and may be configurable to automatically park its hard drive disk when acceleration of a predetermined magnitude is detected. |
| US08152068B2 |
Systems and methods for producing and processing time dependent dynamic barcodes in a mail delivery system
Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent dynamic barcodes in systems including a mail delivery system for manipulating delivery charges and/or sorting and delivery processing preferences are described. |
| US08152066B2 |
Method and system for determining support for a memory card
Embodiments related to methods and systems for determining support for a memory card, where the memory card is accessible to a card reader and the card reader is in communication with an accessing device. One embodiment relates to a method comprising: a) transmitting a session request from the accessing device to the memory card via the card reader; b) receiving a first response to the session request from the memory card, the first response comprising first data related to a type of the memory card; c) determining at the accessing device that the memory card type is not recognized by any of a plurality of card drivers on the accessing device, based on the first data; d) for a selected one of the plurality of card drivers, transmitting a test command to the memory card, the test command being specific to a selected card type; e) receiving at the selected card driver a second response to the test command; and f) determining from the second response whether the selected card type corresponds to the memory card type and is supported by the selected card driver. |
| US08152061B2 |
System and method for processing closed loop cards and codes
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for processing closed loop cards/codes. The method includes identifying a closed loop card/code having associated money in an account, receiving a confirmation of an amount of money in the closed loop card/code account, presenting an owner of the closed loop card/code with the amount of money in the closed loop card/code account and an offer to pay an offer amount for the closed loop card/code, receiving an indication that the owner accepts the offer, receiving the amount of money from the closed loop card/code account, and paying the owner the offer amount. Payment can be on an open loop card/code, cash, automated clearing house (ACH) to bank, check, merchant credit, or bill pay. The method can include generating a new closed loop card/code associated with the amount of money. The new closed loop card/code can be sold to another user. |
| US08152058B2 |
Transaction product assembly with mechanical product
A transaction product assembly includes a transaction product, a mechanical article, and a coupling member. The transaction product includes an account identifier statically connected thereto. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The mechanical article includes a body, an auxiliary member, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism extends from within the body to a position external to the body. User interaction with the actuating mechanism is configured to induce movement of the auxiliary member relative to the body of the mechanical article. The coupling member is secured to the mechanical article and configured to be secured to the transaction product such that movement of the auxiliary member relative to the body causes corresponding movement of the transaction product. Other cards, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed. |
| US08152057B2 |
Method of authorising a transaction between a computer and a remote server and communications system, with improved security
A transaction between a computer, a remote server and a communications system can be authorized securely. A portable card reader is connected to a computer. Then, the portable card reader reads card data. The portable card reader reads an identification code from a separate RFID tag. Sensitive card identification data and the identification code is sent to a management server. The sensitive identification data is searched for a unique code set in an electronic memory of a management server. If the search does not produce a positive result, an instruction denying the transaction is generated. |
| US08152056B2 |
Secure cards and methods
The present invention generally relates to credit cards and debit cards. More particularly, the present invention relates to security methods and techniques that can be used with credit and debit cards and the like in order to provide protection against unauthorized use. |
| US08152055B2 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records and user input of a phone received security code
A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code within a predetermined amount of time. |
| US08152054B2 |
Money transfer systems and methods
The present invention provides systems and methods of facilitating money transfers. The method includes receiving, at a money transfer system, access to a customer's account, establishing, at the money transfer system, a money transfer record including a recipient and an amount, and receiving, at the money transfer system, an identifier for the money transfer record. The method further includes receiving presentation of the identifier at an input device of the money transfer system and authorizing a money transfer associated with the money transfer record. |
| US08152050B2 |
Pocket with secure dividers
A pocket assembly includes a major panel and a pocket panel coupled together to define a pocket between the panels. A divider is placed in the pocket to partition the pocket into two or more compartments. The divider comprises a securing element secured to at least one of the major and pocket panels. |
| US08152049B2 |
Electronic component mounting apparatus and electronic component mounting method
The present invention aims at providing an electronic component mounting apparatus and an electronic component mounting method that perform automated setting of a thickness of a paste film.The electronic component mounting apparatus of the present invention has a paste transfer unit 10 that horizontally, relatively moves a squeegee 11b and a transfer surface 13 with respect to each other, thereby spreading, over the transfer surface 13, a paste film 3 whose thickness is equivalent to the height of a squeegee gap “c” formed from clearance between the squeegee 11b and the transfer surface 13; a storage unit 18 that stores a database defining correlation among bump heights, paste types, and squeegee-gap heights; a computing unit 20 that derives, from the database, a squeegee-gap height G21 in correspondence with a height H1 of a bump of an electronic component to be mounted and a type P2 of paste to be transferred; and a vertical movement mechanism 16b that adjusts the height of the squeegee gap “c” formed from clearance between the squeegee 11b and the transfer surface 13 to a derived squeegee-gap height. |
| US08152048B2 |
Method and structure for adapting solder column to warped substrate
A multiple substrate system, a method, and structure for adapting solder volume to a warped module. An illustrative embodiment comprises a method for joining a first substrate to a second substrate. A deviation from a nominal gap between the first substrate and the second substrate at a first region of the first substrate is ascertained. A volume of solder paste necessary to compensate for the deviation from a nominal gap is determined. The volume of solder paste necessary to compensate for the deviation at the first region of the first substrate is applied. Further, the second substrate is bonded to the first substrate using, at least in part, the solder paste applied at the first region of the first substrate. |
| US08152044B2 |
Solar battery module production method and solar battery module production apparatus
A method of producing a solar battery module. The method uses a producing apparatus having a positioning belt and a heating belt adjacent to each other such that an object can be delivered between the belts, and also having a pressing belt opposite the positioning belt and the heating belt, the pressing belt being provided so as to straddle the positioning belt and the heating belt. In the producing apparatus, the heating belt and the pressing belt are controlled to a predetermined temperature. The method has steps where solar battery cells and inter-connectors required to connect the solar battery cells are transported to the downstream side of the positioning belt after positioned on the upstream side of the positioning belt, the solar battery cells and the inter-connectors transported up to the downstream side of the positioning belt are delivered onto the heating belt while being held by the positioning belt and the pressing belt, and the solar battery cells and the inter-connectors delivered to the heating belt are soldered while being transported, held between the heating belt and the pressing belt. |
| US08152041B2 |
Varying tissue compression aided by elastic members
The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus, and the application of variable compression to tissue. More specifically, the presently disclosed surgical fastener applying apparatus including a first jaw having proximal and distal ends and including an anvil member, the anvil member extending along a longitudinal axis and including a tissue contacting surface and a second jaw having proximal and distal ends movably coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw including a cartridge member and a channel. The surgical fastener applying apparatus further includes a pair of elastic members positioned between the cartridge member and the channel of the second jaw, the pair of elastic members configured and dimensioned to apply and maintain constant compressive forces to tissue regardless of tissue thickness. |
| US08152033B2 |
Sliding nozzle device and plate used for the device
It is intended to develop a technique of pressing and fixing a plate by a uniform force to suppress the occurrence of a crack around a nozzle hole of the plate during use, and provide a sliding nozzle device capable of improving durability of the plate, and a plate for use in the sliding nozzle device. The sliding nozzle device comprises a plate (2) and a plate-receiving metal frame (1) for fixedly holding the plate (2). The plate-receiving metal frame (1) is equipped with: at least two holding members (3) each having two pressing surfaces (31, 32) consisting of a longitudinally-pressing surface and a laterally-pressing surface which are protrudingly provided thereon in spaced-apart relation to each other and each adapted to be brought into contact with a corresponding one of a plurality of side surfaces of the plate (2), wherein the holding members (3) are symmetrically arranged with respect to a longitudinal axis of the plate-receiving metal frame (1); a movable block (6) rotatably supporting the holding members (3); and pressing means adapted to press the movable block (6) toward the plate. An angle between the longitudinally-pressing surface (31) and the longitudinal axis of the plate-receiving metal frame (1) is set in the range of 60 to 90 degrees, and an angle between the laterally-pressing surface (32) and the longitudinal axis of the plate-receiving metal frame (1) is set in the range of 1 to 30 degrees. |
| US08152030B2 |
Valve wrench assembly kit for restoring purposed function to a compromised aerosol container
A valve wrench assembly restores functionality to an aerosol container by being selectively and removably attachable the annular container rim adjacent the container outlet, which has been damaged or otherwise compromised, and by opening the valve of the compromised outlet and subsequently directing the aerosol container's product as purposed. The valve wrench assembly comprises an annular fitting assembly and a plunger assembly. The fitting assembly interfaces the plunger assembly to the container, which plunger assembly comprises a sleeve, a nut, and a plunger structure. The sleeve comprises communicating cavities in which the nut and plunger structure are received. The plunger structure is coupled to the nut, each of which provide certain conduit. The gasket structures axially align the plunger assembly with the container outlet and matter-conducting conduit thus extends from the container outlet to the assembly outlet via the valve wrench assembly. |
| US08152029B2 |
Pump dispenser with bypass back flow
A dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus has a product container for holding the fluid; a chamber including a dispensing cylinder having an inlet and an outlet; an inlet check valve disposed at the inlet of the chamber, the inlet check valve being openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction through the inlet check valve into the chamber; an outlet check valve disposed at the outlet of the chamber, the outlet check valve being openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction from the chamber out through the outlet check valve; an outlet spout connected with the outlet of the outlet check valve for receiving the fluid from the outlet check valve; a spring-biased piston configured for sliding movement in the dispensing cylinder, the piston being smaller than the dispensing cylinder thus providing a clearance; and a bypass backflow opening disposed in the dispensing cylinder above the spring-biased piston. The clearance is provided between the piston and the dispenser cylinder wall to allow fluid flow to pass therebetween to a region above the piston when the piston is pushed downward and, subsequently, to allow fluid flow to exit the dispenser chamber from the region above the piston through the bypass back flow opening to the product container. |
| US08152024B2 |
Apparatus for attaching a drip tray to a beverage dispenser
A drip tray is attached to a beverage dispenser below a splash panel of the dispenser by a releasable latching mechanism that permits the drip tray to be removed from and replaced on the dispenser while the splash panel remains in place on the dispenser. |
| US08152023B2 |
System for the preparation and distribution of beverages in a transportation unit
The present invention relates to a modular beverage system incorporable into a transportation unit. The system comprises a power source, at least one user point, at least one vessel, at least one liquid transferring apparatus operatively associated with said power source; and piping. The vessel is adapted to store therein liquid. Activation the liquid transferring apparatus causes the distribution of at least some of the liquid from the vessel to respective user points via said piping. |
| US08152020B2 |
Dosage dispensing and tracking container
A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment. |
| US08152019B1 |
Reinforced dust pan and refuse container
Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pans that can easily clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse containers having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pans can be used as adapters, systems, devices, apparatus, and include novel methods of converting refuse containers into dust pans refuse containers. The receptacles and the dust pans can be formed from molded plastic. The receptacles include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacles can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris fully into the D-shaped opening with ease. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be easily lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to easily slide toward the bottom of the container. Embodiments allow for different sizes of container, and extras such as lids, wheels and supports for tools. such as but not limited to rakes, hoes, and shovels to be carried and stored by the receptacles. |
| US08152016B2 |
Cover with recloseable aperture
A cover for sealing a container and preferably containers for a well plate. The cover is comprised of at least a top layer and a bottom layer structured in a way to form a recloseable aperture. Preferably, each of the layers comprise a recloseable aperture structured as flap, damper, baffle or butterfly valve respectively, wherein the recloseable apertures are arranged on top of each other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a third moveable layer is arranged between the top and the bottom layer. By moving the middle layer, the aperture in the cover can be closed. |
| US08152012B1 |
Removable ergonomic handle gripping baby bottle
A handle for gripping a container includes a circumferential portion and a plurality of arm portions. The circumferential portion defines an opening configured to receive therethrough, along an axis of the opening, a container such that the circumferential portion surrounds and grips the container in an interference fit therewith. A plurality of arm portions integral with the circumferential portion extend therefrom in a radial direction relative to the axis of the opening of the circumferential portion. Each of the plurality of arm portions defines an opening configured to receive therethrough one or more fingers of hand for gripping engagement of the handle by the hand, whereby the arm portion defines a handle grip for handling the container. |
| US08152009B2 |
Bottle cap protector
A device for protecting the cap of a bottle having a neck, said device comprising a cap portion adapted to be placed over the neck of the bottle and a base portion, the base portion being rotatably connected to the cap portion, at least one elongate securing member being provided having a first end attached to the cap portion and a second end attached to the base portion whereby rotation of the base portion with respect to the cap portion in a tightening direction causes the elongate securing member to tighten against the neck of the bottle to resist removal of the device from the neck of the bottle, locking means being provided for selectively preventing rotation of the base portion with respect to the cap portion at least in a second direction opposite to said tightening direction. The device may be provided with an EAS tag. |
| US08151998B2 |
Crystalline polymer microporous membrane, method for producing the same, and filter for filtration
To provide a crystalline polymer microporous membrane including: a microstructure on the side of one surface of the membrane, the microstructure being composed of series of nodules interconnected with one another by fibrils, wherein the average pore diameter at the one surface of the membrane is larger than the average pore diameter at another surface of the membrane, and the average pore diameter continuously changes from the one surface toward the other surface, and wherein the nodules have an aspect ratio (length/width) of 25 or greater. |
| US08151995B2 |
Methods and apparatus to prevent mold compound feeder jams in systems to package integrated circuits
Methods and apparatus to preventing mold feeder jams in a system to package integrated circuits. An example method includes detecting if a mold compound tablet has a first alignment on a path and removing the mold compound tablet from the path if the mold compound tablet has a second alignment different from the first alignment. |
| US08151993B2 |
Material separator systems
A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle may include an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream; a first conveyor; a second conveyor; and a fluid collection structure configured to receive fluid from at least one of the separating structure, the first conveyor, and the second conveyor, the fluid collection structure including an upper tank, a lower tank, and one or more conduits fluidly connecting the upper and lower tanks, wherein the one or more conduits are free from a valve configured to regulate flow from the upper tank toward the lower tank. |
| US08151989B2 |
Trapped blister package with recessed card perimeter
A trapped card package includes a paperboard card having a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface, and a relatively large central rectangular opening. In the top surface and the bottom surface respectively, there is a recessed portion that extends around the opening. A clear plastic blister piece has a groove extending along its perimeter and a flange, and a lower clear plastic piece has a male element extending along its perimeter, and a flange. The lower piece male element engages the card opening and its flange engages the recessed portion of the card bottom and the male element projects upward beyond the top surface of the card where it is received by the perimeter groove of the blister piece as the flange of the blister piece engages the recessed portion of the card top surface, so as to trap the card and seal the package when adhesive on the engaged element is cured. A variant has a plastic lower piece with a major central opening bounded by a flange, and a paper-based print card that engages this flange and covers this major opening. |
| US08151988B2 |
Display packaging system
A display packaging system includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a blister cavity. The blister cavity has a product holding chamber configured to receive at least one product and a sealing flange that extends outwardly from the product holding chamber. The sealing flange includes a series of apertures and is sandwiched between the interior surface of the front panel and the interior surface of the rear panel. Respective portions of an interior surface of the front panel and an interior surface of the rear panel are then adhered only to each other with the respective portions including portions of the interior surface of the front panel and portions of the interior surface of the rear panel that are disposed on opposite sides of the series of apertures. |
| US08151984B2 |
Dispensing device
A dispensing device (1) for separately storing two substances, adapted to dispense and apply proportional amounts of said substances, said device (1) comprising a longitudinal axis (3) about which two receptacles (4, 4′), composed of a flexible material, are disposed, each receptacle (4, 4′), containing one of said two substances and comprising an outlet (5) through winch said substance can be squeezed, said dispensing device (1) being adapted to be folded about the longitudinal axis (3). |
| US08151982B2 |
Protective coverings and methods of making and using the same
Protective coverings suitable for protecting and housing electronic devices such as a KINDLE™ ebook reader or an APPLE™ iPAD™ tablet are disclosed. Methods of making and using protective coverings are also disclosed. |
| US08151981B2 |
Retrieval device for use with a compartment or pocket
The present invention is related to an apparatus to facilitate the retrieval of a personal device from a compartment or pocket. The apparatus has a back surface with a support attached to the back surface in a manner that allows the support to move and a tab or loop on one end of the support. An elastic tape is attached to the back surface and to the support. Also attached to the support is a ribbon which is secured to the elastic tape at a connection point. The support can be extended to retrieve the personal device from the compartment or pocket which stretches the elastic tape and the ribbon until the ribbon is fully extended preventing the further extension of the support. The elastic tape may then facilitate the retraction of the apparatus into the compartment or pocket. |
| US08151977B2 |
Conveyor for bakery oven
An endless conveyor chain assembly (10) includes two piece enclosed curved track sections (15) having curved sections (15) for the passage therethrough of a series of conveyor chain links (12). Outer race (18) of the curved track sections (15) include an impervious horizontal bottom wall (22) that is U-shaped in cross section for retaining any lubricants or other liquids or debris. Inner race (20) with a wear strip (44) attached thereto is removable from the outer race (18) without having to cut the curved conveyor track sections (15) from the track and without having to remove the conveyor chain from the track when performing maintenance to the conveyor chain assembly. |
| US08151976B2 |
Device for transporting and shaking blanks
A device for transporting and shaking blanks supported on pallets has a shaking station with a shaking table, a feeding conveyor upstream of the shaking station in a transport direction of the blanks, and a discharge conveyor downstream of the shaking station in the transport direction of the blanks. The feeding and discharge conveyors each have a liftable and lowerable transport frame and a drive. The transport frames are movable back and forth by the drive for transporting the pallets. The drives are adjustable to an identical intermittent transport distance and an intermittent transport distance in a ratio of 2:1. On the transport frame of the discharge conveyor a support is provided in an area adjacent to the shaking station. The support raises the discharge conveyor's receiving surface for the pallets and has a receiving surface aligned approximately with a table top of the shaking table. |
| US08151975B1 |
Rail conveyor system
A rail conveyor system comprises a base member supporting a rail conveyor mechanism that includes a mechanical power transfer assembly mounted within the base member. A plurality of parallel support rods mounted upon the base member is rotatable by the mechanical power transfer assembly. A plurality of parallel square tubes rests perpendicularly to and upon the support rods providing a uniform support surface above the base member. The tubes are operatively connected to the power transfer assembly for sequential, longitudinal reciprocation, perpendicular to the support rods. The support rods each include a series of indented surfaces for sequentially lowering one of the tubes relative to three adjacent tubes. The mechanical power transfer assembly provides sequential, longitudinal movement of three adjacent tubes in one direction and movement of a fourth bracketed tube in an opposite direction, while simultaneously rotating the support rods to first lower, then raise the opposite moving fourth bracketed tube. |
| US08151971B2 |
Device for forming a continuous flow of oriented products
An apparatus or device is described for forming a continuous and cadenced flow of groups of rolls of paper or other products, coming from the production line or from pre-packaging lines, and rotated by a carousel with horizontal shaft of rotation. The carousel is provided with the blades of L-shaped stalls which pass cyclically and in the right phase between and underneath pairs of supports, to raise the products positioned thereon and set them on a horizontal conveyor. The stalls are controlled to rotate with respect to the carousel in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the carousel to avoid interference with the products once the products are placed on the horizontal conveyor. |
| US08151966B2 |
Arrangement for operating a clutch
Arrangement for operating a clutch, in particular a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle, comprising a means of transmission that is mounted movably in an operating direction with respect to a support. The support is flexibly mounted in the direction of operation with respect to a housing. |
| US08151962B2 |
Synchromesh device for transmission
A synchromesh device for a transmission includes: a shaft; a sleeve; an idler gear; a gear piece; a synchronizer ring; a first spline, a second spline and a third spline, the first spline of the sleeve being engageable with each of the second spline of the gear piece and the third spline of the synchronizer ring; and a first chamfer, a second chamfer and a third chamfer, formed at one end of the first spline, one end of the second spline and one end of the third spline, respectively, for a spline-engagement and for a thrust-through operation. The first chamfer of the sleeve includes a small-diameter side thrusting through the third chamfer at the time of shifting and a large-diameter side thrusting through the second chamfer at the time of shifting. A chamfer angle of the large-diameter side is smaller than a chamfer angle of the small-diameter side. |
| US08151960B2 |
Method and device for torque transmission
The present invention relates to a method for moment transmission, preferably torque transmission, between a first object (4) and a second object (5) that are separated by a gap (g), the method comprising the arranging in said gap (g) of a force-transmitting device (1) that comprises at least one flexible element (3A, 3B) and a plurality of force-transmitting elements (2) that are not part of the flexible element (3A, 3B) but are arranged at said flexible element (3A, 3B), which force-transmitting elements (2) are arranged to have a maximum cross-sectional dimension (amax) that is larger than the gap (g) and another cross-sectional dimension (a) that is smaller than the gap (g), in order by friction by wedge-action to transmit moments between said first object (4) and said second object (5), said elements (2) being arranged to have a design and an attachment at said flexible element (3A, 3B) that without external influence of said device (1) enable transmission of force in two opposite directions. The invention also comprises such a device. |
| US08151949B2 |
Drum brake apparatus
A drum brake apparatus is provided with a backing plate, a brake shoe, a shoe guide portion formed integrally with a backing plate by cutting and press molding, a guide surface on a rear surface of the shoe guide portion, an engagement projection that is formed on the brake shoe and slidably engages with the guide surface, and end portions that is formed on the shoe guide portion at both ends of the shoe guide portion in a circumferential direction of the drum brake apparatus and is continuous to the backing plate. Uplift of the brake shoe from the backing plate is prevented by engagement between the guide surface and the engagement projection. |
| US08151944B2 |
Algorithm to determine wheel and brake cooling
A system and device for estimating an amount of time needed for a vehicle brake assembly to cool to a predetermined temperature includes a first input for receiving data indicative of a temperature of the brake assembly, a second input for receiving data indicative of at least one environmental condition that affects cooling of said brake assembly, a processor and memory, and logic stored in said memory and executable by said processor. The logic stored in memory includes logic that simulates a temperature response of the brake assembly based on the brake assembly temperature and the at least one environmental condition. |
| US08151942B2 |
Configurable communication system for a building
The present invention deals with a method and system for producing services in the communication system of a building. In the method of the invention, the communication system includes at least one terminal device applicable for local-area communication, at least one communication unit, at least one server controlling the communication system, at least one base station for implementing a local-area network in the communication system, and a local network for implementing mutual data transfer between the communication unit, the server controlling the communication system and the base station. In the method, a number of service folders are generated in the terminal device and a service folder applicable to the purpose in each case is selected. From the selected service folder, a service request is selected which is transmitted from the terminal device to the communication system, where the service request is executed in one or more sub-stages using one or more communication units. |
| US08151941B2 |
Evacuation system for a building including building mounted stabilizing element
An evacuation system for a building including at least one vertical transporter including multiple platforms arranged for selectable communication with multiple floors of the building for loading of persons onto the multiple platforms and at least one building mounted stabilizing element cooperating with the transporter for stabilizing the transporter against lateral forces. |
| US08151932B2 |
Muffler device for motorcycle
An exhaust outlet 34 is formed at the center of a rear end wall 46 of a tail cap 21 closing a rear end opening of a muffler body 20, and a tail pipe 30 is connected at its rear end to the exhaust outlet 34. The exhaust outlet 34 is formed through a tail pipe supporting member 35 mounted on the rear end wall 46. The tail pipe supporting member 35 is formed with an annular mud guiding groove 37 opening rearward around the exhaust outlet 34. The mud accumulated on the rear end wall 46 is guided into the mud guiding groove 37 and moved in the mud guiding groove 37 owing to its capillarity. Accordingly, the mud can be moved down along the mud guiding groove 37 and smoothly dropped to the ground, thus preventing the clogging of the exhaust outlet 34 with the mud on the rear end wall 46. |
| US08151931B2 |
Acoustic noise control in heating or cooling systems
A heating or cooling system comprising a powered fan held in a duct assembly. The powered fan generates acoustic noise when blowing air. The system also comprises an acoustic wave modulator held in the duct assembly. The acoustic wave modulator has one or more fins and is configured to reduce turbulence of the air traveling through the duct assembly. |
| US08151930B2 |
Pneumatic tire with noise damper
A pneumatic tire with a noise damper made of a spongelike multi-cellular material is disclosed. The noise damper is divided into small dampers to improve the high-speed durability of the tire. The noise damper is provided with a water-impermeable outer coating to prevent water from infiltrating into the spongelike multi-cellular material during transporting, store keeping and the like. |
| US08151929B2 |
Acoustic waveguide vibration damping
An acoustic waveguide with at least two portions coupled by vibration damping structure. The vibration damping structure may be a conformable material such as closed cell foam. The vibration damping structure may further include structure for inhibiting motion in a direction transverse to the interface between the vibration damping structure and a portion of the waveguide. |
| US08151927B2 |
Wheel motor device
There is provided a wheel motor device including a hydraulic motor unit. The hydraulic motor unit includes a hydraulic motor main body, a motor shaft, a motor case and a port block. The port block includes a motor surface to which the motor case is connected, a pump surface to which a pump case surrounding a hydraulic pump main body is detachably connected so as to form a pump space for accommodating the hydraulic pump main body, and a pair of operational fluid passages fluidly connecting between the hydraulic motor main body accommodated in the motor space in a state of being contacted with the motor surface in a sliding manner around its axis line and the hydraulic pump main body accommodated in the pump space in a state of being contacted with the pump surface in a sliding manner around its axis line. |
| US08151917B2 |
Cooling system, control method of cooling system, and vehicle equipped with cooling system
A cooling system is equipped with a circulation flow path arranged to flow a coolant into an engine, a motor drive system flow path branched off from the circulation flow path and arranged to flow the coolant into a motor drive system, a flow rate distribution regulator provided at a junction of the circulation flow path and the motor drive system flow path, and an electric pump configured to pressure-feed the coolant through the circulation flow path. In the cooling system, the procedure of flow rate control sets an engine flow rate demand Vwe based on a rotation speed Ne and a torque te of the engine and a coolant temperature Te (step S110), while setting a motor flow rate demand Vwm based on an inverter current Iinv of the motor drive system and the coolant temperature Te (step S120). The flow rate distribution regulator and the electric pump are then controlled to make a flow rate of the coolant flowed into the engine and a flow rate of the coolant flowed into motors and inverters included in the motor drive system respectively equal to the set engine flow rate demand Vwe and the set motor flow rate demand Vwm (steps S130 and S140). |
| US08151912B2 |
Wheeled inverted pendulum mobile unit
A wheeled inverted pendulum mobile unit having: a driving wheel; a body that is tiltable about an axle of the driving wheel with respect to a vertical direction; a plurality of support members that extend downward from the body in the vertical direction, wherein the bottom ends of the plurality of support members are in contact with a ground before and behind the axle of the driving wheel, and the bottom ends moves up and down, with respect to the body, as the body tilts with respect to the vertical direction; and a lock mechanism that locks positions of the bottom ends of the support members with respect to the body. |
| US08151908B2 |
Jet motor for providing rotation in a downhole tool
An exemplary embodiment of the jet motor includes a control sleeve, and power shaft having at least one opening thereon. The power shaft is rotatable in relation to the control sleeve. The power shaft has a central longitudinal shaft axis and upper and lower ends. The at least one opening in the power shaft generates rotational torque when acting in cooperation with the control sleeve. The jet motor connects to a member that is in fluid communication with the source of drilling or cleaning fluid. Drilling or cleaning fluid pressure is directed to the at least one opening in the power shaft. The power shaft having at least one opening having an opening axis and an interior opening. The at least one opening may be acutely oriented with respect to a plane extending along the power shaft's central longitudinal axis wherein the plane intersects the opening axis at the interior opening. The at least one opening may be oriented toward the upper end of the power shaft to provide downward force. An alternative embodiment with a drill bit functionally connected to the power shaft wherein the drill bit contains drill bit nozzles that provide both rotational and forward force when a fluid is passed therethrough. |
| US08151905B2 |
Downhole telemetry system and method
A downhole telemetry system for use in a wellbore including borehole fluid. The system includes a stator including flow channels though the stator and a rotor including flow channels though the rotor. The rotor is rotatable on a drive shaft by the force of the borehole fluid flowing through the rotor. The rotation of the rotor creates pressure variations in the borehole fluid related to the movement of the rotor channels relative to the stator channels, thus forming a carrier wave. A regulating system adjusts the amount of fluid force on the rotor for a given flow rate of borehole fluid to maintain the frequency of the carrier wave within a range of a target frequency. Also, an alternator drivable by the rotation of the drive shaft provides power to the system. The system also includes an encoder capable of adjusting the rotation of the rotor to modulate the carrier wave. |
| US08151904B2 |
Method for improved well control with a downhole device
A drilling system includes a downhole well control device that can be used to control out-of-norm wellbore conditions. The downhole well control device can control one or more selected fluid parameters. The well control device in cooperation or independent of surface devices exerts control over one or more drilling or formation parameters to manage an out-of-norm wellbore condition. An exemplary well control device hydraulically isolates one or more sections of a wellbore by selectively blocking fluid flow in a pipe bore and an annulus. The control device also selectively flows fluid from the pipe bore to the annulus. A communication device provides on-way or bidirectional signal and/or data transfer between the controller(s), surface personnel and the well control device. Exemplary application of the well control device include controlling a well kick, controlling drilling fluid being lost to the formation and controlling a simultaneous kick and loss. |
| US08151903B2 |
Rotary blasthole drilling rig flexible jaw pipe positioner
A pipe positioner having an arm including a lower jaw and an upper jaw mounted thereon is provided. The pipe positioner includes at least one of the lower jaw and the upper jaw with at least one shear pin disposed in location to provide protection of the pipe positioner from mechanical overload. A method for retrofit of a pipe positioner and a blasthole drilling rig are disclosed. |
| US08151902B2 |
Slickline conveyed bottom hole assembly with tractor
A bottom hole assembly is run into the wellbore on slickline with a tractor to assist in movement of the bottom hole assembly through a deviation in either direction. The tractor can have retractable drive components and can be responsive to tension in the slickline to turn it on and to avoid overrunning the slickline if driving out. |
| US08151899B2 |
Method and device for rock drilling
A method for producing Shockwave pulses in a tool direction (R) of a pulse machine (1) having a housing (2), wherein an impulse piston (4) is arranged, wherein the impulse piston is influenced by a first force in a direction opposite to said tool direction through a first fluid pressure (Pi) in a first chamber (7), and by a second force in said tool direction, wherein 'a Shockwave pulse is produced through a rapid relief of the first fluid pressure after displacement of the impulse piston (4) relative to the housing in a direction opposite to the tool direction, is distinguished in that the length of the shock wave is controlled by the length (L) of said displacement is regulated. The invention also concerns a device, rock drilling machine and a rock drilling rig. |
| US08151897B1 |
Ordinary hazard extended coverage sidewall sprinklers and systems
An extended coverage sidewall automatic fire sprinkler includes a generally tubular body with a central passageway and a central axis. One end of the passageway forms an outlet at one end of the tubular body. A closure at the one end of the tubular body at least essentially generally closes the passageway. A trigger positioned to releasably retain the closure at the outlet closes the passageway. A deflector at a discharge end of the sprinkler is coupled with the tubular body facing and spaced axially away from the outlet and intersects the central axis. The tubular body has a K factor greater than 9. The deflector is shaped and positioned to transform water discharged horizontally from the outlet upon release of the closure by the trigger into a spray pattern of water droplets dispersed over a generally horizontal, generally rectangularly-shaped extended coverage are of more than one hundred square feet located on one side of the sprinkler in an amount and with a distribution effective to control an ordinary hazard fire in the coverage area. |
| US08151895B1 |
Eutectic salt inflated wellbore tubular patch
Systems and methods for patching a desired section of wellbore casing or another tubular member. A patch assembly is provided which includes a tubular patch sub which is radially surrounded by an inflatable boot. A setting tool is used to set the patch assembly within the casing. The setting tool includes a heated barrel that contains eutectic material in liquid form. When actuated from the surface, eutectic material is flowed from the setting tool to the boot of the patch assembly. The eutectic material inflates the boot to secure the patch sub at a desired location within the wellbore. |
| US08151893B2 |
Sleeve assembly for downhole tools
An example method comprises securing a sleeve around at least a portion of a downhole tool, deploying the sleeve and the downhole tool into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and retrieving the sleeve and the downhole tool from the wellbore. The step of securing the sleeve around the at least portion of the downhole tool may be performed at the well site. |
| US08151889B2 |
System and method for controlling flow in a wellbore
A technique enables control over flow in a wellbore with a flow control system. In some cases, the flow control system may comprise a flapper device, an isolation assembly, and an actuation assembly. The flapper device may be configured to rotate within an approximate angular range from 15° to 75° when shifting between an open and closed state. In some situations, the engaging member may contain a profiled end configured to increase the moment applied to the flapper device during opening and control the rate of closure of the flapper device. The limitation to the angular range of the flapper device may reduce the loading forces that would otherwise act against the flow control system upon closure of the flapper device. |
| US08151886B2 |
Open hole stimulation with jet tool
A fracturing method for preferably open hole uses fluid velocity impinging on the wellbore wall to initiate fractures. Telescoping members that extend using nozzles inside them but come out to a distance from the wellbore wall can be used. Fixed nozzles that do not extend are also another option. The nozzles can be eroded or corroded as the fracturing takes place or they can be made of sufficiently durable materials or have coatings to withstand the erosive effects of high velocity slurries pumped to impinge the wellbore wall to initiate fractures. |
| US08151885B2 |
Erosion resistant flow connector
A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising an inlet space, a central space adjacent and in fluid communication with the inlet space along a central axis, a dome space adjacent and in fluid communication with the central space along the central axis, and a plurality of channels adjacent to and in fluid communication with the dome space, wherein the plurality of channels are radially spaced about the central axis, and wherein a channel axis of the at least one of the plurality of channels is incident the central axis by less than ninety degrees. |
| US08151883B2 |
Stimulation technique for open hole well
A stimulation technique is provided for use in an open hole well. The stimulation technique utilizes a system which comprises one or more isolation devices positioned to isolate desired regions of the open hole well. At least one release mechanism is used to provide controlled release of stimulation material to a desired wellbore region of the open hole well. Additionally, a protection mechanism cooperates with each release mechanism to prevent undesirable contact between stimulation material and the surrounding wellbore wall of the open hole well. In many applications, the entire system is deployed and operated during a single trip downhole into the well. |
| US08151881B2 |
Permeability flow balancing within integral screen joints
A SAGD system in a formation including a heated fluid injection well having a tubular including permeability control, one or more open hole anchors restricting thermal growth of the tubular and one or more baffles directing heated fluid application to target areas of the formation; a production well in fluid collecting proximity to the injection well the production well having a tubular with permeability control, one or more open hole anchors and one or more baffles. |
| US08151879B2 |
Zone isolation assembly and method for isolating a fluid zone in an existing subsurface well
A zone isolation assembly for a fluid monitoring system in an existing subsurface well includes a fluid receiving pipe, a docking receiver, a docking apparatus and a first sealer. The fluid receiving pipe includes a pipe interior and a fluid inlet structure. The fluid receiving pipe receives a fluid through the fluid inlet structure into the pipe interior. The docking receiver is connected to the fluid receiving pipe. The docking apparatus moves between (i) a docked position wherein the docking apparatus is docked with the docking receiver, and (ii) an undocked position wherein the docking apparatus is undocked with the docking receiver. The first sealer is spaced apart from the docking apparatus. In certain embodiments, the first sealer selectively forms a fluid-tight seal between the fluid receiving pipe and the casing to divide the fluid zone into a first zone and a spaced apart second zone. The first zone and the second zone are not in fluid communication with one another when the docking apparatus is in the docked position. |
| US08151878B2 |
Apparatus and methods for collecting a downhole sample
Methods and apparatus for collecting a downhole sample are provided. The method may include conveying a sampling tool in a borehole using a first carrier, conveying a sample container in the borehole using a second carrier, and introducing a downhole sample from the sampling tool to the sample container. An apparatus includes a sampling tool disposed on a first carrier, a sample container disposed on a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are independently conveyable in a borehole, and a coupling connectable to the sampling tool and the sample container. |
| US08151875B2 |
Device and system for well completion and control and method for completing and controlling a well
A screen assembly includes a tubular having one or more openings therein. A screen disposed about the tubular. The one or more devices disposed within the one or more openings. The devices each include a beaded matrix and a housing. Also included is a method for completing a wellbore with a sand screen. |
| US08151873B1 |
Expandable packer with mandrel undercuts and sealing boost feature
An open hole packer uses mandrel expansion and a surrounding sealing element that can optionally have a swelling feature and further a seal enhancing feature of a ring with an internal taper to match an undercut on the mandrel exterior. As a swage progresses to the taper at the transition between the ring and the extending flat fingers, the fingers get plastically deformed in an outward radial direction to push out the sealing element. Shrinkage of the mandrel axially due to radial expansion brings a ring on the mandrel outer surface under the fingers to act as a support for the fingers against the seal which is pushed against the open hole. Mirror image orientations are envisioned to aid in retaining pressure differentials in opposed directions. Another external mandrel ring extends into the seal to keep its position during differential pressure loading. |
| US08151869B2 |
Scraped surface heat exchanger and a method for producing whey protein concentrate
The invention relates to a scraped surface heat exchanger (100) comprising a heat exchanging wall (20) having an cylindrical inner surface (21) with a radius (R+δ), a shaft (10) being rotatable mounted inside of and concentrically to the inner surface (21) of the heat exchanging wall (20) and having at least one gap portion (10A) with an outer surface (11) and a radius (R), and at least one scraping member (40) supported by the shaft (10) and extending to the inner surface (21) of the heat exchanger wall (20), characterized in that the at least one or che gap portions (10A) with an outer surface (11) and a radius (R) extend over at least 60% of the circumference of the shaft (10). |
| US08151866B2 |
Method and apparatus for casting NF metal baths, particularly copper or copper alloys
A method and apparatus for casting NF metal baths, particularly copper or copper alloys, to produce flat products at least 20 mm thick, ensure melt introduction into a pool while preventing gas pockets or impurities flushing into the melt of a casting mould. The melt continuously flows along a flow-off element from a tundish to a bath level of the mould, at a casting angle of up to 15° and a constant or decreasing rate, and is conducted below a pool surface of the mould without influencing flow rate. Vortexes generated by melt hitting the bath surface are prevented from extending within the mould by a cover surrounding a top surface of the flow-off element. Gaseous components produced when the melt flows, escape via a free space above the flow. Gravity determines a flow rate of the free melt flowing from tundish to molten bath of a revolving strip-casting mould. |
| US08151861B2 |
One-piece core manufacturing method for swing bolster and sideframe of lorry
A one-piece core-making technique used in producing railway truck bolsters and side frames, which includes the following steps: 1. After scraping the top of a core box, applying a shaped top mould (11), which is precisely located, from top to bottom. 2. Press or slightly hit the top mould (11) to make sure the top mould covers/caps the scraping surface. 3. Keep pressing to make sure that the flat scraping surface was pressed to a required curved shape, like the shape of the top mould (11). 4. Last, it will become a one-piece core with a partially integrated inner cavity section. The one-piece core made by this technique has a smooth surface. This technique also can improve the internal quality of the product and ease work intensity. |
| US08151860B2 |
Porous metal article and method of producing a porous metallic article
A metal article containing at least 10% interconnected porosity is produced by using a preform.To make the preform, an organic binder, a wetting agent and a granular material are mixed to obtain a mouldable paste that combines 10 vol. pct. or more of the granular material, this material dissolving easily in a liquid solvent. The paste is shaped into an aerated preform, thus creating an open pore space to be infiltrated by the metal or alloy.The wetting agent is evaporated and the preform is baked to a temperature sufficient to degrade the binder and create a network of interconnected open porosity in the preform. Then, the open pore space is filled with the liquid metal or alloy.All or part of the baked preform can be easily leached by a liquid solvent through the network of fine pores. |
| US08151857B2 |
Retractable shade with collapsible vanes
A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability. |
| US08151856B2 |
Surface protection film peeling method and surface protection film peeling device
A film peeling device for peeling a film (11) adhered to a front surface of a wafer (20), on the back surface of which a dicing tape (3) is adhered, the wafer is integrated with a mount frame (36) into one body, comprises: a movable table (31), which can be moved horizontally to support the wafer and the mount frame while the surface protection film is being directed upward; a covering means (80) for covering an adhesive face (3a) of the dicing tape, which is exposed between the mount frame and the wafer at one end (28) of the wafer; and a adhering means (46) for adhering a peeling tape (4) to the film at the end of the wafer. The film is peeled from the front surface of the wafer by moving the movable table from the other end (29) of the wafer to one end after the peeling tape has adhered. Due to the foregoing, while the peeling tape is being prevented from adhering to the dicing tape, the film can be peeled from the front surface of the wafer in a shorter period of time. |
| US08151846B2 |
Wheel having inner bead-lock
The present invention provides a vehicle wheel system having an inner wheel half, an outer wheel half, a centering element, and a sleeve which are concentrically aligned with each other, where the centering element has a first bead lock for securing a first bead of a tire and where the sleeve has a second bead lock for securing a second bead of the tire, to enable a vehicle to continue to operate with a flat or deflated tire. For a heavier, military vehicle wheel system, a varied centering element is used in conjunction with segmented inner tire system. |
| US08151845B2 |
Tire with reduced rolling noise
A tire with reduced rolling noise includes a tire structure formed of at least one crown extended by two sidewalls and two beads. A base of each of the two beads is configured to be mounted onto a rim seat. The tire also includes a carcass-type reinforcing structure anchored into the two beads and an additional layer bonded to an inner wall of the tire structure. The additional layer is bonded to the tire structure at its edges and the rest of the additional layer is not bonded. The additional layer includes an inflation valve. |
| US08151843B2 |
Pneumatic tire with specified outer carcass periphery length and outer ground-contact area
A pneumatic tire 1 according to the invention has bead portions 11, 12 including bead cores 11a, 12a, and at least a carcass layer 13 and a tread portion 16 arranged, wherein in a section in a tire-width direction, assuming as a reference a tire centerline CL making right angles with a bead line BL interconnecting a center of the bead core 11a and a center of the bead core 12a, and passing a center of the bead line BL, an outer ground-contact area 20B is wider by 5 to 15% than an inner ground-contact area 20B, and wherein in the section in the tire-width direction, a carcass periphery length as a distance along a carcass centerline CaL from a crossing point P to an approach point P2 is longer by 0.5 mm to 10 mm than a carcass periphery length Ca as a distance from the crossing point P to an approach point P1. |
| US08151841B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion on each side of the equatorial plane. At least two circumferential main grooves and three land portions are formed in the tread portion. In a cross section in a meridian direction of the pneumatic tire, profile lines of the land portions form arcs, and an intersection of extension lines of profile lines of adjacent land portions forms an inflection point in a circumferential main groove. Tensile strength of a reinforcing layer in the land portions is larger than that in the circumferential main groove having the inflection points. |
| US08151839B2 |
Device of double saw blades
A device of double saw blades includes a first saw blade, a second saw blade, a driving device and security system. The first saw blade and the second saw blade rotate around a rotation axis oppositely, and respectively include a blade body and a cutting element mounting on a periphery of the blade body. The driving device connects with the first saw blade and the second saw blade, and has a driving diameter. The security system has a security distance provided between the blade bodies. The security system includes two rigidity enhancers. The rigidity enhancers respectively include a saw blade adapter mounting on an outer side of the blade bodies. The saw blade adapters respectively have a predetermined diameter to enhance a rigidity of the blade bodies, so as to reduce deformation thereof when working. The diameters are no more than the driving diameter. |
| US08151838B2 |
Liquid dispensing system
The invention relates to a liquid dispensing system. The system includes a liquid dispensing apparatus (10, 50) having liquid dispensing nozzles (18) and containers (12, 52) that each have a one-way valve (30, 70) located in a charging opening defined in the base region thereof. A container is positionable on the apparatus with a dispensing nozzle penetrating the container via the charging opening and the one-way valve thereof, providing for bottom filling of the container and sealing of the charging opening by the one-way valve when the dispensing nozzle is retracted from the container. |
| US08151837B2 |
Fuel filler closure device for automotive vehicle
A fuel filler closure device for an automotive vehicle includes a valve body adapted for mounting to a fuel filler pipe and having a filler passage. An access door mounted within the valve body has an open position allowing placement of a fuel nozzle within the filler passage and a closed position for blocking insertion of a filler nozzle. The locking mechanism selectively permits the access door to move from the closed position to the open position. The locking mechanism may include either a manual locking device, or an electronic or other type of remote lock which will be responsive to a vehicle condition. |
| US08151836B2 |
Closure for a liquid container
A closure for the neck of a container such as a water bottle includes a cap 32 for engagement with the neck, and a valve plug 44. The cap has an inner guide sleeve 38 which sealingly receives the valve plug 44, which is provided with latches 50. When the bottle is placed on a liquid dispensing station such as a water cooler a probe 5 sealably enters the sleeve 38 and an actuator head 70 engages the latches 50 to carry the plug out of the sleeve 38. The probe requires minimum insertion force. One or more water flow ports 72 are provided in the probe 5 to conduct water out of the bottle, while air may enter the bottle via a vent port 73 and vent apertures in the valve plug 44. This allows simultaneous exchange of air and water without risk of air entrainment whilst providing a short penetration distance. |
| US08151827B2 |
Method for rehabilitating existing pipe
In an existing pipe rehabilitating method according to an embodiment, a profile strip (2) for lining an existing pipe (10) is shaped using a thermoplastic resin, joint portions (21) are provided at both end portions in a width direction of the profile strip, and the profile strip (2) is inserted into the existing pipe (10) and is helically wound in the existing pipe (10). The joint portions (21) of adjacent windings of the profile strip (2) are interlocked with each other, thereby forming a rehabilitating pipe (20). Also, the profile strip (2) of the rehabilitating pipe (20) is deformed by a heating step in which the profile strip (2) is subjected to a heating process so as to conform a shape of a curved portion (13) of the existing pipe (10), thereby integrating the profile strip (2) with an inner peripheral surface of the curved portion (13) of the existing pipe (10). |
| US08151825B2 |
Reverse flow wye connector
A subsea fitting is disclosed. The subsea fitting includes a body. The fitting includes at least two passages through the body. The passages are in fluid communication within the body. A diverter is located in at least one of the passages. The diverter may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverter allows open flow between two of the passages. In the closed position, the diverter inhibits flow between the two passages. |
| US08151822B2 |
Integral overpressure monitoring device
The present invention provides an integral cantilever monitoring device for a regulator having a positionable vent port that may be disposed proximate the lowest point of the monitoring device to allow drainage of liquids accumulating within the monitoring device due to humidity and precipitation. The monitoring device may also include a connection module allowing the monitoring device to be rotated independently of the actuator and valve body of the regulator to accommodate varying installation environments. The connection module may further include an inlet port for connection to a downstream pressure feedback line when the regulator valve body and connection module portions of a primary downstream pressure feedback passage are out of alignment due to rotation of the monitoring device. |
| US08151819B2 |
Fluid supply valve attachment device
A fluid supply valve attachment device that has a tank, a fixing member in which a recessed fitting section is formed, a fluid supply valve that is inserted in and fixed to the recessed fitting section, a first seal member which seals a space between the tank and the fixing member, and a second seal member which seals a space between the fixing member and the fluid supply valve. The maximum inside diameter of the recessed fitting section is defined as D, a distance between a cross-sectional center of the first seal member and a cross-sectional center of the second seal member in a direction that a central axial line of the recessed fitting section extends in an attached state is defined as L1, and L1 is set within 2.5×D. |
| US08151816B2 |
Method and device for removing pollution from a confined environment
The subject of the present invention is a method for removing pollution from a confined environment containing an interior space bounded by a wall, involving the following steps: the confined environment which has a leak is placed in a sealed chamber having for example an inlet for introducing a gas and a pump for pumping a gas and the gas contained in the chamber and the gas contained inside the space are simultaneously pumped through the leak so that the pressure difference across the wall is always below a wall damaging threshold. Another subject of the invention is a related device for removing pollution from a confined environment. |
| US08151811B2 |
Protective mechanism for automatic umbrella
The present invention pertains to a protective mechanism for automatic umbrella mainly including a drive unit, a pulley tackle, a spring motor, a clutch, and a clutch spring; wherein, a strand has one end fixed to the pulley tackle and the other end secured to an upper notch of the umbrella, and the spring motor and the clutch are separately mounted on the pulley tackle. Further, between the clutch and the pulley tackle are unidirectional rotor members cooperating with each other. Thus, the drive unit and the clutch spring substantially control the separation and contact of the clutch and the pulley tackle for either releasing the strand and tightening the spring motor while stretching the umbrella or winding the strand in a single direction and loosening the spring motor when collapsing. Therefore, the present invention prevents from striking users by taking off the umbrella stick halfway when manually retracting it. |
| US08151810B2 |
Basket assembly for a dishwasher, and associated apparatus
A basket assembly for holding items such as silverware and the like in a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance has a rack member movable into and out of a tub portion, wherein the basket assembly is received and supported by the rack member. The basket assembly comprises a plurality of wall members cooperating to form a compartment defining a compartment opening. A lid member is coupled to the compartment about the compartment opening. The lid member defines a lid plane and is configured to be pivotable about a pivot axis, disposed medially across the lid member and extending along the lid plane, between a first position with the lid member extending across the compartment opening, and a second position with the lid member extending substantially perpendicularly to the compartment opening. An associated apparatus is also provided. |
| US08151809B2 |
Cleaning apparatus for vehicle lamp
A nozzle portion having jet nozzles for jetting a cleaning liquid, a nozzle cover covering the nozzle portion from a front side, a piston connected to the nozzle portion, and moved integrally with the nozzle portion and the nozzle cover in a movement direction, and a cylinder movably supporting the piston are provided. A bracket which includes arms located in abutment with or in proximity with a rear surface of the nozzle cover and regulates an inclination of the nozzle cover with respect to the movement direction is provided. |
| US08151807B2 |
Brush assembly with molded brush sleeve
A brush assembly with an applicator rod, a brush sleeve with a tubular core member and a plurality of bristles, a rod hole in the distal end of the applicator rod, and a rivet for being received into the rod hole to retain the brush sleeve. A peripheral retaining wall can retain and protect a proximal end of the brush sleeve. The brush sleeve can have radially projecting, diamond-shaped bristles and can be slidably received over a body portion of the rivet or over a support stem forming a distal portion of the applicator rod. The body portion of the rivet or the support stem can have a non-circular cross section or an arcuate longitudinal profile to induce the brush sleeve to have the non-circular cross section or acruate longitudinal profile. A method for producing brush assemblies can produce brush assemblies with brush sleeves of varied cross sections. |
| US08151805B2 |
Cigarette with the amount of sidestream smoke reduced
A cigarette is provided with a tobacco section including a tobacco filler rod wrapped with an inner wrapper paper sheet containing less than 4% by weight of calcium carbonate and an outer wrapper paper containing calcium carbonate in an amount of 30 g/m2 and a burn adjusting agent in an amount of 3% by weight or more. |
| US08151801B2 |
Septum port locator system and method for an implantable therapeutic substance delivery device
An implantable medical device system includes an implantable device and an external locator device for percutaneously locating detecting port opening of the implantable device. The implantable device includes a port chamber forming the port opening, a septum sealing the port chamber relative to an exterior of the device, and a coil positioned at a known location relative to the port opening. The locator device includes a controller, at least one X-loop electrically coupled to the controller and oriented along a first major axis, and at least one Y-loop electrically coupled to the controller and oriented along a second major axis differing from the first major axis. The system is configured such that when the locator is spatially proximate the coil, an induced voltage in at least the Y-loop(s) is read by the controller to indicate a location of the coil relative to the locator device. |
| US08151800B2 |
Hygienic oral bib
An oral bib includes a thin sheet protective shield portion having resistance to the passage of a sexually transmitted disease microbe therethrough. The shield portion is configured to overlie a chin and mouth region of a wearer and has opposing sides. A strap is adapted to secure said shield portion to a wearer head. |
| US08151795B2 |
Method of demand valve oxygen therapy for rapid abort of cluster headache
Methods for easing the duration of pain experienced by patients during a cluster headache are disclosed including providing a high-pressure source of substantially pure oxygen, applying the oxygen to the patient so that inhalation by the patient is substantially limited to inhalation of the substantially pure oxygen, inhaling the substantially pure oxygen in order to cause hyperventilation by the patient, and continuing hyperventilation at least until the patient achieves respiratory alkalosis, hypocapnia hyperoxia, and until the pain is terminated. The method preferably includes using a demand valve having a predetermined manual purge flow rate and a variable output flow rate to the user based on respiratory demand. |
| US08151790B2 |
Volume exchanger valve system and method to increase circulation during CPR
A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs. |
| US08151789B2 |
Solar panel mounting structure
A method and apparatus for mounting solar panels is provided. Preferably, the apparatus includes a base, a solar panel receiving structure, and a support structure coupling the base to the solar panel receiving structure such that the solar panel receiving structure is at least one of elevated and angled relative to the base. The solar panel receiving structure preferably includes a base member, a first side member coupled to the base member, and a second side member coupled to the base member. Preferably, the first side member and the second side member are slotted so as to slidably receive at least one solar panel between the first side member, the second side member, and the base member. |
| US08151787B1 |
Solar device control apparatus with device interchangeability
An apparatus for supporting and aiming various solar devices. Includes a cradle assembly (70) with two tilt pivots (59) located on opposite sides for vertical adjustment, and a turntable (46) for horizontal adjustment. Both adjustments, required for aiming the device toward the sun, are accomplished simultaneously and instantly by steering a biaxial control arm (74) while sighting an aiming instrument (88). The instrument can be used for aiming the solar device either in a direct line or by using the novel aim-ahead indicia (101). An optional utility cart (140) is used for mobility. The cradle assembly locks in either a direct-fit solar device (226) or an adaptor box (110) that, in turn, latches to a standardizing interchange mount (122). The mount, along with a device mounting kit (FIG. 16D), converts various solar devices (FIGS. 2, 12B, 13, and 16E) from different manufacturers, to be utilized by the apparatus. A second embodiment (FIGS. 17A and 17B) sans tilt capability, also accepts solar devices attached to the interchange mount. |
| US08151785B2 |
Adjustable height stove guard
A stove (or range) burner guard attached to the front of a gas or electrical stove (or range) by fastening a guard panel through two vertical slots to a clamping body that is attached to the oven door handle. The height of the guard panel is adjustable by sliding the guard panel through the vertical slots. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the stovetop. The guard can be installed, adjusted or removed quickly and easily. |
| US08151784B2 |
Collapsible grill and stand
A portable grill is described. The portable grill has a grill member, a frame, and a support arm. The frame supports the portable grill on a support surface. The support arm extends outwardly from the frame. The support arm has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is joined to the grill member. The proximal end is pivotally joined to the frame forming a fulcrum therewith. The support arm is pivotable about the fulcrum to raise and lower the grill member relative to the support surface while maintaining the grill member substantially level. |
| US08151782B2 |
Baseball batting practice equipment
A baseball batting practice equipment includes a base provided with a movable member controlled to operate by the retaining post of a ball pitching speed adjustment device that is disposed with bevel gears and an actuating member for regulating the speed of ball pitching. An elastic member has opposite sides respectively secured with the movable member and the base for assisting the movable member to recover its original position. The base is further provided with a hooking member for holding an elastic plate and, after the movable member touches the hooking member, releasing the elastic plate for pitching balls. A ball pitching apparatus is provided with an elastic member for adjusting and delaying time of ball pitching, a gear unit and an actuating rod for winding tight or unwinding loose the elastic member. A power unit with a pedal is to carry out pitching balls. |
| US08151780B2 |
Control method and system for dual-fuel engine
Various systems and methods are described for controlling a dual-fuel engine that has an evaporated gas providing device for providing an evaporated gas into the engine and is operable with hydrocarbon fuel or non-hydrocarbon fuel, alternatively. One example method comprises operating the engine with one of the fuels on the basis of a driver's request, and in response to a determination of a cold engine operation, operating the engine with the non-hydrocarbon fuel for a specified period irrespective of the driver's request. If it is determined that an evaporated fuel is to be provided to the engine while the engine is operating with non-hydrocarbon fuel due the cold engine operation, then switching to operation with hydrocarbon fuel and thereafter providing evaporated fuel into the engine. |
| US08151779B1 |
Control device of an internal combustion engine
Liquid ammonia is fed from an ammonia storage tank to a vaporizer where it is vaporized. Gaseous ammonia vaporized inside the vaporizer is on the one hand injected from an ammonia injector and on the other hand reformed by a reformer, then injected from a reformed gas injector. The amount of liquid ammonia fed into the vaporizer is made to become equal to the amount of ammonia fed into the combustion chamber in the form of gaseous fuel by control of the amount of feed of the liquid ammonia to the vaporizer. |
| US08151777B2 |
Intake pipe structure of internal combustion engine
An intake pipe structure of an engine comprises: a joint pipe unit constituted by a return pipe portion and an intake pipe portion for introducing air into the engine. The return pipe portion has one end connected with the intake pipe portion to return blow-by gas from the engine to the intake pipe portion. The return pipe portion has first and second surface sections respectively extending in the range of first and second lengths from the one end of the return pipe portion, the first surface section smoothly and continuously extending, and the second surface section being shorter than the first surface section. The return pipe portion has a curved surface portion enlarged and curved at its downstream side toward the one end of the return pipe portion, and an opening opened at the one end to the intake pipe portion in the form of non-circular shape. |
| US08151774B2 |
Engine combustion air cyclonic pre-cleaner embodying throttling member adjusted in accordance with engine load
An engine combustion air pre-cleaner includes a body shaped for effecting cyclonic air flow between an inlet and an outlet of the body. Located along a longitudinal axis of the body is a conical throttling member which is coupled to a control device which operates in response to increasing engine load, as represented by increasing boost pressure, torque and/or speed, to shift the throttling member so as to cause an increasing air flow with increasing engine load. |
| US08151766B2 |
Combustion engine and vehicle equipped with such engine
A combustion engine includes an cylinder block having a combustion chamber formed therein, a throttle body forming a part of an air intake passage for introducing an air therethrough into the combustion chamber, a throttle valve accommodated in the throttle body for adjusting a cross section of the air intake passage, and an electrically driven throttle device having an actuator for driving the throttle valve. At least a portion of the throttle body is positioned intermediate between the actuator and the cylinder block. |
| US08151764B2 |
Engine control system
In an electronic throttle control system, a target intake pipe pressure as well as a presumed value for the intake pipe pressure is calculated, so that a deviation between the target value and the presumed value for the intake pipe pressure is calculated. The deviation is compensated in an advancing side by an amount corresponding to a delay of response in the throttle control system. An intake air amount passing through a throttle valve is calculated based on the above compensated deviation and a presumed intake air amount. A target opening degree of a throttle valve is finally calculated based on the above-calculated intake air amount passing through a throttle valve. Accordingly, a response and stability of the throttle control can be improved. |
| US08151761B2 |
Integrated intake valve and fuel injector for vehicle engine
A vehicle engine with integrated intake valve and fuel injector is provided. An intake valve is housed in an intake valve body which is provided with a valve seat face. A fuel passage is positioned at the valve seat face toward a spark plug. Further, a valve stem is disposed at the intake valve at a position above the valve seat. The valve stem can be in fluid communication with an intake valve guide and a high pressure tube. With the integrated intake valve and fuel injector, e.g., high level of charge homogeneity can be achieved in a simple manner. |
| US08151758B2 |
Bearing system for automotive engine
The bearing system for an automotive engine includes a first bearing support structure formed in a cylinder block bulkhead and having a first bearing insert. A second bearing support structure is removably mounted to the first bearing support structure and contains a second bearing insert. A lubrication channel formed in an inside diameter of the first bearing insert and an inside diameter of the second bearing insert extends along a portion of the first bearing insert from a smaller bearing clearance position offset from a first bearing parting line and into a smaller bearing clearance portion of the second bearing insert extending past a second bearing parting line. The lubrication channel provides an improved flow of oil to a drilled passage formed in a shaft, such as a crankshaft, to feed oil to various bearings, such as connecting rod bearings, while reducing oil leakage from such a bearing system. |
| US08151752B2 |
Deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster for oriented mounting in an engine
A deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster comprising a pin housing slidably disposed in a body and having at least one lock pin disposed in a transverse bore for extending into a receiver feature in the body to lock the two together during periods of engine operation in valve non-deactivation mode. The present improvement consists in providing a first orienting feature for the lash adjuster body that engages a second orienting feature on an engine head to provide a preferred and fixed orientation of the body within a bore in the engine head. In a currently preferred orientation, the axis of the at least one lock pin is parallel to the axis of the engine camshaft. The orientation of the lock pin(s) to the body is made invariant by insertion of a pin through a radial bore in the body into a longitudinal groove in the pin housing. |
| US08151751B2 |
Phase varying apparatus for engine
[Object]To keep an air-gap between an electromagnetic clutch and a magnet within a predetermined range even if a camshaft vibrates in a radial direction.[Achieving Means]A bearing 26 and a stopper 51 are attached to a stepped part 20c of an inner cylinder part 20, the bearing 26 is supported by a C ring 28 inserted in a groove 44c of a rotational drum 44, a bearing 52 is attached to a stepped part 51a formed on the side of the outer periphery of the stopper 51, an inner sidewall 122c of an electromagnetic clutch 42 is supported by the bearing 52, the bearing 52 is supported by a clip 128 attached to an annular groove 127 formed in the inner sidewall 122c, the rotational drum 44 is supported by the bearing 26 prevented from moving in an axial direction, the electromagnetic clutch 42 is supported by the bearing 52 prevented from moving in the axial direction, and an air-gap AG between the electromagnetic clutch 42 and the magnet 45 of the rotational drum 44 is easily managed. |
| US08151750B2 |
Valve operating device for internal combustion engine
A valve operating device that opens and closes a valve of an internal combustion engine by driving a valve stem in an axial direction includes a rocker cam that rocks in accordance with a rotation of a drive shaft and has a driving cam portion and a lift restricting cam portion; a cam follower that lifts the valve by contacting the driving cam portion slidingly; and a restricting member that prevents the cam follower from separating from the driving cam portion in cooperation with the lift restricting cam portion. A gap is formed between the restricting member and the rocker cam in a state where the cam follower is in contact with the driving cam portion and disappears such that the restricting member and the rocker cam come into contact with each other only when the cam follower separates from the driving cam portion. |
| US08151749B2 |
Valve opening arrangement and method
An engine with a valve opening arrangement includes an engine including at least one cylinder and at least one valve for opening and closing an opening in the cylinder. The valve is spring loaded to a closed position. The engine also includes a movable contact surface for urging the valve to an open position, and a control arrangement at least partially connected to the contact surface and operable in a modified mode to at least one of advance opening and delay closing of the valve relative to opening and closing in a normal mode. |
| US08151745B2 |
Opposed piston electromagnetic engine
A converter converts mechanical energy of a piston to and from electrical energy during each piston cycle. |
| US08151738B1 |
Pet restraint apparatus
An apparatus for restraining a pet. The apparatus includes a sphere having a weighted center and a chain attached to the sphere and a collar worn by the pet. The chain allows the sphere to hang from the pet. Thus, the movement of the pet is restricted by the added weight of the sphere. Preferably, the sphere includes at least two bars affixed to an outer surface of the sphere. In addition, the chain preferably includes at least two chain extensions. Each extension of the chain is attached to each of the bar. In addition, the chain is of a sufficient length to allow the sphere to roll upon the ground. The sphere may be constructed of a rubberized material. In addition, the chain may be covered by a fabric material. |
| US08151728B2 |
Gas wiping apparatus
A gas wiping apparatus for use in coating a molten metal onto a steel strip. In the apparatus, a chamber, to which a high pressure gas is supplied, defines a multistage uniform pressure space. A lip support unit is associated with a front of the chamber to allow the high pressure gas to flow therethrough, the lip support unit supporting the apparatus against load. Upper and lower lips are associated with a front of the lip support unit to cooperatively define an outlet. The upper lip adjusts a gap of a gas outlet cooperatively with the lower lip, and can be easily installed in a lip support unit while adjusting the gap of the gas outlet stably. Also, edge over coating (EOC) of the steel strip can be prevented without an additional auxiliary nozzle. |
| US08151727B2 |
Perovskite-oxide film, piezoelectric device, and liquid discharge device
A film formed on a substrate different from the monocrystalline perovskite substrate contains a piezoelectric oxide expressed as A(BxC1-x)O3 other than Bi(FeySc1-y)O3 and Bi(Fe, Co)O3, where 0 |
| US08151719B2 |
Multi configuration distribution system for a drill or the like
A method of distributing at least one product on a ground surface with a drill having two sets of seeding units connected to a distribution system. A desired distribution pattern is selected between a separate pattern, where a first one of the at least one product is distributed through only the first sets of seeding units, and a mixed pattern, where the first product is distributed through both sets of seeding units. A distribution system is provided, defining a communication between the two sets of seeding units and a reservoir of the drill. When the separate pattern is selected, first and second sections of the distribution system are configured such that only the first section is in communication with the first set of seeding units, and the first product is received from the reservoir in the first section for distribution through only the first set of seeding units. When the mixed pattern is selected, the first and second sections are configured such that the first section is in communication with both sets of seeding units, and the first product is received from the reservoir in the first and second sections for simultaneous distribution through both sets of seeding units. |
| US08151707B1 |
Electronic pyrotechnic ignitor
A pyrotechnic ignitor. The ignitor includes a break charge and a voltage storage component in communication with the break charge, wherein the voltage stored in the voltage storage component is for firing the break charge when the voltage is communicated to the break charge. The ignitor further includes a processor in communication with the voltage storage component, wherein the processor is configured to delay transmission of the voltage stored in the voltage storage component for a predetermined time. |
| US08151706B2 |
Apparatus with electrical crush protector and printing press having the apparatus
An apparatus for safely operating at least two components which are movable relative to one another in a machine for processing printing materials, includes drive motors each driving a respective one of the movable components. At least one control computer detects movement of the movable components. The control computer is set up in such a way that, if a spacing is reduced between the movable components, at least that movable component, which is the cause for the reduction in the spacing between the movable components, is brought to a standstill. A printing press having the apparatus is also provided. |
| US08151705B2 |
Method of preparing lithographic printing plate
A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate includes treating a lithographic printing plate precursor including a hydrophilic support and an image-forming layer containing the following (i) to (iii) with an aqueous solution having a buffering ability: (i) a binder polymer comprising a repeating unit having a structure represented by the following formula (1); (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated compound; and (iii) a polymerization initiator, P-L-(CO2H)n (1) wherein P represents a part constituting a main chain skeleton of the polymer, L represents an (n+1) valent connecting group, and n represents an integer of 1 or more. |
| US08151703B2 |
Electrically operated press tool apparatus
A pump receiver housing of a hydraulically operated pressing apparatus designed in a compact and lightweight manner and that connects a drive unit to a piston cylinder unit and to a press unit. A piston pump assembly is connected to a pump flange pressed directly onto a connection cylinder of the piston-cylinder unit. The connection cylinder projects through a pump lead-through in the housing wall into the pump receiver housing, and directly contacts on the pump piston. Thus, the pump receiver housing is designed without conduits, so that an inside of the pump receiver housing is free of or has no high pressure. |
| US08151702B2 |
Device for dehumidifying and compacting solids contained in sewage for disposal
The device for dehumidifying and compacting solids contained in sewage for disposal, is designed to be applicable to machinery (1) comprising: a tubular screen (2) having at least an inlet (4) for a product to be separated, at least an outlet (5) for a separated solid part, and at least a filtering wall (3) through which the separated liquid part exits; a transport organ (7) predisposed internally of the screen (2) for transporting the solid part to be compacted towards the outlet (5). The device comprises a contrast element (9), predisposed at the outlet (5) for interacting contactingly with the product, which in a rest position thereof occupies at least a part of a mouth of the outlet (5) and which, under an effect of a pushing action of the product to be compacted, can elastically deform in order to increase a size of a free mouth of the outlet. |
| US08151701B2 |
Apparatus and process for producing surface-treated granular product and surface-treated granular product
A feedstock granular substance (7) is fed into a cylindrical retention tube (3) provided with a multiplicity of retention parts (8) for retaining a granular substance (7) moving along the inner circumference thereof. In the state of having the feedstock granular substance (7) retained by the retention parts (8) of the retention tube (3), a grinding device (4) having multiple flexible long grinding materials (6) radially extending from the rotational axis extending along the axial center of the retention tube (3) is rotated to thereby realize rotation with the distal ends of the long grinding materials (6) brought into contact with the surface of the granular substance (7) and surface treats the granular substance (7). Thus, production of a surface-treated granular substance is attained. |
| US08151693B2 |
Apparatus for preparing beverages from soluble preparations with improved aroma-preserving device
Apparatus for preparing a beverage using a soluble preparation, comprising a container for a soluble preparation, a mixer provided with a mixing chamber, said chamber having a filling inlet for the soluble preparation, at least one opening for supplying a liquid for solubilizing the preparation and forming the beverage, a duct for evacuating any vapor and/or aerosol which forms during preparation of the beverage, said duct comprising a suction fan, as well as an opening for dispensing the prepared beverage, a centrifuging device housed inside said mixing chamber and rotationally operated by an associated electric motor positioned outside said chamber, means for conveying a predetermined quantity of soluble preparation from the said container to the filling inlet of said mixing chamber, as well as means for conveying the solubilizing liquid from the associated source to the respective opening of the mixing chamber.The apparatus includes means for closing and opening the said duct for evacuating any vapor and/or aerosol which forms during preparation of the beverage. |
| US08151687B2 |
Shrapnel and projectile containment systems and equipment and methods for producing same
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a blast-resistant panel may include a layer of a pre-cured elastomeric material having a predetermined thickness, a body portion, and a plurality of flanges, each of the plurality of flanges having a substantially equal width and depending away from a same side and at approximately equivalent right angles to the body portion. The blast-resistant panel may also include a plurality of fastener elements for securing the pre-cured elastomeric material layer to a surface of a structure through the plurality of flanges of pre-cured elastomeric material layer. |
| US08151685B2 |
Apparatus for defeating high energy projectiles
An armor system for defeating a solid projectile having a first armor plate, an interior armor plate, and an inner armor plate displaced from one another to form a first dispersion space between the first armor plate and the interior armor plate. The first dispersion space is sufficiently thick to allow significant lateral dispersion of armor passing therethrough. The inner armor plate is disposed approximately parallel to the interior armor plate and displaced therefrom to form a second dispersion space between the interior armor plate and the inner armor plate. The second dispersion space is sufficiently thick to allow significant lateral dispersion of materials passing therethrough. |
| US08151684B2 |
Ammunition canister and feed system
An armament system for aircraft includes an ammunition system and a mount system for a machine gun. The ammunition system includes an ammunition canister and feed system, the canister having a pair of brackets releasably coupled to a pair of receivers supported by a vertical mounting surface. |
| US08151676B2 |
Structures for supporting splitters of cutting tools
A support structure for a splitter of a cutting tool includes a lock device and a moving device. The lock device can lock and unlock the splitter at a storage position. The moving device can move the splitter from the storage position to an ejected position, in which a part of the splitter extends above an upper surface of a table of the cutting tool, when the lock device unlocks the splitter at the storage position. |
| US08151674B2 |
Layer cutting apparatus
A layer cutting apparatus includes a tray having an interior defined by a bottom and sidewall. A sleeve is at least partially disposed in the interior of the tray, and a cutting line is attached to the sleeve. The cutting line is configured to be removed from the sleeve by pulling the line away from the tray at one point of the sidewall. |
| US08151672B2 |
Groove cutting assembly
A groove cutting assembly comprising a cutter housing, a cutter assembly with a cutting edge, and the cutter assembly being accommodated by the cutter housing, and a drive mechanism, coupled to the cutter assembly, for indexing the cutter assembly one of radially inward and radially outward relative to the cutter housing upon rotation of the cutter assembly past an indexing member. The drive mechanism comprises a barrel assembly, engaged with the cutter assembly, and a feed member which threadedly engages with the barrel assembly. Rotation of the feed member, in a first rotational direction, indexes the cutter assembly radially outwardly away from the cutter housing, while rotation of the feed member, in an opposite rotational direction, indexes the cutter assembly radially inwardly toward the cutter housing. |
| US08151671B2 |
Tool adaptor
The tool adaptor of the present invention includes a first work piece, a second work piece and a block element. The work pieces are pivoted with each other. The block element is sleeved on the first work piece and slidable between a first position and a second position. As the block element locates at the second position, it engages with the first and second work pieces simultaneously to restrict the sway of the first work piece about the second work piece. The tool adaptor is therefore switchable between a swayable mode and a fixation mode by moving the block element between such positions. |
| US08151669B2 |
Method of and device for producing band saw blades
A method and device for producing band saw blades, particularly for the timber-processing industry. A blank band saw blade is produced from a metal band, such as a metal band that can be stored on a roll. Several metal bands are combined into a flush metal band packet which can be introduced into a saw band grinding machine. The metal bands are pressed onto a planar guide. The metal band packet is clamped and a grinding machine operates to produce a desired saw tooth profile. A pawl is introduced into a tooth profile which is ground into the metal band packet. The clamped metal band packet is then loosened and advanced with a predetermined tooth spacing. |
| US08151667B2 |
Steering column assembly
A steering column assembly comprises a steering column shroud which supports a steering shaft for a steering wheel, a support bracket which is fixed in position relative to a part of vehicle, and a clamp mechanism which is movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the shroud in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of the shroud relative to the support bracket. The support bracket comprises a generally U-shaped member with two depending arms of the U extending from its base having a portion of the column shroud located therebetween. A clamp mechanism is also provided which upon locking of the clamp mechanism provides tension between the two arms of the U shaped member together thereby clamping the steering column shroud in position. One arm of the U-shaped member comprises an outer leaf extending from the base to a free end of the arm and an inner leaf connected to the free end of the arm and extending upwards from the free end towards the base, the inner leaf being located between outer leaf and the other arm of the U-shaped member, the clamp mechanism acting to apply tension between the inner leaf and the other arm such tension acting to pull the inner leaf away from the outer leaf. |
| US08151666B1 |
Twist throttle with integral hydraulic master cylinder
The present invention is a handle grip comprising a twist throttle with an integrated hydraulic master cylinder directed to vehicle throttle and brake or clutch controls and suitable for mounting and use on motorcycle handle bar wherein the operator selectively twists the handle grip in one direction to retract a throttle cable and in the opposite direction to release the throttle cable and activate a hydraulic master cylinder capable of providing hydraulic fluid to a hydraulically activated mechanism on the vehicle. A helical cam surface within the twist grip mechanism guides centrally positioned throttle and hydraulic cam followers within an inner stem cylinder bore forcing the followers longitudinally within the bore to activate the hydraulics or throttle. The pitch of the helical cam surface defines the distance of grip rotation and the twisting torque required to move the followers predetermined distances within the stem bore to provide sufficient activation force. |
| US08151665B2 |
Shift device for a speed change transmission in motor vehicles
A shift device for a speed change transmission in motor vehicles having at least one selector rod which is movably supported in the gear housing in cross walls, by means of which rod the transmission steps in the gear housing can be shifted. The selector rod on one end penetrates a cross wall of the transmission, which wall separates the oil compartment, and by means of a plastic sleeve, which is sprayed onto the selector rod, is guided and sealed in the corresponding through hole of the cross wall of the transmission. |
| US08151664B2 |
Transmission unit provided with a control device for a motor vehicle
A transmission unit for a motor vehicle is provided with a fixed supporting structure, a driving transmission shaft and at least one driven transmission shaft that are parallel to one another, and a control device, which has a control member that is movable with respect to the supporting structure; the control member is able to translate along a control axis between a plurality of operating positions, each associated to a corresponding range of gears, and to turn, in each operating position, about the control axis between an idle angular position and at least one engagement angular position, in which it controls engagement of a gear forming part of the range selected; the control member is set at least in part in front of an axial end of the transmission shafts. |
| US08151663B2 |
Gear arrangement
A gear arrangement is provided with a built-up for a shaft or pinion to rotate in unison therewith. The gear includes a gear rim and two flanges arranged axially on both sides and fixed them against the gear rim in a positive-locking connection. A hub, over which the respective other parts of the gear are pushed, is formed on at least one of the parts of the gear. The parts of the gear are held together without the use of rivets or screws by a clamped connection including a clamping ring, which is caused to mesh with a groove extending circumferentially on the circumference of the hub or shaft. The clamped connection presses the respective flange outer surface in a spring-mounted manner. Mutually corresponding elevations and depressions on the axial outer surfaces of the gear rim as well as on the axially inner surfaces of the flanges mesh with one another. |
| US08151662B2 |
Electric dual input clutch transmission
A dual transmission includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a first input clutch adapted to drivingly couple a power source to the first input shaft and a second input clutch adapted to drivingly couple the power source to the second input shaft. First, third and fifth drive gears are driven by the first input shaft. Second, fourth and sixth drive gears are driven by the second input shaft. First, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth driven gears selectively drive a countershaft. The first through sixth drive gears are in meshed engagement with the corresponding first through sixth driven gears. First through sixth synchronizer clutches are individually associated with the respective first through sixth drive or driven gears to provide first through sixth gear drive ratios to the countershaft. Each synchronizer clutch is selectively actuated by an associated first through sixth electric actuator. |
| US08151657B2 |
Input device of inspection system for flat panel display
An input device that inputs a failure signal of a flat panel display in which a failure is found in a process of inspecting flat panel displays of a mother substrate state is provided. The input device includes an input unit that is positioned in the front of a mother substrate and spaced apart from the mother substrate and that has a plurality of labels in which a kind of a failure is written and at least one selection button to generate a failure selection signal, a guide unit that includes a first guide rail that guides horizontal movement of the input unit and a second guide rail that guides vertical movement of the input unit, a position detector that detects a position of the input unit to generate a position signal, and a controller that receives a failure selection signal from the input unit and receives a position signal from the position detector to map failure information of the mother substrate. |
| US08151653B2 |
Coriolis flowmeter
A Coriolis flowmeter 10 vibrates a measurement tube through which a fluid subject to measurement flows, detects vibrations including Coriolis force developed in the fluid from the vibrations, and measures a mass flow rate of the fluid from a detection signal. The Coriolis flowmeter is characterized by including fluctuation calculation section 50 that calculates fluctuations from a detection signal SA; status value calculation section 60 that calculates a status value showing a state of air bubbles in the fluid from the fluctuations calculated by the fluctuation calculation section 50, and determination section 70 that determines a state of air bubbles from the status value calculated by the status value calculation section 60. |
| US08151650B2 |
Tuning of materials testing machine
In a method of operating a material testing machine for testing a specimen, the machine has an electrically controllable actuator arranged to apply a force to the specimen. The method includes inputting a single adjustable parameter value, calculating all necessary feedback control gains therefrom, and subsequently conducting a test of the specimen. |
| US08151649B2 |
Physical quantity sensor device and method of manufacturing the same
A physical quantity sensor device (10) having a structure in which a stress-sensitive body (1) of which the electric characteristics vary depending upon the application of stress and an insulator (2) having electric insulation are formed being closely adhered together, wherein the stress-sensitive body (1) comprises a thin glass film containing an electrically conductive element that is solidly dissolved therein as atoms, a method of manufacturing the physical quantity sensor device, a piezo-resistive film comprising a thin glass film containing ruthenium that is solidly dissolved therein as atoms, and a method of manufacturing the piezo-resistive film. |
| US08151641B2 |
Mode-matching apparatus and method for micromachined inertial sensors
A mode matching servo for an inertial sensor having a resonator and an accelerometer provides a test signal at a frequency higher than a predetermined inertial sensor response frequency and lower than an accelerometer resonance mode frequency so as to induce acceleration signals from the accelerometer substantially at the test signal frequency when the modes are not matched. A feedback signal is provided in response to such induced signals to substantially nullify the signals. |
| US08151639B2 |
Quick test tool and method of aircraft airspeed indicator
Provided is a test tool for an airspeed indicator of an aircraft, including: a cylinder portion including an insertion groove with a predetermined amount of space, and of which one end is sealed by a cover and includes an injection portion on the cover so that the insertion groove passes through a pitot tube, and of which another open end includes a protruded step around its inner circumferential surface; a piston portion being inserted into the insertion groove to reciprocally move within the insertion groove, and including a protrusion portion having a size and a shape corresponding to an aperture of the insertion groove, and a bar-shaped knob portion being extended from the protrusion portion; and a display portion being formed of a transparent material on an outer surface of the cylinder portion to display a location of the protrusion portion reciprocally moving within the cylinder portion. |
| US08151638B2 |
Spring force component tester
A spring force component tester for determining a load distribution on each end of a spring of generally cylindrical shape using three, mutually-parallel load cells. One tester includes a lower plate and an upper plate movable with respect to the lower plate. Each plate includes a plurality of recesses and a load cell positioned in each recess. Each plurality of recesses is positioned such that a center of each recess is a point on a circle coaxial to the plate. The tester also includes a data logger that obtains and stores load cell outputs from the load cells and spring tester electronics that obtain height measurements of the upper plate and send a trigger signal to a computer. The computer executes application software when the computer receives the trigger signal that reads the load cell outputs stored in the data logger, and calculates a spring force acting along the spring axis between approximately 0.5 Newton and 100 Newton. |
| US08151636B2 |
Device for measuring the axial position of a piston rod relative to a cylinder housing
Device for measuring the axial position of a piston rod (18) relative to the cylinder housing (10) of a cylinder-piston unit that is actuated by fluid pressure, with structures having elevations or indentations formed in the jacket surface of the piston (18), which elevations or indentations form an axially extending material measure; and with a sensor device (28), which is positioned on the cylinder housing and which scans the structure with sensors that are positioned in the axial direction for the purpose of contact-free positional sensing; and with an abrasion-proof cover by means of which the structure is guided within the cylinder housing (10), where the structures are annular structures (22, 24) that concentrically surround the piston rod (18), and where the cover is a tube (26) that is coaxially slid onto the piston rod (18), and where the annular structures (22, 24) form an absolutely coded material measure. |
| US08151632B2 |
Method for defining element content and/or mineral content
The invention relates to a method for defining particle and/or mineral content in real time in a mineral separation process from finely divided particle material flowing either in solid or slurry-like form, so that from the particle material, there is extracted a representative sample, which sample is then subjected to grain size analysis, on the basis of which there is calculated the element and/or mineral content of the particle material. |
| US08151626B2 |
System and method for sensing high temperature particulate matter
Sensor apparatus includes a housing, a probe mounted to the housing, the probe including an elongate first part and a helical coil second part conductively coupled to each in series with first and second terminals at opposite ends thereof, the probe to be inserted into an exhaust stream in an exhaust corridor; and a circuit coupled to the first and second terminals of the sensor probe, to selectively operate the probe as a temperature sensor in a first mode and as a PM sensor in a second mode. |
| US08151624B2 |
Method for measuring surface smoothness of hair
A method for measuring the surface smoothness of hair comprising the steps of: a) providing a means for measuring hair surface smoothness; b) using said means for measuring hair a surface smoothness to obtain a measured surface smoothness value for said hair; and c) correlating said surface smoothness value to a surface smoothness descriptors. |
| US08151619B2 |
Guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies
A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face, a connector portion and a central aperture. A guide pin has a cylindrical center portion closely received in the central aperture of the base for reciprocation, an enlarged first end with an alignment member, and an outwardly opening circumferential groove. A retainer ring is removably mounted in and protrudes radially outwardly of the groove to securely, yet detachably, retain the base on the guide pin between the enlarged head and the retainer ring in an assembled condition to facilitate transport and mounting of the guided keeper assembly. |
| US08151617B2 |
Turbulizers and method for forming same
Disclosed is a method of forming a heat exchanger turbulizer apparatus including a member having a longitudinal axis, a lateral width and a plurality of strips including first strips and second strips, each strip extending widthwise and being corrugated longitudinally so as to form a plurality of laterally spaced-apart sections connected to one another by bridges projecting from the sections in a common direction, the bridges of the first and second strips extending in the same direction and the corrugations of the second strips being offset laterally from the corrugations of the first strips. The method comprises: crimping longitudinally-corrugated strip material between first and second forming dies to form said apparatus, said dies being adapted such that substantially all lateral movement of strip material in crimping results from strip material being drawn laterally by material that has been displaced in a direction parallel to the direction of die movement. |
| US08151611B2 |
Key-removable lock core
A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core. |
| US08151610B2 |
Door latch device for a motor vehicle
An operation mechanism section has a key lever that follows operation of a key cylinder, a lock lever that can move to an unlock position where operation of an operation handle is enabled and to a lock position where it is disabled, linkage levers that, when the lock lever is at the unlock or lock position, follows operation of the operation handle to make a door openable or not openable, and a motor that can move the lock lever to the unlock or lock position. The lock lever is formed by integrating together a gear section, a key operation input section, and an operation transmission section. The gear section is supported so as to be pivotable about a pivot shaft to the unlock and lock positions and directly meshing with a worm gear installed on the rotating shaft of the motor. The key operation input section is directly connected to the key lever. The operation transmission section is directly connected to the linkage lever. |
| US08151608B2 |
Electronic lock box with mechanism immobilizer features
An electronic lock box contains a mechanical structure that allows the lock box to work in several different mechanical states. A first state is a key compartment door unlocking state, while a second state is a shackle release state. A third state is a “soft lock” state, which allows the key compartment door to be closed, or the shackle to be re-installed, and once this has occurred, the door will not fall open, and the shackle will not fall out. A fourth state is a “hard lock” state in which the key compartment door and the shackle are not easily disturbed by vibration or intentional impact by a would-be thief, who is attempting to unlawfully open the door or remove the shackle. |
| US08151607B2 |
Method and apparatus for quarantining palletised goods and preventing pallet movement
A pallet arrestor and method for preventing the movement of a pallet, having one or more pallet tunnels for receiving the tines of a forklift is disclosed. The pallet arrestor includes a molded plastic plug which has a first portion which is configured to slot into a pallet tunnel and a front portion whose height prevents its entry into the tunnel. The pallet arrestor prevents ingress of a forklift tine into that pallet tunnel, and hence inhibits movement of the pallet, without having to move the pallet to a caged area, or the like. The plug may include a rotatable latch which in one (retracted) position allows the pallet arrestor to be inserted and removed from the pallet tunnel and which in a second (locked) position prevents or inhibits the removal of the pallet arrestor from the pallet tunnel. |
| US08151603B2 |
Door for washing machine
A door for a washing machine is disclosed. A door for a washing machine includes an inner frame having an opening with a predetermined size, an outer frame provided at a front surface of the inner frame, having an opening in communication with the opening of the inner frame, a glass member fitted between the inner and outer frames, covering the openings of the inner and outer frames, a decorative member provided at a front surface of the outer frame, having an opening in communication with the openings, and a front cover fitted between the decorative member and the outer frame, covering the openings of the inner and outer frames and the decorative member, the front cover having a positioning portion determining a position of the front cover coupled to the outer frame. |
| US08151602B2 |
Top-loading clothes washing machine with lid enterlock means
Top-loading clothes washing machine, including a wash tub, inside which there is arranged a cylindrical drum adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis thereof. The drum is provided with an access or loading port situated on a portion of the cylindrical side surface thereof, and at least a flap for closing/opening the drum access port. There is also provided a top lid adapted to close the aperture into the wash tub from above, and hinged with an edge portion thereof on the upper rear edge portion of the outer casing of the machine. The machine is provided with interference means applied on to a portion of the machine comprised between the drum and the top lid, and adapted to be rotated upwards when the drum flap is opened, thereby interfering with the top lid. As a result, the interference means will act to make it impossible for the top lid to be closed if the drum flap is not duly closed. |
| US08151601B2 |
Method for manufacturing an optical fibre
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber, wherein a preform is placed in a draw tower, which draw tower comprises a furnace in which one end of a preform is heated, after which an optical fiber is drawn from the heated end, wherein the heating and/or cooling of the draw furnace takes place with a maximum temperature gradient of 15° C./minute. |
| US08151600B2 |
Self-inflated micro-glass blowing
A method for glass-blowing on a microscopic level includes the steps of defining a plurality of microholes in a wafer, disposing a sheet of thermally formable material onto the wafer covering the microholes, heating the sheet of thermally formable material until a predetermined degree of plasticity is achieved, applying self-induced fluidic pressure by expansion of the heated trapped gas in the microholes to the sheet of thermally formable material, while the sheet is still plastic, and simultaneously forming a plurality of blown micro-objects in the sheet on the wafer by means of continued application of pressure for a predetermined time. |
| US08151599B2 |
Transport container for maintaining the temperature of frozen goods
The invention relates to a transport container (1) comprising a superinsulation in the form of an evacuated insulating container (2) comprising a vacuum maintaining material (55). The transport container is provided with a cooling container (16) comprising a heat-conducting metal wool filling (57) and an organic coolant which undergoes a solid/liquid phase change in the temperature range of between −30° C. and −850° C. and has a heat of fusion of at least 50 J/ml. A slim cylindrical sample chamber (24) is used to receive deep-frozen tissue samples (26), said chamber being surrounded by the cooling container (16) and merging into a long neck opening (25) forming a single component therewith, said opening being largely filled by the insulating shaft (30) of a screwable plug (28) and sealed from the sample chamber (24). The air in the ring gap (32) created can be evacuated by means of an evacuating system (48). The plug (28) is provided with a stopper (38) protruding into the sample chamber (24) and a data logger (41) for recording the temperature in the sample chamber (24). Following the freezing of the coolant, the transport container (1) enables distribution times and intermediate storage of up to 14 days without any risk of damage to the tissue samples (26) received therein. |
| US08151596B2 |
Sensor system for a refrigerator dispenser
A refrigerator includes a dispenser, a dispenser well, a control for regulating a dispensing operation, and a sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. The sensor system includes at least one capacitive-type sensor mounted in the dispenser well. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a container in the dispenser well, an upper edge portion of the container and a level of liquid filling the container during the dispensing operation. The sensor signals the control to automatically cease the dispensing operation before the level of liquid reaches the upper edge portion of the container. The control is configured to differentiate between animate and inanimate objects, while preventing any release of water or ice when an animate object is detected. |
| US08151595B2 |
Refrigerator with a dispenser in a home bar
A refrigerator is provided with a home-bar and a dispenser. The refrigerator includes a body in which storage compartments are formed, a body door selectively opening/closing the storage compartments, a home-bar door provided in the body door, and a dispenser located directly in the home-bar door. |
| US08151594B2 |
Refrigerator, ice bank and joint of the ice bank
Provided is an ice bank joint. The ice bank joint swiftly delivers rotational force from a motor to a transferring shaft installed inside an ice bank performing a function of transferring ice received inside the ice bank. The ice bank joint includes a plate portion and a reinforcing member. The plate portion has a driving part bent on at least one position, and the reinforcing member has a support part protruding from a position corresponding to the driving part to contact the driving part, thereby reinforcing the plate portion. |
| US08151593B2 |
Embedding method and apparatus for the preparation of frozen section tissue
Various embodiments for an apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a sample container for receiving an excised tissue sample and embedding material. The sample container includes a flat base along which the tissue sample is flattened. The apparatus further includes a freezing box with a freezing platform and a freezing agent. The sample container is placed on the freezing platform to begin the freezing process. A chuck with a generally planar surface can be placed on the sample container during the freezing process joining the chuck, tissue specimen, and sample container base in generally parallel planes. In some cases, the sample container can be made from a suitable material, such as plastic, that is at least semi-transparent to allow visual confirmation of tissue flatness and freezing. |
| US08151588B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products
An apparatus for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products is provided, comprising a chill cabinet inside which is situated an insulated container equipped with passive cooling means, and which contains one or more frozen edible products. A method for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products from the apparatus is also provided. |
| US08151586B2 |
Hot water supply and air conditioning system using CO2 heat pump
To realize a CO2 heat pump system in which reduction in coefficient of performance of heat pump cycle is prevented by maintaining the temperature of the water supplied to the gas cooler of the CO2 heat pump below a certain temperature and raising heat source side temperature in the evaporator, and which has functions to supply a heat source not only to hot water supplying equipment but also to supply a heat source or coolness source to air conditioning equipment or others, the system comprises a low temperature water tank 6, a high temperature water tank 9 for storing high temperature water heated in a gas cooler 3, piping 10, 12 for supplying the high temperature water to hot water supplying equipment and room heating equipment respectively, a first heat exchanger 21 in which brine (water) for supplying latent heat of vaporization of CO2 refrigerant to the refrigerant in the evaporator 5 exchanges heat with heat giving fluid (fluid from which heat is withdrawn), a second heat exchanger located upstream of the first heat exchanger to cool the high temperature water after it is used as a heat source for the room heating equipment (therefore the temperature is already not so high) by heat exchange with the heat receiving fluid, piping for introducing the water cooled in the second heat exchanger to the low temperature water tank 6, and a low temperature water supply means 7. |
| US08151583B2 |
Expansion valve control system and method for air conditioning apparatus
A vapor compression air conditioning system includes a motor operated expansion valve and control unit including sensors for determining the amount of superheat of the working fluid at or adjacent to the compressor inlet. Expansion valve position is adjusted to maintain a predetermined amount of superheat. The sensors may sense working fluid evaporator temperature and temperature downstream of the evaporator. Dual motor operated expansion valves may be disposed in the working fluid conduit between the heat exchangers in a reversible system. In operation, the expansion valve position may be set as a function of ambient temperature, a previous position, and predetermined superheat requirements to minimize liquid ingestion by the compressor. |
| US08151578B1 |
Multi-mode cooling system with pre-dehumidification
A system for cooling computer systems in a room of a data center includes a dehumidification system and an air channeling sub-system. The air channeling sub-system includes a mechanical cooling section that removes heat from the cooling air and an evaporative cooling section downstream from the mechanical cooling section. The dehumidification system may be upstream from the mechanical cooling section and the evaporative cooling section. A controller for the cooling system selectively operates the mechanical cooling section and the evaporative cooling section in an adiabatic mode if a first set of control conditions is met and in a hybrid mode if a second set of control conditions is met. |
| US08151573B2 |
Turbomachine flameout confirmation
Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting a flameout of an operating turbomachine that is configured to receive a controlled flow of bleed air from a bleed air source and a controlled flow of fuel from a fuel source. A value of an operational parameter within the turbomachine is detected and a determination is made as to whether it has varied by a predetermined amount. If the operational parameter has varied by the predetermined amount, a flameout confirmation test is triggered. The flameout confirmation test includes holding the controlled flow of bleed air constant, commanding an increase in turbomachine speed, and confirming that a flameout has occurred by detecting that the controlled fuel flow to the turbomachine is at a maximum fuel flow limit and that actual turbomachine speed differs from the commanded turbomachine speed by a predetermined speed error. |
| US08151571B2 |
Systems and methods for closed loop emissions control
Systems and methods for controlling combustion emission parameters associated with a gas turbine combustor. The method can include providing an optical path through a gas turbine exhaust duct, propagating light along the optical path, measuring exhaust species absorption of the light within the gas turbine exhaust duct, and controlling at least one of the combustion parameters based at least in part on the measured exhaust species absorption. |
| US08151561B2 |
Multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, wherein exhaust gas outlets of a first portion of the cylinders of the engine communicate with a first exhaust gas manifold section, and the exhaust gas outlets of the remaining cylinders communicate with a second exhaust gas manifold section. An oxidation catalytic converter is disposed in the first exhaust gas manifold section for converting nitric oxide into nitrogen dioxide. A hydrolysis catalytic converter is disposed in the second exhaust gas manifold section, wherein downstream of the catalytic converters the first and second exhaust gas manifold sections discharge into a common main exhaust gas manifold, in which is disposed a further catalytic converter. Upstream of the hydrolysis catalytic converter, a reduction agent can be introduced into the second exhaust gas manifold section; ammonia is adapted to be produced from the reduction agent via the hydrolysis catalytic converter. |
| US08151555B2 |
Power source system of internal combustion engine
Provided is a technology enabling a temperature of an exhaust gas purifying device to rise more surely by operating an electric heater for a catalyst attached with the electric heater more steadily without exerting an excessive load on a battery. Included are the battery and the electric heater operating upon being supplied with electric power from the battery and heating an occlusion-reduction type NOx catalyst, wherein it is predicted, from a point that a SOx occluded quantity into the occlusion-reduction type NOx catalyst is equal to or larger than S1, that a SOx poisoning recovery process will be executed in near future (S102), and a charging level of the battery is increased (S106) by raising a voltage of power generation of an alternator (S103). |
| US08151553B1 |
Operating internal-combustion engine without discharging gas into environment
An internal-combustion engine receives no air from outside atmosphere and it discharges no gas into outside atmosphere. The engine receives fuel, oxygen and recycled combustion gas and its exhaust consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Most of the gas exhausted from the engine is recycled back into the engine intake, and the remaining gas is cooled and condensed into liquid carbon dioxide and water. Discharge of greenhouse gas into environment and emission of other harmful air pollutants are eliminated. |
| US08151550B2 |
Control method for actuating a thrust reverser
The invention relates to a control method for opening or closing a turbojet engine thrust reverser (1) by using at least one mobile cowl (2) displaceable by means of at least one electric motor (7) consisting in analyzing at least one parameter representative for a pressure in the turbojet engine jet and in carrying out an operating sequence in which the operating parameters of the electric motor (7) are adjusted to a situation. |
| US08151547B2 |
Blade assembly removal from a header of a plant cutting machine
A cutting assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine includes a blade assembly fastened to a head assembly, which is configured to be drivingly connected to a motor. The cutting assembly is suitable for mounting proximate to the center of the header, in an end-to-end relation with another cutting assembly. Removal of the blade assembly from the head assembly can be efficiently effected by releasing or removing a small number of fasteners, thus allowing an operator to readily remove or replace the blade assembly as needed. |
| US08151545B1 |
Horse boot with cupped sole
A horse boot has a sole that includes a dome portion designed to conform to the frog and sole of a horse's hoof when no pressure is exerted on it. The dome provides a support surface for the frog and hoof sole when the boot is off the ground and it resiliently deforms downward, thereby allowing the frog and hoof sole to deform naturally, when the boot presses against the ground. As a result, the hoof's frog and sole are always supported in resilient manner while allowed to move as needed for their natural function. The pressure exerted by the ground against the edges of the sole of the boot and the simultaneous counter-pressure exerted by the hoof cause the dome in the boot's sole to flatten, thereby slightly increasing its size to accommodate the natural deformation of the hoof. |
| US08151542B2 |
Box spacer with sidewalls
In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a window assembly and a window spacer. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the window assembly includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a spacer arranged between the first sheet and the second sheet. The spacer includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and continuous sidewalls or a plurality of sidewalls. In some embodiments the sidewalls include a first portion having a first fastening mechanism and a second portion have a second fastening mechanism. The first fastening mechanism is arranged and configured to securely engage with the second fastening mechanism to connect the first portion with the second portion. |
| US08151541B2 |
Anchoring in a construction model
A method suitable for anchoring an anchoring element in an object, which anchoring element is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral anchoring element surface and the compression axis. The anchoring element has a coupling-in face which serves for coupling the mechanical vibrations into the anchoring element, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The anchoring element further includes a thermoplastic material which in areas of the peripheral surface enlargement forms at least a part of the surface of the anchoring element, the method includes the steps of: providing a bore in the object; positioning the anchoring element in the bore; and coupling the compressing force and the mechanical vibrations through the coupling-in face into the positioned anchoring element. |
| US08151534B1 |
Elevated retainer for roofing tiles
An elevated retainer is disclosed for retaining roofing tile that include tile lugs against a roofing surface. The elevated retainer includes a retainer head, the retainer head having a base and a top. Extending from the retainer head is a reinforcing strip with as nail slot. The reinforcing strip being adapted for extending in generally parallel to the roofing surface when the base of the retainer head is placed against the roofing surface. The device also includes lug retainer that engages lugs of the roofing tile while the tile lies between the reinforcing strip and the lug retainer. |
| US08151531B2 |
Thermal barrier
A thermal barrier includes a thermal insulating block, a layer of ultra-high performance fibered concrete integrated with the block, reinforcements embedded in the layer of ultra-high performance fibered concrete, the reinforcements protruding from the ultra-high performance fibered concrete on either side of the block. Embodiments of the invention further provides a building that includes the barrier, a process of manufacturing the barrier and a manufacturing process of the building. |
| US08151526B2 |
Head-of-wall fireblock systems and related wall assemblies
A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079. |
| US08151523B2 |
Electrically conductive swimming pool panel
A swimming pool includes a plurality of non-metal panels arranged in an end-to-end manner around a periphery of the swimming pool. Each panel includes a non-metal base material, an electrically conductive ground plane, and at least one bonding feature. The bonding features of the plurality of panels are electrically coupled together and bonded to ground. |
| US08151520B2 |
Vehicle sash door and protector and center channel for the same
A center-channel protector for a vehicle sash door is arranged between a main sash and a center channel. A body of the protector has an H-shaped upper-end surface which is compatible to cover the upper end of the center channel. The body integrally includes a pair of branch covering portions corresponding to a pair of branch portions constituting the center channel and a middle covering portion disposed between the branch covering portions so as to connect the both branch covering portions therewith. An engaging portion is provided with the body and is mechanically engaged, in a direction intersecting a vertical direction, with an engaged portion which is provided with a center channel side. In collaboration with the engaged portion, the engaging portion constitutes a fastening mechanism by which the protector is fastened on the center channel. |
| US08151519B2 |
Power sliding window assembly with caps
A power sliding back window assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly can include a window casing with a first window pane and a second window pane fixedly attached thereto. Also included can be a generally U-shaped guide rail that has a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. A third window pane having a portion or edge fixedly attached to a glass carrier can also be included. A first cap can be attached to and located at least partially within the first end of the generally U-shaped guide rail and a second cap can be attached to and located at least partially within the second end of the generally U-shaped guide rail. |
| US08151518B2 |
Vertically integrated greenhouse
A vertically-integrated greenhouse for growing plants in suspended trays. The design is particularly well-suited for installation in a double-skin façade of a building, or in an interior atrium, lobby, or similar structure. In addition to producing food, plants can reduce building maintenance costs by providing shade, air treatment, and evaporative cooling to building occupants. The vertically-integrated greenhouse involves the use of a dynamic movable array of plant trays as a mechanical shading device. The spacings and arrangements of the trays in the tray suspension system can be adjusted on both a diurnal basis and a seasonal basis to maximize plant light capture and building shading, thereby maximizing crop yield and building energy savings, or for esthetic considerations. |
| US08151510B2 |
Partial optical sighting device
Apparatus, assemblies, and methods for sighting objects disclosed. A sighting device includes a segmented optic and a reticle. The reticle is optically aligned with the segmented object and is magnified by the segmented optic. A body structure supports the segmented optic and the reticle to define an open sight construction. In another aspect, a sighting device includes a segmented object and reticle, where the reticle includes multiple distance indicia and a contrast component. A support structure supports the reticle and the segmented object for magnification of the distance indicia by the segmented optic. A segmented optic in a sighting device is cut above center or otherwise such that a partial optic is defined having a portion above and below center. In another aspect, a sight adjustment mechanism includes a threaded connector that adjusts the sight position based on a difference between coarseness of threads engaged with the threaded connector. |
| US08151508B1 |
Rifle scope alignment device
A rifle scope alignment device includes a telescopic sight and a mount to position and align a crosshair reticule in a repeatable manner. The device includes a mounting rail, a pair of clamping brackets, and a scope. The mounting rail is coupled to a barrel of a firearm, preferably a rifle, and provides attachment of the clamping brackets. At least one lower clamping bracket has a spring-loaded ball bearing designed to engage a corresponding slot machined into an exterior of the scope. This interaction establishes an accurate and repeatable alignment of the scope and an internal crosshair reticule. |
| US08151506B2 |
Muzzle loader unloading tool
The unloading tool of the present invention includes a tube having a breech end and a distal end. The unloading tool may have threads at the breech end of the tube for releasably engaging a breech of a firearm so as to facilitate the removal and reloading of powder with respect to the breech. The present invention further encompasses a method for unloading powder from the breech of firearm including the steps of securing a breech end of a tubular unloading tool to a breech of the firearm and tilting the firearm to remove powder from the breech and into the unloading tool. |
| US08151504B1 |
Ergonomic firearm grip
An ergonomic firearm grip includes a grip body having a front strap, a rear strap, a lower palm grip portion, and an upper firearm interface portion with parallel sides, a front interface end and a rear interface end, a rear strap extension connected to the rear strap adjacent the upper firearm interface portion where the rear strap extension has a rear curved surface portion that extends horizontally away from the rear strap at the junction of the rear strap extension and the rear strap and forming the rear interface end, and a front strap extension connected to the front strap where the front strap extension has a front curved surface portion that extends horizontally away from the front strap at the junction of the front strap extension and the front strap. |
| US08151501B2 |
Flexible display supported by hinged frame
A wrap display system (50) employs a stick (70), a flexible display (60) structurally configured to be wrapped around the stick (70), and a hinged frame structurally configured to support the flexible display (60). The flexible display (60) is wrapped around the stick (70) for facilitating a storage of the flexible display (60) and unwrapped from around the stick (70) for facilitating an operation of the flexible display. The hinged frame has a curvilinear configuration for fixing the flexible display (60) in a storage position relative to the stick (70) in response to the flexible display (60) being wrapped around the stick (70), and a planar configuration for fixing the flexible display (60) in an operational position relative to the stick (70) in response to the flexible display (60) being unwrapped from around the stick (70). |
| US08151500B2 |
Photo frame with message board function
The photo frame contains a frame body, first and second transparent plates, first and second light generating units. The frame body contains a number of side walls and a back cover. The first transparent plate is jointed to the frame body and attached to the back cover with a photo in between. The second transparent plate is arranged to the frame body's front side, parallel to the first transparent plate and forming a gap therebetween. A first light generating unit contains at least a first light generating element configured along a side wall, projecting illuminating light into the gap to create a stereographic impression. The second light generating unit contains at least a second light generating element arranged an edge of the second transparent plate to project blue light into the second transparent plate to manifest fluorescent traces written by a highlighter. |
| US08151497B2 |
Identification device for electrical conductors
An identification device adapted for attachment to an insulated electrical conductor includes a pair of generally-rectangular marking plates having planar first longitudinal horizontal surfaces. A plurality of laterally-spaced resilient tension members connect together corresponding side portions of the marking plates, thereby to bias the marking plates toward a normally closed condition in which the marking plate first surfaces are in contiguous engagement. The marking plates are separable against the biasing force of the tension members toward an open condition for receiving longitudinally between the plates and the tension members the free end of a conductor. Upon release, the marking plates are displaced toward a clamping condition in parallel spaced longitudinally-arranged contiguous engagement with diametrically opposed circumferential surfaces of the conductor. The marking plates are pivoted to the open condition about a pivot axis defined by chamfered end surfaces of the plates. |
| US08151495B2 |
Supplemental clothes treating apparatus
A supplemental clothes treating apparatus is disclosed. A supplemental clothes treating apparatus includes a housing which defines an exterior appearance thereof, the housing having an accommodation space where clothes are accommodated; a tensile force supply unit which applies a tensile force to the clothes accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing; and a hot air supply device which supplies hot air to the clothes. |
| US08151494B2 |
Coupler
A coupler assembly to interpose between the arm of the vehicle and a parallel pinned implement having two docks, one on each of the two members able to be caused to slide relative to each other, each dock engagable outwardly to its pin with at least one pin being captive in its dock by a pivoted retention member. |
| US08151482B2 |
Two-stage static dryer for converting organic waste to solid fuel
An energy-efficient method and apparatus for drying pelletized, moist organic material is described. The method consists of a rapid, high temperature static drying process in a shallow bed, followed by traditional vertical static drying in a deep bed. Hot exhaust gas from the shallow-bed, hot-temperature static dryer is then recirculated to provide thermal energy to the deep-bed, warn-temperature static dryer. This invention can be used to convert wet, organic waste materials such as animal and poultry waste, municipal wastewater sludge, urban post-consumer food waste, or manufactured food byproducts and residuals into solid fuel. |
| US08151480B2 |
Contour measuring device for measuring aspects of objects
A contour measuring device includes a guide rail, a slidable assembly, and a measuring probe. The slidable assembly is slidably engaged with the guide rail. The slidable assembly includes a weight adjusting unit connected to the slidable assembly. At least part of the weight adjusting unit is detachable from the slidable assembly. The measuring probe is fixed on the slidable assembly. A weight of the slidable assembly provides a measuring force and a weight of the weight adjusting unit is adjustable to adjust a value of the measuring force. |
| US08151479B1 |
Tools for measuring the lug pattern diameter of an automotive wheel
Tools for measuring a lug pattern diameter of an automobile wheel are disclosed. The tools consist of substantially planar devices, each of which includes three sections, a first side that faces a center portion of the wheel, and a second side that faces an exterior portion of the wheel. Each tool further includes two obtuse angles located on the first side of the tool, and a first aperture or mark located in a first section and at least one aperture or mark located in a second section. Each tool further includes a third section located and integrally formed between the first and second section. |
| US08151473B2 |
Archery bow sight
An optical bow sight which can be accessorized with an adjustable range sighting pin or torque and cant compensation or both of these features, but is fully functional without either accessory. The optical sight has a shrouded array of fiber optics sight pins which are removable from the sight housing with their support as a single unit. The sight pins are clad in a metallic glass because of the corrosion resistance of such materials. Light collected over a wide field falls on segments of the sight pin fibers coiled in the housing of the optical unit or falls on a trap which redirects the light onto the fiber segments. A lens may optionally be employed to promote the collection of ambient light, and a shutter or variable size aperture may be provided to control the light reaching the sight pin fibers. An elastomeric damper can be advantageously mounted on the sight to minimize accuracy effecting shock and/or vibration, and a level bubble may be provided to aid in avoiding cant of the bow to which the sight is mounted. |
| US08151460B2 |
Heat exchanger deep bundle air extractor and method for modifying
Disclosed is a method for effective venting of a condenser of the type having an air removal section, wherein improved is reducing dissolved oxygen or other gases content in the condensate, reducing condensate and feed water side corrosion, reducing excess condenser pressure in the condenser, and/or improving the condenser heat transfer coefficient by eliminating or reducing zones that promote subcooling selected from an air bound or a stagnant zone. The method includes replacing one or more of water filled tubes within the air bound zone or the stagnant zone with one or more vent tubes in connection with a source for venting air or other gas from the air bound zone or the stagnant zone or recognizing the ineffectiveness of an ARS in the air bound zone and providing one or more vent tubes in connection with a source for venting said air bound zone or the stagnant zone. |
| US08151455B2 |
Printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board is provided. The method includes preliminarily forming a plurality of test pattern layers for detecting the depth of an inner layer in a multilayer printed circuit board such that at least a part of a lower test pattern layer is not overlaid with any upper test pattern layer when viewed from a drill entrance side, and preliminarily forming a surface conductor layer; applying a voltage between the surface conductor layer and the test pattern layers; performing drilling toward one test pattern layer, and detecting a current produced when the drill comes into contact with the test pattern to measure the depth of the layer (D1); performing drilling toward the other test pattern layer, and measuring the depth of the layer (D2); and performing drilling up to just before the conductor-wiring layer based on a depth calculated from D1 and D2. |
| US08151453B2 |
Channel-positioning machine
The machine allows the placing of small troughs in trenches, made up by a loading platform (1) with a rotating conveyor (4) or sliding (7) for the small troughs (CA) to a feeding train (2) directing them towards an aligning box (3). The feeding train has folding sections (21), (22) and (23), being the central section (22) the one that has the coupling and linking means (24) to the tractor (T) and also where the loading platform (1) is journalled, the first section (21) is the one receiving the small troughs from the rotating conveyor (4), the second section (22) receives them from the sliding conveyor (7) and the third section (23) deposits the small troughs (CA) in the aligning box (2), which aligns the small troughs (CA) on which the corresponding covers (P) are overlapped by a device based on a framework (8) and an inclined platform (9). |
| US08151452B2 |
Portable electrical equipment racking tool
A portable electrical equipment racking tool with an onboard power supply, controllers and drive assembly that can raise or lower the drive assembly while operating the drive assembly from a safe distance form the electrical equipment needing replacement. |
| US08151450B2 |
Sliding package retention device for LGA sockets
A land grid array (LGA) socket uses a series of inclined engagement features to transfer a lateral load into a normal load to retain the LGA package in the socket. The number and position of the engagement features along the side of the socket permits a more uniform transfer of load to the solder ball array as compared to current mechanisms. |
| US08151448B2 |
Component placement apparatus, component feeding apparatus and method
A component placement apparatus includes: a tray storing device having slots for storing trays, a tray transporting device for transporting a tray from the tray storing device to a pickup area, a controller for controlling the transport of the trays into and out of the tray storing device, and at least one component pickup and placement device for picking-up a component in a tray located in the pickup area and placing the component on a substrate. The tray storing device includes first and second parts located proximal and distal the pickup area, respectively. The first part stores trays (i) from which at least one component may be removed and/or (ii) that are expected to be needed at the pickup area in the short term. The second part stores trays, which are empty, full, or are not expected to be needed in the pickup area in the short term. |
| US08151445B1 |
Stent loading mechanism
A translating radial compression and holding mechanism includes radially movable dies defining a cylindrical cavity with movable radius. Apparatus coupled to the dies for sequenced lateral movement of the dies in a first direction and an opposite direction, substantially parallel to the central cavity to convey the compressed article along the axis of the central cavity. A compliant tube with a central opening larger than an article to be held, a case surrounding the tube along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of cylindrical bushings positioned between the outer case and the tube. Mechanism associated with the tube for compressing the tube along the longitudinal axis to reduce the diameter of the central opening for gripping a second article residing therein, and the cylindrical cavity of the dies being positioned in axial alignment with the central opening of the tube. |
| US08151441B1 |
Method for providing and utilizing an electronic lapping guide in a magnetic recording transducer
A method for providing an electronic lapping guide (ELG) for a structure in a magnetic transducer are described. The structure has a front edge and a back edge. The ELG includes a stripe having a top edge and a bottom edge. The method includes calibrating a sheet resistance of the stripe and calibrating an offset of the top edge of the stripe from the back edge of the structure. The method further includes terminating the lapping based at least on the sheet resistance and offset of the ELG. |
| US08151440B2 |
Method for manufacturing a head suspension
A method for manufacturing a head suspension is capable of suppressing the dispersion in the vibration control effect of a head suspension and improve productivity, the manufacturing method includes a step of punching, by use of a hollow punch having a tooth portion at a distal end thereof, a vibration damper piece out from a base material having a vibration damper provided detachably on a liner through an attaching surface, to hold the vibration damper piece on a hollow internal surface of the punch, a step of positioning the punch holding the vibration damper piece on an objective portion of a semi-finished head suspension, and a step of attaching, by use of an extruding implement, the vibration damper piece on the objective portion with the attaching surface through extruding the vibration damper piece from the punch. |
| US08151437B2 |
Device and method for green machining bevel gears
The invention relates to a device for green machining bevel gears, including a CNC machining station for gear cutting a wheel blank (K2). The machining station includes a tool spindle which is used to receive a gear cutting tool and a work piece spindle which is used to receive the gear blank (K2). The machining station also relates to a machining station which operates in a vertical manner. The device also comprises a vertical processing station having a tool holder and a work piece spindle which is used to receive a work piece blank (K1). The machining station mechanically forms a functional unit together with the pre-machining station, wherein the work piece blank (K1) undergoes green machining in the pre-machining station, and is transferred as a gear blank (K2) to the first machining station after the first green machining where it is cut into a gear. The machining station and the pre-machining station are linked together in terms of data and control. |
| US08151430B2 |
Method of installing a self locking sheet metal duct
A circular sheet metal duct having a sealant applied across the longitudinal seam. The sealant will improve the efficiency and will reduce or eliminate air leakage from the longitudinal seam. The sealant is applied during the manufacturing processes so that an installer does not have to seal the duct work. The method of manufacturing the sealant is provided. |
| US08151428B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a mode shifter in a washing machine from a motor controller
A method for assembling a washing machine is provided. The method includes providing a mode shifter including a solenoid, coupling a basket and an agitator to the mode shifter, and coupling a motor to the mode shifter. The solenoid selectively allows the motor to rotate at least one of the basket and the agitator. The method also includes affixing a motor controller to the motor, and electrically coupling the motor controller to each of the mode shifter and the motor. The motor controller is in operational control communication with the mode shifter and the motor. |
| US08151425B2 |
Methods and apparatus for installing fasteners
Improved methods and apparatus for installing fasteners are disclosed. In one general aspect, a method of installing fasteners in partitions is presented. This method includes providing a threaded fastener having a first end engaged with an anchoring nut and a head at a second end. A driver head engages with the head of the threaded fastener with a driver head, and the anchor nut is then pushed through an opening to a second side of the partition. The driver head is used to then simultaneously both draw the head of the threaded fastener away from the partition and turn the head of the fastener to advance the fastener through the anchoring nut. |
| US08151421B2 |
Foldable paper coffin
A foldable paper coffin includes a casket having a chamber formed by two side walls and two end walls and a bottom wall, and formed with a planar paper sheet having two side panels foldable relative to a bottom panel, two inner panels foldable relative to the side panels, two end panels foldable relative to the bottom panel, two inner folds foldable relative to the end panels, and the end panels and the inner folds each have two foldable end flaps engageable between the inner panels and the side panels, and the side panels and the inner panels and the end flaps each include one or more orifices for engaging with latches and for retaining the casket in a spatial or three-dimensional structure. |
| US08151420B2 |
Funeral vase statues
The funeral vase statues include pre-cast statues or figurines and vases, the statues or figurines being interchangeably attached to or supported by the vases. The statues or figurines are lightweight and can be installed or removed easily from the vases. The vases may have bottom fastening members for attachment to a monument stone equipped with a complementary fastening system. Alternatively, the bottom fastening members may be directly attached to bottom of the statues or figurines so that the statues or figurines may be securely attached to the monument stone directly without a vase. A variety of statue/figurine designs are provided, and may include cultural and/or religious figures, symbols, and the like. |
| US08151418B2 |
Stretchable fastener stringer and slide fastener
A stretchable fastener stringer for a slide fastener includes a fastener tape having a tape main portion and an element attaching portion and a continuous fastener element which is attached to the element attaching portion. The fastener tape has stretchability due to an elastic yarn being combined by weaving or knitting and the fastener element includes a coupling head, upper and lower leg portions which are extended from the coupling head and a connecting portion which connects the upper and lower leg portions, therebetween of adjacent fastener elements. In this fastener stringer, a value of a bulging ratio which is the ratio between a dimension of the coupling head in the tape longitudinal direction and a dimension of the upper and lower leg portions in the tape longitudinal direction is set to be larger than 1.80 and not larger than 2.33. |
| US08151412B2 |
Caster with high-strength axle carrier
A caster, in particular a free-running caster is provided. The caster includes twinned wheels and a housing with a substantially vertically aligned upper-side journal opening for holding a rotary journal which connects the caster to an item of furniture or to some other object. The caster also has an axle bolt which extends through the housing transversely with respect to the journal opening and supports the wheels. In order to permit cost-effective production with sufficient load capacity in the region of the axle receptacle, an axle carrier having a passage opening for the axle bolt is arranged in the housing. The axle carrier is composed of a material with a higher strength than the housing. |
| US08151408B2 |
Upright vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body with a dust collection container disposed therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to provide movement of the base unit on the surface. A tilting joint connects the upper body and base unit. The tilting joint is configured to provide relative tilting between the upper body and the base unit about a tilting axis extending horizontally when the upright vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. At least one cover configured to cover a clearance in a vicinity of the tilting joint between the upper body and the base unit. |
| US08151407B2 |
Surface cleaning apparatus with enlarged dirt collection chamber
A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a clean air outlet and a fluid flow path extending between the dirt inlet and the clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises first and second side by side housings. The first housing comprises a cyclonic cleaning stage in the fluid flow path. The cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a cyclone having a dirt outlet. An associated dirt collection chamber is positioned below the dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber extends under at least a portion of the first and second housings. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a fluid flow motor in the fluid flow path. |
| US08151399B2 |
Cloth accessory
A cloth accessory and methods for the use thereof are disclosed and described. In one aspect, the cloth accessory may include a cover member forming an enclosure with a cavity therein, and a cloth attached to the cover member. The cloth may have a first configuration wherein the cloth is retracted substantially into the cover member, and a second configuration wherein the cloth is extended substantially out of the cover member without becoming detached therefrom. |
| US08151398B2 |
Cleaning element and cleaning tool
It is an object of the present invention to provide effective technique for a higher cleaning effect and higher operability of a cleaning element. Representative cleaning element includes a fusion bonded part having a curved portion to project to the holding space. |
| US08151395B2 |
Motorized golf ball cleaning device
Disclosed is a motorized golf ball cleaning device which comprises: a lower housing with a cavity for holding a liquid; an upper housing which contains electrical components, control components, and cleaning brushes; means to connect the upper housing to the lower housing; a feeder capable of holding a golf ball and feeding it into the liquid; a stand which is connected to the bottom of the lower housing; and means for powering the cleaning brushes. |
| US08151394B2 |
Pipeline systems using a reverse flow wye connector
A piggable pipeline system is disclosed. One or more pig launcher/receivers may be coupled to a pipeline. At least one fitting may be coupled to the pipeline. The fitting may include a body and at least two passages through the body. The passages are in fluid communication within the body. A diverter is located in at least one of the passages. The diverter is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverter allows open flow between two of the passages. In the closed position, the diverter inhibits flow between the two passages. The pipeline may allow a pig to be launched from at least one of the pig launcher/receivers and returned through the pipeline to at least one of the pig launcher/receivers. |
| US08151392B2 |
Method for smoothing articles of clothing, and tunnel finisher
A method for additionally conducting the hot air for finishing the articles of clothing (14) along the articles of clothing (14) in counterflow to the transporting direction (13). This leads to more effective finishing of the articles of clothing (14) with greater energy efficiency, and therefore the tunnel finisher according to the invention consumes less energy. |
| US08151384B2 |
Shower expander
A shower expander assembly is provided for use with a shower area having a curtain. The assembly has a coupling for connecting the assembly to a shower curtain rod. The assembly also has a pair of rods. A first rod is connected to the coupling and extends from the coupling. The first rod has a first end and a second end, and the first rod is connected to the coupling at the first end. A second rod is pivotally connected to the second end of the first rod. The second rod is movable between a storage position and a use position. The second rod is configured such that in the storage position the second rod is substantially parallel to the first rod and in the use position the second rod is not substantially parallel to the first rod. |
| US08151382B1 |
Bathtub shortener and position stabilizer
A bathtub shortener and position stabilizer for maintaining a user in an upright position and inhibiting the motion of sliding out of an upright position while bathing in a bathtub is provided. The bathtub shortener and position stabilizer comprises a main body having at least one side wall, a top wall, and a mounting wall. A combination foot rest and foot pad is securable to one of the side walls of the main body. A securing mechanism secured to the mounting wall of the main body releasably secures the main body to the bathtub in a position contactable by the user wherein the combination foot rest and foot pad are constructed from softer material than the main body and wherein upon releasably securing the main body to the bathtub, the combination foot rest and foot pad face the user allowing the user to contact the combination foot rest and foot pad thereby maintaining the user in an upright position. |
| US08151381B2 |
Cable-attached safe pool cover edge barrier
A flexible safety barrier edge material contacts a wall of a poolside raised obstacle with a hollow loop crossection. The loop portion is slit at multiple intervals to permit the individual sections to conform to relatively sharp inside or outside corner contours of the obstruction. A continuous stainless steel cable is guided around the respective portion of the pool cover periphery in the vicinity of the obstruction, by passing it through fabric webbing loops sewn at the edge of the pool cover. This cable is attached to a top surface of the pool wall deck using pool anchors with split loops having a cable receiving slot. The cable is looped thru said turnbuckle and secured via cable clamps and then tightened by the use of turnbuckles at either end of the cable. |
| US08151379B2 |
Toilet with reduced water usage
A toilet includes a bowl having an upper rim channel and a water distribution structure for delivering water from a water supply to the bowl. The water distribution structure has an entry suitable to link with the water supply and at least three exit channels. A first of the exit channels communicates with the rim channel so as to provide at least a counter clockwise flow around a first side of the rim channel. A second of the exit channels communicates with the rim channel so as to provide at least clockwise flow around an opposed side of the rim channel from the first side of the rim channel. |
| US08151378B2 |
Pressure flushing device
This invention is a toilet flushing system. It consists of a button controlled pressure flushing device, a sealed water tank, a flushing valve, major and minor flushing control valves, an air induce device and a one-way water valve. The characteristic of the system is that the button controlled pressure flushing device has a water-volume adjustable valve, a flushing valve with a sealed cavity which has a water injection pipe and a water release pipe. The inlet and the outlet of the water-volume adjustable valve are connected to the outlet of the one-way water valve and water injection pipe of the flushing valve respectively. The inlets of the major and minor flushing control valve are connected to the water release pipe of the flushing valve. The outlets of the major and minor control valves are linked to the main release outlet which has large diameter and high speed on-off action. Compare with the existing pressure-assistant flushing system, its structure is simple and at the same times, the amount of water used in the minor flushing can be controlled by adjusting the flow difference between water-volume adjustable valve and the minor control valve. |
| US08151374B2 |
Ski, outdoor activity or tactical goggle protective covering
There are disclosed a protective cover for a lens of a goggle and a method of protecting a lens. In an embodiment, the cover has a front panel shaped to substantially contour the goggle, a first portion extending from the panel, a second portion extending from the panel, a first connector mechanism and a second connector mechanism configured to secure the front panel onto the lens, and openings sized to allow a strap of the goggle to extend away from the panel. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning the panel over the lens, positioning the first portion toward an inside portion of the lens, positioning the second portion toward the inside portion of the lens, and attaching the first portion and the second portion to secure the panel onto the lens. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08151371B2 |
Collar configuration for firefighter garment
A jacket of the type used by firefighters as protective garment. A collar of the jacket comprises a lower edge connected to a shoulder/torso portion of the jacket in a straight seam. An upper exposed edge is spaced apart from the lower edge. A given shape is provided to the upper exposed edge such that a variable height is defined between the lower edge and the upper exposed edge along the upper exposed edge. |
| US08156565B2 |
Hardware-based protection of secure data
Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for protecting secure data by writing content of the secure data to a protected memory segment are provided. Initially, streaming media is received from a media-reading device and portions of the streaming media are identified as secure data. A data-management process to protect content within the secure data is executed. During execution, the protected memory segment is instantiated, a region of memory is dynamically allocated to hold the protected memory segment, and content of the secure data is written thereto. The protected memory segment is generally a data store that conditionally limits access thereto utilizing hardware-based rules, thereby guarding the content against exposure to unauthorized systems and to attackers. The region of memory may be allocated on CPU hardware, GPU hardware, or a combination thereof. The content may then be encrypted and released for conveyance to one or more presentation devices. |
| US08156563B2 |
Method for managing keys and/or rights objects
One or more rights objects (RO) files may be used for storing RO's preferably in the protected area available only to authenticated users. A RO navigation file is stored preferably in an unprotected public area containing status bits, where each status bit identifies whether a location in a RO file contains a valid RO or not. Preferably, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the location for a RO in a RO file and a location in the RO navigation file for the status bit which identifies whether its corresponding location in the RO file contains a valid RO or not. Whether a particular location in a RO file contains a valid RO or not can be found by checking its corresponding status bit in the RO navigation file. By finding out whether a particular location in a RO file contains a valid RO or not in this manner, it is possible to delete ROs without having to go through an authentication process. The process of finding an empty slot in the RO file for storing a new RO is also simplified. This greatly increases the efficiency of RO management. A similar system may be used for management of content encryption/encryption keys for protecting content files. |
| US08156558B2 |
Mechanism for evaluating security risks
Described is a mechanism for collectively evaluating security risks associated with loading an application. A hosting environment associated with loading the application invokes a trust manager to evaluate the security risks. The trust manager invokes a plurality of trust evaluators, where each trust evaluator is responsible for analyzing and assessing a different security risk. Upon completion of each security risk evaluation, results of those individual security risk evaluations are returned to the trust manager. The trust manager aggregates the variety of security risk evaluation results and makes a security determination based on the aggregated evaluation results. That determination may be to move forward with loading the application, to block the load of the application, or perhaps to prompt the user for a decision about whether to move forward with the load. |
| US08156557B2 |
Protection against reflection distributed denial of service attacks
A method includes monitoring outgoing request packets transmitted by a node in a protected network over a link connecting the protected network to an external network. Incoming response packets that originate in the external network and are destined for transmission to the node are also monitored. One or more of the incoming response packets that were not solicited by any of the outgoing request packets are identified responsively to monitoring the outgoing request packets and the incoming response packets. A characteristic that differentiates between the identified incoming response packets and the incoming response packets that were solicited by the outgoing request packets is determined. A guard device in the external network is instructed to inhibit the transmission over the link of subsequent unsolicited response packets based on the characteristic. |
| US08156555B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information providing medium, information decryption apparatus, and information recording medium
An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information providing medium are provided. Encrypted information, an encrypted first key for decrypting the encrypted information, and a second key for decrypting the first key are processed to store the information in a storage medium. To be more specific, cross certification is executed with the storage medium, the first key is decrypted by the second key, the decrypted first key is encrypted, and the decrypted first key and the encrypted information are stored in the storage medium. The novel constitution prevents unauthorized replication of information by use of a low-cost, general-purpose semiconductor memory. |
| US08156553B1 |
Systems and methods for correlating log messages into actionable security incidents and managing human responses
Systems and methods for correlating log messages into actionable incidents. Some embodiments implement a method which includes comparing a plurality of disparate log messages to a plurality of incident descriptions. The disparate log messages can be parsed. When the messages correlate with an incident description an incident case can be created. Workflow steps can be associated with the incident case and output along with the incident case. Additional disparate log messages can be compared to the incident expressions and, when additional messages correlate with the correlated incident description, the incident case can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the adjustment can include adding workflow steps to the incident case. Results of various workflow steps can be monitored and adjustments can be made accordingly. In some embodiments, the results can include out-of-bounds activities. |
| US08156552B2 |
Method, computer software, and system for providing end to end security protection of an online transaction
A method for implementing an online transaction security product includes downloading an online transaction security product program from a web site to an information handling system. The security product program includes an anti-malicious code program configured to detect malicious code on the information handling system. Lastly, the security product program is executed, wherein the anti-malicious code program of the security product program operates to detect malicious code on the information handling system. |
| US08156544B2 |
System and method for a WPAN firewall
Systems and methodologies for implementing Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) security are provided herein. As disclosed herein, firewall functionality can be implemented for a WPAN-capable device to control access to resources of the device over a WPAN. In one example, a WPAN protocol can be extended to include low-level access control measures that enable analysis of communication requests to and/or from a device prior to acting on the requests. As described herein, a WPAN firewall associated with a device can be configured to block, monitor, and/or log respective resource accesses to and/or from a WPAN. WPAN firewall functionality as described herein can be configured using mechanisms such as an Application Programming Interface (API) and/or a user control interface. Additionally, lateral regulation of security policies for a WPAN and one or more other networks utilized by a device can be provided. |
| US08156541B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for identifying unwanted activity utilizing a honeypot device accessible via VLAN trunking
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying unwanted activity utilizing a honeypot accessible via virtual local area network (VLAN) trunking. In use, a honeypot device is allowed to be accessed via VLAN trunking. Furthermore, unwanted data is identified, utilizing the honeypot device. |
| US08156538B2 |
Distribution of information protection policies to client machines
One embodiment includes a method which may be practiced in a computing environment where resources are distributed. The method includes acts for obtaining policy information defining restrictions on resources distributed in the computing environment. The method includes sending a request to a server for metadata about one or more resource protection policies at the server. In response to the request, metadata about one or more resource protection polices at the server is received from the server. The metadata from the server is analyzed. Based on analyzing the metadata, one or more resource protection policies stored at the client are updated. |
| US08156537B2 |
Method and system for access control using resource filters
The present description refers in particular to a method, a system, and a computer program product for access control using resource filters for a strict separation of application and security logic. The computer-implemented method for access control may include receiving at least one access request to at least one resource from an application; providing a resource hierarchy for the at least one resource, the resource having at least one resource class, wherein the resource hierarchy is defined in a single resource; providing a policy comprising at least one access control rule for accessing at least one element of the at least one resource class; verifying the at least one access request based on the policy through an authorization service; and processing the at least one access request through a service interface. |
| US08156531B2 |
Receiving device, server, television receiver, mobile terminal, system, receiving method, information processing program, and storage medium
A receiving device receives broadcast, information, etc. in response to a user selection by manipulation, in order to present the broadcast, information, etc. to the user. The device includes a channel set managing section (30) which collectively handles multiple channels corresponding to broadcast and content on the Internet or another network received by a receiving device (100) as channel groups which are preset handling units according to certain rules. The user can readily handle large numbers of channels when compared with cases where increasing channels are all handled equally without being grouped. |
| US08156530B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing access plans
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a television having a controller to determine an access plan associated with a mobile communication device that is capable of wirelessly receiving broadcast video content, present one or more options for adjusting the access plan where the one or more options include wireless access for the television to the broadcast video content, and receive a selection of the one or more options, wherein the access plan is adjusted based on the selection. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08156527B2 |
System and method for providing a unified programming guide
A method includes receiving data representative of a plurality of multimedia channels and associating channel numbers with at least a subset of the plurality of multimedia channels to generate a first channel numbering set. The method further includes providing, in response to user input indicating a selection of a channel number of the first channel numbering set, data representative of one of the plurality of multimedia channels for display. A set of executable instructions manipulate a processor to display an electronic programming guide (EPG) interface. The EPG interface includes a user input interface to receive user information indicating a preferred arrangement of a plurality of multimedia channels ordered in a channel numbering set. The set of executable instructions further manipulate the processor to provide, in response to user input indicating a selection of a channel number by a user, one of the plurality of multimedia channels for display based on the channel numbering set. |
| US08156522B2 |
Linked information system
A method of providing an interactive expert link within a linked information system configured to obtain a set of media content related to at least one tracked theme or topic within a field and to generate a set of links between media content from the set of media content as a function of a relevance to the at least one tracked theme or topic, the method including the steps of identifying a new development within a topic from the at least one tracked theme or topic, obtaining a set of independent expert inputs related to the new development from a set of experts, wherein an expert meets a set of predefined expert criteria related to the field or topic, providing access to the set of independent expert inputs to the set of experts, enabling experts to provide expert commentary to one or more independent expert inputs from the set of independent expert inputs and providing access to the expert commentary to the set of experts. |
| US08156520B2 |
Methods and apparatus for presenting substitute content in an audio/video stream using text data
Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping, filtering and/or replacing content from an audio/video stream using text data associated with the audio/video stream. The text data is processed using location information that references a segment of the text data of the first audio/video stream to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location within the first audio/video stream is utilized to identify portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped during presentation. The portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the audio/video stream, and some of the skipped portions of the audio/video stream are replaced with substitute content. The filtered video stream, including the substitute content, is outputted for presentation to a user. |
| US08156519B1 |
System, method and computer program product for calculating the cost of an advertisement
A system, method and computer program product are provided for calculating the cost of an advertisement. Initially, data reflecting an advertisement and usage of the advertisement may be provided. The data provided may then be rated. A cost may then be calculated based on the rated data. |
| US08156518B2 |
System and method for filtering audio content
A system and method for filtering audio content are provided. An audio data filtering system may include an input interface to receive audio data. The system may also include an analysis module to compare a textual representation of the audio data to data identifying prohibited audio content. The system may also include a packet filter to prevent transmission of portions of the audio data matching prohibited audio content to a remote user device. The system may further include an output interface to transmit portions of the audio data not identified as prohibited audio content to the remote user device. |
| US08156515B2 |
Optical recording medium and reproducing device
An optical recording medium is provided having a plurality of laminated recording layers, wherein the recording layers are formed such that a spacing between each pair of recording layers of all recording layer combinations selected from the plurality of recording layers is different from that of each other pair. Accordingly, a return of lights reflected by other layers to an optical head along the same optical path as reflected light from a readout layer during the reproduction can be avoided. Therefore, use of the optical recording medium, from which a good reproduction signal can be obtained, can suppress a deterioration of a servo signal and a reproduction signal of a reproducing device due to a variation of interference fringes on a light receiving element. |
| US08156512B2 |
Optical disc drive having impact absorbing mechanism
The present invention provides a thin optical disc drive whose impact resistance performance is improved.An under cover 19 is provided with a collision evasion hole 21 at a position corresponding to an end of an optical head housing 25. Moreover, a bottom cover 4 is provided with an impact force buffering member 22 at a position corresponding to the collision evasion hole. When an impact force acts on an optical disc drive 1, the impact force to the optical head housing 25 is buffered by the structure. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the optical head 8 from being damaged, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the optical disc drive 1. |
| US08156508B2 |
Method for runtime execution of one or more tasks defined in a workflow process language
Runtime execution of one or more tasks defined in a workflow process language. The method may include obtaining a description of the task from a process ontology (PO). The PO may define a hierarchical taxonomy of executable tasks, where each task refers to at least one frame of a hierarchical frame taxonomy of the PO. The method may further include identifying at least one parameter as described in the frame description to which the task refers, resolving the value of the at least one parameter, and executing the most specific applicable version of the task contained in the task taxonomy of the process ontology. |
| US08156506B2 |
Methods and apparatus for message oriented invocation
The invention relates to data processing apparatus and methods for method oriented invocation (MOI) of data processing service modules. MOI Adapters and methods interface compound messages with service modules that process them, advantageously reducing memory and processing time utilization. Compound messages may be progressively parsed and processed, identifying the constituent information items needed by a service module and invoking the service module when all needed information items are available, without using resources to maintain and process superfluous message data. Multiple service modules may be addressed by a single MOI Adapter. |
| US08156498B2 |
Optimization of thread wake up for shared processor partitions
A mechanism is provided for biasing placement of a software thread on a currently idle and dispatched processor. The operating system starts with the last logical processor on which the software thread ran and determines whether that processor is idle and dispatched and considers each logical processor until a currently dispatched and idle logical processor is found. If a currently dispatched and idle logical processor is not found, then the operating system biases placing the software thread on an idle logical processor. |
| US08156496B2 |
Data processing system and method
A method of optimizing a thread in a system comprising a plurality of processors, the method comprising: determining performance of the thread on each of the processors; comparing the determined performances; and selecting a processor for executing the thread based on the comparison. |
| US08156493B2 |
Exception handling in a concurrent computing process
The present invention provides a method and system for exception handling in an executable process executing in a concurrent computing environment. The present invention allows a user to interrupt the executable process at any stage of the computation without disconnecting the communication channel among the instances of the executable process. Additionally, the present invention also allows interrupting the concurrent computing process at any stage when an error occurs in the executable process or the communication channel without terminating the communication among the instances of the executable process. Upon notification of an interrupt request, each of the instances of the executable process in the concurrent computing environment flushes any pending incoming messages to return itself to a previous known state while maintaining the communication channel between the instances of the executable process. |
| US08156483B2 |
Method and system for detecting vulnerabilities in source code
A method and system of detecting vulnerabilities in source code. Source code is parsed into an intermediate representation. Models (e.g., in the form of lattices) are derived for the variables in the code and for the variables and/or expressions used in conjunction with routine calls. The models are then analyzed in conjunction with pre-specified rules about the routines to determine if the routine call posses one or more of pre-selected vulnerabilities. |
| US08156482B2 |
System and method for efficiently generating native code calls from byte code in virtual machines
A system and method for generation of efficient calls from compiled byte code within a virtual machine (VM) or Java Virtual Machine (JVM) environment. Current techniques used to interface dynamically compiled byte code with native libraries using stubs are unsatisfactory due to non-optimal performance and the large amount of manual work needed to maintain the stub generation code. An embodiment of the present invention addresses this by providing a system and a method for automatic stub generation based on a small set of parameters stored in a ParamInfo structure. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a computer with native libraries; a virtual machine for executing a software application; a memory space for the compiled byte code; and a compiler with a calling convention adaptor that integrates native calls into the high level analysis step of the compilation of byte codes, so that the overhead for the native call is reduced. |
| US08156481B1 |
Profiler-based optimization of automatically generated code
A device generates code with a technical computing environment (TCE) based on a model and information associated with a target processor, registers an algorithm with the TCE, automatically sets optimization parameters applied during generation of the code based on the algorithm, executes the generated code, receives feedback based on execution of the generated code, and uses the feedback to automatically update the optimization parameters and to automatically regenerate the code with the TCE until an optimal code is achieved for the target processor. |
| US08156480B2 |
Methods and apparatus to form a resilient objective instruction construct
Methods and an apparatus to form a resilient objective instruction construct are provided. An example method obtains a source instruction construct and forms a resilient objective instruction construct by compiling one or more resilient transactions. |
| US08156475B2 |
Device and method for testing embedded software using emulator
Embodiments of the invention provide a device and a method for automatically testing embedded software, and more specifically for testing interfaces between layers of the embedded software. In one embodiment, the device includes: an emulator; a server including embedded software; an evaluation board configured to download the embedded software from the server and controlled by the emulator; and a host system configured to receive the embedded software from the server and automatically generate test cases for testing the embedded software using the emulator. |
| US08156473B2 |
Model oriented debugging
A system and method for debugging a business application that has been generated according to a model are disclosed. A system includes a debugger that generates a model-oriented debugging view based on a model-oriented development environment that generates the business application. The model-oriented debugging view uses debugging information determined from a Java virtual machine that executes the business application to generate one or more breakpoints in the model-oriented debugging view. |
| US08156472B2 |
Process language for microprocessors with finite resources
A reflective process algebra called the ρ-calculus facilitates the serialization of processes at the level of the reflective process algebra. The reflective process algebra because of its reflective properties, can be used on computing systems with finite resources. The reflective process calculus can be made to be sensitive to resources, such as memory and bandwidth, hence facilitating its use as a programming language at the machine level. The reflective process calculus causes the dual nature of a computation entity to be exposed. A name can be caused to become a process and a process can be caused to become a name. |
| US08156470B2 |
Software customization system and method
A system and method for the mass customization of software includes a software production line infrastructure, development environment, and actuator. The infrastructure organizes the software production line using a feature declarations component, a product definitions component, an automatons component, and a partition composition component. The development environment browses, displays, organizes, edits, and maintains the infrastructure. The actuator actuates the software production line to produce custom software products. |
| US08156469B2 |
Single composition of pattern modules
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for generating an application based on a selection of one or more application patterns. A model of an operation of the application is generated. A design time application component to provide content for the model is provided, as well as a runtime application component to execute the operation associated with the model based with the content. The model, design time application component, and runtime application component are linked together to form a pattern module, the pattern module being an executable and portable operation of the application. |
| US08156466B2 |
Moment computation algorithms in VLSI system
An improved method for interconnect delay analysis for VLSI circuits reduces a parasitic graph for moment computation by eliminating one or more nodes in the graph. the elimination process is performed based upon the degree of the nodes. By eliminating nodes in this fashion, the computation complexity is significantly reduced. With this elimination process, resistor loops and crossed loops can also be solved. The order in which the nodes are eliminated is optimized using the depth-first-search method on the parasitic graphs, further reducing the computation complexity. The method provides a consistent functional interface, applicable to different circuit model structures. In addition, the method accounts for coupling capacitance between interconnects. |
| US08156461B2 |
Spice corner model generating method and apparatus
In one embodiment, a SPICE corner model generating method for generating a SPICE corner model of an MOSFET includes preparing a table of a ratio X regarding a combination of two kinds of MOSFETs selected from N kinds of MOSFETs, the ratio X being a magnitude of a variation of an MOSFET in a case where directions of variations of the two kinds of MOSFETs are opposite directions to a magnitude of a variation of an MOSFET in a case where the directions of the variations of the two kinds of MOSFETs are the same direction, where N is an integer of 2 or greater. The method further includes reading out, when a combination of two kinds of MOSFETs is designated among the N kinds of MOSFETs, a value of the ratio X corresponding the designated combination from the table of the ratio X. The method further includes forming two kinds of corner models of opposite directional variations, the two kinds of corner models including a first corner model generated by applying the value of the ratio X to a fast-side corner of a first MOSFET of the two kinds of MOSFETs and to a slow-side corner of a second MOSFET of the two kinds of MOSFETs, and a second corner model generated by applying the value of the ratio X to a slow-side corner of the first MOSFET and to a fast-side corner of the second MOSFET. |
| US08156460B2 |
Method of estimating a leakage current in a semiconductor device
In a method of estimating a leakage current in a semiconductor device, a chip including a plurality of cells is divided into segments by a grid model. Spatial correlation is determined as spatial correlation between process parameters concerned with the leakage currents in each of the cells. A virtual cell leakage characteristic function of a cell is generated by arithmetically operating actual leakage characteristic functions. A segment leakage characteristic function of a segment is generated by arithmetically operating the virtual cell leakage characteristic functions of all cells in the segment. Then, a full chip leakage characteristic function of the chip is generated by statistically operating the segment leakage characteristic functions of all segments in the chip. Accordingly, computational loads of Wilkinson's method for generating the full chip leakage characteristic function can remarkably be reduced. |
| US08156458B2 |
Uniquification and parent-child constructs for 1xN VLSI design
Embodiments that create parent-child relationships for reuse of 1×N building blocks in a closed-loop 1×N system are disclosed. Some methods comprise generating a representation of an IC design, inserting a first 1×N building block into the representation, and creating an association between the first 1×N building block and a second 1×N building block. The association enables the first 1×N building block to inherit alterations of attributes of the second 1×N building block and enables unique alterations of attributes of the first 1×N building block which differ from the second 1×N building block. Further embodiments comprise an apparatus having an equivalency determiner to determine a logical equivalence between a two 1×N building blocks, an attribute creator that creates a set of attributes and enables one of the 1×N building blocks to inherit parent attributes and comprise child attributes. |
| US08156457B2 |
Concurrent simulation of hardware designs with behavioral characteristics
Simulating hardware includes generating a data flow representation of the hardware, based on a hardware description language (HDL) description. The data flow representation including compatibility information that preserves behavioral and synthesizable characteristics of the HDL description. Simulating hardware further includes generating code from the data flow representation, and executing the code concurrently. |
| US08156452B1 |
Method and apparatus for importing hardware description language into a system level design environment
A method for importing a design in hardware description language (HDL) into a system level design tool includes setting a sampling time. The simulation model template is generated with the sampling time according to a selected simulation model type. |
| US08156450B2 |
Method and system for mask optimization
A method and apparatus for mask optimization is provided. Mask design and production is optimized by providing proper weighting parameters for critical features. The parameters may include information such as parametric information, functional information, and hot spots determination. |
| US08156449B2 |
Graphics stack system and method
A system and method are provided for drawing graphics, such as to display a user interface on a display of a mobile device. A graphics stack is used to store pre-computed coordinate values to improve performance for drawing graphics, such as to display a user interface on a display of a mobile device. |
| US08156446B2 |
Information processing device, and control method
A digital camera as an information processing device comprises a storage unit which stores a taken still image and which includes a history information storage section to store history information associated with the still image, a CPU which includes a history information processing unit to perform processing regarding the history information and which controls the processing in each unit of the digital camera, a communication unit which communicates with other digital cameras in a wired or wireless manner, and a display unit which displays the still image and the history information. |
| US08156443B2 |
Facilitating communications between computer users across a network
A stand-alone icon (i.e., an icon that is not part of an application interface) is provided to facilitate communications across a network between users of at least one communications program. The icon represents a contact or a set of contacts. Status information regarding the contact or set of contacts is received and displayed using the icon or in response to an operation performed on the icon. The icon additionally may provide an interface for performing actions related to the contact or set of contacts. The actions may generally include, for example, retrieving profile information about the contact, setting an alert to indicate that the contact's network/login status (e.g., login, logout, or idle) has changed, or performing communications with the contact. |
| US08156441B1 |
Inter-gadget communication
Disclosed is an inter-gadget communication architecture or framework that allows information from different sources to be independently viewed or correlated from within a browser. The inter-gadget communication architecture or framework comprises gadgets or iFrames, which communicate or interact with other gadgets on the displayed page by accessing other iFrames/gadgets on the same web page. The inter-gadget communication architecture or framework allows gadgets to be vendor application agnostic, providing platform independence. |
| US08156437B2 |
Creation of image designating file and reproduction of image using same
A technique for enabling scenario files and image files for supply to a scenario generating device to be created easily is provided. The scenario creating device creates a scenario file supplied to a scenario reproducing device capable of reproducing only image files of a predetermined format. The scenario creating device comprises: an input section including a pointing device; a display section; and a scenario creating section for creating the scenario file. The scenario creating section provides a display of an execution icon on the display screen for causing the scenario creating section to execute a process. When a file icon for a source file of a predetermined format including pagewise scenario information and image information is dragged and dropped on the execution icon by means of operation of the pointing device, a scenario file is created on the basis of the scenario information, and an image file of the predetermined format is generated on the basis of the image information. |
| US08156435B2 |
Systems and methods to select media content
Systems and methods to select media content are provided. A particular method includes generating a media playlist based on user preference data and generating a user interface display. The user preference data indicates proportions of each of a plurality of categories of media content to be present in the media playlist. The user interface display presents the user preference data using adjustable bars. Each bar is associated with one of the categories of media content, and a dimension of each bar is associated with the proportion of the respective category of media content included in the media playlist. The method includes receiving user input adjusting the dimension of a first bar associated with a first category of the plurality of categories of media content. The method includes adjusting the proportion of the first category of media content included in the media playlist based on the user input. |
| US08156432B2 |
Detection of UTF-16 encoding in streaming XML data without a byte-order mark and related printers, systems, methods, and computer program products
Provided are printers and other electronic devices, systems, methods, and computer program products that automatically detect and determine UTF-16 encoding schemes and endiannesss thereof in an incoming XML data steam for XML declarations without a UTF-16 byte-order mark (BOM) or encoding declaration. This allows for the automatic and unambiguous accurate detection of UTF-16 encoded XML data within a mixed encoding environment, such as from multiple sources using more than one encoding scheme, even when XML data does not start with a BOM or encoding declaration. |
| US08156429B2 |
Method and system for accelerating downloading of web pages
Web content based on markup language technology is delivered to a client device running a browser or similar application through a markup language file manipulator. Files requested by a client device are processed through the markup language file manipulator and the browser links embedded in the web content are traversed to fetch the objects associated with the browser links. The browser links are then replaced by the actual objects in the markup language file. The modified markup language file is then delivered to the client device and the client device is not required to further render the web content. |
| US08156427B2 |
User interface for mixed media reality
A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques are disclosed. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as a first medium and digital content and/or web link as a second medium). In one embodiment, an MMR document is retrieved based on recognition of a paper document. Responsive to a comparison of the paper document and a virtual multimedia document, a set of actions is displayed to a user. Responsive to a user selection, the user-selected action is performed. In another embodiment, a captured list of names is used to assist a user with labeling a media file. |
| US08156426B2 |
System and method for rapid creation and display of stylized digital content items
Stylized digital content is rapidly created by reading a first file and a plurality of second files. The first file contains a digital content item and each second file contains at least one style definition. At least one display instance of stylized digital content is created by applying the style definition of one of the plurality of second files to the digital content item of the first file. The at least one display instance is mapped to a location on the display device. A location is received from a pointing device and one of the plurality of display instances is displayed based on the received location. |
| US08156425B2 |
User interface (UI) dimensioning
Determining a total dimension of items in computer-based user interface control (e.g., non-uniform items displayed in grid-view), may be accomplished by determining an estimated dimension value (e.g., for all items in a series) and combining (e.g., multiplying) that value with a total number of items (e.g., items in the series). If a viewport offset value and viewport item value is known, and/or a previously realized dimension and previously realized item value is known, the estimated dimension value may be determined by combining one or more of these values with values for realized items. Otherwise, the estimated dimension value can be determined by dividing the realized items dimensions value by the number of realized items. A total dimension value may be used by a user interface element, for example, to calculate an appropriate size and location of a scroll bar display. |
| US08156423B1 |
Method and system for dynamically updating fixed resources on client station
An intermediary such as a gateway will intercept a markup document being sent in a response message from a web server to a client station and will determine that the client station does not have stored locally the set of objects necessary to render the markup document. The intermediary will then modify the response message to include both the markup document and the necessary set of objects. Upon receipt of the response, the client station will extract and store the objects as non-cached objects, to be used when rendering the markup document. Preferably the client station is a cell phone. |
| US08156421B2 |
Analysis of database performance reports for graphical presentation of summary results
Computer implemented methods, programs and systems for displaying statistical data in a graphical user interface are provided. According to the method, baseline data is imported from a first report which corresponds to a trouble-free period. Similarly, critical data is imported from a second report corresponding to a trouble period. The imported data is compared and analyzed to create a results table, each cell in the results table corresponding to a timestamp and a statistical item. The cells in the results table contain a visual identifier according to the criticality of the comparison of the statistical items from the baseline data and the critical data. The results table is presented on a display to the user. |
| US08156419B2 |
Intelligent preloads of views and asynchronous loading of models using the MVC design pattern
In one embodiment, the present invention is a system and method for loading a web page in a browser application. The method sends a request to retrieve the web page, receives a response to the request that includes the web page, and displays the web page in the browser application. The web page includes a static view portion, a dynamic view portion, and at least one possible action that a user may take from the web page. When the user takes each possible action, the browser application will display a related web page. The method receives a second response to the request that includes the static view portion of the related web page for each possible action, and stores the static view portion of the related web page for each possible action. |
| US08156417B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium having template for easy preparing multimedia contests
A computer-readable recording medium recording multimedia contents data and a data structure that represents a chronological sequence of operations that are processed in a data processing device. The computer-readable recording medium includes a schedule portion including a predetermined reproduction time when the media data is to be reproduced in the reproducing unit and a predetermined input time when the input operation is to be received by the input unit. The data processing device performs steps of processing the multimedia contents data so that the predetermined media data is reproduced at the predetermined reproduction time on the basis of a schedule portion, receiving a predetermined input operation at the predetermined input time. The data processing device carries out a predetermined editing operation and resumes processing of the multimedia contents in accordance with the schedule portion. |
| US08156416B2 |
Securing printed output
A notary processor can be dedicated to performing the security-based variable information printing. A method resolves the availability of resources required by a document template and a security map, replaces the data placeholders with dynamic data, replaces the data placeholders with the dynamic data to produce a complete, printer-ready secure document, sends the document directly to a user-specified, authorized output printing device capable of handling the security features, deletes the dynamic data and the document, and can notify the calling application of the sending of the document to the output device, all automatically and all using the dedicated notary processor. |
| US08156415B1 |
Method and system for command queuing in disk drives
A method and system for command queuing in disk drives may improve performance by queuing multiple commands and sequentially executing them automatically without firmware intervention. The method may use a number of queues, e.g., a staging queue for commands to be executed, an execution queue for commands currently being executed, and a holding queue for commands which have been executed but have not received a status report from a host. With the pipelined nature of queued commands, when data requested by one command are being sent to the host, the queue logic may already be fetching data for the next command. If an error occurs in the transmission, commands in the queues may backtrack and restart from the point where data were last known to have been successfully sent to the host. |
| US08156413B2 |
Convolutional encoding with partitioned parallel encoding operations
Convolutional encoding throughput is increased by partitioning input information bits into a plurality of blocks that are convolutionally encoded in parallel. A plurality of convolutional encoding operations which have respective initial encode states that are mutually different from one another are applied in parallel to one of the blocks to produce a respectively corresponding plurality of convolutional encoding results. One of the convolutional encoding results is selected based on a convolutional encoding operation applied to another of the blocks. |
| US08156411B2 |
Error correction of an encoded message
An encoded message is stored in a first memory. The encoded message is retrieved from the first memory as a retrieved encoded message that may contain an error. Syndromes are generated from the retrieved encoded message. The syndromes are used to determine if the retrieved encoded message has an error. Polynomial coefficients are generated for establishing a polynomial equation having a first number of solutions. The polynomial equation is solved only for a second number of solutions. The first number is greater than the second number. The second number of solutions comprises solutions corresponding to locations in the retrieved encoded message. Each location is corrected in the retrieved encoded message that corresponds to a solution of zero of the polynomial equation. The result is efficient error correction. |
| US08156409B2 |
Selectively applied hybrid min-sum approximation for constraint node updates of LDPC decoders
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a decoder may determine whether a lowest reliability value of a plurality of codeword bits that correspond to a particular output reliability value for a particular constraint node of a parity-check matrix is greater than a threshold value (e.g., an offset), and if so, selectively applies a modified min-sum approximation constraint node update with a reliability value modification (e.g., an offset or normalized min-sum approximation). |
| US08156404B1 |
L2 ECC implementation
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for implementing ECC protection in an on-chip L2 cache. When data is written to or read from an external memory, logic within the L2 cache is configured to generate ECC check bits and store the ECC check bits in the L2 cache in space typically allocated for storing byte enables. As a result, data stored in the L2 cache may be protected against bit errors without incurring the costs of providing additional storage or complex hardware for the ECC check bits. |
| US08156401B2 |
Validating data using processor instructions
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining from a data block in a buffer a number of first operands in a first portion of the buffer and a number of second operands in a second portion of the buffer. Based on these numbers, a cyclic redundancy checksum (CRC) operation may be iteratively performed on the first and second operands to obtain a checksum result. The first and second operands are of a different length, and the checksum operation may be executed using processor instructions corresponding to the different lengths. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08156395B2 |
Methods for generating test patterns for sequential circuits
A single-pass method for test pattern generation for sequential circuits employs a local-fault at each time-frame. The result is that a fault arriving at circuit primary output lines unambiguously signals the discovery of a valid test pattern sequence for the fault. The valid test pattern sequence is reconstructed from stored history and is used to test a sequential circuit. |
| US08156394B2 |
Selectively accessing test access ports in a multiple test access port environment
A TAP linking module (21, 51) permits plural TAPs (TAPs 1-4) to be controlled and accessed from a test bus (13) via a single TAP interface (20). |
| US08156393B2 |
Memory system
To provide a memory system which determines a memory state such as an exhaustion level and allows a memory to be efficiently used.The memory system includes a NAND type flash memory 1 in which data can be electrically written/erased, a nonvolatile memory 2 which counts the number of erase operations of the NAND type flash memory 1 and retains the number of erase operations and a maximum number of erase operations, and a controller 3 which has a connection interface 31 to be given a self-diagnosis command from a computer 4, and retrieves the number of erase operations and the maximum number of erase operations from the nonvolatile memory 2 based on the self-diagnosis command and outputs the number of erase operations and the maximum number of erase operations to the computer 4 through the connection interface 31. |
| US08156391B2 |
Data controlling in the MBIST chain architecture
A memory collar including a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate one or more data sequences in response to one or more test commands. The one or more data sequences may be presented to a memory during a test mode. The second circuit may be configured to pre-process one or more outputs generated by the memory in response to the one or more data sequences. |
| US08156386B2 |
Information processing apparatus, and method and computer program for controlling same, for detecting certain failures
An information processing apparatus having a first subsystem and a second subsystem, is provided. The first subsystem includes a first updating unit configured to update a first counter at a priority higher than that of a processing task executed by the first subsystem, and a second updating unit configured to update a second counter at a priority lower than that of the processing task. The second subsystem includes a check unit configured to check whether the first and second counters have been updated, and a determination unit configured to determine that failure has occurred in the first subsystem if at least one of the first and second counters has not been updated. |
| US08156385B2 |
Systems and methods for backward-compatible constant-time exception-protection memory
Embodiments of the invention provide a table-free technique for detecting all temporal and spatial memory access errors in programs supporting general pointers. Embodiments of the invention provide such error checking using constant-time operations. Embodiments of the invention rely on fat pointers, whose size is contained within standard scalar sizes (up to two words) so that atomic hardware support for operations upon the pointers is obtained along with meaningful casts in-between pointers and other scalars. Optimized compilation of code becomes possible since the scalarized-for-free encoded pointers get register allocated and manipulated. Backward compatibility is enabled by the scalar pointer sizes, with automatic support provided for encoding and decoding of fat pointers in place for interaction with unprotected code. |
| US08156380B2 |
Apparatus and method to configure, format, and test, a data storage subsystem product
An apparatus and method are disclosed to configure, format, and test, a data storage subsystem product. The method supplies a data storage subsystem product comprising one or more host computer ports, a processor, one or more data storage device ports, and one or more data storage devices interconnected to the one or more data storage device ports. The method further supplies a configuration appliance comprising a storage configuration. The method connects the configuration appliance to one of the one or more storage device ports, boots up the data storage subsystem product, discovers the configuration appliance by the data storage subsystem product, imports storage configuration data into the data storage subsystem product, formats the one or more data storage device, and tests the input and output data transfer rates for the data storage subsystem product, wherein the formatting and testing are initiated concurrently. |
| US08156366B2 |
Method and apparatus for timing and event processing in wireless systems
A digital baseband processor is provided for concurrent operation with different wireless systems. The digital baseband processor includes a digital signal processor for executing digital signal processor instructions, a microcontroller for executing microcontroller instructions, and a timing and event processor controlled by the digital signal processor and the microcontroller for executing timing-sensitive instructions. The timing and event processor includes a plurality of instruction sequencers for executing timing-sensitive instruction threads and a time base generator for generating timing signals for initiating execution of the instruction threads on each of the plurality of instruction sequencers. |
| US08156365B2 |
Data reception apparatus
A data reception apparatus is disclosed. The data reception apparatus includes a strobe extractor for receiving a transmission signal and extracting a strobe signal from the transmission signal, the transmission signal including the strobe signal inserted between data signals and a clock signal following the strobe signal, the strobe signal having a different magnitude from a magnitude of a data signal, and the clock signal having an equal magnitude to the magnitude of the data signal, a clock recoverer for recovering the clock signal from the transmission signal, using the extracted strobe signal, and a sampler for sampling the data signals included in the transmission signal in response to the recovered clock signal. The probability of generating a timing skew error in the time interval between a clock signal and a data signal is minimized. Even though the level of a common component might change, the clock signal can be recovered accurately and the size of the clock recovery circuit can be reduced. Further, the data reception apparatus is suitable for transmitting/receiving data at a high transmission rate, and is robust against noise generated during transmission of the data signal and the clock signal, or against noise generated along a common path. |
| US08156364B2 |
Synchronized parallel processing of rows of data with dependencies by determining start time for processors
A method (which can be computer implemented) for processing a plurality of adjacent rows of data units, using a plurality of parallel processors, given (i) a predetermined processing order, and (ii) a specified inter-row dependency structure, includes the steps of determining starting times for each individual one of the processors, and maintaining synchronization across the processors, while ensuring that the dependency structure is not violated. Not all the starting times are the same, and a sum of absolute differences between (i) starting times of any given processor, and (ii) that one of the processors having an earliest starting time, is minimized. |
| US08156363B2 |
Information processing device and mobile phone including comparison of power consumption information and remaining power
An information processing device and a mobile terminal include a power consumption calculator which calculates, for each processing executed by the information processing device (or mobile terminal), power consumption information concerning an amount of power consumed by executing each processing. A request generator compares the amount of power indicated by the power consumption information and a remaining amount of power of the information processing device(or mobile terminal), and generates a request to execute predetermined processing according to a result of the comparison. A request processor executes the predetermined processing in response to the generated request. |
| US08156356B2 |
Dynamic power management for internal information handling system links
In some embodiments, a method for automatically and dynamically controlling the power states of physical layer links (PHYs) in a modular information handling system is provided. A chassis manager automatically determines a status of at least one of the chassis manager and a managed chassis module of a modular information handling system. The chassis manager automatically identifies a PHY power down condition based at least on the determined status of at least one of the chassis manager and the managed chassis module, and in response to identifying the power down condition, the chassis manager powers down one or more management link PHYs associated with a management link between the chassis manager and the managed chassis module. |
| US08156353B2 |
Techniques for communications power management based on system states
Techniques for communications based power management based on system states are described. An apparatus may comprise a communications sub-system having a control policy module, a controller and a first transceiver capable of operating at different communications rates. The control policy module may be operative to receive computing power state information and communications state information, determine a communications rate parameter for the first transceiver based on the computing power state information and the communications state information, and instruct the controller to modify a communications rate for the first transceiver based on the communications rate parameter. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08156351B2 |
Dynamic core swapping
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to dynamically swap processor cores. A first core has a first instruction set. The first core executes a program at a first performance level. The first core stops executing the program when a triggering event occurs. A second core has a second instruction set compatible with the first instruction set and has a second performance level different than the first performance level. The second core is in a power down state when the first core is executing the program. A circuit powers up the second core after the first core stops executing the program such that the second core continues executing the program at the second performance level. |
| US08156349B2 |
Electronic device and interface system
An electronic device, comprising a USB connector through which another electronic device is connected to the electronic device; and a power supply circuit that supplies power from a power source to the other electronic device via a specified pin other than a power supply pin of the USB connector. |
| US08156344B2 |
Method and apparatus for backing up and restoring domain information
A method of backing up domain information relating to the construction of a domain is provided. In the method, the domain information is encrypted and the encrypted domain information is stored in a predetermined storage device in the domain the encrypted domain information to the predetermined storage device, thereby securely backing up the domain information without the help of an external network. Accordingly, even when the existing domain server malfunctions, a new domain server is capable of obtaining the domain information. |
| US08156343B2 |
Accessing private data about the state of a data processing machine from storage that is publicly accessible
According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for operating a data processing machine is described in which data about a state of the machine is written to a location in storage. The location is one that is accessible to software that may be written for the machine. The state data as written is encoded. This state data may be recovered from the storage according to a decoding process. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08156341B2 |
Pattern recognition method and apparatus for data protection
Provided a secure pattern recognition method. The method includes: receiving data and generating a probe by converting the received data into a template for pattern recognition; accessing a gallery that is a template registered and stored in advance; determining a region to which the probe belongs and obtaining the center point of the region; obtaining a hash value of the center point and coordinate of the probe; and determining whether or not the hash value of the center point and a hash value stored in the gallery are equal and determining whether or not the probe and the gallery are classified into the same class by calculating whether or not the coordinate of the probe is inside a decision boundary configured with thresholds on the basis of the coordinates of the center point. |
| US08156339B2 |
Method for transmission/reception of contents usage right information in encrypted form, and device thereof
A license-data transmitter (in a case of recording, a recording device 100 serves as a license-data transmitter, and in a case of readout, a storage device 200 serves as a license-data transmitter) verifies a certificate C[KPdx] (the license-data receiver and the license-data transmitter will be represented by “x” and “y”, respectively) of a license-data receiver (in a case of recording, a storage device 200 serves as a license-data receiver, and in a case of readout, a reproducing device 300 serves as a license-data receiver), following which the license-data transmitter transmits a certificate C[KPdy] thereof to the license-data receiver in the form of challenge information E(KPdx, Kcy)//C[KPdy]. Then, the license-data receiver verifies the certificate C[KPdy] of the license-data transmitter. Only in a case that the license-data transmitter device has been authorized, the license-data receiver transmits the session information E(Kcy, E(KPdy, Ksx)//KPpx) to the license-data transmitter in response to the challenge information. The license-data transmitter provides the license data to the license-data receiver using the key Ksx and KPpx thus received. |
| US08156338B1 |
Systems and methods for strong authentication of electronic transactions
A token value is generated for a user to submit to an authentication service of an electronic system. The token value represents that the user is in possession of an electronic item known to the authentication service, where the electronic item is capable of two-way communications with the authentication service and has thereon an authenticator application transmitted from the authentication service to the electronic item. The authenticator application obtains a current time value from a clock of the electronic item or an authentication value from the authentication service, retrieves predetermined indicia of the electronic item from a location thereon, and combines the obtained value and the retrieved indicia of the electronic item to generate the token value. The authentication service essentially performs the same steps based on information already available at such authentication service to generate a verification token value, and compares the submitted token value to the verification token value. |
| US08156334B2 |
Public key out-of-band transfer for mutual authentication
Methods for key exchange and mutual authentication are provided that allow for inherent authentication and secret key derivation of parties communicating through an unsecured medium. These methods allow for greater security than existing key exchange and authentication methods while requiring little or no additional energy or time compared with a basic Diffie-Hellman key exchange. These methods allow for secure communication with small, low-power devices and greater security for any devices communicating through an unsecured medium. |
| US08156328B1 |
Encryption method and device
A method and a device are disclosed for the low-cost implementation even of high-performance encryption functions in an encryptor. The encryptor may be composed merely of PC software or the like, or of any other terminal/information system with integrated Vernam cipher which does not need to be supported by expensive crypto-hardware for the actual encryption process. The crypto-hardware is made either of a chipcard or a multifunctional PC interface adapter (e.g., PCMCIA module) with built-in special crypto-hardware. The encryptor, on the other hand, is a conventional personal computer, software or another terminal which, however, with the exception of the very simple Vernam cipher (e.g., EXOR), needs no further crypto-technology even for broad-band applications in software. The external crypto-modules contain all the complex crypto-functions which generate the Vernam key in reserve, the reserves being temporarily stored in an intermediate storage until they are gradually used up by the encryption process through logic operations of the method. The storage may be installed either in the PC or terminal, or also in the crypto-module. The encryptor always operates with the same Vernam cipher, even if the external crypto- or PCMCIA modules use different symmetrical and asymmetrical ciphers. External crypto-modules in the form of chipcards or PCMCIA modules are inexpensive to manufacture. All the complex crypto-functions are located outside of the encryptor. They are interchangeable by module and can be implemented in the proposed low-cost and somewhat lower-speed external crypto-modules. |
| US08156327B2 |
Revocation of cryptographic digital certificates
A distributed certificate authority includes a CA and a number of Sub-CAs (2610). The Sub-CAs have secret certificate validation data, but different data are provided to different Sub-CAs for each certificate. If a Sub-CA is compromised, the Sub-CA validity proof will be withheld by the CA to alert the verifiers not to use the data from this Sub-CA. Also, the secret data are encrypted when distributed to the Sub-CAs. A decryption key (DK.j.k) for each “partition” of time is distributed to each Sub-CA at or shortly before the start of the partition. A compromised Sub-CA can be reactivated at the end of the partition because the adversary does not get the decryption keys for the future partitions. |
| US08156316B2 |
Electronic device having an alterable configuration and methods of manufacturing and configuring the same
An electronic device having an alterable configuration includes a non-volatile memory configurable to include at least a first partition and a second partition, the non-volatile memory storing a boot ROM. The boot ROM is operable when executed by a processor of said electronic device to, in the event that a third partition is available, boot an operating system in the third partition, the operating system operable when booted to cause the third partition to be deleted and the second partition to be expanded to encompass memory freed by the deletion; and otherwise boot an operating system in the first partition. |
| US08156314B2 |
Incremental state updates
A system and method are described that manage incremental state updates in such a way that multiple threads within a processor can each operate, in effect, on their own set of state data. The system and method are applicable to any processor in which multiple threads require access to sets of state information which differ from one another by a relatively small number of state changes. |
| US08156313B2 |
Chained operation of functional units in integrated circuit by writing DONE/complete value and by reading as GO/start value from same memory location
In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a flexible and reconfigurable architecture with efficient memory data management, together with efficient data transfer and relieving data transfer congestion in an integrated circuit. In an embodiment, the output of a first functional component is stored to an input memory of a next functional component. Thus when the first functional component completes its processing, its output is ready to be accessed as input to the next functional component. In an embodiment, the memory device further comprises a partition mechanism for simultaneously accepting output writing from the first functional component and accepting input reading from the second functional component. In another embodiment, the present integrated circuit comprises at least two functional components and at least two memory devices, together with a controller for switching the connections between the functional components and the memory devices. The controller can comprise a multiplexer or a switching matrix. |
| US08156310B2 |
Method and apparatus for data stream alignment support
One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for data stream alignment support includes retrieving a first input from a first register file, retrieving a second input from a second register file, the second register file being dedicated to a stream shift unit and performing the stream shift instruction in accordance with the first input, the second input and a third input. |
| US08156309B2 |
Translation look-aside buffer with variable page sizes
Multiple pipelined Translation Look-aside Buffer (TLB) units are configured to compare a translation address with associated TLB entries. The TLB units operated in serial order comparing the translation address with associated TLB entries until an identified one of the TLB units produces a hit. The TLB units following the TLB unit producing the hit might be disabled. |
| US08156304B2 |
Dynamic data storage repartitioning
Embodiments of the present invention enable dynamic repartitioning of data storage in response to one or more triggers. In embodiments, a trigger may be a user-initiated action, a system-generated action, and/or an inference based on storage usage parameters. Applications of the present invention are its use in embodiments of a storage management system comprising a file system manager and a volume manager, where the placement of data into a partition (data storage region) may be specified by matching one or more disk region placement data attributes assigned to data with corresponding disk region attributes. In embodiments, dynamic repartitioning comprises adjustment of the location of the boundary between adjacent disk partitions and, if necessary, rebalancing of the data stored within the partitions by identifying mismatched data and relocating it to the partition with which it is associated. |
| US08156302B2 |
Integrating data from symmetric and asymmetric memory
Data stored within symmetric and asymmetric memory components of main memory is integrated by identifying a first data as having access characteristics suitable for storing in an asymmetric memory component. The first data is included among a collection of data to be written to the asymmetric memory component. An amount of data is identified within the collection of data to be written to the asymmetric memory component. The amount of data is compared within the collection of data to a volume threshold to determine whether a block write to the asymmetric memory component is justified by the amount of data. If justified, the collection of data is loaded to the asymmetric memory component. |
| US08156298B1 |
Virtualization-based security apparatuses, methods, and systems
Apparatuses, devices, and methods for protecting content on a computer are disclosed that employ a novel hypervisor configured to segregate, or partition, hardware resources or portions thereof into protected and unprotected areas and devices. The partitioning, effectively hides protected hardware resources, such as the BIOS device, etc., from operating systems running on the computer. The hypervisor controls access resources into the protected area and limits the manner in which the operating systems on the computer can access the protected resources and content. The hypervisor can be configured to physically partition entire hardware resource or to employ virtualization technology to partition hardware resources, such as memory devices, into protected and unprotected areas that are virtually partitioned. The hypervisor of the present invention provides a new concept in employing anti-forensic techniques to bring about a protection mechanism that prevents unauthorized users including remote attackers who have obtained administrative access from accessing, reverse engineering, or otherwise exposing content protected. The content can generally be anything that can be maintained in a computer including data, algorithms, code, information and processes in general, etc., such as personal, sensitive, confidential and proprietary information and algorithms, and cryptographic keys. |
| US08156297B2 |
Smart device recordation
Valuable information can be retained upon a storage device, such as a flash memory unit. Due to the portable nature of the memory, there can be increased likelihood of theft, less back up of important files not a reliable medium, legal physical transfer of the device between parties, and the like. When an operation is requested to take place related to the device, a check can take place if the operation should be allowed based upon device metadata, such as physical location of the device, device history, and so forth. A determination can be made on if the operation should automatically occur based upon a result of the check. If it is determination that the operation should not automatically occur, then the operation can be denied or a request can be made to an owner of the device on if the operation should be allowed to occur. |
| US08156295B2 |
Four-slot asynchronous communication mechanism with decreased latency
System and method for a four-slot asynchronous communication mechanism with decreased latency. The system may include a host system and a client device. The host may comprise a data structure with four (two pairs of) slots. The client may comprise first information indicating a status of write operations to the data structure on the host and second information usable to determine a slot that should be written to. If the first information indicates that the second information is accurate, the client may determine which slot in the data structure should be written to based on information stored only on the client device. The determined slot may be the slot that has not been written to more recently of the pair of slots that has not been read from most recently. The client may write data to the determined slot. The client may update at least a portion of the information stored on the client device to reflect the write of data to the determined slot. |
| US08156294B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling storage buffers
Disclosed herein is a memory control apparatus including: a plurality of buffers configured to store data; a plurality of input ports configured to input the data to be written into the buffers; a plurality of output ports configured to output the data read from the buffers; a write control circuit configured to write the data inputted via each of the input ports into an unused one of the buffers; and a read control circuit configured to read the data written into the unused buffer, and supply the read data to a particular one of the output ports corresponding to a destination of the data. |
| US08156292B2 |
Methods for implementation of data formats on a removable disk drive storage system
An archiving system including one or more removable disk drives embedded in removable disk cartridges, referred to simply as removable disk drives. The removable disk drives allow for expandability and replacement such that the archiving system need not be duplicated to add new or more storage capacity. In embodiments, the removable disk drives store metadata that contain information about the data stored on the removable disk drive. The metadata allows the system to retrieve the correct data from the random access memory and establishes controls on the data stored on the removable disk drive. In embodiments, the metadata is stored in two locations, such that, if the metadata in one location is corrupted, the second copy of the metadata may be retrieved. |
| US08156291B2 |
Memory register encoding systems and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to encode register bits to generate encoded bits such that, for pairs of addresses, an encoded bit to be coupled to a first address in a memory device may be exchanged with an encoded bit to be coupled to a second address in the memory device. Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to invert encoded bits in logic circuits in the memory device if original bits were inverted. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08156290B1 |
Just-in-time continuous segment cleaning
Just-in-time segment cleaning obtains the location of blocks of a storage system predicted to be targeted by a future write operation and cleans the blocks targeted for the future write operation prior to the occurrence of the future write operation. In one aspect, just-in-time segment cleaning is performed in proportion to previous user-initiated write operations. In another aspect, just-in-time segment cleaning applies a cost analysis determination to minimize the work of cleaning. |
| US08156286B2 |
Processor and method for using an instruction hint to prevent hardware prefetch from using certain memory accesses in prefetch calculations
A microprocessor includes a cache memory, a prefetch unit, and detection logic. The prefetch unit may be configured to monitor memory accesses that miss in the cache and to determine whether to prefetch one or more blocks of memory from a system memory based upon previous memory accesses. The prefetch unit may be further configured to use addresses of the memory accesses that miss to calculate each next memory block to prefetch. The detection logic may be configured to provide a notification to the prefetch unit in response to detecting a memory access instruction including a particular hint. In response to receiving the notification, the prefetch unit may be configured to inhibit using an address associated with the memory access instruction including the particular hint, when calculating subsequent memory blocks to prefetch. |
| US08156281B1 |
Data storage system and method using storage profiles to define and modify storage pools
A method and system for allocating storage in a data storage system using one or more storage profiles. A set of storage profiles are provided that each has a set of parameters with values defined for the data storage system and for particular client applications. The method includes receiving a selection of one of the storage profiles, such as from an administrative user interface generated by a storage manager running in conjunction with the data storage system. The selected storage profile is then applied to the data storage system to allocate a portion of the data storage system to a storage pool which is defined by the values of the set of parameters in the selected storage profile. The method includes creating a user-defined storage profile by copying parameters from one of the provided storage profiles and allowing a user to modify or accept the parameters. |
| US08156272B2 |
Multiple communication channels on MMC or SD CMD line
The claimed subject matter can provide an architecture that interfaces a single slave device such as a UICC smartcard with multiple host controllers. For example, a secondary host can be interfaced between a primary host (e.g. a controller in a cellular phone, a PDA, an MP3 player . . . ) to manage all transactions with the slave device. The secondary host can operate transparently to the primary host and thus does not require any modifications to the primary host. This can be accomplished, e.g. by employing the CMD channel (which is relatively sparsely used by the primary host) to communicate both commands and data with the slave. Moreover, the transactions initiated by the secondary host can be segmented into many smaller fragments and interleaved between transactions initiated by the primary host. In addition, the secondary host can temporarily take on the role of the slave device and affect direct communication with the primary host. |
| US08156270B2 |
Dual port serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) disk drive
An embodiment of the present invention is disclosed to include a hard disk drive allowing for access by two hosts to a device. Further disclosed are embodiments for reducing the delay and complexity of the SATA disk drive. |
| US08156269B2 |
Reference distribution bus
A system that includes a multiplexer having an output selectively coupled to a plurality of inputs, a bus coupled to the output of the multiplexer, and first and second circuits configured to generate first and second digital signals, respectively. The first digital signal is related to a rotational angle of a crankshaft at a first point in time, and the second digital signal is related to a value of parameter at the first point in time, wherein the parameter is one other than the rotational angle of the crankshaft. The first and second circuits are coupled directly or indirectly to first and second inputs of the multiplexer. |
| US08156267B2 |
Switching apparatus and displaying system
The present invention provides a switching apparatus, which includes at least one first USB hub, one second USB hub and a controller. The first USB hub includes at least one first USB port for connecting N image input apparatus respectively; N is a positive integer. The second USB hub includes at least one second USB port for connecting M peripheral apparatus respectively; M is a positive integer. The controller is connected to the first USB hub and the second USB hub, for selecting at least one target image input apparatus from the N image input apparatus, and controlling the at least one target image input apparatus to communicate with at least one of the peripheral apparatuses. |
| US08156266B2 |
Consumer electronics control (CEC) line enhancement method for HDMI network that selects a transfer rate from a plurality of transfer rates
A method for determining transfer rate comprising selecting a first transfer rate of a plurality of transfer rates, transmitting a message at the first transfer rate over a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line of a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) network, determining whether an acknowledgment to the message having been transmitted at the first transfer rate is received, storing, in the event the acknowledgment to the message having been transmitted at the first transfer rate is received, the first transfer rate and storing, in the event no acknowledgment is received, a default transfer rate of the plurality of transfer rates. |
| US08156263B2 |
Information processing apparatus and storage device control method
An information processing apparatus includes: a processor configured to run an operating system; a plurality of storage devices connected to the processor; a detection module configured to detect a boot process for installing the operating system; a determination module configured to acquire device information from each of the storage devices and determine priority rank of the storage devices based on the device information when the detection module detects the boot process being originated from a device other than the storage devices; and a control module configured to install the operating system in a target storage device that is selected from among the storage devices, the target storage device having the highest priority rank determined by the determination module. |
| US08156261B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing data transfer control
A variety of advantageous mechanisms for improved data transfer control within a data processing system are described. A DMA controller is described which is implemented as a multiprocessing transfer engine supporting multiple transfer controllers which may work independently or in cooperation to carry out data transfers, with each transfer controller acting as an autonomous processor, fetching and dispatching DMA instructions to multiple execution units. In particular, mechanisms for initiating and controlling the sequence of data transfers are provided, as are processes for autonomously fetching DMA instructions which are decoded sequentially but executed in parallel. Dual transfer execution units within each transfer controller, together with independent transfer counters, are employed to allow decoupling of source and destination address generation and to allow multiple transfer instructions in one transfer execution unit to operate in parallel with a single transfer instruction in the other transfer unit. Improved flow control of data between a source and destination is provided through the use of special semaphore operations, signals and message synchronization which may be invoked explicitly using SIGNAL and WAIT type instructions or implicitly through the use of special “event-action” registers. Transfer controllers are also described which can cooperate to perform “DMA-to-DMA” transfers. Message-level synchronization can be used by transfer controllers to synchronize with each other. |
| US08156259B2 |
Memory data transfer method and system
A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a DMA process. Accordingly, a DMA process is initiated for moving data from contiguous first locations to contiguous second locations and to a third location or third locations. Within the DMA process the data from each of the contiguous first locations is retrieved and stored in a corresponding one of the contiguous second locations and in the third location or corresponding one of the third locations. The DMA process is performed absent retrieving the same data a second other time prior to storing of same within the corresponding one of the contiguous second locations and in the third location or corresponding one of the third locations. |
| US08156256B2 |
Method for managing logical address and device thereof
An address management method and a device thereof are provided. The address management method includes determining by a device whether all logical addresses corresponding to a type of the device are currently being used by external devices; setting by the device a non-use logical address as a logical address of the device, if it is determined that one of the logical addresses is currently not in use; and setting by the device a predetermined logical address as a logical address of the device, if it is determined that all the logical addresses are currently being used. Therefore, logical addresses may be allocated to a device even if all logical addresses corresponding the type of the device are currently being used. |
| US08156249B2 |
Using server type to obtain network address
In aspects, a gateway that sits between a single network protocol client and a server receives a request from the client for a network address of the server. The gateway issues multiple name resolution requests and waits for a first response. Depending on various factors, the gateway determines whether or not to wait for additional responses before responding to the client. If needed, the gateway may obtain an address of a translating device to assist the client in communicating with the server. |
| US08156248B2 |
Image distribution for dynamic server pages
Methods, systems, and products for distributing images in a data processing system, including receiving a request for a dynamic server page having a multiplicity of associated images, each image having a storage location identified in the dynamic server page by an image resource locator; inserting in the dynamic server page an image group identifier for the images; and inserting in the dynamic server page client data names for the images. Typical embodiments also include receiving from the client a request for a group of images, wherein the request comprises the image group identifier; retrieving from storage the images identified by the image group identifier; and sending the retrieved images to the client. |
| US08156246B2 |
Systems and methods for providing content and services on a network system
Systems and methods for managing and providing content and services on a network system. Aspects of the invention include location-based determination of network content and services that may be provided to client computers. Other aspects of the invention include authorization and authentication components that determine access rights of client computers. Additional aspects include systems and methods for redirecting client computers to different network content. The disclosed systems and methods may be used in numerous network system applications. |
| US08156244B2 |
Software client control of digital picture frames
In one embodiment, a method can include: determining a topology of digital picture frames in a frame network; identifying a lead picture frame from among the digital picture frames; sending the digital picture frame topology to a client coupled to the lead picture frame; receiving in the lead picture frame and from the client, media content for display on a destination digital picture frame in the frame network; and routing the received media content to the destination digital picture frame using router functionality in at least one of the plurality of digital picture frames. |
| US08156243B2 |
Request routing
A system, method and computer-readable medium for request routing. A client request processing a resource identifier for requested content transmits a first DNS query to a content delivery network service provider. The content delivery network service provider transmits an alternative resource identifier in response to the client computing device DNS query. The client computing device then issues a second DNS query to the same content delivery network service provider. The content delivery network service provider can then either resolve the second DNS query with an IP address of a cache component or transmit another alternative resource identifier that will resolve to the content delivery network service provider. The process can repeat with the content delivery network service provider's network until a DNS server resolves a DNS query from the client computing device. |
| US08156236B2 |
Audio-video data switching and viewing system
A computer system and method providing for viewing and switching of audio-video data. The system comprises: a plurality of audio/video sources containing information referring to an event; a streaming server, streaming the contents of a first audio signal and a first video signal from the audio and video sources to a user; a feed distributor controllably feeding the first audio signal and first video signal to the streaming server; and a user-operated control unit communicating with the feed distributor and controlling operation of the feed distributor, so as to instruct the feed distributor to switch between audio or video. Switching between audio signals occurs without altering the video signals and switching between video signals occurs without altering the audio signals. |
| US08156228B1 |
Method and apparatus to enable confidential browser referrals
A method of facilitating a blind referral comprising producing a referral communication for referring a client computer from a connection with a first server to a second server, wherein the referral communication comprises first server information defining a location of the first server, generating a placeholder for the first server information in the referral communication, and replacing the first server information with the placeholder in communications with the second server during the referral communication. |
| US08156227B2 |
System and method for managing multiple domain names for a website in a website indexing system
When a website has a number of equivalent domain names including a preferred domain name, the locator for a document in the website can be rewritten using the preferred domain name before indexing the document, according to certain embodiments. According to certain embodiments, a user interface is provided to allow a user to specify the preferred domain name for a website for which the user is a verified owner. |
| US08156226B2 |
Ordering provisioning request execution based on service level agreement and customer entitlement
A solution provided here comprises receiving requests for a service from a plurality of customers, responding to the requests for a service, utilizing a shared infrastructure, and configuring the shared infrastructure, based on stored customer information. Another example of such a solution comprises: analyzing at least one provisioning request; assigning a priority to the provisioning request, based on performance data and stored customer information; configuring a shared infrastructure, according to the provisioning request and the priority; and responding to requests for services, utilizing the shared infrastructure. |
| US08156217B2 |
Dynamically balancing load for servers
Dynamically balancing load for servers. Servers that are able to respond to requests directed at the system are monitored for. After discovery of a server, a performance metric is obtained for the discovered server. The performance metric for the discovered server is stored in a table. When a request is received, the request is routed to a selected server in the system of servers based on the performance metric, wherein the system of servers comprises the discovered servers. |
| US08156215B2 |
System and method for device management
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method of device management. In one embodiment of the present invention, a management device can receive device management data from devices on a network in a variety of device management protocols and map the device management data to a protocol used by a device management client. Because the management device can provide device management data in a format usable by the device management client, regardless of which protocol was originally used to generate the device management data, the device management client can turn to the management device to gather all or a portion the device management data from heterogeneous devices on a network. |
| US08156212B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for managing computer processes
Methods, systems and apparatuses for managing computer processes in a computing environment may be described. An exemplary method may include the defining of a plurality of computer processes; the defining of a sequence that dictates the starting and stopping of the plurality of computer processes; the Defining of any process dependencies for the plurality of computer processes; the defining of a first networked environment where the plurality of computer processes run; the determining of an action to take following a system event; and the executing of the action. |
| US08156209B1 |
Aggregation devices processing keep-alive messages of point-to-point sessions
Several keep-alive messages of point to point (PPP) sessions received from a remote system are aggregated into a single packet in an aggregation device (e.g., network access server). The aggregated packet is sent to a peer aggregation device (e.g., home gateway) at the other end of the PPP session. The peer aggregation device may send the status of the sessions in a single packet. As a result, the data traffic on a communication backbone due to keep-alive status checks may be reduced. Without waiting for the peer aggregation device to provide the status information, a proxy reply may be generated from the aggregation device. |
| US08156207B2 |
Method and apparatus for remotely configuring network devices
A preferred embodiment apparatus for configuring network devices in a network includes a controller provided at a remote location on the network for receiving a configuration request from a user to configure a select user defined device. The controller translates the configuration request to another configuration request, and issues the translated configuration request to a select network device corresponding to the select user defined device for configuring the select network device. A translation enabling part allows the controller to translate the first configuration request received from the user to the second configuration request issued to the select network device. |
| US08156202B2 |
Method and system for sharing data between radiology information systems
The present invention relates to a method and a system for sharing and exchanging event data between at least two 5 radiology information systems. An event in any of the radiology information systems triggers a send and receive server to convert the event data from the radiology information system that has sent out the trigger signal. The send and receive server than then packages the converted 10 data and sends the converted and packed data from the send and receive server to a central server. The central server tags the received data and stores the received data at a central storage unit connected to the central server. Finally, the central server sends the stored data back to 15 any of the radiology information systems via the send and receive server at the request by any of the radiology information systems and if the stored data comprises images exchange the exciting meta-data with meta-data generated by the send and receive server (8) of the receiving radiology 20 information system (2). |
| US08156198B2 |
Live custom media play lists
List processing functionality (LPF) is described for creating a play list that defines an order in which video media programs are to be presented. Different techniques are described for creating the play list, including various manual techniques and various automatic (or semi-automatic) techniques. |
| US08156197B1 |
Systems and methods for accessing and controlling media stored remotely
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a server that stores a set of media files. The server is configured to send an authentication code to a first communication device in response to a request from the first communication device to access the set of media files such that the first communication device can present the authentication code to a user. The server is configured to associate an identifier of a second communication device with the first communication device such that a user of the second communication device can authorize access to the set of media files from the first communication device by sending the authentication code to the server using the second communication device. |
| US08156194B2 |
Signaling gateway
A signaling gateway for passing messages from a first network to an application server process provided on a second network, the messages comprising a transaction identifier, the signaling gateway being operable to receive a message and read the transaction identifier, identify the application server process from a part of the transaction identifier and forward the message to the application server process. |
| US08156190B2 |
Generating PKI email accounts on a web-based email system
The present invention provides systems and methods for allowing an Email User to create a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Email Account and thereafter to digitally sign, send, verify and receive PKI encrypted emails over a computer network, such as the Internet. The systems and methods preferably include a Web-based Email System and a Certificate Authority that coordinate their actions to make the process of creating, maintaining and using the PKI Account as easy as possible for the Email User. In a preferred embodiment, a Keystore System may also be used to enhance the management and use of digital keypairs. |
| US08156187B2 |
Searching for electronic mail (email) messages with attachments at a wireless communication device
A set of email messages is received at a wireless communication device. Each of the email messages has at least one attachment. For each attachment, an indicator of whether any content of the attachment has been presented at the wireless communication device (e.g. displayed on a display or played on a speaker) is maintained. A subset of the set of email messages is identified and displayed on the basis of the indicators and a user-specified parameter, which may be specified via a graphical user interface. Alternatively, a subset of the set of email messages is identified, wherein each email message of the subset has at least one attachment whose content is presentable at the device. |
| US08156184B2 |
Dialog server for handling conversation in virtual space method and computer program for having conversation in virtual space
A dialog server which provides dialogs made by at least one user through their respective avatars in a virtual space. A method and a computer readable article of manufacture tangibly embodying computer readable instructions for executing the steps of the method are also provided. The dialog server includes: a position storage unit which stores positional information on the avatars; an utterance receiver which receives at least one utterance of avatars and utterance strength representing an importance or attention level of the utterance; an interest level calculator which calculates interest levels between avatars based on their positional information; a message processor which generates a message based on the utterance in accordance with a value calculated from the interest levels and the utterance strength; and a message transmitter which transmits the message to the avatars. |
| US08156182B2 |
System and method for inter-platform communications blocking
A system and method for preventing unwanted communications. A communication is received from a sending party. Input indicating the communication is to be filtered is received. Filtering information is extracted from the communication. The filtering information is distributed to multiple telecommunications platforms. The communication and future communications are blocked across the multiple telecommunications platforms utilizing the filtering information. |
| US08156180B2 |
Tools for redirecting to a book website
Systems and methods of the present invention provide for redirecting a user to a book's website after submitting a request for information about the book. The book's website or a link to the website may be displayed to the user on a client browser. |
| US08156176B2 |
Browser based multi-clip video editing
Embodiments of the present invention provide a manipulation facility within a browser environment. Without limitation, the clip may be a video clip. An editing tool may be adapted to associate a first and second clip in association with the manipulation facility. |
| US08156172B2 |
Monitoring and reporting enterprise data using a message-based data exchange
Systems and techniques for monitoring and reporting enterprise data by using a message-based data exchange. In one general aspect, the invention features a computer-implemented method that includes receiving at a message hub one or more messages from one or more sources. A message includes enterprise data. The method includes selecting a message from among the one or more messages, using an extractor implemented at the message hub to extract enterprise data from the selected message, and obtaining information regarding message traffic through the message hub. The method includes selecting a destination and sending to the destination the extracted enterprise data and information regarding message traffic. |
| US08156171B1 |
Digital logic circuit
In one aspect, there is provided a digital logic circuit that comprises circuitry for generating a new iteration xn+1 of the reciprocal square root of A from the previous iteration xn by (i) multiplying the previous iteration xn by the number A; (ii) multiplying the result of (i) by the previous iteration xn; (iii) subtracting the result of (ii) from 3; and (iv) multiplying the result of (iii) by half of the previous iteration xn. According to another aspect there is provided a calculator unit for determining an initial value for use in a iterative process for calculating an estimate of the reciprocal square root of a number A, the calculator unit comprising circuitry for (a) rounding the number A to the nearest number of the form 2J, where J is an integer; (b) if J is odd, rounding J up to the nearest even number to give J′; (c) if J is even, setting J to J′; and (d) calculating 2−(J′/2) to determine the initial value for the reciprocal square root of A. |
| US08156170B2 |
Increased precision in the computation of a reciprocal square root
A method and arrangements for increased precision in the computation of a reciprocal square root is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to achieve fifty three (53) bits of precision in less processing time than previously possible. |
| US08156169B2 |
Signal processing method and signal processing circuit
A signal processing method includes a first step of calculating a value indicating a value obtained by multiplying a ratio of the number of times of inputting the input signal having any one of values from p to m, where m is a maximum value of values of input signal which are subject to said signal processing and p is a value smaller than m and not a minimum value of the input signal, within a predetermined period to the number of times of inputting the input signal within the predetermined period, by the variable range of the converted value; and a second step of subtracting the calculated value from a maximum value within the variable range of the converted value or a value near the maximum value, wherein the input signal is converted according to the conversion characteristic specified based on a value obtained by subtraction. |
| US08156167B2 |
Analog pseudo random bit sequence generator
A Pseudo Random Bit Sequence (PRBS) generator is provided with components to enable operation at very high microwave frequencies with inexpensive components. The PRBS generator initially replaces the D flip-flops of a conventional PRBS generator with delay lines connected in a similar manner. Further, an exclusive OR (EXOR) gate used in a conventional device is replaced in one embodiment by a mixer and amplifier. In another embodiment, the EXOR gate is replaced by a Gilbert Cell. In some embodiments, complementary outputs of an EXOR gate are connected to separate delay lines to reduce components needed for the PRBS generator. |
| US08156166B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting a doctor based on an observed experience level
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates the selection of a doctor for a user. The system provides a list of doctors to the user based on an observed experience level of the listed doctors with a condition or a procedure. During operation, the system receives from a user a selection criteria for selecting of a doctor. The system also receives from the user a medical profile for the user. Next, the system receives from a third-party a plurality of doctors' profiles. Then, the system ranks the plurality of doctors' profiles into a ranked list based on the selection criteria and conditions within the medical profile. Finally, the system sends the ranked list to the user. |
| US08156164B2 |
Concurrent directory update in a cluster file system
A method for avoiding directory conflicts across a file system having multiple nodes with one node representing a token manager. For each directory, at least one metanode responsible for directory updates. The method involving obtaining a name-based lock on a filename. Querying the token manager for a lock token. If a new token is obtained, sending a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) to the metanode to obtain matching directory entries, and caching the result of the RPC so that subsequent operations on that filename can be satisfied without additional messages sent to the metanode. Updating a cached directory block in memory by creating a new directory entry in the block or deleting an existing directory entry from the block. Information regarding the updating is sent to the metanode on one of: periodic schedule, a subsequent synchronization event, or when the name-based lock token is revoked. |
| US08156159B2 |
Data masking and unmasking of sensitive data
A server is configured to receive an input file or table that includes a number of data elements, where the data elements include some sensitive data elements of different types; identify each of the different types of sensitive data elements; identify a subset of the sensitive data elements that corresponds to each of the different types of sensitive data elements; simultaneously perform data masking operations on the sensitive data elements to create masked sensitive data elements, where a separate one of the data masking operations is performed on each of the subsets of the sensitive data elements; generate an output file or table that includes the data elements from the input file or table, where the sensitive data elements, of the input file or table, are replaced with the masked sensitive data elements; and output or store the output file or table. |
| US08156158B2 |
Method and system for use of a database of personal data records
A system and method are presented for managing and using (e.g. for commercial or medical use) of a database. A verified database of a plurality of identified individuals is provided. The verified database comprises a plurality of individual-identifier data sets (IDSs) and relationship data. The verified database is processed in accordance with one or more parameters or conditions selected in accordance with at least one medical application, and a sub-group database is created including data records of the individuals from the verified database having said one or more selected parameters or conditions. This allows collection of data comprising the one or more selected parameters or conditions and delivery of at least part of the collected data to one or more users, and enables applying data from the verified database to provide personalized medicine service to at least one of the identified individuals. |
| US08156154B2 |
Techniques to manage a taxonomy system for heterogeneous resource domain
Techniques to manage vocabulary terms for a taxonomy system are described. An apparatus may comprise a managed taxonomy system having a vocabulary management module to manage a taxonomy of formal vocabulary terms organized in a hierarchical structure. The taxonomy may include a category for informal vocabulary terms stored as a list of keywords. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08156150B2 |
Fusion general ledger
A database system combines a general ledger and a multi-dimensional database. The general ledger and multi-dimensional database are mapped such that relationships between the general ledger and multi-dimensional database are characterized with metadata dimensions. Using the mapping, data can be received into the general ledger and stored in both the general ledger and multi-dimensional database substantially simultaneously. Further, a synchronization of the data copies changes to the data automatically from the general ledger to the multi-dimensional database. Thus, there is no manual copying of data between the general ledger and the database. Further, the latency between the general ledger and database is minimal ensuring accurate analysis even contemporaneous with the input of the data. |
| US08156147B1 |
Sharing of instructions across model boundaries
An exemplary embodiment may provide a repository for containing representations that represent a model or a portion of the model. A user may store the representations in the repository, for example, as functions. The functions stored in the repository may be shared and used for processing another model that includes a pattern performing the same or similar function as the representations stored in the repository. A checksum may be compared to determine an equivalent function in the repository. In a different embodiment, the intermediate representation of the pattern may be compared to determine an equivalent function in the repository. |
| US08156145B2 |
Analytic enhancements to model clause in structured query language (SQL)
A method for processing queries is provided. A database server receives and executes a query to generate a relation. The query comprises first one or more clauses and a model clause. The model clause comprises a rule that has a left-side expression and a right-side expression. In one embodiment, the right-side expression of the rule includes a window function, which specifies one or more partition columns. In an embodiment, the left-side expression comprises a for-loop predicate. The for-loop predicate is unfolded after the database server compiles the query. In one embodiment, the left-side expression of the rule comprises one or more existential predicates, where each existential predicate evaluates to a Boolean value. |
| US08156144B2 |
Metadata search interface
A system and method for implementing a metadata search interface is disclosed. The technology creates a configuration file for the metadata search interface comprising a predicate describing a search parameter of the metadata search interface. The configuration file further comprises a control attribute which associates the predicate with a control describing how a display element displayed on the metadata search interface is displayed and a correlation between the display element and the predicate. The technology further comprises generating the metadata search interface in runtime based upon the control. |
| US08156142B2 |
Semantically weighted searching in a governed corpus of terms
A method and system for conducting semantically weighted searches in a governed corpus of terms is provided. A search expression having a plurality of terms for performing a search in the governed corpus of terms is received. The governed corpus of terms comprises a plurality of corpus expressions each comprising a plurality of terms, each term within the governed corpus of terms being associated precisely with a single concept within a lexical database. At least one concept of the lexical database is assigned to each term in the search expression based on a syntactical analysis. A semantic similarity is calculated between pairs of concepts of the search expression and one of the corpus expressions. A total semantic similarity is calculated between the search expression and the one of the corpus expressions by aggregating the semantic similarities of the pairs of concepts based on an order of significance of the terms. |
| US08156141B1 |
Incorporated web page content
Keeping incorporated web page content up to date is disclosed. A web page is associated with a stored object that has been incorporated into the web page, for example an object stored in a repository. The web page is updated automatically based at least in part on an indication that the stored object has been changed. |
| US08156132B1 |
Systems for comparing image fingerprints
Surrogate heuristic identification is described, including a memory configured to store data associated with an image, and a processor configured to select a portion of an image, and the portion is standardized, to identify a characteristic associated with the image, to use the characteristic to generate a data representation, the data representation being used to provide heuristic data, and to process the heuristic data to generate a fingerprint configured to compare against one or more stored fingerprints associated with other images. |
| US08156130B2 |
System and method for collapsing search results
A system and method for collapsing search results. User input is received to perform a search of a communications network. The search results and multiple selection elements are displayed for removing each of the search results. A user selection of a selection element associated with a search result is received. A determination is made of irrelevant results that are similar to the search result. The search results are collapsed to remove the search result and the irrelevant search results. |
| US08156126B2 |
Method for the allocation of data on physical media by a file system that eliminates duplicate data
The present invention is a method for the allocation of data on physical media by a file system that eliminates duplicate data. Efficient searches are employed using a unique algorithm when a compare on hash is used to achieve realtime operation of the file system. The in memory feature of the invention allows the search to be performed in constant time. Also, the on disk representation of search structures enables the present invention to maintain these critical search structures in a highly efficient, self-consistent and resilient manner. |
| US08156123B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing metadata
Methods and apparatuses for processing metadata are described herein. In one embodiment, when a file (e.g., a text, audio, and/or image files) having metadata is received, the metadata and optionally at least a portion of the content of the file are extracted from the file to generate a first set of metadata. An analysis is performed on the extracted metadata and the content to generate a second set of metadata, which may include metadata in addition to the first set of metadata. The second set of metadata may be stored in a database suitable to be searched to identify or locate the file. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08156122B2 |
Information reproduction device and method and program
An information processing apparatus that connects with an external apparatus via a network includes a transmitter that transmits a request for page information to the external apparatus. A receiver receives the page information, which includes identification information corresponding to content data and the content data. A memory stores the content data, based on the identification information independently of the page information. An interface outputs the content data along with the page information. A controller detects whether the memory is storing the content data independently of the page information, controls the interface to output the content data stored by the memory without an inquiry via the network when the controller detects that the memory is storing the content data independently of the page information, and controls the receiver to receive the content data from the external apparatus via the network when the content data is not stored in the memory. |
| US08156120B2 |
Information retrieval using user-generated metadata
System, device and method for using user-generated metadata to arrive at a modified search index that emphasizes a relationship between documents selected by a user during a prior search session and salient terms of those documents. An initial search index is modified by adding a synthetic term and a synthetic document to terms and documents that are used to arrive at the elements of the index and by modifying the relevance scores to highlight one or more of the search terms, the synthetic term, and the synthetic document. Synthetic term ties a cluster of related documents together and synthetic document ties terms of these documents together. Synthetic term is not found in any other documents and synthetic document does not belong to any normal corpus of documents. Modified index aids in re-generating prior user choices because it contains artifacts reflecting associations that user perceived between various terms and documents. |
| US08156116B2 |
Dynamic presentation of targeted information in a mixed media reality recognition system
A context-aware targeted information delivery system comprises a mobile device, an MMR matching unit, a plurality of databases for user profiles, user context and advertising information, a plurality of comparison engines and a plurality of weight adjusters. The mobile device is coupled to deliver an image patch to the MMR matching unit which in turn performs recognition to produce recognize text. The recognized text is provided to a first and second comparison engines to produce relevant topics and relevant ads. The relevant topics and relevant ads are adjusted with information from a user context database including information such as location, date, time, and other information from a user profile. The weight adjusted relevant topics and relevant ads to a third comparison engine. The third comparison engine compares the weighted relevant topics and relevant ads to produce a set of final ads that are most related to the topics of interest for the user and delivered for display on to the mobile device. |
| US08156114B2 |
System and method for searching and analyzing media content
Disclosed is a system, method and computer-readable medium related to searching at least one media presentation. The media presentation may be a video such as a movie or television program, an audio presentation such as a song or music, or a printed media such as a book or publication. The method comprises receiving a query associated with words in a media presentation and in response to the query, searching within a database organized as a plurality of indexed segments associated with at least one media presentation, each indexed segment further comprising text and a still image corresponding to an associated portion of the media presentation. A word-based analysis of the media presentation is also presented such as a verbosity histogram to provide context for the retrieved search text. The matching indexed segments are retrieved as a result of the search and presented to the user in such a way as to enable the user to browse or purchase the media presentation. |
| US08156110B1 |
Rescheduling of modification operations for loading data into a database system
A method or apparatus for use with a database system that stores a join view associated with plural base relations includes receiving modification operations to modify at least two of the base relations of the join view, and re-ordering the received modification operations to avoid concurrent execution of modification operations of more than one of at least two base relations. |
| US08156108B2 |
Methods and systems for creation and use of raw-data datastore
A raw-data datastore during data analysis and feature recognition abstracts away and/or reduces dependency upon typically required components of datastore training. The datastore functions to store the original data values of a data set selection, which can represent a known feature. In some embodiments, the original data set is retained as the raw data value set referenced by the raw-data datastore. The use of this raw-data datastore eliminates the need for continued manual retraining of the original data values and patterns, which can be associated with a particular known feature, each time the pluralities of evaluation algorithms and/or the target data area are altered, changed, modified, or reconfigured. |
| US08156107B2 |
System and method for join-partitioning for local computability of query over shared-nothing clusters
The present invention addresses the problem of partitioning database relations across a plurality of hosts in a shared-nothing cluster while minimizing communication costs. A new partitioning approach for database relations—join-partitioning—is introduced that focuses on relations and their dependencies to a priori partition the plurality of relations to the plurality of hosts such that each host can locally compute a large class of queries over its partitioned data in isolation at query time, independent of other hosts in the cluster. Such an approach thus overcomes the primary bottleneck, i.e., the network, in deploying database systems over shared-nothing clusters by allowing them to seamlessly scale linearly to tens of thousands of hosts and manage tens or hundreds of terabytes of data. |
| US08156100B2 |
Methods and apparatus for employing usage statistics in document retrieval
Methods and apparatus consistent with the invention provide improved organization of documents responsive to a search query. In one embodiment, a search query is received and a list of responsive documents is identified. The responsive documents are organized based in whole or in part on usage statistics. |
| US08156099B2 |
Interpreting local search queries
A search query may be interpreted as a number of possible interpretations, and each interpretation may be explored before the results of the search are sent to a user. In one embodiment, a device may split the search query into partitions. Each of the partitions may be submitted, as a search query, to search repositories. Confidence scores based on the results returned from the repositories may be used to determine a measure of confidence of the repository in the search query interpretation. |
| US08156097B2 |
Two stage search
A two stage model identifies individuals having knowledge in a subject matter area relevant to a query. A relevance model receives a query and identifies documents, or other information, relevant to the query. A co-occurrence model identifies individuals, in the retrieved documents, related to the subject matter of the query. Individuals identified can be scored by combining scores from the relevance model and the co-occurrence model and output in a rank ordered list. |
| US08156092B2 |
Document de-duplication and modification detection
Provided is a system and method for the de-duplication and modification detection of documents collected during document production. The disclosed technology provides a simple, legally defensible, rapid and cost-efficient system for collecting responsive electronic document sets, identifying and eliminating unnecessary documents by comparing a collected document to previously collected documents and copying only information that has not been duplicated. The disclosed technology provides a method for copying the unduplicated information without transmitting or storing the duplicated portions. In addition, the claimed subject matter provides a system for detecting whether or not a document being submitted to a project archive is a modification of a previously submitted document. A document being submitted that represents a modification of a previously submitted document is prevented from being added to the project document archive. |
| US08156091B2 |
Method to retain an inherent and indelible item value in a relational database management system
A data processing apparatus, a data processing method, and a data processing program for use in a data processing system is provided, the system including the data processing apparatus which includes an RDBMS storing information shared among a plurality of organizations and a business application execution apparatus which is employed when either one of the organizations uses the information stored in the RDBMS of the data processing apparatus and which is communicably connected to the data processing apparatus. An inherent item table managed by the data processing apparatus is kept unchanged even if an organization is added. |
| US08156086B2 |
Systems and methods for stored data verification
Methods and systems are described for verifying stored data by receiving a first set of metadata associated with a first set of stored data, generating a second set of metadata associated with a second set of stored data which is associated with the first set of stored data, and comparing the first set of metadata and second set of metadata. Alternatively, the storage system can also generate a first set of metadata associated with a first set of stored data, generate a second set of stored data which is a copy of the first set of stored data, generate a second set of metadata associated with the second set of stored data, and compare the first set of metadata and the second set of metadata. |
| US08156085B2 |
Java object cache server for databases
A cache server is provided in a network for storing Java objects for retrieval by one or multiple application servers. Application server(s) are configured to request an object from the cache server, rather than requesting the Java object directly from a database, so as to reduce processing load on the database and free up database resources. Responsive to a request for a Java object from an application server, e.g., in an HTTP request, the cache server determines if the object is stored in memory and if so, serializes the requested object and sends the serialized object to the requesting server, e.g., in an HTTP response. The requesting server then deserializes the Java object. If the object is not stored in memory, the cache server instantiates the object (typically by requesting the object from the database), serializes the instantiated object and sends it to the requesting server. Cache coherency methods are also provided. |
| US08156083B2 |
Database system that provides for history-enabled tables
Techniques for history enabling a table in a database system so that past versions of rows of the history-enabled table are available for temporal querying. The table is history enabled by adding a start time column to the table and creating a history table for the history-enabled table. The start time field's value in a row of the history-enabled table indicates when the contents of the row last changed. The rows of the history table are copies of rows of the history-enabled table that have been deleted or updated. The rows include end time fields whose values indicate when the row was updated or deleted. A history table's row thus indicates a period in which the history table's row was in the history-enabled table. Temporal queries are performed on a view which is the union of the history-enabled table and the history table. |
| US08156082B2 |
System and methods for temporary data management in shared disk cluster
System and methods for temporary data management in shared disk cluster configurations is described. In one embodiment, a method for managing temporary data storage comprises: creating a global temporary database accessible to all nodes of the cluster on shared storage; creating a local temporary database accessible to only a single node (owner node) of the cluster; providing failure recovery for the global temporary database without providing failure recovery for the local temporary database, so that changes to the global temporary database are transactionally recovered upon failure of a node; binding an application or database login to the local temporary database on the owner node for providing the application with local temporary storage when connected to the owner node; and storing temporary data used by the application or database login in the local temporary database without requiring use of write ahead logging for transactional recovery of the temporary data. |
| US08156080B2 |
Clustered filesystem with data volume snapshot maintenance
A computer system with read/write access to storage devices creates a snapshot of a data volume at a point in time while continuing to accept access requests to the mirrored data volume by copying before making changes to the base data volume. Multiple snapshots may be made of the same data volume at different points in time. Only data that is not stored in a previous snapshot volume or in the base data volume are stored in the most recent snapshot volume. |
| US08156075B2 |
Method of automatically replicating data objects between a mobile device and a server
Network operators can control how data replication services use available bandwidth, in order to make the most efficient usage of that bandwidth, using parameters applied to a data object to be replicated. The parameters may be both time dependent and also relate to how urgently that object needs to be replicated. A change log lists all objects at the device and/or server to be replicated and the parameters then comprise a weight associated with each object that defines how urgently that object needs to be replicated; the weight of each object is then locally compared to a threshold at a given time and the outcome of the comparison determines whether the object is sent for replication or not at that time. This combination of weight and threshold gives a flexible way to control the timing of data replication and hence make the best use of bandwidth. |
| US08156073B1 |
Item attribute generation using query and item data
Arrangements and methods provide item data information to one or more merchants. A Web server includes various modules that interact with customer item search queries and item data to create a set of attributes that is sent to a merchant as part of an item data form. The set of attributes included on the form is designed to aid in describing and identifying various items that a merchant may offer or currently offer for purchase on an e-commerce service provider. The set of attributes may also be used to augment or generate an item attribute index usable in conjunction with a service provider searching mechanism related to items offered for sale. |
| US08156068B2 |
Predictive ephemeral points-of-interest (PEPOI)
Predicted ephemeral Points of Interest (PEPOI) are provided to wireless application users, as are likelihood maps. Wireless application users are provided with the ability to record locations and retrieve maps of past locations and predicted future locations of PEPOIs of specific interest. To predict a location for a PEPOI, data about previous reported locations are gathered, along with variable values associated with variations in location. The variables gathered may differ based on the type of PEPOI in question. For instance, a person has different variables associated with its locations than does a storm cloud. Once there is enough data recorded to provide predictable patterns, desirable methods of statistical analysis are chosen depending of the behavior model of PEPOI, which can be used to present a visual guide to finding the PEPOIs at a particular time in the future. |
| US08156067B1 |
Systems and methods for performing anytime motion recognition
Techniques for performing anytime motion recognition are disclosed. Based on a motion signal received from a motion-sensitive device being manipulated by a user as a way to interact with an application, a processing unit is configured to a set of prototypes included in a motion recognizer to generate a recognition signal from the motion signal in response to the motion recognizer. A prototype is eliminated out of the set of the prototypes from further consideration when a corresponding running distance of the prototype to the motion signal is beyond a predefined measurement so that the motion recognition speeds up as time passes. |
| US08156066B2 |
Rule-based content request handling
An embodiment of a method includes receiving a content request including a first set of attribute values, using at least one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values to determine a second set of attribute values, traversing a hierarchy of decision nodes, wherein each decision node implements business logic based on one of the attribute values from the first set of attribute values or the second set of attribute values, and generating a decision from a last node in the hierarchy, wherein the decision dictates how to respond to the content request. |
| US08156064B2 |
Observation-based user profiling and profile matching
Observation-based user profiling and profile matching are provided. The network behavior of users of a computer-implemented social network are observed and used for user profiling. By observing network behavior instead of necessarily relying on user self-reported data, accurate and objective user profiles can be formed; user profiling is accomplished based on the observed network behaviors with or without the knowledge of the user being profiled. The observed network behaviors can include the customization of a visual graphic, a media preference, a communication preference, or a selection of words from a word list. The user profiles can be with respect to a domain and two or more users can be matched based on their profiles with respect to the same domain. User ratings and profile updating based on the ratings are also provided. |
| US08156044B2 |
Many-to-many correspondence: methods and systems for replacing interbank funds transfers
By establishing a correspondence account in each Financial Service Provider (FSP) of a group of FSPs and a secure inter-FSP messaging mechanism, transfers of funds entirely within member FSPs (FSP 1, FSP 2, FSP 3, FSP 4) may be combined with secure messaging to effectively transfer funds between buyers in one FSP (FSP 2) and sellers in another FSP (FSP 1) without actual transfer of funds between FSP's. |
| US08156028B2 |
Technology portfolio health assessment system and method
A system and method for producing infrastructure health assessments enabling enterprises to monitor the health of individual technology portfolios and plan accordingly is disclosed. The tool uses two primary assessments to determine: 1) an infrastructure score based the general health of asset components; and 2) adaptability score based on asset components ability to interact with other elements within the asset. To generate the assessment scores, the tool accepts inventory input specific to a portfolio's assets and components. A user interacting with the tool provides classification information relating to each asset and component. The tool then calculates health assessment scores for both individual portfolio assets and for the portfolio as a whole. |
| US08156027B1 |
Fair-value pricing of a financial asset
An exemplary embodiment comprises a method for determining at an effective valuation time a fair value of an exchange traded fund comprising securities, at least one of the securities not currently trading in a liquid market, comprising: (a) for each security: (i) receiving historical price data, wherein the historical price data comprises data for price-related time-dependent variables; (ii) performing a regression analysis on the historical price data; and (iii) calculating at the effective valuation time a fair value of the security based on the regression analysis and on values of one or more of the plurality of price-related time-dependent variables; (b) multiplying the fair value by the security's weighting in the exchange traded fund to obtain a weighted fair value; and (c) aggregating the weighted fair values of the plurality of securities in the exchange traded fund to obtain a fair value adjusted price for the exchange traded fund. |
| US08156026B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling purchasers of products to obtain return information and to initiate product returns via an on-line network connection
An electronic registration system facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information. A customer may also access a return authorization engine via the Internet to obtain return approval, an authorization number, return instructions, etc. to reduce retailer hassle. |
| US08156023B2 |
Incentive structure for centralized trading market
An automated marketplace is separated into tiers, with behavioral requirements for each tier. Tier eligibility is a “structural incentive” for market participants to exhibit desirable behavior and eschew undesirable behavior. Tiered eligibility also reflects the natural imbalance of liquidity in the market and the need to preserve the identity of a class of liquidity providers, which further leads to a structure that can preserve the integrity of person-to-person trading relationships even in an automated environment. Within each tier, participant behavior leads to a ranking for that participant. When specific events occur, these events are allocated based on participant ranking. Participant ranking is an “activity incentive” that influences the behavior of market participants. Certain events are defined as desirable or undesirable, and when performed by a market participant, lead to positive incentives or negative incentives, of structural and/or monetary type. |
| US08156022B2 |
Method and system for providing price protection for commodity purchasing through price protection contracts
Systems and methods for the provisioning of price protection contracts which provide price protection against adverse fluctuations in the retail price of a commodity to a consumer are disclosed. While these price protection contracts may pertain to almost any type of commodity, certain embodiments of the present invention may provide systems and method for allowing a consumer to obtain price protection on the purchase of fuel. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may provide the ability for fleet managers to obtain a price protection contract for the purchase of fuel where the price protection contract specifies at least one lock price, quantity, locale and time period such that the price protection contract may guarantee the right to aggregately purchase the quantity of fuel in the locale at the lock price during the time period. |
| US08156018B1 |
Transformation of standard document format electronic documents for electronic filing
An electronic filing system may receive electronic documents including a completed tax return. The electronic documents may be of a standard document presentation format such as Portable Document Format. The electronic filing system may parse the completed tax return and create transmittable data that includes the completed tax return. The transmittable data may be of a format that is accepted by a taxing authority and different than the original format. The transmittable data may be transmitted to the taxing authority for electronic filing of the completed tax return. The electronic filing system may check for tax return errors before transmitting the transmittable data. The electronic filing system may enable the user to correct errors before transmitting the transmittable data as well as receiving additional error notifications from the taxing authority. The electronic filing system may notify the user of such errors and enable the user to correct the errors. |
| US08156015B1 |
Method, medium, and system for associating graphical icons with destination addresses using drag and drop
Various embodiments of a network page are provided. In one embodiment, at least one server serves up a network page to a client to be rendered on the client in a networked environment. The network page is associated with a network site that facilitates a purchase of items. The network page includes a graphical representation of a selected one of the items, and a plurality of destination regions, each of the destination regions being associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of shipping addresses. The network page is configured to facilitate an association of the selected one of the items with a respective one of the destination regions. |
| US08156013B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fulfilling tote deliveries
Methods and apparatus for fulfilling tote delivery orders. A tote delivery service directs delivery of items ordered by customers via a network site to delivery addresses corresponding to the customers in reusable totes on assigned tote delivery days. Tote delivery data may be processed to generate bulk transfer data for fulfillment centers and zone delivery data for sortation nodes. Each fulfillment center may pick items indicated by the bulk transfer data and bulk transfer the items to particular sortation nodes. At a sortation node, the items in the received bulk transfers, and possibly items received from other sources such as direct transfers from vendors, are rebinned into totes corresponding to delivery addresses in zones. The totes are loaded onto delivery vehicles, which deliver the totes to the delivery addresses in particular zones served by the sortation node. The zones and tote delivery days may be determined by zip code. |
| US08156011B2 |
Cenotaph facility and method including auctioning of items associated with honoree
A cenotaph memorial facility comprising a plurality of walls containing crypts is dedicated to an honoree who is not interred within the facility. The facility may comprise a large external memorial structure to protect the walls and individual crypts. The cenotaph memorial facility includes a plurality of video cameras to permit remote viewing of various portions of the facility. The video cameras are controlled by a computer system that allows remote access via a network, such as the internet. An individual enters authorization data and, upon authorization, can remotely view one or more portions of the facility. An on-line auction processor can automatically conduct auctions of selected articles using a timed auction over a prolonged bidding period or a real-time auction. In another aspect, a virtual reality (VR) image capture system captures images that may be remotely viewed using VR technology. This may include 3-D imaging, holographic imaging, or the like. Image viewing may be remotely controlled using conventional controls or VR controls. |
| US08156010B2 |
Multimodal context marketplace
A method and system for trading of rights to associate information services with multimodal contexts is described. Also described are methods for associating financial transactions with trading of rights in the marketplace and determining the value of the financial transactions. Also described are user interfaces for trading on the marketplace. |
| US08156008B2 |
System and method for information provider communication with information requester
The present invention provides a system and a method for an information provider communicating with an information requester. The system includes a messenger server for managing instant messaging, identifying whether the information provider registers a timing available for communication, priority sequence of communication channel and communication means, searching communication means available for communication promptly connecting the communication means of the information provider from a higher priority to a lower priority sequentially; a proxy server, coupled to the messenger server, receiving a signal from the messenger server and deciding a communication channel to process this signal and transmitting a call; a redirect server administrating the position of the information requester and the information provider logged in the messenger server, based on Internet Protocol; and a VOIP gateway providing the internet telephone network services to which a personal computer terminal or a phone is connected. |
| US08156005B2 |
Systems and methods of contextual advertising
A system of contextual advertising is disclosed. The system includes a message receiving module to receive a message from a sender and determine a recipient of the message. The system further includes an advertisement selection module to select an advertisement. The advertisement is selected based on at least one of a characteristic of the recipient, a characteristic of the sender, and a characteristic of the message. The system further includes a message delivery module to send the message to the recipient and an advertisement delivery module to send the advertisement to the sender. |
| US08156003B2 |
Apparatus, method, and program for transferring structured documents including plurality of document elements
A web browser 11 of a client 10 requests a transfer of a parent document having a banner advertisement and a news article included therein from a document processing module 21. Upon receiving their file names, a transfer rate determination module 24 instructs the document processing module 21 to check on a band and to stand by for transferring the news article. When the document processing module 21 completes the band check, the transfer rate determination module 24 calculates a transfer rate of the banner advertisement and a transfer rate of the news article and instructs the document processing module 21 to transfer the banner advertisement and the news article at the transfer rates. The transfer rates assure that the banner advertisement is displayed for a predetermined period of time before the news article is fully displayed. |
| US08156002B2 |
Contextual ad matching strategies that incorporate author feedback
An ad matching system that includes an interactive client permits a triggering Web page author to provide feedback on a candidate advertisement for the page. Author feedback is used to rank ads for display on the triggering page. Preferably author feedback is also incorporated into ad clustering and/or ad ranking formulae within the system. Also, author credibility is judged based on author feedback and on click through rates of placed ads. |
| US08155996B1 |
System and method for customer care complexity model
A system for customer care complexity management is disclosed that comprises a processor, a customer care index forecast module, and a project launch capability assessment and threshold module. The customer care index forecast module establishes a customer care index forecast model based on a plurality of historical customer care data and a plurality of historical performance metrics data. The customer care index forecast module also forecasts a customer care index using the established customer care index forecast model and a plurality of projected performance metrics data. The project launch capability assessment and threshold module identifies a number of projects to be launched in a current project launch plan based on the forecast customer care index and a pipeline project complexity index for the project launch plan. The project launch capability assessment and threshold module also identifies an adjustment to the project launch plan. |
| US08155992B2 |
Method and system for high performance model-based personalization
The present invention relates to a method and system for generating client preference recommendations in a high performance computing regime. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprises: providing a sparse ratings matrix, forming a plurality of data structures representing the sparse ratings matrix, forming a runtime recommendation model from the plurality of data structures, determining a recommendation from the runtime recommendation model in response to a request from a user, and providing the recommendation to the user. |
| US08155989B2 |
Engineered management system particularly suited for maintenance and repair (M and R) management of structure such as pavement
An automated user-implemented method for optimizing cost, schedule and performance of maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) on manmade structure, such as pavements. The method utilizes a database containing information on the condition of the manmade structure, the information on condition further including a condition index; applies one or more algorithms to data in the database to yield schedule and budget for M&R of the manmade structure; correlates the type of M&R and schedule for performing the M&R with alternative budgets that a user may enter into the software supporting the method and outputs and displays work plans associated to each of the alternative budgets for use by managers in planning future M&R work and predicting performance thereof by evaluating past work on the manmade structure. The system may be implemented by a user on the internet as well as on individual personal computers. Specific implementations include PAVER™ and microPAVER™ software. |
| US08155986B2 |
Collapsible itineraries
Method and system for grouping and displaying travel itineraries are disclosed. The method for grouping travel itineraries includes receiving a list of travel itineraries, grouping the list of travel itineraries to one or more clusters according to a set of grouping parameters, selecting a lead itinerary to represent each of the one or more clusters, determining additional itineraries in each cluster, and displaying the lead itinerary and a link referencing to further details about the additional itineraries in each cluster. |
| US08155985B2 |
System and method using insurance for risk transference
Disclosed herein is a system and method for eliminating or transferring the non-economic risk of financial securities. The system and method serves to avoid non-economic losses in the first instance, and to counter the adverse capital impact of prior non-economic gap losses by providing capital relief consistent with a determined protected amount. A second party provides to a first party a policy covering potential losses in value for a fixed income securities (FIS) Portfolio, particularly losses between an upper attachment value and a lower exit value. The second party provides capital to the first party as a policy security in the event that the aggregate principle payments (APP) of the FIS Portfolio are less than the attachment value and the first party makes a claim under the policy. The first party pledges policyholder security for its future obligation to return all or a portion of the policy security should no claims arise under the policy or if the policy security exceeds the amount sought by any claims. The policyholder security may be the FIS Portfolio or other agreed upon assets, or some combination thereof. |
| US08155983B2 |
Managing appointments and payments in a health care system
A data management system for managing appointment and payment transactions, such as HIPAA transactions, for patient care is provided. The data management system operates within a network of medical service entities and insurance entities that communicate with one another via standardized transactions. The system receives an eligibility-benefits transaction related to a patient and constructs a corresponding confirmation transaction that indicates the patient's eligibility status. The system further receives a payment request transaction and constructs a corresponding payment transaction that includes information related to payment authorization and processing of an amount due. The system automatically receives the transactions based upon a registration with a medical service entity as a payer for the patient. The data management system thus emulates an insurance company to process appointment scheduling and payment information and to communicate the information to the medical entity. |
| US08155982B2 |
Methods for sampling and relaying patient medical data
In an aspect of a method of the present invention, medical data may be obtained either through a wired or wireless connection to a medical device (or both), and may be relayed to a medical data server directly or through an intermediary device (or a combination of both pathways). Accordingly, there is provided a method whereby data from a medical device can be received through one or more of a wired connection and a wireless connection, and a message including the received data for transmission may be formatted for transmission to one or more of: a medical data server and a intermediary device, wherein the intermediary device includes a software program configured to retransmit the message to the medical data server. Data received by the medical server may automatically determine a medical device type based on a medical device identifier. 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. |
| US08155979B2 |
Attachment integrated claims systems and operating methods therefor
Systems and methods for processing textual messages which are integrated with one or more digital attachments is described. These systems and methods are useful in the electronic filing and processing of, for example, image data, and of textual data associated with the image data. One particular application of these systems and methods would be for the electronic filing and processing of dental x-rays with patient claim forms. |
| US08155978B2 |
Operating method for a computer
A user predefines for a computer a retrieval instruction for primary data of a patient or of several patients. The computer accesses the primary data of this patient and outputs them to the user via a visual display device. The primary data comprise the primary image data recorded by way of a primary imaging modality and/or primary information derived from said primary image data. The computer automatically checks whether it is possible to access secondary data of this patient, which comprise the secondary image data recorded via a secondary imaging modality and/or secondary information derived from said secondary image data. In the affirmative case, the computer outputs a corresponding message to the user via the visual display device and/or by accessing at least a portion of the secondary data of this patient and outputting said data to the user via the visual display device. |
| US08155976B1 |
Automated mailer envelope addressing
An envelope for conveying an item from a sender to a recipient and back with a window and unique identifying indicia. The envelope comprises a base panel with a window, a sender address panel, and a recipient address panel. The sender address panel is affixed to the base panel by an adhesive region, which defines a pocket sized to accept an item. The adhesive region extends laterally on the base panel to ensure that a postal cancellation is not applied to an area overlying the item. The recipient address panel is joined to the base panel by a detachable joint. A fragile item may be conveyed from the sender to the recipient and back without damage to the item. The base panel includes indicia that uniquely identify the envelope among a plurality of envelopes. Reading the indicia assists in resolving inventory problems, for example, when unknown items are returned. |
| US08155975B1 |
System and method for providing configuration and settlement processing of financial transactions using a hierarchy node model
Client systems use a scanner to convert a paper form of a document to a digital representation and then send the digital representation over a network to a host system for storage. The host system archives the digital representation and determines the appropriate processing stream for a transaction related to the paper document, via a decisioning engine, based on a set of predefined stream selection rules. The host system then communicates the transaction to a back end transaction destination, according to the selected processing stream, using a hierarchy for coordinating the configuration of the host and client systems as well as coordinating the settlement process for the digital representations. |
| US08155974B2 |
Methods and systems for obtaining profile information from individuals using automation
Methods and systems obtain profile information from individuals using automation to select and provide the questions that are given to the individual. The answers the individuals provide to the questions can then be used to generate the profile information. Subsequent questions are selected and presented according to analysis of the previous answers. The exchange of the questions and answers occurs over a communications network and may take the form of emails, web page interfaces, wireless data messages, or verbal communication over a voiced call. The answers are analyzed to determine certain characteristics, such as the personality type, mood, and gender of the individual. The subsequent questions are selected based on the characteristics that are found from the answers to facilitate the information exchange between the automated system and the individual. |
| US08155970B2 |
System and method for access to multimedia structures
A system for access to multimedia structures has telephone sets capable of connecting to a telephone network, a storage device capable of storing a plurality of multimedia structures representing messages and/or data and/or commands, and a network access server that can be associated with the telephone sets and is capable of selectively instantiating the multimedia structures via an interconnection network. There is also a voice-recognition and speech-synthesis system that can be associated with the network access server and that comprises modules for reading files in XML format and for processing the files so as to obtain files in a format that can be synthesized by a speech synthesizer. |
| US08155968B2 |
Voice recognition apparatus and method for performing voice recognition comprising calculating a recommended distance range between a user and an audio input module based on the S/N ratio
A voice recognition apparatus includes: a voice recognition module that performs a voice recognition for an audio signal during a voice period; a distance measurement module that measures a current distance between the user and an voice input module; a calculation module that calculates a recommended distance range, in which being estimated that an S/N ratio exceeds a first threshold, based on the voice characteristic; and a display module that displays the recommended distance range and the current distance. |
| US08155962B2 |
Method and system for asynchronously processing natural language utterances
The methods and systems described herein may asynchronously process natural language utterances to provide real-time response performance and natural interaction with users. In particular, the methods and systems described herein may use various natural language speech recognition and interpretation components to identify a request (e.g., a query or command) in an utterance. The request identified in the utterance may then be processed with one or more domain agents, which may submit duplicate queries to multiple different data sources to process the request. The domain agents may then asynchronously evaluate responses to the duplicate queries to return results to users in a timely and natural manner, and further to account the fact that the different data sources may respond to the queries at different speeds, provide unsatisfactory responses to the queries, or fail to respond to the queries at all. |
| US08155960B2 |
System and method for unsupervised and active learning for automatic speech recognition
A system and method is provided for combining active and unsupervised learning for automatic speech recognition. This process enables a reduction in the amount of human supervision required for training acoustic and language models and an increase in the performance given the transcribed and un-transcribed data. |
| US08155957B1 |
Medical transcription system including automated formatting means and associated method
An automated transcription system includes an housing on a PC, and a portable electronic device including a mechanism for creating and managing a plurality of predetermined templates with a plurality of headings and sub-headings that are automatically populated in real time as a user speaks an audio message. The portable electronic device further includes a mechanism for converting and displaying the audio message to a text message on the portable electronic device and thereby enabling a user to read, edit and print the text message. Such an audio message converting and displaying mechanism includes an LCD screen, a microphone for receiving the audio message when the user speaks, and a data transfer interface. |
| US08155955B2 |
Speech decoding method and apparatus which generates an excitation signal and a synthesis filter
A speech decoding method which generates an excitation signal and a synthesis filter from coded data and which obtains a speech signal based on the excitation signal and the synthesis filter. The method includes acquiring identification information used for determining whether the speech signal to be decoded is a narrowband signal or a wideband signal; and modifying the excitation signal based on the identification information by controlling strength or presence of emphasis of pitch periodicity with respect to the excitation signal generated from the coded data, so as to generate the speech signal by use of the modified excitation signal and the synthesis filter. |
| US08155954B2 |
Device and method for generating a complex spectral representation of a discrete-time signal
A filter bank device for generating a complex spectral representation of a discrete-time signal includes a generator for generating a block-wise real spectral representation, which, for example, implements an MDCT, to obtain temporally successive blocks of real spectral coefficients. The output values of this spectral conversion device are fed to a post-processor for post-processing the block-wise real spectral representation to obtain an approximated complex spectral representation having successive blocks, each block having a set of complex approximated spectral coefficients, wherein a complex approximated spectral coefficient can be represented by a first partial spectral coefficient and by a second partial spectral coefficient, wherein at least one of the first and second partial spectral coefficients is determined by combining at least two real spectral coefficients. A good approximation for a complex spectral representation of the discrete-time signal is obtained by combining two real spectral coefficients, preferably by a weighted linear combination, wherein additionally more degrees of freedom for optimizing the entire system are available. |
| US08155952B2 |
Method and system of using information banners to communicate with users of electronic dictionaries
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method, comprising: receiving a query from a user computer device; determining what custom messages are applicable based on the query; and delivering any applicable custom messages to the user computer device. The messages may be selected and customized based on a customization control parameter. In one embodiment, the customization control parameter may include the interface language, the regional settings, and the version of the product. Advantageously, trial versions of dictionaries may have different messages from paid or non-trial versions. For example, for the trial versions, a warning message will be sent informing the user that the trial period is about to expire. Additionally, the server device has the capability to detect whether the version used by a user is bootleg or not, and send customized messages to users of bootleg versions. |
| US08155949B1 |
Geodesic search and retrieval system and method of semi-structured databases
A knowledge-based decision support system that allows for communication and learning to occur using natural language is presented. The system has a capability to automatically extract features from the natural language using symmetric reductions and random search. The iterative generalization of the rule base and checking of the resultant base against a case base from which the generalizations are induced is also provided. The decision support system can be used to search semi-structured databases and automatically learns new knowledge and search control knowledge where it is most needed based on the pattern of previous rule firings. |
| US08155945B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer-readable medium and computer data signal
An image processing apparatus includes an image receiving unit, a writing detection unit, a writing deletion unit, a character recognition unit, a character string generation unit, a translation unit and a translation image generation unit. The image receiving unit receives an image including a writing. The writing detection unit detects a position of the writing. The writing deletion unit deletes the writing from the received image based on the position of the writing. The character recognition unit recognizes characters in the image from which the writing has been deleted. The character string generation unit generates a character string by inserting a code representative of the writing into the recognition result based on the position of the writing. The translation unit translates the character string. The translation image generation unit generates, based on the translation result, an image of the translation result including an image corresponding to the writing. |
| US08155942B2 |
System and method for efficient well placement optimization
The disclosed methods, systems, and software are described for optimizing well placement in a reservoir field. A geological model of a reservoir field, a grid defining a plurality of cells, one or more wells to be located within the plurality of cells, and an objective function are all provided. The geological model is associated with the grid defining the plurality of cells. The locations of the wells are represented by continuous well location variables associated with a continuous spatial domain. A gradient of the objective function is calculated responsive to the continuous well location variables. The locations of the wells are then adjusted responsive to the calculated gradient of the objective function. Iterative calculation of the gradient and adjustment of the wells continue until the well locations are optimized. A visual representation of the reservoir field can be generated based on the optimized well placements. |
| US08155941B2 |
Simulation apparatus, simulation system, and simulation method
A simulation apparatus includes an arithmetic process unit 20 that models a controlled plant and simulates the operation of the modeled controlled plant, and an interface unit 30 that inputs and outputs a signal between the arithmetic process unit 20 and an ECU 100A, and the arithmetic process unit 20 is configured so as to be capable of inputting and outputting the signal from/to the ECU 100A by using another interface unit 30 provided on another simulation apparatus in addition to the interface unit 30. |
| US08155938B2 |
Method and apparatus for sampling and predicting rare events in complex electronic devices, circuits and systems
The invention provides methods for enhancing circuit reliability under statistical process variation. For highly replicated circuits such as SRAMs and flip flops, a rare statistical event for one circuit may induce a not-so-rare system failure. To combat this, the invention discloses the method called “Statistical Blockade,” a Monte Carlo-type technique that allows the efficient filtering—blocking—of unwanted samples insufficiently rare in the tail distributions of interest, with speedups of 10-100×. Additionally, the core Statistical Blockade technique is further extended in a “recursive” or “bootstrap” formulation to create even greater efficiencies under a much wider variety of circuit performance metrics, in particular two-sided metrics such a Data Retention Voltage (DRV) which prior Monte Carlo techniques could not handle. |
| US08155935B2 |
System and method of sub-surface system design and installation
The system and method of the present invention provides comprehensive design and installation management for agricultural water management systems. Maps and grade profiles are created from data collected by Global Positioning devices in the field. Latitude, longitude, and elevation are triangulated from GPS data to develop contour, grade, and profile maps, used to design drainage systems in real time. Customer billing information and vendor pricing information are produced from map and grade profile data. Interfacing and machine control for machines used to install drainage and/or irrigation systems are generated from contour, grade and profile data. Data is exported and imported in common file formats for efficient data exchange. |
| US08155934B2 |
Passivity enforcement by modal perturbation
Residue perturbation is used for enforcing passivity of a linear response model of an electrical component having n>1 ports. According to an exemplary embodiment, a modal perturbation approach can be used, which allows weighted perturbation of the individual modes by the inverse of the corresponding eigenvalues. This provides superior results if the admittance or impedance matrix of the device has a large eigenvalue spread. |
| US08155927B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving noise discrimination in multiple sensor pairs
Noise discrimination in signals from a plurality of sensors is conducted by enhancing the phase difference in the signals such that off-axis pick-up is suppressed while on-axis pick-up is enhanced. Alternatively, attenuation/expansion are applied to the signals in a phase difference dependent manner, consistent with suppression of off-axis pick-up and on-axis enhancement. Nulls between sensitivity lobes are widened, effectively narrowing the sensitivity lobes and improving directionality and noise discrimination. |
| US08155926B2 |
Method and apparatus for accommodating device and/or signal mismatch in a sensor array
Noise discrimination in signals from a plurality of sensors is conducted by enhancing the phase difference in the signals such that off-axis pick-up is suppressed while on-axis pick-up is enhanced. Alternatively, attenuation/expansion are applied to the signals in a phase difference dependent manner, consistent with suppression of off-axis pick-up and on-axis enhancement. Nulls between sensitivity lobes are widened, effectively narrowing the sensitivity lobes and improving directionality and noise discrimination. |
| US08155921B2 |
Power transmission line dip measurement method
A power transmission line dip measurement method is disclosed. The dip measurement method includes installing a measurement instrument at a place where power line support points of steel towers can be seen from the ground, collimating the measurement instrument at the power line support point of one of the steel towers, transmitting a collimated value to a PDA in a wired or wireless manner, collimating the measurement instrument at the power line support point of the other steel tower, transmitting a collimated value to the PDA, calculating the collimated values to display a horizontal angle position of a dip base line, and adjusting an angle of the measurement instrument based on the horizontal angle displayed on a screen of the PDA by a worker, collimating the measurement instrument at a power line dip point as a dip base point, and displaying a dip value on the screen of the PDA. |
| US08155916B2 |
Semiconductor component and method of determining temperature
One embodiment provides a circuit arrangement integrated in a semiconductor body. At least one power semiconductor component integrated in the semiconductor body and having a control connection and a load connection is provided. A resistance component is thermally coupled to the power semiconductor component and likewise integrated into the semiconductor body and arranged between the control connection and the load connection of the power semiconductor component. The resistance component has a temperature-dependent resistance characteristic curve. A driving and evaluation unit is designed to evaluate the current through the resistance component or the voltage drop across the resistance component and provides a temperature signal dependent thereon. |
| US08155911B2 |
Flow rate measurement device
The present invention provides a flow rate measurement device for measuring a volume of gas flowing through a gas supply system in which a plurality of appliances are connected. The flow rate measurement device according to the second embodiment comprises a flow rate sensor configured to detect a gas flow flowing through the gas supply system and a differentiator configured to differentiate the detected gas flow. A memory is provided in which profiles of gas consumption by appliances are storable in relation to identities of the appliances. The flow rate measurement device according to the present invention also comprises a first profile finder which is responsive to the differentiated gas flow to search for a profile from the stored profiles which corresponds to the detected gas flow. The device further comprises a second profile finder which is responsive to a failure by the first profile finder to find the corresponding profile from the stored profiles to analyze the detected gas flow to thereby determine an identity of at least one of the plurality of appliances. |
| US08155909B2 |
Method and device for checking the plausibility of measured values in a motor vehicle environment
A method, a device and a computer program product, by means of which sensor values of redundant sensors in vehicles can be compared with each other to carry out a plausibility check, the measured values of said sensors not being synchronized with each other, are described. On the basis of a first measured value in time, and using the physical properties of the vehicle, a plausibility window, in which a second, subsequent measured value of a different sensor must be to count as plausible, is formed. The determined plausibility of the measured values is indicated by means of a plausibility signal. |
| US08155908B2 |
Systems and methods for real-time system monitoring and predictive analysis
A system for providing real-time modeling of an electrical system under management is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a virtual system modeling engine, and an analytics engine. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to provide real-time measurements of data output from an element of the system. The virtual system modeling engine is configured to generate a predicted data output for the element. The analytics engine is communicatively connected to the data acquisition system and the virtual system modeling engine and is configured to monitor and analyze a difference between the real-time data output and the predicted data output. |
| US08155907B1 |
Methods of enabling functions of a design to be implemented in an integrated circuit device and a computer program product
Methods of enabling functions of a design to be implemented in an integrated circuit device are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises applying test data to a plurality of dice having different element types for implementing circuits, wherein the plurality of dice have a common layout of the different element types for implementing the circuits; receiving output data from the plurality of dice in response to applying the test data to the plurality of dice; analyzing the output data from the plurality of dice; transforming by a computer the output data to characterization data comprising timing data associated with the different element types for implementing circuits, wherein the characterization data comprises data associated with regions of the dice, and storing the characterization data. A computer program product for enabling functions of a design to be implemented in an integrated circuit device is also disclosed. |