| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08167142B2 |
Filter cartridge for liquid filtration; assembly; and, methods
A liquid filter cartridge is provided. Preferred seal arrangements are provided, to provide for preferred axial load conditions, with respect to one or more of the end caps of the cartridge. Some cartridge configurations provided include no core structure or outer liner structure therein, to support axial load. Assemblies using the cartridge, and methods of assembly and use, are provided. The liquid filter cartridge can be a serviceable cartridge, or it can be retained permanently in a housing. |
| US08167130B2 |
Rapid deployment first aid kit and system for refilling
A first aid kit organized with pockets containing first aid and emergency preparedness supplies and equipment and a system for refilling. Each pocket in the kit contains supplies and equipment useful in providing initial care for a particular illness or injury and is quickly identified through textual labels and transparent elements. The pockets are connected into a strip of pockets which is folded to fit within a case. The strip of pockets is easily deployed from the case facilitating rapid and accurate identification, selection, and acquisition of items appropriate for initial care of a particular illness or injury by comprehensive visual presentation of the organizational scheme and the supplies and pieces of equipment themselves. |
| US08167129B2 |
Food tray with non-slip inserts
A tray system, comprising one or more retaining portions for a food container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system includes one or more feet which are of a depth at least equal to deepest recessed retaining portion of the tray. The feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into the retaining portion which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on serving tray and food container. |
| US08167122B2 |
Apparatus and cartridge for storage of compressed hydrogen gas
An apparatus for storage of compressed hydrogen gas is provided. The apparatus includes a sealed housing having an outlet pipe coupled to the housing and equipped with a controllable discharge valve. The sealed housing defines a chamber that includes a cartridge comprising an assembly of at least two different types of micro-containers configured for accumulating and storing said compressed hydrogen gas. The apparatus also includes a hydrogen liberating tool configured for controllable liberating the hydrogen gas from the cartridge into a volume of the chamber that is not occupied by the cartridge. The apparatus is controlled by a control system operatively coupled to the controllable discharge valve and the hydrogen liberating tool, and configured for controlling operation thereof. |
| US08167117B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling rolls
A sorting deck for paper, board, or pulp rolls has a plane (1) for transporting the rolls and controllable stops (2) for holding the rolls in place and releasing them. The stops (2) are positioned to form at least one line (3) in placed consecutively in the longitudinal direction (4) of the plane (1), and at least one row (5), in which the stops (2) are positioned adjacently to each other along the lateral direction (6) of the plane (1). At least some of the stops (2) are a collector (41) and a feeder (42), both of which can be moved freely between the hold and release positions, so that the travel of the rolls over the stop (2) can be optionally prevented, freely permitted, or permitted one roll at a time. The same sorting deck can be used to handle rolls of different widths. |
| US08167116B2 |
Reducing drag on the web of a positive displacement sorter
A method of reducing drag on the web of a positive displacement sorter is used with a web made up of a plurality of parallel slats interconnected at their opposite ends with chain assemblies in an endless loop. A plurality of pusher shoes each travel along at least one of said slats. The sorter further includes a driven sprocket assembly and a non-driven sprocket assembly. Each of the sprocket assemblies includes at least two sprockets on a shaft, each for engaging one of the chain assemblies. The sprocket assemblies support the chain assemblies at opposite ends of the web. The method includes auditing the sorter including determining if the slats are skewed with respect to the direction of travel of the web. If it is determined that the slats are skewed, then the chain assemblies and the non-driven sprocket assembly are modified. The chain assemblies are modified by adding side thrust wheels on opposite sides of the web. The non-driven sprocket is modified by locking the sprockets to the shaft such that the sprockets rotate together. |
| US08167114B2 |
System and method for product removal
A product removal method that includes providing a blade adjacent a conveyor belt along a path of the conveyor belt and operating the conveyor belt. A product removal system that has a rod oriented generally parallel to a conveyor drum is disclosed. A frame is rotatably carried by the rod and has a first portion extending adjacent a conveyor belt curved path and a second portion extending adjacent a return plane of the conveyor belt. A blade is adjacent the first portion. A product removal system for an oven is disclosed that has scraper assemblies rotationally biased about an axis of rotation. |
| US08167110B2 |
Coin discrimination apparatus
A coin discrimination apparatus according to the present invention which discriminates a bimetallic coin having a ring part, and a core part provided on an inner side of the ring part and composed of a different material from that of the ring part, includes: a conveyor which conveys the bimetallic coin; a ring sensor which is arranged at a position where only the ring part of the bimetallic coin conveyed by the conveyor transits, and which detects magnetic properties; and a core sensor which is arranged at a position where the core part of the bimetallic coin conveyed by the conveyor transit, and which detects magnetic properties. |
| US08167108B2 |
Clutch, continuously variable transmission, engine unit including them, and straddle-type vehicle including them
A clutch includes a clutch inner and a clutch outer that houses the clutch inner and that transmits or interrupts torque between itself and the clutch inner. The clutch outer has a thick portion that has a larger thickness than the other portions of the clutch outer. A position-of-center-of-gravity adjusting portion for bringing the center of gravity of the clutch close to the axial center of a driven shaft is formed at a position separate from the axial center of the driven shaft of the thick portion. Efficiency of manufacture work of bringing the position of the center of gravity close to the center of rotation is thereby enhanced. |
| US08167100B2 |
Damping device
A damping device comprises an axle, a housing, a unidirectional member, and a damping oil. The unidirectional member in cross section is formed like a T-shape, and a top portion thereof is formed as an arc to cooperate with the housing's inner wall. Where the unidirectional member contains a U-shaped slot is defined oil holes interlaced with the gap of the first slot wall. The lifting of the cover generates little damping and the closing thereof generates a variable and yet optimal damping. The undersized unidirectional member also adds strength to the structure. The diminished cross-section of the unidirectional member contributes to a smaller U-shaped slot. |
| US08167098B2 |
Brake dust collecting device for motor vehicles
A brake dust collecting device for a motor vehicle has a dust collecting unit and an air flow generating device that generates an air flow that flows across brake parts of a motor vehicle wheel brake and that supplies brake dust of the wheel brake to the dust collecting unit. The air flow generating device has a rotatable fan blade and the dust collecting unit is a filter element. |
| US08167096B2 |
Electromechanically or pneumatically actuable disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle
An electromechanically or pneumatically operable disc brake, particularly for a commercial vehicle, includes a brake caliper, which straddles a brake disc, a brake application device arranged in the brake caliper, and at least one electromechanically drivable adjusting device for adjusting a clearance between the brake pads and the brake disc. In order to operate the adjusting device, an electric motor is actively connected to the assigned brake pistons. The disc brake is designed such that the brake pistons are connected to the respective brake pad via spring elements that can be displaced in a direction of displacement. |
| US08167094B2 |
Elevator apparatus
Provided is an elevator apparatus including a first electromagnetic switch and a second electromagnetic switch provided between a first electromagnetic coil and a second electromagnetic coil of a first brake device and a second brake device and a power source. The brake control section includes: a first electromagnetic coil control switch provided between the first electromagnetic coil and a ground section; a second electromagnetic coil control switch provided between the second electromagnetic coil and the ground section; a first processing section for opening and closing the first electromagnetic switch and the first electromagnetic coil control switch in response to a braking operation command issued from an operation control section; and a second processing section for opening and closing the second electromagnetic switch and the second electromagnetic coil control switch in response to the braking operation command. |
| US08167090B2 |
Apparatus for safely lowering user from structure
An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the cable and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and securely attached to the frame; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support, spool and frame to descend at a safe rate for the user. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the frame and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and attached to the cable; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support to descend at a safe rate for the user. |
| US08167089B2 |
Liftable scaffold
A system for lifting a platform includes a frame attached to the platform. The invention has at least one upright member having equally spaced holes longitudinally aligned, with each of the holes having an upper surface and a lower surface. A motor is attached to the frame, and a pinion is driven by the motor. The frame carries the motor and pinion. The pinion has a plurality of equally spaced teeth that radially extend from the pinion. Each tooth has a roller that is freely rotatable about its axis. The rollers roll over the lower surface of the holes when the motor rotates the pinion in a direction to raise or lower the frame and platform. A safety dog is attached to the frame to prevent the platform from falling if a motor were to fail. |
| US08167084B1 |
Sound suppressor
A sound suppressor suppresses sound and flash by creating interacting paths of gas. While a first portion of the gas follows a first path through the suppressor, a second portion of the gas is diverted radially from the first path to a second path and then repeatedly made to cross the first path by a series of baffles with alternating radial passages so that the two portions of gas interfere and interact with each other, and therefore quickly give up much of their kinetic energy before they exit the suppressor. Preferably, the baffles defining the second path impart a swirl to the second portion of gas to cause the present suppressor to flush itself of carbon and metal particles. The interaction of the two portions also accelerates completion of combustion of the gas to thereby reduce flash. |
| US08167082B2 |
Seismic transducers having improved polygonal baseplates and methods of use
Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic energy waves in a subterranean formation. More specifically, seismic transducers are provided that incorporate enhanced seismic baseplates. In certain embodiments, baseplates comprise certain enhancements such as having a perimeter in the shape of a polygon, such as, a hexagon or an octagon. In other embodiments, the perimeter of the baseplate may take the form of a polygon having n sides, where n is any integer greater than 4. Advantages of such baseplate enhancements include, but are not limited to, a reduction of baseplate harmonics or ringing, enhanced baseplate strength so as to reduce baseplate fatigue or failure, a reduction of baseplate flexure, and a consequent reduction of baseplate weight resulting in a more responsive baseplate. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher resolution of the formations surveyed and resulting in surveys reaching greater depths. |
| US08167080B2 |
Grader controls at armrest
A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly, or by a console and structure independent of the operator seat assembly of the motor grader. The joysticks are positioned such that they are easy to reach while the operator's arms are supported by armrests supported by the operator seat assembly or structure independent of the operator seat assembly. |
| US08167079B2 |
Auto clutch system
The presented system is a full-mechanical system composed of 60 metal parts all of which parts are made of steel and iron metals. This system is placed in the deck of vehicles and over the car mat and connected to clutch and gas pedals such that it connects gas and clutch pedals through levers. This system is fixed in its place through two levers called “fulcrum shafts” such that head of these two levers are placed in a due place avoiding any slide helping to install the system tightly in its due place. |
| US08167078B2 |
Work vehicle
An object is to provide a work vehicle whose drive portion can be downsized. An engine having an engine output shaft, an electric motor driven by a battery which is attached integrally to the engine output shaft so as to drive the engine output shaft, a traveling drive portion having a transmission connected to the engine output shaft and a traveling drive shaft which is rotated by the transmission and which moves the traveling wheels, a work drive portion selectively performing work by means of power from the engine output shaft, a generator charging the battery, a traveling regeneration portion transmitting regenerative energy of the traveling drive portion to the generator, a work regeneration portion transmitting regenerative energy of a fork drive portion to the generator, and a one-way clutch for traveling and a one-way clutch for work provided, respectively, to the traveling regeneration portion and the work regeneration portion, which suppress transmission of motive power from the generator, are included. |
| US08167073B2 |
Snowmobile rear suspension system
A suspension assembly for a snowmobile is provided that rotatably supports a closed-loop track in the rear tunnel of the snowmobile and also supports both vertical and horizontal travel of said closed-loop track during suspension system travel. The suspension assembly includes at least one elongated ground contact that supports rotational travel of the closed loop track and at least one swing arm angularly disposed in the closed-loop track and having a front end portion pivotably coupled to the rear tunnel and a rear end portion coupled to the at least one ground contact. In the preferred arrangement, a front resilient member is arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the at least one ground contact during suspension assembly travel and a rear resilient member arranged to bias against displacement between the chassis and the swing arm during suspension assembly travel. A tensioner couples the rear end portion of the swing arm to the at least one ground contact. The tensioner is extendable and retractable during movement of the suspension assembly to maintain the closed loop track at a generally uniform tension during assembly movement. |
| US08167072B2 |
Vehicle with space utilization
A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components. |
| US08167070B2 |
Battery temperature regulating system and method for an electric vehicle, battery housing box for an electric vehicle, and vehicle incorporating same
A battery housing structure, in an electric vehicle, is operable to regulate a temperature of a battery disposed between front and rear wheels of the vehicle. The battery housing structure includes a main housing body for receiving the battery, inlet and outlet ports for respectively supplying air to and discharging air from the main housing body; and a fan for discharging air from the main housing body. A bypass passage is provided in the battery housing structure for selectively connecting a downstream side of the fan with the inlet ports. First and second air flow control valves are also provided in the battery housing structure for selectively controlling and routing the flow of air within the battery housing structure. |
| US08167065B2 |
Method for dynamic torque coordination of power units of a hybrid drive of a vehicle, and corresponding device
A method and device for dynamic torque coordination of power units of a hybrid drive of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The method has a plurality of successive coordination stages, each coordination stage being assigned an operating range for at least one of the power units, and each coordination stage making at least one demand on a first power unit and/or a second power unit as a function of an overall setpoint torque requested from the hybrid drive, a subsequent coordination state having an enlarged operating range compared to a preceding coordination stage, and the subsequent coordination stage is used if the demand was unable to be satisfied within the operating range of the assigned coordination stage. |
| US08167063B2 |
Power plant
A power plant 1 for driving driven parts DW and DW includes a prime mover 3, and first and second generator-motors 20, 30. The first generator-motor 20 is comprised of a first stator 22, a first rotor 21 formed by magnets, and a second rotor 23 formed by soft magnetic material elements and disposed between the first stator 22 and the first rotor 21. The second generator-motor 30 is comprised of a second stator 32, a third rotor 31 formed by magnets, and a fourth rotor 33 formed by soft magnetic material elements and disposed between the second stator 32 and the third rotor 31. The first and fourth rotors 21, 33 are mechanically connected to the driven parts DW and DW, and the second and third rotors 23, 31 are mechanically connected to an output shaft 3a of the prime mover 3. |
| US08167061B2 |
Electric powered cart for moving loads
A cart for moving loads includes a frame supported on wheels, a source of electric power supported on the frame, a drive system including a traction motor connected to the power source for driving a wheel secured to the frame and contacting ground, and a controller for adjusting a rotary direction of the drive wheel in response to selected states of an input to the controller. |
| US08167060B2 |
Apparatus and method for conveyance and control of a high pressure hose in jet drilling operations
A jetting hose is conveyed downhole retracted within a tubing string for jetting lateral boreholes from a main wellbore, is released at the jetting depth and pumped from the tubing string and into a lateral borehole with jetting fluid. A piston is secured to the upper end of the jetting hose, and the pumped jetting fluid drives the piston. A speed control regulates the penetration rate of the jetting hose into the formation independent of the tubing string weight. |
| US08167059B2 |
Casing and liner drilling shoes having spiral blade configurations, and related methods
A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of a plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts. |
| US08167057B2 |
Intrusion resistant apparatus and method
An intrusion-resistant apparatus may include a magnetic memory array disposed with an enclosure. The magnetic memory may include a plurality of magnetic memory elements, each adapted to store a binary value only in the presence of a predetermined bias magnetic field having a magnetic field strength and direction within predetermined limits. Means for providing the predetermined bias magnetic field and an encryption/decryption engine may be disposed within the enclosure. An encryption/decryption key may be stored in the magnetic memory array. The encryption/decryption key may be used by the encryption/decryption engine to encrypt and decrypt data. |
| US08167053B2 |
Powered mobile module and attachment combination
Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment. |
| US08167051B2 |
Selective agitation
A fluid actuated downhole tool for inducing movement of a downhole apparatus is described. The tool comprises a body for coupling to downhole apparatus, the body being adapted to accommodate now of fluid therethrough and including a flow-modifying arrangement for modifying the flow of fluid through the body. The flow-modifying arrangement is configurable in an inactive configuration and in an active configuration. The fluid activated tool is selectively operated from the surface by varying an operating condition which causes the flow through the tool to either bypass or flow through the flow-modifying arrangement to induce movement of the downhole apparatus. |
| US08167039B2 |
Method of fracturing a subterranean formation at optimized and pre-determined conditions
Prior to a hydraulic fracturing treatment, the requisite median diameter of a proppant, dprop, into a fracture of defined length, DPST, may be estimated in accordance with Equation (I): (dprop)2=(A)×(1/qi)×(DPST)B×(1/CTRANS)×(1/ΔSGPS)×(μfluid) (I) wherein: A is the multiplier and B is the exponent from the Power Law equation of velocity of the transport slurry vs. distance for the fracture geometry; qi is the injection rate per foot of injection height, bpm/ft; CTRANS is the transport coefficient; ΔSGPS is SGprop−SGfluid, SGprop being the specific gravity of the proppant and SGfluid being the specific gravity of the transport fluid; and μfluid is the apparent viscosity of the transport fluid, in cP. |
| US08167036B2 |
Method for in-situ combustion of in-place oils
A novel method is provided for in situ combustion and recovery of oil from underground reservoirs including injecting oxygen into the reservoir at a region near the reservoir floor, establishing a combustion front wherein hot combustion gases rise at the combustion front, withdrawing hot combustion gases from a region near the reservoir ceiling, and extracting oil from a horizontal production well near the reservoir floor. |
| US08167033B2 |
Packer with non-extrusion ring
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix. |
| US08167030B2 |
Micro-evaporator
A micro-evaporator is disclosed which is easy to manipulate and can be operated problem-free over a large temperature range. The micro-evaporator has micro-evaporator channels in a trapezoidal region, comprising an inlet region opening in the liquid feed chamber with a small diameter, and an outlet region opening into the vapor collecting chamber with a large diameter. |
| US08167026B2 |
Collector tank for a multi-row heat exchanger
A collector tank for a heat exchanger of an automotive cooling system includes a one-piece tank element comprising a first collecting region and a second collecting region, wherein at least one of the first collecting region and the second collecting region comprises a projection; a base that closes off the collecting regions of the tank element, the base comprising at least one channel; a sealing element disposed within the at least one channel; and a stress generating means located adjacent to the channel and clamping at least a portion of the one-piece tank element to the base such that the sealing element is compressed between the projection and the base within the channel. The stress generating means is a means selected from the group consisting of a tensile stress generating means, a compressive stress generating means, and a combination thereof. |
| US08167024B2 |
Method and associated electromagnetic apparatus for rotating molten metal in a slabs continuous casting ingot mould
Four distinct polyphased inductors for a travelling magnetic field and mounted with two inductors per large side on the large sides of the ingot mold, the inductors placed side by side on a same large side of the ingot mold and producing driving forces that push the molten metal, along the width of the ingot mold, both in the same direction, which is a direction opposite to that of the driving forces produced by the two inductors placed opposite on the other large side. |
| US08167023B2 |
Apparatus for centrifugal casting under vacuum
An apparatus for centrifugal casting under vacuum includes a rotor having a shaft extending in an essentially vertical direction and being rotatable around an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor has at least one mold, at least one crucible, and a gas-tight housing in which the mold and the crucible are accommodated. The apparatus also includes a vacuum source to create a vacuum in the housing, a heating device that melts a metal, a drive device that drives the shaft in order to rotate the rotor, and an auxiliary acceleration device configured to generate a force to further rotate the rotor to overcome a moment of inertia of the rotor. The auxiliary acceleration device includes a jet propulsion and/or at least one pushing actuator accelerating the resting rotor. |
| US08167021B2 |
Lever roll-up shade with stop damper
A lever actuated roll-up shade assembly for motor vehicle windows having a stop brake for slowing down movement of actuating levers of the roll-up shade assembly during movement into a position corresponding to the retracted position of the roller shade so as to prevent loud impact noises. |
| US08167016B2 |
Heavy-load tire with wind bead structure
A heavy-load tire has a wind bead structure in which a turned-up portion of a carcass ply is wound around a bead core, in which a bead portion is equipped with a bead reinforcing layer having a u-shaped cross section and a bead apex rubber having a triangular-shaped cross section. The turned-up portion has an auxiliary turned-up portion passing through the vicinity of a radially outer side of the bead core. The bead apex rubber includes a high complex elasticity modulus inner apex portion disposed at a radially inner side and a low complex elasticity modulus outer apex portion disposed at a radially outer side. |
| US08167014B2 |
Manufacturing method of pneumatic tire and pneumatic tire
A tread forming step of forming a non-conductive tread rubber includes a first step of forming the tread rubber in such a manner that a shoulder portion becomes smaller in diameter than a finish cross sectional shape, a second step of setting up a conductive layer extending along a tire circumferential direction while alternately passing through a first position which is exposed to a tread surface of the shoulder portion, and a second position which comes into contact with a sidewall rubber in an outer side in a tire width direction than the first position, and a third step forming a finish cross sectional shape of the tread rubber by adding a non-conductive rubber to the shoulder portion of the tread rubber. |
| US08167012B2 |
Knock-down foundation for a bed
The foundation includes an assembly of wooden components which interconnect to form an enclosed rectangular configuration for supporting a mattress. At each corner of the assembly are two posts which are interconnected by dowels or by a tongue and groove. The dowels and the mouths of the openings in which they are accommodated are bevelled for facilitating the insertion of the dowels into the openings should they be misaligned. The tongues and grooves are also bevelled for the same reason. The wooden components are subject to compressive forces and to a heat treatment before being assembled into the foundation. |
| US08167009B2 |
Adjustable refilling assembly
A refilling system for a vehicle including a body panel having a fixed opening, an adjustable refilling assembly partially enclosed by the body panel, the adjustable refilling assembly including a first port and a second port, the adjustable refilling assembly movable between at least a first configuration in which the first port is aligned with the fixed opening and a second configuration in which the second port is aligned with the fixed opening. |
| US08167004B2 |
Automatic liquid dispensers
An automatic liquid dispenser is disclosed wherein a liquid adjustor is disposed to prevent liquid from splashing outside of a receptacle, thereby saving the automatic liquid dispenser from being polluted with splashed liquid. A receptacle and level detector emits ultrasound to the receptacle and detects the ultrasound reflected from the receptacle to generate a signal. A controller receives the signal from the receptacle and level detector to control the liquid adjusting unit, and an identifying mark at the receptacle accommodator facilitates the correct arranging of the receptacle. |
| US08167000B2 |
Balanced solenoid valve
A valve assembly includes a solenoid can having an internal coil. A valve body connected to the solenoid can includes an inlet port and a first valve seat. An axially adjustable retainer threadably connected to the valve body includes an end portion defining a second valve seat. A homogenous valve member/armature slidably disposed in the valve body moves in the presence of a coil generated magnetic flux between valve closed and valve open positions. A valve member/armature first surface area is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid through the inlet port. A valve member/armature second surface area is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid in the valve closed position. The first surface area is equal to the second surface area and the pressurized fluid acts equally on the first and second surface areas defining a pressure balanced condition in the valve closed position. |
| US08166998B2 |
Multiple valve assembly for reducing water loss from a leak
A valve assembly for reducing water loss from a leak from a water device. The valve assembly includes a first passage through which water flows from a water source to the water device and a second passage through which water flows from the water device. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage. The first valve is operable for obstructing the first passage in response to a change in pressure differential between water in the first passage and water in the second passage resulting from a leak of water from the water device. The valve assembly also includes a second valve in fluid communication with the first passage. The second valve is responsive to the obstruction of the first passage to close the first passage and thereby stop water from flowing from the water source to the water device. |
| US08166995B2 |
Valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank
Valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank, the valve comprising a chamber which includes openings that allow liquid to penetrate into the chamber above a certain level in the tank and/or in the event of waves in the tank or the tank being turned upside down, a cover for the chamber including an aperture that is susceptible to open into the venting circuit of the tank, and a float comprising a body and a needle that close off the aperture, the float being able to slide vertically inside the chamber depending on the level of liquid therein, the needle of the float being frustoconical-shaped and based on an elastomeric material. |
| US08166994B2 |
Ball for valves and production method
A ball (1) for valves is described, comprising a substantially ball-shaped body (2), a hole (4, 5) bored in the body (2) for fluid flow passage between the entry and exit of the valve, and a slot (10) cut into the body (2) to house a pin for ball (1) rotation. The ball (1) is produced in a single element, and the hole (4, 5) terminates in a wall (6) in which a specifically shaped opening (12) is cut to regulate the amount of fluid flow between the entry and exit of the valve. |
| US08166993B2 |
Method and systems for using a shim plate for increased strength
Blowout preventer (BOP) and method for sealing a well. The BOP includes a body having first and second conduits, the first conduit being substantially perpendicular on the second conduit; a piston extending through the first conduit and being configured to reciprocate inside the first conduit, the piston having a body portion, a neck portion and a head portion in this order; a ram block disposed on the piston and configured to move with the piston inside the first conduit for closing the second conduit; and a shim configured to fill a gap between a back region of the ram block and the body portion of the piston. |
| US08166991B2 |
Rail skirt system
The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets. |
| US08166987B2 |
Systems and methods for assisting a seated person to a standing position
A walker device including a walking aid and a lifting arm attached to, and extending in an approximate vertical direction from, the walking aid. The walking aid may include two front legs and two back legs. The walking aid may include two or more wheels attached to the bottom of the two front legs and/or two back legs. The walking aid may be a multiple-legged cane. The walking aid may be a wheeled mobility device. The lifting arm may include a gripping handle positioned at its approximate distal end. |
| US08166986B2 |
Quick connector hub for shade structure
An umbrella hub is provided which can comprise a central portion, a body, and an engagement section. The central portion can be configured to receive to an umbrella pole. The body can extend between the central portion and an outer periphery of the hub with the engagement section being located adjacent to the outer periphery thereof. The engagement section can be configured to receive and constrained the movement of an end portion of an umbrella structural member. |
| US08166983B2 |
Fluid supply system for appliance
A dishwasher includes a tub formed by a plurality of walls defining an interior and an exterior, a first conduit coupled to the tub, a valve coupled to the first conduit, a rack moveable between an engaged horizontal position and a disengaged horizontal position and between an upper vertical position and a lower vertical position, and a second conduit coupled to the rack. A first portion of the second conduit engages the valve when the rack is in the upper vertical position, and a second portion of the second conduit engages the valve when the rack is in the lower vertical position. The valve permits fluid to flow from the first conduit to the second conduit when the rack is in the engaged horizontal position. The valve does not permit fluid to flow from the first conduit to the interior when the rack is in the disengaged horizontal position. |
| US08166976B2 |
Mandibular advancement device with positive positioning hinge
The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer such as Kraton®. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible. Additional features include airflow posts to keep the mouthpiece from sealing completely, a cleft contour, and a tooth retention tab. |
| US08166970B2 |
Inhalation apparatus
An inhaler is instantly activated upon its removal from a cover or cover unit, and by rotating a cartridge component of the inhaler with respect to a mouthpiece portion, so as to create a flow pathway for ambient air and particles. The cartridge component includes a chamber, whose contents typically include dry powders or the like. Upon creation of the flow pathway, the contents of the chamber are instantly accessible for immediate inhalation by a user through the mouthpiece portion. |
| US08166969B2 |
Chemically and biologically resistant hydration system
A hydration system for providing fluid to a user. The system comprises a bladder configured to hold a fluid, wherein comprises an outer layer of a fluorinated rubber composite. A spout is connected to the bladder and in communication with the inside of the bladder, wherein the spout comprises an output port and an fill port for filling the bladder with fluid. A cap adapted to engage and close the fill port is included. Also, a tube having a first end is connected to the output port of the spout and having a second end and having a second end connected to a fluid delivery fitting. |
| US08166968B2 |
Scupper valve snorkel
A conjoined tube within a tube located inside a lower section of a snorkel designed to steer water droplets away from the snorkel diver's breathing path. The lower section of the snorkel has two valves. One is the scupper valve positioned at the lowest point of the inside tube. The scupper valve is a light duty valve or a low resistance one-way watertight passage intended to allow droplets of water to drain into the main reservoir. The outer tube lower section contains a reservoir for holding residual water that travels down to the bottom of the snorkel and is contained therein. During the normal clearing operation, the reservoir can be emptied and water will exit out of the lower section and into the surrounding water. |
| US08166961B2 |
Optional loading mechanism capable of retrofitting paintball assembly
A retrofit kit for providing flexible paintball loading mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, the retrofit kit includes a right side portion of a receiver, a left side portion of the receiver, and a bottom removable adapter. The right side portion of a receiver having a first feed hatch is able to receive paintballs through an upper loading mechanism. The left side portion of the receiver after coupling with the right side portion of the receiver to form a receiver is capable of coupling to a barrel as well as a pressured gas container. The bottom removable adapter, in one embodiment, facilitates to receive paintballs via a bottom feeding mechanism. |
| US08166959B2 |
Approach for improved fuel vaporization in a directly injected internal combustion engine
A system and a method of facilitating fuel vaporization in a directly injected internal combustion engine are provided. As one example, the method comprises: closing an exhaust valve of the cylinder; opening an intake valve after the exhaust valve has closed; moving a piston of the cylinder away from top dead center between the closing of the exhaust valve and the opening of the intake valve to expand the cylinder volume and reduce a pressure within the cylinder to below a pressure of an air intake manifold of the cylinder; and initiating an injection of fuel directly into the cylinder via an in-cylinder injector after the exhaust valve has closed. |
| US08166958B2 |
Positive crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine
A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is provided for an internal combustion engine. The PCV system includes a centrifugal separator disposed within a shaft member, for example a balance shaft, of the internal combustion engine. The centrifugal separator is operable to impart rotational motion on the gases flowing through the shaft member such that the centrifugal forces urge the separation of oil particle entrained within the gases. |
| US08166956B2 |
Engine with gaseous and/or liquid fuel injector
In one example, a system for a vehicle travelling on a surface is described. The system includes an engine with a cylinder. The cylinder includes a fuel injector that is supplied with gaseous fuel and liquid fuel by a fuel delivery system. The fuel injector is mounted in the vehicle such that the fuel injector inlet faces at least partially toward the road surface. The orientation of the fuel injector enables a quick transition from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel because the gaseous fuel can rise to the injectors and be preferentially injected. Further, various approaches are described from transitioning operation between gaseous and liquid fuel injection. |
| US08166955B2 |
Fuel vapor separator with evaporative emissions chamber and marine fuel system and engine therewith
A unitized fuel vapor separator and evaporative emission device; marine fuel system, and marine engine therewith are provided. The device includes a fuel vapor separator and evaporative emissions chamber having a common wall separating the fuel vapor separator from the evaporative emissions chamber. The fuel vapor separator is configured for fluid communication with an upstream fuel tank and with a fuel pump and has a fuel vapor outlet to channel fuel vapor outwardly therefrom. The evaporative emissions chamber is configured for fluid communication with the fuel tank to receive fuel vapor therefrom and has an adsorption material for adsorbing fuel vapor and dissipating air from the fuel vapor through an air outlet to channel the air outwardly therefrom. |
| US08166952B2 |
Fuel injection control during start-up
A method of operation of an internal combustion engine including an intake valve coupled to a combustion chamber, and a port fuel injector positioned upstream of the intake valve in an intake manifold including a throttle, the port fuel injector fluidly coupled to a fuel rail included in a fuel delivery system housing a fuel at least partially composed of alcohol. The method including, during a start-up operation when the temperature of the engine is below a threshold value and fuel is actively being injected into the intake manifold, adjusting a cone angle of a fuel spray from the port fuel injector, via adjustment of the throttle and/or fuel delivery system, based on the position of the intake valve. |
| US08166950B2 |
Variable ratio throttle control
A variable ratio throttle control is disclosed for an off road utility vehicle. The variable ratio throttle control includes a butterfly throttle on a throttle shaft pivotably mounted to a throttle body, a bell crank on the throttle shaft, and a lever extension extending radially from the bell crank to provide an extended lever arm until the butterfly throttle is partially open. A throttle cable is connected between an accelerator pedal and the lever extension, the throttle cable being displaceable by depressing the accelerator pedal to turn the extended lever arm. The lever extension abuts a kick plate once the butterfly throttle is partially open. The butterfly throttle may be fully opened by displacing the throttle cable to turn the bell crank after the lever extension abuts the kick plate. |
| US08166949B2 |
Cylinder head dry valley drain
An engine comprises a cylinder head at least partially defining a dry valley and a cover secured to the cylinder head. The cover defines a first aperture. A boss extends from the cylinder head toward the cover. The boss defines a second aperture. A fastener extends through the first aperture and at least partially through the second aperture to secure the cover to the cylinder head. The fastener defines a passage to fluidly connect the dry valley to an exterior of the engine. |
| US08166946B2 |
Diesel engine start-up assisting device
A diesel engine start-up assisting device includes a plurality of first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d between a common direct-current power source 1 and a plurality of electrical load 3a to 3d, a plurality of start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and an input-and-output unit 7. The diesel engine start-up assisting device is constructed so as to enable start-up of a diesel engine when power distribution is applied to at least one of the electrical loads 3a to 3d. In arrangement, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d, the start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and the input-and-output unit 7 are integrated into one package having a lead frame. Defining the first-and-second switching element as a pair of switching elements, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d are arranged in parallel with each other on the lead frame, and the lead frame has a notch part formed between two pairs of switching elements adjoined to each other. |
| US08166943B2 |
Fuel system control
Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel system in an engine, the fuel system including a supply pump for delivering fuel to the fuel system and pressurizing fuel received from a feed pump, a fuel tank, a fuel filter for filtering fuel, a fuel rail, and a fuel injector. One example method comprises, during an engine cold-start, operating the supply pump, and adjusting a supply pump operation mode between at least a pressure-controlled mode and a volume-controlled mode based on a fuel temperature and pressure. |
| US08166941B2 |
Device for switching activation of a hydraulic valve play equalization element
A device for switching activation of a hydraulic valve play equalization element for setting of a maximal stroke or a zero stroke on a valve of an internal combustion engine, has a switching element for locking and unlocking the housing of the valve play equalization element relative to a guide that is axially displaceable therein. The switching element is a switching ring that surrounds the housing, on which a linkage for rotating the switching ring relative to the housing is disposed. The linkage of the switching ring is connected via a guide element with a groove on the circumference of a rotatable adjustment shaft. The groove has a groove section demonstrating an axial incline, and in which the switching ring is rotated, to implement a switching process via the guide element during rotation the adjustment shaft. |
| US08166938B2 |
Engine camshaft cover with integrated oil passages for camshaft phaser actuation
A camshaft cover mounts to a cylinder head and defines cavities for oil control valves that adjust the position of camshafts via camshaft phaser assemblies. The cavities are positioned above the camshafts when the camshaft cover is mounted to the cylinder head. A feed passage communicates pressurized fluid from the cylinder head to the cavities when the camshaft cover is mounted to the cylinder head. Control passages communicate fluid from the cavities to the camshaft phaser assemblies when the camshaft cover is mounted to the cylinder head. |
| US08166937B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A vane rotor includes a vane to partition an advance chamber from a retard chamber. A valve element communicates a lock port with an exhaust port to drain a fluid from the lock port when moving in a first region including an end of a movable range in the first direction. The regulating member moves in the vane rotor in a thrust direction into a recess dented from an inner surface of the housing by being biased from a resilient member to lock the rotation phase in a regulation phase in the first region when a fluid is drained from the lock chamber. The valve element is configured to communicate an operation port with a supply port to supply a fluid into the advance chamber when being in a throttle region in the first region such that a flow of a fluid supplied to the advance chamber is throttled to be less than a flow of a fluid when the valve element is in the end of the movable range in the first direction. |
| US08166924B2 |
Non-choking harness for pet
A non-choking harness for a pet which evenly distributes stress throughout the chest area and away from the neck area of the pet when the leash is pulled to prevent choking. The non-choking harness comprises a body part, an adjustable strap, and a connection part. The body part comprises a center portion which substantially covers the chest area of the pet, two neck ends configured to wrap around a neck of the pet to provide a neck opening and two torso ends configured to wrap around a torso of the pet to provide a torso opening. The adjustable strap removably connects a first torso end to a second torso end, and adjusts the size of the torso opening to provide a comfortable fit. The connection part is configured to removably connect to the two neck ends, removably connect to the adjustable strap; and to adjust the size of the neck opening. At least one D-ring for attaching a leash is fixedly attached to the connection part. Preferably, the D-ring is fixedly attached to retain pendular motion but inhibit sliding movements. The non-choking harness completely opens up for easy access in fitting the pet. |
| US08166923B2 |
Animal instrumentation
An approach to monitoring, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment or conditioning of animals such as horses does not require use of restrictive equipment such as treadmills or force plates and that can provide either or both of more or less immediate or continuous processing of data to perform the monitoring or diagnosis. One or more wireless sensors are attached to the animal, for example, to measure motion-related parameter associated with one or more parts of the animal. Sensor data is received from the sensors and processed to identify a characteristic of the motion of the animal, such as a quality of gait. The sensor data can also be used to avoid injury to the animal and/or the rider, and to verify the identity of an animal. |
| US08166916B2 |
Appetence measurement system
The invention refers to appetence measurement for animals.In particular, the invention proposes an automated system for measuring the appetence of animals, including a feeding area (2) and an accommodation area (1), wherein the feeding area includes a room (3) whose dimensions are chosen so that the animal is able to move therein, and the system also includes access control resources (6, 10-12) that are designed so that the animals can gain access in turn to the room (3) from the accommodation area. |
| US08166912B2 |
Powder spray coating discharge assembly
A powder spray coating discharge assembly (230, 260, 216, 228, 232) for connection to an electrostatic spray coating gun (210), the gun (210) having a gun body (212), means for connecting to a supply of coating powder and means for supplying a voltage (20) at first and second potentials respectively to first (292) and second electrical connections (294) each for connection to a respective one of a discharge electrode (232) and a counter electrode (260), the means for supplying the voltage (20) comprising: a variable voltage power supply (114) having an input connected to an electrical power source (110), an output connected to each of the first and second electrical connections (292, 294), a control circuit (128) for controlling the variable voltage power supply (20) and means (120) for sensing an output load, wherein the control circuit (128) is adapted to adjust the variable voltage power supply (20) to reduce the voltage and current in proportion to a sensed increase in load, or vice-versa. |
| US08166899B1 |
Air cavity vessel having longitudinal and transverse partitions
An air cavity vessel having longitudinal and transverse partitions is provided. The air cavity vessel, which injects air into the bottom thereof to form air layers in order to reduce resistance of the vessel, includes transverse partitions partitioning the bottom in a transverse direction, longitudinal partitions partitioning the bottom in a longitudinal direction, spatial areas defined in a grid pattern by the transverse partitions and the longitudinal partitions, an air supply unit installed in a forebody of the vessel and supplying compressed air into the spatial areas, and a compressor for supplying the compressed air to the air supply unit. Thereby, multiple air layers are formed on a bottom flat area on a small scale. |
| US08166894B1 |
Handle for a portable table
A table may include a table top and one or more legs or support pedestals. The table may also include one or more handles that may enhance the portability of the table. For example, if the table is a fold-in-half table, then the table top may include first and second sections that may be moved between a folded position and an unfolded position. The handle may include first and second sections that are connected to the first and second sections of the table top. The first and second sections of the handle may be collectively grasped, which may help prevent the table top from unintentionally unfolding. The table top may also include receiving portions that are sized configured to receive one or more portions of the handle. |
| US08166889B2 |
Communication bellows between cars of a rail vehicle
The present invention provides a communication bellows including at least one external skin which has a succession of inwardly directed undulations and at least one internal skin which has a succession of outwardly directed undulations which are provided facing the inwardly directed undulations of the external skin, the two skins together delimiting an acoustic insulation space, the internal skin being connected to at least some of the inwardly directed undulations of the external skin, the external skin and internal skin being connected to each other only by some mutually facing undulations, other undulations of the two skins remaining separate from each other. |
| US08166886B2 |
Wear monitoring system, cable operated transportation system and a method for monitoring wear-prone parts therein
A wear monitoring system is provided for monitoring the wear and/or abrasion of at least one system component of a cable operated transportation system, where the system component is subjected to wear and/or abrasion and is mounted in rotating and/or circulating manner. A parameter measuring device is provided for measuring an actual value and/or a time-dependent actual value function of at least one electrical and/or mechanical parameter of the at least one system component and/or the drive unit. An evaluating device is provided for determining a parameter deviation of the actual value from a desired value in dependence on time or a time interval and/or of the actual value function from a time-dependent desired value function of the at least one parameter. The parameter deviation corresponds to the state of abrasion and/or the state of wear of the at least one system component. |
| US08166884B2 |
Switch assembly for magnetic levitation railways
A switch assembly for magnetic levitation railways includes a girder extending in a travel direction (x) and flexible transversely to it is provided with travel way or equipment parts. A rail and a rack are located transversely to the travel direction. A load-bearing frame, receiving the girder, has a rotatably supported carrying wheel braced on the rail and a drive mechanism with a gear wheel meshing with the rack and with a motor intended for driving it. Switch adjustment is effected by displacement of the load-bearing frame along the rail by means of the drive mechanism and a thus-effected flexing of the girder. The girder, the load-bearing frame and the drive mechanism form a solidly joined-together structural unit which as a whole is located displaceably in the travel direction (x) relative to the rail and the rack. |
| US08166881B2 |
Remote setting for electronic systems in a projectile for chambered ammunition
A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile. |
| US08166878B2 |
Liquid transfer apparatus
An ultraviolet drying device (37) and a photoelectric sensor (70) for detecting the outer surface of a transport cylinder (36) are provided at a position close to the outer surface of the transport cylinder (36) arranged downstream in a sheet-like material convey direction of a reverse printing unit (11) for subsequent printing. When the ultraviolet drying device (37) is turned on and the photoelectric sensor (70) detects that a contamination-preventive member is mounted on the outer surface of the transport cylinder (36), the driving of a printing press stops. Also, when an IR lamp (46) of an infrared drying device (47) is turned on and the photoelectric sensor (70) detects that the contamination-preventive member is not mounted on the outer surface of the transport cylinder (36), the driving of the printing press is stopped. With this arrangement, deformation of the contamination-preventive member mounted to protect the cylinder is prevented in a liquid transfer apparatus. |
| US08166876B2 |
Method and device for transferring a pattern from a stamp to a substrate
A device (1) for transferring a pattern (12) from a stamp (10) to a substrate (20) comprises a table (22) for supporting a substrate (20), a flexible stamp (10) and a movably arranged body (25) having a pressure chamber (27) for exerting pressure on a portion of the stamp (10), so that the portion is pushed toward the substrate (20) and contacts the substrate (20). During a pattern transferring process, the body (25) is moved. As a result, adjacent portions of the stamp (10) successively go through a process of being pushed toward the substrate (20), getting in contact with the substrate (20), and being allowed to move back in place again. In this way, it is achieved that the pattern (12) of the stamp (10) is transferred to the substrate (20), without the introduction of vibrations, so that the transfer of the pattern (12) takes place in a highly accurate fashion. |
| US08166875B2 |
Screen printing apparatus and screen printing method
In supply of feedback data to improve a positional deviation quantity and a deviation state of a soldering paste printed on individual substrates held on the carrier, a plurality of average values of individual positional deviation for each of the individual substrates are obtained, and then, if the deviation value ΔM indicating a difference between the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin of the plurality of average values M of individual positional deviation is less than or equal to the tolerance value Δ(t), an intermediate value of the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin is obtained, and the positioning parameters of the mask plate and the carrier are corrected based on the intermediate value (Mmax+Mmin)/2. |
| US08166870B2 |
Mobile apparatus provided with a surface for cooking by contact
Apparatus (20) for cooking food by contact comprising a continuous cooking surface (26) heated on its underside by one or more gas burners (33) which are housed in one or more combustion chambers (25) and which are supplied with fuel gas by a portable tank (B). The continuous cooking surface (26), the combustion chambers (25), the burners (33) and the valvular means (34) constitute a cooking unit (21) that is removably mounted on a supporting cart (22) suited to house said portable tank (B) and to allow the use of the apparatus (20) either in an indoor or in an outdoor environment. |
| US08166866B2 |
Pneumatic brake booster
A pneumatic brake booster with a booster housing is subdivided into at least one working chamber and at least one vacuum chamber by means of at least one axially movable wall capable of being acted upon with a pneumatic differential pressure. An actuable input member includes a valve piston, with an output member for acting upon a brake master cylinder with an output force. A control valve is arranged in a control housing and can be actuated by the valve piston for controlling the differential pressure. An elastic reaction element is arranged in a control housing recess and against which the output member bears. Means for setting a distance z between the valve piston and the reaction element are provided on the output member. |
| US08166864B2 |
Kit and method for converting a gas-operated gas-driven firearm to a gas-operated operating rod driven firearm
A kit for modifying a bolt carrier group actuating apparatus of a firearm configured by its original manufacturer to have a gas-driven bolt carrier has a gas expansion assembly and an operating rod. The gas expansion assembly is configured for receiving combustion gases from an as-manufactured OEM gas block of a firearm and for facilitating expansion of the gases for generating a bolt carrier driving force. The operating rod is engagable between the gas expansion assembly and an operating rod engaging lug of a bolt carrier. The operating rod is configured to mechanically transmit the bolt carrier driving force to the operating rod engaging lug. |
| US08166854B2 |
Shearing device
In a shearing device (10), a plate-like work piece (50) is seated on a die (20) positioned on a lower side thereof is clamped by a pad (30), so that a predetermined portion of the work piece (50) is processed into a predetermined shape by a punch positioned on an upper side thereof. The punch (40) integrally has a heel portion (41). The heel portion is so as to broadly contact an outer peripheral face (51) of the predetermined portion to be processed of the work piece (50), thereby restraining the outer peripheral face (51) from moving in an outward direction perpendicular to a thickness direction. |
| US08166850B2 |
Multipurpose tool
A multipurpose tool is provided which may be useful for functions relating to firearms and explosives. The multipurpose tool may include a variety of tools and features while maintaining a compact form. For example, the multipurpose tool may include a blade positioned in a pocket defined between a handle and a body member which define a hook configuration. Elongate members may be rotatably connected to the multipurpose tool and may include a base member with a cam surface and one or more detents which cooperate with a spring follower to hold the elongate member in either or both of an operational position or a storage position. A receiving aperture may be received in a jaw of a pair of pliers, and configured to receive an accessory member. Further, a sleeve may store a bit on the side of a handle and may be retained in the sleeve by a displaceable button. |
| US08166849B2 |
Combination ratcheting wrench with a box-end wrench having an opening
A combination open-ended ratcheting wrench with a box-end wrench has a wrench having a wrench head, the wrench head having a first aperture with a first opening, a receptacle formed at an inner wall of the first aperture, at least one limiting groove disposed around the inner wall of the first aperture; a control member pushing against an elastic member acceptable in the receptacle and having a ratcheting surface and a smooth surface, and at least one stopping edge corresponding to and accepting the limiting members; a ratchet disposed in the first aperture and having a ratcheting aperture, the ratcheting aperture having a ratchet opening, a ratcheting pawl formed around an outer circumference of the ratchet and corresponding to the ratcheting surface of the control member; and a rotation cap disposed on the wrench head covering a portion of the ratchet in the first aperture and having a second opening. |
| US08166848B2 |
Transmission case
A transmission case includes a housing that accommodates a starting device, the housing having rib portions on an inner surface; and a speed change mechanism case connected to the housing, the speed change mechanism case accommodating a speed change mechanism, wherein a thin wall portion is provided in the housing by a groove formed in the housing, and the transmission case is structured such that stress is concentrated on the thin wall portion by at least one of the rib portions when an impact load is applied to the transmission case. |
| US08166846B2 |
Steering handle
The present invention is designed to lock a plurality of hooks integrally formed on ornaments to a plurality of locking projections integrally formed on a rim of an armature assembly, in order to provide a steering handle that allows the ornaments to be easily assembled by the locking projections formed on the rim and the hooks formed on the ornaments and detachably locked to the locking projections. |
| US08166844B2 |
Rotating device and robot arm device
A rotating device includes a communication unit including a transmitting portion having a first ring-shaped coil, a first ring-shaped magnetic body covering the first ring-shaped coil and a first terminal connected to the first ring-shaped coil, and a receiving portion having a second ring-shaped coil, a second ring-shaped magnetic body covering the second ring-shaped coil and a second terminal connected to the second ring-shaped coil, and a bearing connecting a hollow fixed portion to a hollow rotating portion, which is capable of rotating with respect to the fixed portion, in which the first ring-shaped coil and the second ring-shaped coil are formed so as to be wound around a rotation axis of the bearing, the first ring-shaped magnetic body and the second ring-shaped magnetic body face each other with a gap formed in the direction of the rotation axis, and the communication unit is provided inside the fixed portion and the rotating portion. |
| US08166843B2 |
Shift transmission control device of vehicle, vehicle and method for controlling shift transmission in vehicle
A shift transmission control device of a vehicle includes a transmission, a clutch, a shift transmission controller, and a shift inhibition state detector. The shift transmission controller is configured to control the transmission and the clutch. The shift inhibition state detector is configured to detect based on a running state of the vehicle that a predetermined shift inhibition condition is satisfied. The transmission is capable of providing a preliminary change gear ratio while the predetermined change gear ratio at which the rotational drive force is transmitted to the drive wheel is maintained. The shift transmission controller is configured to control the transmission to inhibit a change of the predetermined change gear ratio at which the rotational drive force is transmitted to the drive wheel and to provide the preliminary change gear ratio in response to the running state of the vehicle when the shift inhibition condition is satisfied. |
| US08166834B2 |
In-vitro measurement of catamenial tampon systems
An apparatus for testing of medical products such as a feminine hygiene product, is presented. The apparatus includes a body, a pump and a vaginal canal assembly. The body includes an internal chamber and a bottom surface having a bore open to the internal chamber. The pump provides a fluid to the body. In one embodiment, the fluid is a menses simulant. The vaginal canal assembly includes an interior canal accepting the product. The vaginal canal assembly includes a passage providing the fluid to the interior canal. The apparatus includes a pressure regulator controlling pressure exerted on the vaginal canal assembly from a volume of air within the internal chamber. The apparatus includes a stand. The stand includes a retaining device and a locking device. The locking device cooperates with the retaining device to selectively secure the body in at least one of a rotational position and an angular position. |
| US08166833B2 |
State of charge indicator and methods related thereto
Embodiments of the invention relate a charge indicator for determining the mass of a fluid contained within a fluid enclosure, wherein the charge indicator responds to a deformation of a solid component in contact with the fluid and wherein the deformation is a function of the mass of fluid contained within the fluid enclosure. |
| US08166829B2 |
Method and system of an ultrasonic flow meter transducer assembly
Ultrasonic flow meter transducer assembly. At least one some of the illustrative embodiment are systems including: a spool piece that defines an exterior surface, a central passage, and a transducer port extending from the exterior surface to the central passage; and a transducer assembly coupled to the transducer port. The transducer assembly includes: a transition element coupled to the spool piece, the transition element having a first end disposed within the transducer port, and a second end residing outside the exterior surface; a piezoelectric module with a piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric module directly coupled to the first end of the transition element and the piezoelectric module disposed within the exterior surface; a transformer module with a transformer disposed therein, the transformer module directly coupled to the second end of the transition element and the transformer module disposed outside the exterior surface; and an electrical conductor disposed within a passage through the transition element, the electrical conductor couples the transformer to the piezoelectric element. |
| US08166828B2 |
Fluid flow meter
Fluid flow meters and methods for measuring different aspects of fluid flow with a non-contact sensor are provided. In some cases a fluid flow gear meter is provided with a fluid chamber that is sealed with a cover portion carrying the non-contact sensor. An optional separation member may be located between the cover portion and the chamber to seal the chamber. In some cases the cover portion and/or separation member are configured to transmit visible light to allow viewing of the fluid chamber, through material selection and/or the presence of viewing cavities within the material. The flow meter is optionally configured to prevent or reduce the transmission of ambient environmental radiation into the flow meter to lessen the likelihood that it may adversely affect an optical non-contact sensor used to detect movement of gears within the chamber. |
| US08166826B2 |
Vibration characteristic measuring device
A vibration characteristic measuring device is provided with a shaker, including a shaking section which reciprocates along an axis, and a mounting block fastened to a mounting surface of the shaking section. A disk drive suspension is mounted on the mounting block. The mounting block has a facing surface which faces the mounting surface of the shaking section. An adhesive member formed of a resin tape is disposed between the mounting surface and the facing surface of the mounting block. The adhesive member is deformable depending on a gap between the mounting surface and the facing surface. The adhesive member closely contacts both the mounting surface and the facing surface without a gap. |
| US08166824B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold. |
| US08166817B2 |
Angle-measuring method and angle-measuring gyroscope system for implementing the same
An angle-measuring method includes: configuring a state observer to calculate a set of estimated signals based on a set of previously calculated estimated parameters; configuring the state observer to calculate a gain thereof using a dynamic equation associated with a gyroscope; configuring the state observer to calculate a set of currently calculated estimated parameters using the dynamic equation associated with the gyroscope based on the gain calculated by the state observer, a set of sensing signals generated by a sensing module, and the estimated signals calculated by the state observer; and configuring an angle calculator to calculate an angle of rotation of the gyroscope based on a position and a velocity in the currently calculated estimated parameters calculated by the state observer and a stiffness coefficient of the gyroscope. An angle-measuring gyroscope system that implements the angle-measuring method is also disclosed. |
| US08166809B2 |
In-tire multi-element piezoelectric sensor
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for monitoring tire related conditions. A substrate is provided having one or more pairs of sensors mounted thereon. The pairs of sensors are mounted in predetermined relationship to each other at predetermined separation distances such that rotational direction, speed and other parameters of a tire with which the sensors may be associated may be determined. In some embodiments, plural effective pairs of sensors are provided so that mounting orientation of the sensor need not be predetermined. |
| US08166808B2 |
Engine heater use detection systems and methods
A diagnostic system includes a temperature derivative module and a heater use module. The temperature derivative module determines a derivative of a temperature of one of a fluid of an engine of a vehicle and a component of the engine measured by a temperature sensor after a vehicle startup event. The heater use module selectively indicates that an engine heater was used before the vehicle startup event based on the derivative. |
| US08166804B2 |
Method for detecting separation in a structure
A method for detecting separation in a structure that comprises at least two portions or layers affixed together comprises forming a cavity into the structure that passes through an interface formed between the two portions and plumbing the cavity to a monitoring system. A pressure differential is established between the cavity and a reference pressure to which the structure is exposed. A monitoring system monitors for a change in the pressure state of the cavity. Changes in the pressure state are indicative of a separation between the portions or layers. |
| US08166803B2 |
Method for the quantitative determination of an aging effect on motor oil
The quantitative determination of aging effects on motor oil is of great interest. According to a method, two variables of the motor oil are detected, one of the two variables being the viscosity and the other variable being the acid content of the motor oil. A first deviation of the detected first variable from a default value is then determined, and the second variable is estimated based on the deviation. By determining a second deviation of the estimated second variable from the detected second variable, the second deviation is determined as a measure of the aging effect on the motor oil. Since various aging effects influence the two variables in different manners, individual aging effects may be quantitatively determined in a targeted manner. |
| US08166802B2 |
Device for displaying and measuring air losses in a chest drainage apparatus
A device for displaying and measuring air losses in a chest drainage apparatus, having a transparent window enclosure with a connection to a tube end connected to a chest cavity to convey exuded liquids for collection a vessel and air losses, a chamber being provided within the apparatus at one of the transparent windows, that contains liquid and comprises the outlet section of a duct for air loss conveying. The device comprises a bell arranged above the outlet section, immersed in liquid at least at a lower end area, and provided, at the submerged portion, with at least one always-open air outflow port and with at least one additional port for the outflow of air. |
| US08166801B2 |
Non-invasive fluid density and viscosity measurement
The noninvasively measurement of the density and viscosity of static or flowing fluids in a section of pipe such that the pipe performs as the sensing apparatus, is described. Measurement of a suitable structural vibration resonance frequency of the pipe and the width of this resonance permits the density and viscosity to be determined, respectively. The viscosity may also be measured by monitoring the decay in time of a vibration resonance in the pipe. |
| US08166800B2 |
Gas concentration detection apparatus and gas concentration detection system
A gas concentration detection apparatus and system including a gas sensor. Voltage Vd generated across detection resistor Rd through which pump current Ip flows is differentially amplified by OP1, and offset voltage Vofs is superposed thereon to obtain a detection voltage Vout. The amplification factor applied to the differential amplification of the voltage Vd is changed by turning switch SW3 on and off. When switch SW2 is turned on, the input terminal potentials of the operational amplifier OP1 are equalized, so that voltage Vofs is output as the detection voltage Vout. The detection voltage Vout contains an error attributable to the electronic components which form the circuit. The detection voltage Vout containing the error when SW2 is turned on is acquired as a correction voltage for each amplification factor, and is used for correction at the time of detection of the concentration so as to cancel the error. |
| US08166793B2 |
Method and device for the technique of cold microforging any freely formed 3-D surfaces
An electromechanical knocking activated device and method for working and cold-hardening the surface of tools, machine parts, etc. is disclosed. The electromechanical apparatus may include: an impact head which is secured to a support, wherein at least one part of the support is composed of a ferromagnetic material; and at least one coil which is also secured to the support. A magnetic field holds the impact head in a defined position of rest. The coil is may be positioned in the same magnetic field or a second magnetic field, through which an alternating or pulsed current may flow. As a result, the impact head is made to oscillate with a defined impact frequency, impact altitude and zero crossing. The device may be used in combination with a computer aided manufacturing system. |
| US08166792B2 |
Method of making a seamless hot-finished steel pipe, and device for carrying out the method
In a method of making a seamless hot-finished steel pipe a billet heated to a shaping temperature is pierced by a first shaping to a thick-walled hollow ingot which subsequently undergoes a radial forging process using an internal tool inserted in the hollow ingot and at least two forging jaws of a forging machine. The forging jaws act on the outer surface area of the hollow ingot, wherein the hollow ingot is turned and axially advanced in a clocked manner in the idle stroke phase of the forging jaws. |
| US08166790B2 |
Continuous metal extruder
Example embodiments relate to a continuous metal extruder that includes a rotatable member having an extrusion screw portion for transporting metal to be extruded in an axial direction of the rotatable member, a fixed part, a spring element for biasing the rotatable member and the fixed part in relation to each other, and a thrust bearing arranged between the rotatable member and the fixed part. |
| US08166784B2 |
Pin assembly cover for a lock mechanism and method of use
A lock mechanism includes a cover plate positionable over a plurality of pin chambers in a cylinder housing wherein one or more of the pin chambers include an internal threaded portion. The lock mechanism includes one or more pin assembly caps that are operative to secure the cover plate to the cylinder housing of the lock by threadably engaging with threaded pin chambers. The pin assembly caps include an internal cavity sized to receive at least a portion of a pin assembly, such that threaded pin chambers and unthreaded pin chambers have substantially the same dimensions without substantially increasing the dimensions required for the lock mechanism. The pin assembly caps include a socket (e.g., a hex socket, a Phillips-type socket, or the like) that allow users to selectively remove and secure the cover plate to the cylinder housing common tools. |
| US08166778B2 |
Tempered glass for thermal insulation
The invention relates to a pane that has undergone a chemical toughening operation so as to have an alkali-metal-ion concentration gradient from its surface over an exchange depth of at least 100 μm, a surface stress of at least 200 MPa, and a strain point at the core of at least 550° C. The pane can be used especially in the field of domestic cooking, as a pyrolytic oven door, stove, fire guard, flue insert, and more generally for separating two gaseous atmospheres at different temperatures. The pane is particularly resistant to heat shocks. |
| US08166777B2 |
Glass composition and process for sealing void spaces in electrochemical devices
A glass foaming material and method are disclosed for filling void spaces in electrochemical devices. The glass material includes a reagent that foams at a temperature above the softening point of the glass. Expansion of the glass fills void spaces including by-pass and tolerance channels of electrochemical devices. In addition, cassette to cassette seals can also be formed while channels and other void spaces are filled, reducing the number of processing steps needed. |
| US08166776B2 |
Multichannel heat exchanger
A heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system having a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a multichannel heat exchanger connected in a closed refrigerant loop. The multichannel heat exchanger has at least two fluid flow paths cooled by a flow of air from an air-moving device through the multichannel heat exchanger. Each of the at least two fluid flow paths have an inlet and an outlet in communication there between. The multichannel heat exchanger also has at least one flow regulator disposed in at least one outlet to regulate through at least one fluid flow path in response to the air flow through the heat exchanger to achieve a substantially equal temperature of a fluid flowing in the at least two flow paths. |
| US08166772B2 |
Flexile plated cooling pack of headwear and method for making the same
The present invention relates to a flexible plated cooling pack for headwear and a method for making the same that is capable of providing a sufficient cooling effect with a small amount of coolant, not causing worry about leakage of the coolant, and providing a cushion effect without a volume variance regardless of many uses, as well as the cooling effect.The flexible plated cooling pack has an inner and outer synthetic resin film sheet bonded each other and a coolant filled therein, wherein the outer synthetic resin film sheet has a shape respectively corresponding to a piece of the crown portion and a sweatband and the coolant is always maintained in at least a gel state. The flexible plated cooling pack may be disposed in an inner portion of the crown portion and the sweatband of the headwear or may be inserted in a pocket formed at an inner portion of the crown portion and the sweatband of the headwear. |
| US08166771B2 |
Refrigeration system
A heat source side circuit (14) includes a gas-liquid separator (35) for the separation of refrigerant flowing therein from an expander (31) into liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant and a cooling means (36, 45, 53, 55) for the cooling of liquid refrigerant heading from the gas-liquid separator (35) to a utilization side circuit (11). Since the refrigerant exiting the gas-liquid separator (35) is in a saturated liquid form, it always changes state to a subcooled state whenever cooled by the cooling means (36, 45, 53, 55). |
| US08166769B2 |
Self-cooled vertical electronic component
A self-cooled electronic component comprising a vertical monolithic circuit, in which the vertical monolithic circuit is electrically connected in series with a Peltier cooler so that the D.C. current flowing through the circuit supplies the cooler and in which the circuit and the cooler are placed against each other so that the cold surface of the cooler is in thermal contact with the circuit. |
| US08166768B2 |
Systems and methods for passively directing aircraft engine nozzle flows
Systems and methods for passively directing aircraft engine nozzle flow are disclosed. One system includes an aircraft nozzle attachable to an aircraft turbofan engine, with the nozzle including a first flow path wall bounding a first flow path and being positioned to receive engine exhaust products, and a second flow path wall bounding a second flow path and being positioned to receive engine bypass air. The first flow path wall is positioned between the first and second flow paths, and the second flow path wall is positioned between the second flow path and an ambient air flow path. Multiple flow passages can be positioned in at least one of the first and second flow path walls to passively direct gas from a corresponding flow path within the flow path wall through the flow path wall to a corresponding flow path external to the flow path wall. Neighboring flow passages can have neighboring circumferentially-extending and circumferentially-spaced exit openings positioned at an interface with the corresponding flow path external to the flow path wall. |
| US08166766B2 |
System and method to generate electricity
A split heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) arrangement including a first HRSG coupled to a turbine and thereby receptive of a portion of the exhaust gases to deliver the portion of the exhaust gases to a compressor, a second HRSG coupled to the turbine and thereby receptive of a remaining portion of the exhaust gases, which includes an NOx catalyst and a CO catalyst sequentially disposed therein to remove NOx and CO from the exhaust gases and an air injection apparatus to inject air into the second HRSG between the NOx catalyst and the CO catalyst to facilitate CO consumption at the CO catalyst. |
| US08166762B2 |
Fuel control arrangement
Fuel control arrangements provide and control fuel flow to injectors through fuel control valves. The injectors are connected to respective fuel control valves which in turn are connected to a first fuel flow path. The injectors are also connected to a second fuel flow path. The fuel paths are associated with a fuel source and generally have a recirculation valve between them. When flow in the flow path is stopped, recirculation of fuel can be provided across the recirculation valve to prevent fuel degradation. By provision of a restrictor valve in the second fuel flow path control of fuel recirculation can be achieved, as well as greater flexibility by presenting fuel flow separately through the second flow path to the injector whilst the first flow path is inhibited. |
| US08166761B2 |
Method and system for generating power from a heat source
A method of generating power from a heat source, said method including: compressing (10) a working fluid to increase its temperature; exchanging (11) heat between said working fluid and said heat source to superheat said working fluid; expanding (12) said superheated working fluid to drive a turbine, thereby reducing its temperature; condensing (13) said working fluid to further reduce its temperature: and returning said working fluid to said compressing step (10), the method further including the step (14) of regenerating the heat of said working fluid wherein working fluid passing between said compressing step (10) and said heat exchanging step (11) exchanges heat with working fluid passing between said expanding step (12) and said condensing step (13); wherein said steps are performed in a thermodynamic cycle (S1-S1′-S2-S3-S3′-S4) within a supercritical region (SC) above the saturation dome (A) of said working fluid, and wherein said heat regenerating step (14) is performed under isenthalpic conditions to induce continuous heat exchange. A system for generating power from a heat source is also provided. |
| US08166760B2 |
System and method for storing energy
A system includes at least one body, a link for suspending the body for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position, and an electrical energy generator coupled with the body through the link to drive the generator to generate electricity upon movement of the body with gravity from the first to the second elevation position. The at least one body has a mass of at least approximately 100 tonnes; the first and the second elevation positions define a distance therebetween of at least approximately 200 meters; and/or the system further includes an operator configured to operate the link to controllably move the at least one body against gravity from the second to the first elevation position to increase a gravitational potential energy of the at least one body, and to maintain the gravitational potential energy of the at least one body. |
| US08166758B2 |
Cooler arrangement at a vehicle
A cooling arrangement for a vehicle engine including at least one cooling element which has flowing through it a gaseous medium operable to being cooled by an external air flow which flows in a specified direction through the cooling element during operation of the combustion engine. A heat-supplying element is fitted at a location upstream from the cooling element with respect to the direction of the cooling air flow so that at least part of the air flowing through the heat-supplying element also flows through the cooling element. A control device is operable to activate the heat-supplying element so that the air flowing through the heat-supplying element is warmed during situations where there is risk of the gaseous medium in the cooling element being cooled to below a lowest acceptable temperature. The heat-supplying element and the cooling element have a connection so that they constitute a composite unit. |
| US08166748B2 |
Gas turbine engine booster having rotatable radially inwardly extending blades and non-rotatable vanes
A gas turbine engine booster includes one or more rotatable booster stages having booster blades extending radially inwardly from a rotatable drum and one or more non-rotatable vane stages having booster vanes extending radially outwardly from a non-rotatable shell. The booster stages may be interdigitated with the vane stages. The booster may be co-rotatable or counter-rotatable with respect to a fan stage of an aircraft gas turbine engine. The booster may be driven by a single turbine or one of counter-rotatable turbines or though a gearbox by these turbines. The booster blades and the booster vanes extend across a core engine inlet duct having an entrance downstream of the first fan stage. A fan section with the booster may have counter-rotatable first and second fan stages with fan blades of the second fan stages connected to and mounted radially outwardly of the rotatable drum. |
| US08166746B2 |
Rotor containment element with frangible connections
A containment system for containing fragments of a burst rotor including first and second means for frangibly connecting a containment element to first and second walls, the first and second means rupturing upon being subjected to a load mainly produced by a translational motion of at least one fragment impacting the element. |
| US08166743B2 |
Spun staple yarns made from blends of rigid-rod fibers and fibers derived from diamino diphenyl sulfone and fabrics and garments made therefrom and methods for making same
This invention relates to a flame-resistant spun staple yarns and fabrics and garments comprising these yarns and methods of making the same. The yarns have 20 to 50 parts by weight of a polymeric staple fiber containing a structure derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of 4,4′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3′diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and mixtures thereof; and 50 to 80 parts by weight of a rigid-rod staple fiber, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymeric fiber and the rigid-rod fiber in the yarn. |
| US08166740B2 |
Impeller conditioner rotor equipped with curved tines
A crop conditioner is equipped with an impeller including a rotor to which a plurality of conditioner tines are respectively pivotally mounted at one of their ends. The tines are contoured so that they release crop at an appropriate location for the crop to engage the forming shields and thus become part of a well-defined windrow. |
| US08166725B2 |
Flush glazed windshield mounting
A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. |
| US08166722B2 |
Modular floor tile system with transition edge
The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members. |
| US08166720B2 |
Roofing membrane retainer
A roofing membrane retainer is provided having a cylindrical plate. The cylindrical plate has a central aperture for receiving a fastener. The plate also includes a pair of concentric inner and outer raised reinforcing ribs and a plurality of scoop-shaped projections. The scoop-shaped projections extend downwardly from the plate in concentric inner and outer cylindrical arrays. The inner cylindrical array of projections and the outer cylindrical array of projections are radially outward of the inner rib and the outer rib, respectively. The projections each comprise a scoop with a base periphery having an open mouth edge and a remaining peripheral portion contiguous with the plate. The projections in each array are spaced equidistance about the plate. The mouth edge of adjacent projections are oriented in alternating radial inward and outward directions. |
| US08166717B2 |
Stiffener for connecting prestressed concrete beam and method of constructing structure using the same
Provided are a stiffener for connecting a prestressed concrete beam and a method of constructing a structure using the same, in which the beam such as the prestressed concrete beam which is covered with concrete is connected to a target structure including a column structure or a girder. The stiffener is made up of a buried stiffener, an end face stiffener, and a joint stiffener, thereby enabling simple connection, excellent stress transmission, and very efficient construction of (building) structures. |
| US08166716B2 |
Dry joint wall panel attachment system
A dry joint wall panel attachment system is provided. The system uses interlocking components to attach aluminum (or other) wall panels to an exterior wall. The system is held together non-adhesively. |
| US08166712B2 |
Gutter insert
A gutter insert formed of a flexible open cell porous foam has five or more sides and forms an inverted “V” or check-mark shape. Four gutter inserts may be cut from one column of foam material, thereby reducing foam waste. The four gutter inserts may be shipped nested together in columnar form, and separated at the jobsite just before installation. |
| US08166711B2 |
Inflatable support systems for recreational structures
A shelter including a support assembly having a plurality of inflatable supports each having an elongated tube body and defining at least two separate longitudinal passages pneumatically separated by a bladder, wherein the tube bodies of each support is connected to the tube body of one or more of the other supports and wherein each of the passages of the each support is pneumatically connected to each of the passages of the other supports, and wherein the supports are spaced circumferentially apart as legs of the support assembly for forming a perimeter of the shelter, and a single port pneumatically coupled to only one of the supports, the port configured for passing air between an external pneumatic vessel and the support to which the port is coupled and a canopy including a plurality of wall panels, the wall panels being configured for being suspended from the support assembly. |
| US08166709B2 |
Support of a solar tracker
The invention relates to improvements in the support of a solar tracker, of the type comprising a structure (1) on which a solar panel (4) is arranged by means of horizontal articulations (3), a linear actuator (5) being included between both, which linear actuator is attached to the solar panel (4) at a point (6) which is laterally separated with respect to the axial line of the horizontal articulations (3) and with respect to the structure at a point (8) which is laterally separated therefrom, shock-absorbers (9) being arranged between the solar panel (4) and the structure (1) in the areas of the horizontal articulations (3), whereas pins (10) limiting the pivoting of the solar panel (4) in both directions are arranged in the horizontal articulations (3). |
| US08166707B2 |
Reinforced door jamb assembly
A reinforced door jamb and method thereof, to prevent breaking of a lock. A doorjamb is reinforced by inserting one or two reinforced plates into the door jamb. One plate is inserted close to the door latch receiving recess on the interior side of the door jamb, and the other plate is inserted close to the exterior side of the door jamb. The reinforced plates are then connected to each other using high strength rods or bolts. |
| US08166705B2 |
Support structure for vehicular resin window
A resin window includes a plate-shaped main body portion and a gear projection portion that is molded integrally with the main body portion so as to project in a thickness direction of the main body portion from a rear end portion of the main body portion. A part of a side face of the gear projection portion is surrounded by a gear-side guide frame for guiding the raising/lowering of the resin window. The gear projection portion includes a meshing gear provided along a vertical direction to mesh with a drive gear, and positioning members provided respectively on upper and lower end portions of the gear projection portion to abut on an inside surface of the gear-side guide frame. When the drive gear is rotated, the positioning members slide relative to the inside surface of the gear-side guide frame, and thus the resin window can be raised or lowered along the gear-side guide frame. |
| US08166703B2 |
Conical container
A conical container that is stable includes a cup adapted to contain liquid and/or one or more selected item(s) and a frustoconical skirt depending therefrom. The container may further include a plurality of removable and interchangeable inserts operable with the cup and/or one or more tray operable with the skirt. The container may advantageously be used as a vase for an arrangement of fresh cut flowers, and may optionally be converted for use with one or more additional selected item. |
| US08166702B1 |
Tree stand apparatus
The tree stand apparatus provides lateral support and a large reservoir created by the conical shape enables fewer fillings of the apparatus. The numerous transfer orifices ensure that clogging especially typical of evergreen tree stands, does not occur, as full communication exists between the tree cylinder and the reservoir. The ability to easily drain and refill the apparatus ensures fresh water supply as well as supply of nutrients that further enhance tree livelihood. Problems of water drainage typical of after-use of a tree stand are negated by the valved drain bib that is disposed immediately adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir, thereby ensuring full drainage. The apparatus provides fill holes that are diametrically opposed, with one fill hole radialy aligned with a float that slides vertically on a float slide to enable exterior viewing of internal water level. |
| US08166698B2 |
Reflex sight for weapon
A weapons reflex sight including a display substrate mounted on a weapon, and an optics module, disposed in a housing, the optics module including a computer-generated imagery (CGI) system and optical elements for generating images and projecting a beam of the images on the display substrate, the images including an aimpoint for aiming at a target and information related to use of the weapon. |
| US08166695B2 |
Hitch mounted shooting support
A shooting support includes a hitch-supported lower tube insertable into a vehicle hitch tube, an upper tube pivoted to the lower tube for angular adjustment toward the vehicle, and a table pivoted to the upper tube. The two pivots each include an arcuate slot around the respective pivot, and a clamp with handled nut for clampingly fixing an adjusted position. The upper tube also includes telescoping extendable tubes and a clamp for fixing its length. By this arrangement, a user sitting on the tailgate can infinitely adjust a length and angle of the upper tube to position the table at a desired horizontal and vertical location relative to the table and to the tailgate. A side handle on the upper tube is in a balanced position when the tubes and table are folded to parallel positions, such that the shooting support can be easily carried. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US08166694B2 |
Firearm securing device and method
Embodiments include a method and apparatus for removably connecting a firearm, accessory, or tool to a surface, material, object, belt, vehicle, pocket, or tactical equipment. The apparatus may include a first connecting member operatively connectible to the firearm, accessory, or tool and a second connecting member operatively connectible to the surface, material, object, belt, vehicle, pocket, or tactical equipment. The first connecting member and second connecting member are capable of connection to one another to connect the firearm, accessory, or tool to the surface, material, object, belt, vehicle, pocket, or tactical equipment. |
| US08166689B1 |
Enclosure for the display of decorative pins
An ornamental enclosure for the display of a decorative pin. The ornament may be hung or stood on a flat surface. The enclosure has an opening in the front for viewing the interior which is a cavity for the reception of a puncturable, resilient and removable insert with a central portion made of a material for the piercing through of the post(s) portion of a decorative pin and defining a mounting surface for a decorative pin. The removable insert is placed in the enclosure producing a background for the decorative pin. Once inside the enclosure, the resilient insert assumes a shape conforming to a portion of the interior of the enclosure. |
| US08166686B2 |
Cup labeling system
An apparatus and a system for affixing a label to a cup, bottle and/or container is provided. The apparatus and system may allow for affixing a pre-printed label having a plurality of colors and indicia thereon to a cup whereby the label may be viewed as integral part to the cup itself. The preprinting of the labeling prior to the affixation of the cup insures consistency and uniformity of the indicia thereon. Additionally, the printing of the label prior to affixing it to the cup may allow the printer to ensure proper angles of the indica prior to the application of the label onto the desired cup apparatus. Moreover, the present invention may allow for the peeling away of a portion if the label to review the outside edge of the receiving cup/container. |
| US08166682B2 |
Soleplate unit of electric iron
A soleplate unit of electric iron with improved front structure, comprising: a shallow groove provided on the bottom surface of the front side of the soleplate unit, a sheet set in said shallow groove and the front of the sheet extending outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. A high rigid surface layer is provided on the surface of the sheet, or the sheet is made of high rigid material. The sheet is tongue in shape, and two front sides of the sheet extend outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. The soleplate unit can also be provided with a sheet that extends outwardly from the front of the soleplate unit. It is very convenient for users to iron the face fabric near the button and the slide fastener. |
| US08166681B2 |
Soleplate
A soleplate includes a metallic layer, a non-ferromagnetic layer and a ferromagnetic layer sandwiched between the metallic layer and non-ferromagnetic layer. The soleplate is used in an induction heating-based cordless iron. The electromagnetic field from an induction coil located in a stand, where the iron rests and gets charged, can pass beyond the non-ferromagnetic layer and heat the ferromagnetic layer efficiently. The non-ferromagnetic layer that is forming an ironing plate ensures a uniform heat transfer to the metallic layer for good steaming performance for effective cordless ironing. |
| US08166678B2 |
Tooth and adaptor for dredging machine
The tooth and adaptor for dredging machines object of the present invention relates to a tooth or wear member which, attached to an adaptor or adaptor member, creates an assembly the purpose of which is to deepen and clean the beds of ports, rivers, channels, etc., removing therefrom sludge, stones, sand, etc., the adaptors being attached to the blades of the propellers and thus forming the cutter head of the dredging machine. The constructive features of the coupling between the tooth and the tooth bar or adaptor allow making better use of the cutting material of the tooth and a simple and quick replacement thereof in the adaptor, between other advantages. |
| US08166672B2 |
Shoe sole and shoe for midfoot striker
The present invention provides an improved shoe sole for a running shoe conducive to a midfoot striking gait including a cushioning element positioned between the upper surface and the ground-contacting surface, at least a portion of which is positioned on a lateral side of the sole and contained within a region between 15% and 90% of the length of the shoe sole as measured from a rearfoot end of the sole. One or more high abrasion-resistant ground-contacting crash pads are positioned below the cushioning element, and include a lateral side portion contained within a region extending a distance of 20% the length of the shoe sole, as measured from a rearfoot end of the shoe sole. The shoe sole, preferably devoid of at least vertical arch sculpting, also includes a longitudinal flex groove positioned just medial of the crash pads. |
| US08166669B2 |
Laundry machine and a method for operating the same
The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a method for operating the same for removing wrinkles or the like from laundry by using high temperature and high humidity air instead of steam. The method for operating a laundry machine includes the steps of a course selecting step for selecting an operating course, and a high temperature and high humidity air supply step for supplying high temperature high humidity air to a drum from an air supply unit. |
| US08166666B2 |
Compact gas dryer and method for manufacturing the same
A compact gas dryer (100) comprises a primary heat exchanger (200) exchanging heat between hot, incoming, contaminated gaseous medium and outgoing dry, cool gaseous 5 medium, a secondary heat exchanger (300) exchanging heat between incoming cold gaseous medium from the primary heat exchanger (200) and a refrigerant, and a condense trap (400) trapping condensable matter in the cooled gaseous medium exiting the secondary heat exchanger (300). 10 Afterwards, the dry, cool gaseous medium exchanges heat with the incoming contaminated gaseous medium in the primary heat exchanger. The primary heat exchanger (200), the secondary heat exchanger (300) and the condense trap (400) are combined into a single unit (100). |
| US08166665B2 |
Paint brush cleaning apparatus
A paint brush cleaning apparatus having a rod with a first end portion spaced apart from a second end portion and a paint brush holder having a securement member for releasably securing a paint brush thereto. The rod having a longitudinal axis about which the rod and paint brush holder may rotate. An electric drill may be used in connection with the paint brush cleaning apparatus, with the first end portion typically sized and shaped to engage a drill bit receiving chamber of the electric drill. A protective sheet adapted to protect users from flying paint during the cleaning process may also be employed. |
| US08166664B2 |
Method of aligning arm reference system of a multiple-arm measurement machine
A method of aligning arm reference systems of a multiple-arm measuring machine having at least two measuring units, each having a movable arm; the method including the steps of aligning the reference systems of the measuring units when setting up the machine, and periodically updating alignment of the reference systems by detecting, by means of one measuring unit, a reference member carried by another measuring unit and moved successively by the other measuring unit into a number of positions at an intersection of the measuring volumes of the two measuring units. |
| US08166660B2 |
Reciprocating saw
A reciprocating saw having a housing, a reciprocating shaft unrotatably connected to a blade, a rear handle and a forward handle, the forward handle being rotatably mounted to the housing near the blade and capable of sliding relative to the reciprocating shaft, but incapable of rotating relative to the reciprocating shaft. The forward handle comprises at least one hole, the reciprocating saw further includes a button connected to a locking element for engaging or disengaging with the at least one hole. The reciprocating saw is easy and comfortable to operate. |
| US08166656B2 |
Method and apparatus for working a screw rotor, end mill for working , and method of manufacturing a screw compressor
A method of improving working of grooves of a screw rotor, in particular, working of grooves side in working efficiency, a working apparatus, a working tool, and a method of manufacturing a screw compressor are provided. A method of controlling rotation of a work and turning of a tool at a time to form a screw tooth space based on a five-axis NC machine, and a special end mill having a cutting edge of a short length and a neck portion provided between the cutting edge and a shank portion to be made thin is used to perform working in grooves side finish working process. |
| US08166648B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wiring substrate
There is provided a wiring substrate manufacturing method. The wiring substrate includes: a plurality of conductor patterns formed on a mounting surface on which an electronic component is to be mounted, wherein each of the conductor patterns is covered with a corresponding one of solder layers; and partition walls made of insulating material and formed along the conductor patterns on the mounting surface such that each of the partition walls is provided between the adjacent conductor patterns with a clearance interposed therebetween. |
| US08166646B2 |
Method for connecting two objects electrically
A groove, and a recess which communicates with the groove, are formed in a substrate. Next, a through hole which communicates with the groove is formed. Thereafter, a wire is formed on an upper surface of the substrate, and an individual electrode is arranged on a lower surface of the substrate. Further, a droplet of an electroconductive liquid is made to land on the recess, and the liquid is filled in the through hole via the groove. Next, the liquid filled in the groove, the recess, and the through hole is heated to harden. Further, the recess and the groove of the substrate are removed by cutting up to an area near the through hole. Accordingly, it is possible to connect electrically the connecting bodies arranged on both surfaces of the substrate by filling an electroconductive material in the through holes easily. |
| US08166644B2 |
Method for manufacturing an active socket for facilitating proximity communication
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates capacitive communication between integrated circuit chips. The system includes a substrate having an active face upon which active circuitry and signal pads reside, and a back face opposite the active face. The system additionally includes an integrated circuit chip having an active face upon which active circuitry and signal pads reside, and a back face opposite the active face. Additionally, the integrated circuit chip is pressed against the substrate such that the active face of the integrated circuit chip is parallel to and adjacent to the active face of the substrate, and capacitive signal pads on the active face of the integrated circuit chip overlap signal pads on the active face of the substrate. The arrangement of the substrate and integrated circuit chip facilitates communication between the integrated circuit chip and the substrate through capacitive coupling via the overlapping signal pads. |
| US08166636B2 |
Apparatus with a centering device for positioning and cutting a laminate
A mold houses a least one cutting die that defines a die axis. The mold has at least one punch aligned with the die axis and movable in a reciprocating manner that cooperates with the at least one cutting die to cut the laminate into the laminations by carrying out cutting steps. The mold has a centering device within the mold that locks the at least one cutting die into a desired position prior to each of the cutting steps. A punching movement of the at least one punch is coordinated with a feeding movement of the laminate to a location within the mold that is interposed between the at least one punch and the cutting die. |
| US08166631B1 |
Method for fabricating a magnetic recording transducer having side shields
A method provides a magnetic transducer that includes an underlayer and a nonmagnetic layer on the underlayer. The method includes providing a plurality of trenches in the nonmagnetic layer. A first trench of corresponds to a main pole, while at least one side trench corresponds to at least one side shield. The method also includes providing mask covering the side trench(es) and providing the main pole. At least a portion of the main pole resides in the first trench. The method also includes removing at least a portion of the nonmagnetic layer residing between the side trench(es) and the main pole. The method also includes providing at least one side shield. The shield(s) extend from at least an air-bearing surface location to not further than a coil front location. |
| US08166630B2 |
Magnetic head slider manufacturing method
To provide a manufacturing method which can adjust the lengths of a recording element and a reproducing element for enabling manufacture of high-quality magnetic head sliders. The manufacturing method comprises: a stacked-layer forming step which stacks magnetic heads on a substrate; a lapping step which cuts out a bar block having a plurality of connected magnetic head sliders, and polishes a flying surface; and a slider cutting step which cuts out individual magnetic head sliders from the bar block. The stacked-layer forming step forms a reproducing-element polish amount detecting sensor on a same layer as that of the reproducing element, and forms a recording-element polish amount detecting sensor on a same layer as that of the recording element. The lapping step carries out polishing based on each output value of the reproducing-element polish amount detecting sensor and the recording-element polish amount detecting sensor. |
| US08166625B2 |
Continuous diorama and method of making the same
Diorama having a focal zone and a plurality of inclined panels on which different areas of the image are displayed disposed about the focal zone, with the image flowing continuously between the panels and no physical seams between areas of the image displayed on adjacent ones of the panels. The diorama is created from a two-dimensional image by constructing a layout guide in the form of a two-dimensional projection of the diorama with guide lines diverging outwardly from the focal zone and outlining the projected panels, superimposing the layout guide on the two-dimensional image with the focal zone in registration with a focal area of the image, selecting areas of the image for display on the panels of the diorama, creating an adjusted image having panels in which the selected areas are adjusted in size and/or shape to fit precisely within the guide lines for the panels of the diorama, selecting an anchor panel which remains fixed in place with the focal area of the adjusted image, rotating the other panels of the adjusted image about the focal area from a seam line toward the anchor panel to separate the image at the seam line and bring facing edges of adjacent ones of the image panels together to form an image that extends continuously across the panels from one side of the seam line to the other, printing the image with the rotated panels, trimming the printed image along facing edges of the image where it was separated at the seam line, and bringing the trimmed edges together along the seam line to form a three-dimensional image. |
| US08166623B2 |
Method for controlling connect and disconnect forces of a connector
A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore. |
| US08166622B2 |
Machine for machining optical workpieces, in particular plastic spectacle lenses
A machine for machining workpieces, for example plastic spectacle lenses, has a workpiece spindle which rotates the workpiece about a workpiece rotation axis, and a fast tool arrangement which moves a turning tool in the direction to and from the workpiece, wherein the workpiece spindle and the fast tool arrangement can moreover be moved relative to one another in a direction transverse to the workpiece rotation axis. A tool holder is connected to the fast tool arrangement and carries the turning tool. An engraving tool is spaced from the workpiece rotation axis and has an essentially point-shaped end facing towards the workpiece. The engraving tool can be moved in the direction of the workpiece and away therefrom in a highly dynamic manner via the tool holder, so that a marking can be produced on the workpiece in particular by a needling engagement of the engraving tool with the workpiece. |
| US08166614B2 |
Auxiliary handle for hand-held power tool
An auxiliary handle for a hand-held power tool (7) includes a lockable lag hinge (46) provided between the clamping section (21) and the gripping member (34) and having a pivot pin (47), a tensioning member (51) for tightening and loosening the clamping section (21) and arranged on an end (48) of the pivot pin (47) of the lag hinge (46), a locking device (41) for locking and releasing the lag hinge (46), and an independent from the tensioning member (51), unlocking device (56) for releasing the locking device (41) and having an actuation member (62) upon actuation of which, the locking device (41) is displaced from its locking position in which the lag hinge (46) is locked to its release position in which the lag hinge (46) is released. |
| US08166613B2 |
Limiting hinge
A limiting hinge has a stationary limiting washer, a rotating limiting washer, a rotating bracket and a positioning washer mounted around a pintle in sequence. A first resistance is formed between the stationary limiting washer and the rotating limiting washer. A second resistance is formed between the rotating limiting washer and the rotating bracket. A third resistance is formed between the rotating bracket and the positioning washer. Because the first resistance is larger than the second resistance while the second resistance is larger than the third resistance, the rotating limiting washer disengages from the rotating bracket when a huge force is accidentally applied. Therefore, the rotating limiting washer stays still with the stationary limiting washer to prevent breakage. |
| US08166611B2 |
Door supporting device for refrigerator
The present invention relates to a door supporting device for a refrigerator. The door supporting device of the present invention can adjust the height of the door. A hinge bracket of the door supporting device of the present invention includes a fixing portion fixed to a front face of the refrigerator, and a supporting portion extending forward from an upper end of the fixing portion and having a threaded hole with threads formed on an inner periphery thereof. A hinge shaft of the door supporting device has threads on an outer periphery thereof and is threadly engaged with the threaded hole so that the hinge shaft can be supported by the hinge bracket. An upper end of the hinge shaft rotatably supports the door. The height of the door can be adjusted by rotating the hinge shaft. A nut is threadly engaged with the hinge shaft below the hinge bracket. The nut prevents the hinge shaft from being rotated so that the door can be constantly maintained at a predetermined height. The door supporting device further comprises a hinge cap fitted around the upper end of the hinge shaft and inserted into a hinge hole formed in a bottom surface of the door so as to rotatably support the door. The hinge cap comprises a rearward extension and a rotation preventing projection extending downward from the extension, and the rotation preventing projection is inserted into a fixing hole of the hinge bracket so as to restrict rotation of the hinge cap. |
| US08166608B2 |
Floor treatment device having a rotatable roller
A floor treatment device including a housing, a brush motor and a rotatable roller disposed in the housing. A suction mouth is disposed in a portion of the housing. The rotatable roller is driven by the brush motor and at least partially extends from the suction mouth. The rotatable roller is resiliently mounted in the housing such that the distance between an axis of rotation of the rotatable roller and the housing portion is variable. |
| US08166606B2 |
Squeegee assembly
A squeegee assembly (10, 10′) includes a flexible wiper blade (30) sandwiched between a mounting bracket (32, 32′) and a retaining strap (34, 34′). A retainer (94) has a head (98) which is positionable between aligned and misaligned positions with mounting apertures (82, 92) to allow disassembly, assembly and retention of the squeegee assembly (10, 10′). Arcuate portions (36, 36′, 66, 66′) formed in the mounting bracket (32, 32′) and the retaining straps (34, 34′) have different radiuses. Linear portions (68, 68′, 70, 70′) of the retaining straps (34, 34′) have upper and lower edges (72, 74) bent from center portions thereof. The mounting brackets (32, 32′) include L-shaped slots (46) for slideably receiving vertical bolts (56) of the floor maintenance machine (12). |
| US08166605B2 |
Windshield wiper arm bracket
A windshield wiper arm bracket includes a pair of side walls. Each of said side walls include at least one centrally located pin arm receiving hole formed therein. The bracket also includes a post attaching the pair of side walls together. The post is for receiving a pin arm adaptor thereon. The bracket also includes an attachment arm formed on a bottom of each of the pair of side walls. The attachment arms are for connecting the bracket to a windshield wiper assembly. An adaptor for a windshield wiper arm bracket includes a top portion and a web portion. The web portion includes a central aperture formed therein. The central aperture includes a first portion for receiving a post of the windshield wiper arm bracket and a second aperture for receiving a pin arm of a windshield wiper arm. |
| US08166598B2 |
Elongated, U-shaped, biased cleaning apparatus with handle aligned with cleaning head
A cleaning device includes an elongated u-shaped handle terminating with a mounting neck at a distal end. A handgrip engages the handle at the proximal end. A support strap may attached to the handgrip. A cleaning head is releasably attached to the mounting neck. The cleaning head is configured to releasably engage the mounting neck. The handle is u-shaped and resilient to generate a biasing force that facilitates use and cleaning contact. The cleaning head is opposite and in direct alignment with the handgrip, so that a user may determine the exact position of the cleaning head against the user's back by observing the position of the handgrip. |
| US08166592B2 |
Sole with adjustable sizing
A sole with adjustable sizing is disclosed. The sole includes a fixed region and an adjustable region. The adjustable region is deformable when the sole is heated to a melting point associated with the adjustable region. The shape and size of the sole may be adjusted by deforming the adjustable region. |
| US08166591B2 |
Apparatus and method for wash fluid recirculation in a washing machine
Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump. |
| US08166588B1 |
Adjustable swivel lift grab bar
An adjustable swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a pole and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angle lift member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled lift member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled lift member may be braked or motorized. |
| US08166587B2 |
Portable breastfeeding and nursing pillow
A portable breastfeeding and nursing pillow for a baby includes a base portion in a generally rectangular shape with a contoured side. The base portion further includes a boarder about at least three sides of the base portion and extending a distance above a first feeding surface of the base portion for mitigating problems of the baby rolling off the first feeding surface. The top portion stacked underneath the base portion adds height if needed during the baby nursing time. The top portion also includes a second feeding surface for feeding the baby when additional height of the pillow without the boarder is desired. A strap is joined to the bottom portion for adjustably securing about a person's waist when the pillow is being used for breastfeeding or nursing a baby. The strap is adjustable for resting on a person's shoulder when transporting the pillow. A decorative binding strap holds the top portion to the bottom portion when transporting the pillow. Attachable nursing cover offers privacy during the nursing time. |
| US08166585B2 |
Medical workstation for patients
A medical workstation and workstation system for patients includes a bed for positioning the patient in the lying position, a plurality of mobile work units, which are connected to the bed, a control unit, which is arranged at the bed and which can be connected via a first supply cable to a stationary media port, on the one hand, and via a second supply cable to a mobile media port, on the other hand, for supplying a work unit. The control unit is designed as a distribution unit, to which a plurality of mobile work units (4, 4′) are connected via connection cables. |
| US08166584B2 |
Overflow assembly for bathtubs and the like
An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place. |
| US08166580B2 |
Dispensing device and valve for use therewith
A dispensing means (10) for delivering a dose of a first liquid into a second liquid is provided, the dispensing means comprising an enclosure (12) for the first liquid, and valve means (16), the dispensing means being operable such that raising a level (114) of a second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to subject the dispensing means to hydrostatic pressure causes a dose of the first liquid to be displaced from the enclosure (12) to establish a column (118) of the first liquid that acts on the valve means, and subsequent lowering of the level (114) of the second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting on the valve means (16) causes the valve means to deliver the dose. Also provided is a valve means (16) adapted for attachment to an inlet tube and comprising a valve body (62) and a flexible membrane (72), which, when attached to an inlet tube (22) containing a column of a first liquid and immersed in a second liquid, the hydrostatic pressure causes the flexible membrane (72) to seal the valve body (62) so as to prevent a flow of the first liquid, and when a level of the second liquid is lowered, the flexible membrane (72) unseals the valve body (62) so as to allow a flow of the first liquid through the valve body (62). |
| US08166572B1 |
Sleeping bag systems
A sleeping bag system relating to assisting a user to choose to walk, stand upright, sit, use one's arms and hands, or be otherwise mobile while inside the comfort and warmth of a sleeping bag. The system also provides for full enclosure within the sleeping bag as well as hygienic access without exiting the sleeping bag. |
| US08171568B2 |
Positional diamondoid mechanosynthesis
The invention provides methods of using positionally controlled molecular tools in an inert environment (such as ultra high vacuum) to fabricate complex atomically precise structures, including diamond, graphite, nanotubes, fullerenes, additional sets of the selfsame molecular tools, and others. Molecular tools have atomically precise tooltips which interact directly with a workpiece to add, remove, and modify specific atoms and groups of atoms, and have handles by which they can be held and positioned; tools can be recharged after use. Specific tooltips are brought into contact with and bond to specific feedstock molecules distributed on a presentation surface, and then transfer said feedstock molecules to specific atomic sites on a workpiece using mechanosynthetic chemical reactions. Specific sites on a workpiece can be made chemically reactive, facilitating the transfer of specific groups to them. Repeated applications of molecular tools at different locations on a workpiece can build a desired atomically precise structure. |
| US08171565B2 |
Systems and methods for locally generating license and activating DRM agent
Systems and methods for locally generating a license and activating a Digital Rights Management (DRM) agent are provided. The system includes a storage device and an electronic device. The storage device includes a DRM treated file, operation information, and a management application. The electronic device activates the management application from the storage device to retrieve information, such as a Unique Identification (UID) or a DRM machine certificate from the electronic device, and generate a license for the electronic device according to the operation information, and the retrieved information of the electronic device. The electronic device activates a DRM agent by providing the DRM treated file and the license to the DRM agent for playing back the DRM treated file based on the license. The management application may set the license expired after the DRM treated file is played back on the electronic device. |
| US08171558B2 |
Inter-program authentication using dynamically-generated public/private key pairs
In a multi-tiered computing environment, a first program may authenticate with a second program using dynamically-generated public/private key pairs. An authentication token is constructed that includes user information and information about the first program and the second program. The first program then digitally signs the authentication token using the dynamically-generated private key, and sends the authentication token to the second program. The second program then verifies the authentication token using the public key corresponding to the first program. Once verified, the first program is authenticated to the second program. The second program may then authenticate to a next-tier program by constructing an authentication token that includes the information in the authentication token received from the first program. This may continue to any suitable number of tiers, using dynamically-generated public/private key pairs to allow authentication between programs without requiring any user interaction or input from a system administrator. |
| US08171557B2 |
Document accessing through multiple security domains
Methods and apparatuses for accessing documents in a multi-security domain environment are described herein. The novel methods may be processor implemented methods and may include saving by a processor from a first to a second security domain a version of a document, wherein the first security is a higher security domain than the second security domain. As part of the saving operation, a determination may be made as to whether the document includes one or more components not to be accessible through the second security domain, and writing the components of the document excluding the one or more components determined not to be accessible through the second security domain into the second security domain. The methods may further include opening the document through the security domain by determining whether a version of the document has been saved to the second security domain, and if so, merging a copy of modifications made to version of the document, if there are any, into the document being open. In various embodiments, a domain specific document server and a cross security domain trusted services are employed to enable among other things, reduction of number of storage devices needed. |
| US08171547B2 |
Method and system for real time classification of events in computer integrity system
Method and system using a designated known secure computer for real time classification of change events in a computer integrity system are disclosed. In the embodiment of the invention, the known secure computer is dedicated for providing permissible change events, which are compared with change events generated on client operational computers. An alert is raised when the change event at the client operational computer and the respective permissible change event provided by the known secure computer differ. |
| US08171538B2 |
Authentication and authorization of extranet clients to a secure intranet business application in a perimeter network topology
Methods and systems authenticate and authorize an extranet client to a secure intranet business application with a perimeter network topology, where connections to the secure intranet business application from outside the secure intranet are not permitted. A perimeter network proxy is authenticated within the secure intranet. The perimeter network proxy corresponds to an authenticated extranet client. If the perimeter network proxy is authenticated, information on an intranet business application client is acquired and used to create a session with the intranet business application. The intranet business application client corresponds to the extranet client, and the extranet client uses the session to submit requests to the intranet business application. |
| US08171534B2 |
Two-way authentication using a combined code
An authentication process for a client and a target service to perform mutual authentication. A combined code is received that comprises a combined code hash of at least two sets of data from which an encoding scheme of the at least two sets of data can be determined. The two sets of data comprise a first set of data that includes a first hash of a public key associated with a certificate used to establish a secure channel with a target service, and a second set of data that includes a credential for authentication. The certificate can be validated with the first set of data included in the combined code. In response to a successful validation of the certificate, the credential from the second set of data can be provided to the target service for authentication. |
| US08171531B2 |
Universal authentication token
A universal authentication token is configured to securely acquire security credentials from other authentication tokens and/or devices. In this manner, a single universal authentication token can store the authentication credentials required to access a variety of resources, services and applications for a user. The universal authentication token includes a user interface, memory for storing a plurality of authentication records for a user, and a secure processor. The secure processor provides the required cryptographic operations to encrypt, decrypt, and/or authenticate data that is sent or received by universal token. For example, secure processor may be used to generate authentication data from seed information stored in memory. |
| US08171529B2 |
Secure subscriber identity module service
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for a secure subscriber identity module service. Communication via a mobile network is activated in response to receiving a request to activate communication service for the system by a secure partition of the system. In response to receiving the request, a key is retrieved for a permit service from storage accessible only by the secure partition. The key is included in a permit requesting to activate the communication service, and the permit is sent to a service provider for the communication service. The service provider communicates with the permit service to obtain a digital signature for the permit. The secure partition receives a signed permit from the service provider, confirms that the signed permit contains the digital signature by the permit service, and activates the communication service for the system in response to confirming that the signed permit contains the digital signature. |
| US08171521B2 |
System and method for managing network by value-based estimation
A system and method for managing a network by value-based estimation is provided. A network device requesting communication is defined as an active point and a network device receiving a request for communication is defined as a passive point. A value of a network device is determined according to the number of active points connected to the corresponding network device, and a value of a network device that is in a path of communication between network devices is determined based on a value of a network device passing through the corresponding network device. When a policy for changing a network environment is transferred in a state where the values of the network devices have been estimated, a policy conflict test is performed on the basis of the estimated values of the network devices, thereby determining application of the policy in due consideration of the values and significance of the network devices. |
| US08171518B2 |
System and method for presenting progressively downloaded media programs
A system and method for presenting progressively downloaded media programs is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box (STB) having a controller element to determine a length of a media program from a catalog of media programs and present according to said length a portion of the media program while it is being delivered to the STB by a media delivery system. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08171517B2 |
Apparatus and method for distributing media content to vehicles
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to wirelessly download media content to a media device of a vehicle from a point in the media content where a gateway previously stopped downloading the media content to the vehicle media device, where the server is in a reconfigurable master-slave relationship with the gateway, where the server and the gateway are remote from each other and remote from the vehicle, and where the gateway is associated with the vehicle. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08171514B2 |
Managing favorite channels
A system is described that provides for scrolling among favorite channels with a remote control device, preferably through user interaction with channel keys. Some embodiments also provide for enhanced management of favorite channels. |
| US08171513B2 |
Electronic program guide information display method and apparatus, and broadcasting receiver thereof
Provided are a method and apparatus for displaying electronic program guide (EPG) information so that a broadcast program can be searched for even when the size of each display region of an EPG information screen, which displays program information, is small or reduced and a broadcast receiver therefor. The method includes detecting program information for each of a plurality of broadcast programs which are to be displayed from the electronic program guide information, adjusting or changing the program information to be suitable for a display region for each broadcast program in an electronic program guide information screen, and constructing and displaying the electronic program guide information screen so that the electronic program guide information reflects the adjusted or changed program information. |
| US08171512B2 |
Host device having notice function for setting environment and setting environment method thereof
A host device having a notice function for setting environment and a setting environment method thereof are disclosed. The host device includes a download unit which downloads and stores an application provided from a broadcasting station, a control unit which executes the application stored in the download unit and thus to change a setting environment, and a display unit which displays the setting environment changed by the control unit on a screen. |
| US08171509B1 |
System and method for applying a database to video multimedia
A system and method for applying a database to video multimedia is disclosed. One embodiment provides media content owners the capability to exploit video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling visual content on a network. Mechanisms of associating video with commerce offerings are provided. Video server and search server technologies are integrated with ad serving personalization agents to make the final presentations of content and advertising. Algorithms utilized by the system use a variety of techniques for making the final presentation decisions of which ads, with which content, served to which user. |
| US08171499B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for object clone event notification
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for object clone event notification. The apparatus is provided with a logic unit containing a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of detecting an event on a primary software object, referencing a set of clones of the primary software object, and notifying one or more clones in the set of clones of the event in response to the event. The event may include events occurring on the primary software object, or events occurring on a software object monitored by the primary software object. These modules in the described embodiments include a detection module, a reference module, and a notification module. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would notify object clones of changes within the software system without requiring resource intensive broadcasts or implementation of a separate notification manager. |
| US08171496B2 |
Program evaluation program, program evaluation device, and program evaluation method
According to an aspect of an embodiment, an evaluation device for evaluating a target program is provided by calculating a first parameter showing an impact size of a target module of the target program on the outside of the target module, based on an execution log of the target program and calculating a second parameter that is a value related to a power consumption by executing the target module. An evaluator evaluates the target module based on the first and second parameters and outputs an evaluation result. |
| US08171495B2 |
Queue dispatch using deferred acknowledgement
Dispatching an incoming message from a queue into message transfer session(s) from which message consumers may draw messages. The message is reversibly received from the queue, whereupon a context of a message is identified. If the context correlates to an existing message transfer session, the message is ultimately assigned to a message transfer session. If the context does not correlate to an existing message transfer session, a new message transfer session is created, and the message is assigned to that new message transfer session. Upon receiving an acknowledgement of successful processing of the message, the removal of the message from the queue-like communication medium is assured. Upon receiving an acknowledgement of unsuccessful processing of the message, the message is restored to the queue-like communication medium. |
| US08171486B2 |
Conditionally accessing instances of software components from an un-synchronized pool
A method is described that involves creating an instance of a software component for the substantially private use of a thread. A determination of whether to access an instance of a software component from one of a private software component instance collection and a software component instance pool is made, the private software component instance collection configured to include an instance of the software component that is not synchronized with an additional thread of the computer program, the software component instance pool configured to include an instance of the software component that is synchronized with the additional thread of the computer program, the determination based on a number of other threads accessing the software component instance pool and a complexity of whether the instance of the software component is to execute at least one of a single task and a few simple tasks. |
| US08171477B2 |
Method and system for performing real-time operation
An information processing system performs a real-time operation including a combination of a plurality of tasks. The system includes a plurality of processors, a unit which stores structural description information and a plurality of programs describing procedures corresponding to the tasks, the structural description information indicating a relationship in input/output between the programs and including cost information concerning time required for executing each of the programs, a unit which determines an execution start timing and execution term of each of a plurality of threads for execution of the programs based on the structural description information, and a unit which performs a scheduling operation of assigning the threads to at least one of the processors according to a result of the determining. |
| US08171474B2 |
System and method for managing, scheduling, controlling and monitoring execution of jobs by a job scheduler utilizing a publish/subscription interface
The invention relates to a system and a method for tracking and executing a job comprising a series of tasks. Each task may be executed on a separate computing device. The method comprises having a workload manager to identify an initial schedule of implementation for the job; having agents to selectively control execution of the tasks; and utilizing a publish/subscription interface between the workload manager and the agents to isolate the communications of the workload manager from the agents. The workload manager and the agents each subscribe and schedule execution of and reporting of the tasks through the publish/subscription interface. |
| US08171472B1 |
Separation and reuse of versions directory in execution framework installations
A method is provided for executing multiple applications concurrently on a single computer. The method comprises discriminating static from non-static execution framework files, installing the non-static files in a first directory on a host computer, installing the non-static files in a second directory on the host computer, and installing the static files in a third directory on a server computer. The method also includes remote mounting the third directory to the host computer. The method further includes executing the first application within a first instance of the execution framework and executing the second application within a second instance of the execution framework, wherein both the first and second instances of the execution framework are based on the non-static files on the host computer and on the static files in the remote mounted third directory. |
| US08171467B1 |
Updating of malicious code patterns using public DNS servers
Malicious code patterns of an antivirus may be updated using public DNS (domain name system) servers. An update to the malicious code patterns may be generated and divided into several portions for inclusion in DNS records. The DNS records may be published for caching in public DNS servers. An update client in a client computer may send out DNS queries to receive contents of the DNS records, which include the portions of the update. The update client may combine the portions to update the malicious code patterns in the client computer. |
| US08171464B2 |
Efficient code generation using loop peeling for SIMD loop code with multile misaligned statements
An approach is provided for vectorizing misaligned references in compiled code for SIMD architectures that support only aligned loads and stores. In this framework, a loop is first simdized as if the memory unit imposes no alignment constraints. The compiler then inserts data reorganization operations to satisfy the actual alignment requirements of the hardware. Finally, the code generation algorithm generates SIMD codes based on the data reorganization graph, addressing realistic issues such as runtime alignments, unknown loop bounds, residual iteration counts, and multiple statements with arbitrary alignment combinations. Loop peeling is used to reduce the computational overhead associated with misaligned data. A loop prologue and epilogue are peeled from individual iterations in the simdized loop, and vector-splicing instructions are applied to the peeled iterations, while the steady-state loop body incurs no additional computational overhead. |
| US08171463B2 |
Image processing apparatus and control method thereof
A data processing apparatus has an interpreter environment for dynamically implementing a program constructed based on a command set defined independently of a native command group, in a native environment constructed based on the native command group processed by a processor configuring hardware. The apparatus generates an intermediate data stream in each of a plurality of stages into which an input data stream is divided in interpretation in the native environment and filters the intermediate data stream to generate a filtered data stream in the interpreter environment. |
| US08171462B2 |
User declarative language for formatted data processing
A user declarative language for formatted data processing is provided. The user declarative language may be used to generate constraints which can be projected onto a string according to one or more anchor points. The constraints can correspond to evaluation criteria. At least a portion of a string can be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria. |
| US08171456B2 |
Method for auditing compliance of an electronic platform and/or a computer program present on said platform, and device and computer program corresponding thereto
A method is provided for auditing compliance of an electronic platform, referred to as the platform being tested, and/or a computer program being tested, which is present on the platform being tested. The method includes the following steps: transmitting the same data set, via an auditing device, to the platform being tested, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to a compliant reference platform present in the auditing device; and deciding upon the compliance of the platform being tested and/or the computer program being tested, based on an analysis of the respective behaviors of the platform being tested and the reference platform. The auditing device then issues a compliance decision. |
| US08171449B2 |
Generating sequence diagrams using call trees
A software tool is provided to analyze static source code. Source Code files are selected to define the project work space. A class and a method in the class are selected from said selected source code files. The tool generates a Call Tree as an ordered recursive sequence of all method calls in different classes or their instances that are invoked by said selected method in said selected class. A Sequence Diagram is generated from said Call Tree. The tool remembers all updates to the Call Tree used to generate the Sequence Diagram. This information is used when a generated Sequence Diagram is impacted due to changes made to any source code file included in the project. |
| US08171447B1 |
Automatically routing nets according to current density rules
A technique will automatically route interconnect of an integrated circuit while taking into consideration current density rules. In an implementation, the technique uses a shape-based approach where a grid is not used. Based on data input including current density and a frequency of each net, the technique will determine the current requirements for each net. In an implementation, the technique forms a Steiner tree for a net, and routs using the Steiner tree. The technique widens nets having greater current requirements; adjacent wiring may be pushed aside to create sufficient space for wider nets. |
| US08171445B2 |
Replacing single-cut via into multi-cut via in semiconductor integrated circuit design
According an aspect of the invention, there is provided a design support system of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a first unit configured to determine a wiring path by calculating wiring resource consuming information for carrying out a connection through a multi-cut via in case that the connection is carried out through the multi-cut via in a wiring region having a plurality of layers; and a second unit configured to replacing a single-cut via into the multi-cut via. |
| US08171441B2 |
Integrated circuit devices and methods and apparatuses for designing integrated circuit devices
Methods and apparatuses to design an Integrated Circuit (IC) with a shielding of wires. In at least one embodiment, a shielding mesh of at least two reference voltages (e.g., power and ground) is used to reduce both the capacitive coupling and the inductive coupling in routed signal wires in IC chips. In some embodiments, a type of shielding mesh (e.g., a shielding mesh with a window surrounded by a power ring, or a window with a parser set of shielding wires) is selected to make more routing area available in locally congested areas. In other embodiments, the shielding mesh is used to create or add bypass capacitance. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08171440B2 |
Timing analyzing apparatus, timing analyzing method and program thereof
A timing analyzing apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes, a storage apparatus which stores a global clock list including information on clock paths inside and outside a partial area of an electronic circuit, and a post layout processing area netlist which is a netlist of the partial area after layout processing of circuits therein is executed; and a timing analyzing unit which calculates the clock skew between two points on the circuits in the partial area, neglecting the clock delay of a common part outside thereof of two clock paths from the clock source, located outside thereof in the electronic circuit, to the two points (CRPR calculation), to judge whether the delay of a clock path and a signal path of the electronic circuit satisfies timing constraints using the calculated clock skew. |
| US08171433B2 |
Method of calculating pattern-failure-occurrence-region, computer program product, pattern-layout evaluating method, and semiconductor-device manufacturing method
Method of calculating pattern-failure-occurrence-region comprising calculating a pattern failure occurrence region using relation information and a layout used for forming a convex section, the relation information being a relation between a distance from a formed pattern in a film to cover the convex section on a substrate to the convex section and a region in the film in which a shape of the formed pattern cannot satisfy a predetermined condition because of influence of the convex section. |
| US08171430B1 |
System and method for providing an image and image instructions responsive to a mouse cursor position
A system and method receives an image or animation, which may be vector based to allow for scalability or antialiased or both, and replaces or supplements a mouse cursor with the image or animation. Attributes such as position or size of the image or animation may be altered according to instructions supplied by an author or programmer and signals received from a pointing device, allowing, for example, the mouse cursor to be replaced with the image or animation. |
| US08171426B2 |
Method for secondary selection highlighting
A method is provided to assist a user in selecting, identifying, and handling email messages. A display of color coding and selection highlighting may be provided. A secondary highlighting color may be provided to indicate messages related to a selected message. One or more of the following may also be provided: an indicator that provides the user with a number of items that are off the screen for a particular category, a command that causes the first entry for a category to be scrolled into view, a label to indicate the number of items in a particular category matching a particular criteria, and/or a control for scrolling between next or previous categories. |
| US08171417B2 |
Method for switching user interface, electronic device and recording medium using the same
A user interface switching method, and an electronic device and a recording medium using the same are provided. First, a plurality of user interfaces are provided, and one of the user interfaces is displayed in a touch screen of the portable electronic device. A representative icon bar and a hot key bar are displayed in the touch screen, wherein the representative icon bar comprises representative icons respectively corresponding to the user interfaces and the hot key bar comprises one or more hot keys corresponding to the user interface currently displayed in the touch screen. When the touch screen detects a touch signal which falls within the representative icon bar and is moved therein, the representative icon bar is moved correspondingly, and the displayed user interface and hot keys are also switched according to the representative icon on which the touch signal is terminated. |
| US08171415B2 |
Outage management portal leveraging back-end resources to create a role and user tailored front-end interface for coordinating outage responses
A solution for centrally managing and federating outage specific information and for rapidly providing controlled access to this information in a role tailored fashion. The information can be gathered and provided in real-time along with programmatically determined proposed actions. An information recipient can configure and dynamically change the manner in which the information is presented, so that relevant information for that recipient can be rapidly digested. For example, a manager with a moderate level of technical knowledge may want information to be presented pictorially and in summary fashion, while a highly technical troubleshooter may want to configure information presentation to show key network statistics and values. In one embodiment, outage information can be presented in a Web portal having multiple discrete and customizable portlets, which include a geography portlet and a system portlet. |
| US08171408B2 |
Dynamic location generation within a virtual world
An approach is provided for dynamic loading and rendering of avatar's initial login environment. The approach consists of a method and a system for dynamically rendering locations from a preference list of locations most likely to be visited by an avatar. In one embodiment the method consists of creating a preference list of locations most likely to be visited by the avatar, rendering a dynamically built continuous environment populated from such preference list of locations most likely to be visited by the avatar, and caching and thereafter rendering at least one of the locations from the preference list of locations most likely to be visited by said avatar. |
| US08171405B2 |
Information processing program, information processing method, and information processing device
The present invention is intended to improve operability in page-by-page editing operation of a document file having multiple pages using a computer. A display processor displays multiple pages of the document file in list form on a display unit, selects an item to be displayed from a plurality of items contained in attribute information allocated to each page, and displays the attribute information relating to the item that has been selected in association with each page. An editing processor receives page selection operation and editing operation, executes editing process on a selected page, and updates the attribute information by rewriting an item associated with the editing process of the attribute information allocated to the selected page. After the editing process by the editing processor, the display processor selects an item to be displayed from the plurality of items of the attribute information based on the substance of the editing process to update a display item list of the attribute information. |
| US08171403B2 |
System and method for managing acronym expansions
Systems and methods for managing acronym expansions are described. In one example, the method comprises creating from the plurality of identified expansions a case-insensitive group of identified expansions, wherein each identified expansion of the case-insensitive group match in a case-insensitive manner the other identified expansions of the case-insensitive group. The method also comprises assigning a weight to the text source location for each identified expansion in the case-insensitive group. The method further comprises creating from the case-insensitive group at least one case-sensitive group of identified expansions, wherein each identified expansion of the case-sensitive group of identified expansions match in a case-sensitive manner the other identified expansions of the group of case-sensitive identified expansions. The method also comprises for each case-sensitive group of identified expansions, determining from the weights of the text source locations for the identified expansions a total weight. The method further comprises comparing the total weights for the at least one group of case-sensitive identified expansions. The method also comprises selecting a first group of case-sensitive identified expansions from the at least one group of case-sensitive identified expansions upon comparing the total weights. The method further comprises associating an identified expansion corresponding to the first case-sensitive group of identified expansions to the potential acronym. |
| US08171402B2 |
Handheld electronic device including auto completion of punctuation in numerical entry, and associated method
A handheld electronic device has the capability to automatically output a preferred punctuation arrangement in response to determining whether a previous output has a predetermined characteristic. An alphanumeric input is detected as a first number of input member actuations. Responsive to the detecting an alphanumeric input, a first output is generated. A second number of input member actuations are detected as a punctuation input. A determination is made that the first output comprises a digit. Responsive to the determination, a preferred punctuation arrangement is identified. In certain examples, a selectable geographic location of use and an actual geographic location of use are detected and a comma is identified as the preferred punctuation arrangement. |
| US08171393B2 |
Method and system for producing and organizing electronically stored information
The invention provides techniques for efficiently organizing and reviewing electronic documents to be produced in the course of a discovery process. The technique provides for marking the master or pivot document with review information, and identifying a plurality of duplicate documents related to the master or pivot document. The technique provides for reviewing a master or pivot document and propagating the review information to a set of related documents. The technique provides for producing a plurality of electronic documents where each of the electronic documents is marked up in accordance with the review information. The method provides for organizing the plurality of electronic documents so it can be presented and searched in an efficient manner. |
| US08171390B1 |
Method and system for viewing and transferring data between documents
A method and system for viewing and transferring data between documents whereby source data a user desires to transfer from a source document to the one or more data fields and/or locations of a given target electronic form, or other target document, is transformed into clipboard content data. The clipboard content data is then linked to a selected cursor/pointer, or other user interface device, such that the clipboard content data can be displayed along with the target electronic form, or other target document, on the same user interface screen, wherever the selected cursor/pointer is located on the user interface screen. This allows the user to quickly view and transfer the source data to the target electronic form, or other target document, within the same given user interface screen, and within a common display context, without having to toggle between the target electronic form, or other target document. |
| US08171388B2 |
Trust based moderation
A network device, system, and method are directed towards detecting trusted reporters and/or abusive users in an online community using reputation event inputs, such as abuse reports. When an abuse report is received for a content item, the combined trust (reputation) of previous reporters on the reported content item and the trust (reputation) of the content author are compared to determine whether to trust the content item. If the content item is un-trusted, the content item may be hidden from public view. In one embodiment, the content item might still be visible to the content author, and/or members in the author's contact list, or the like, while being hidden from another user in the community. In one embodiment, the author may appeal the determined trust, and results of the appeal may be used to modify a trust of at least one reporter. |
| US08171384B2 |
Device having turbo decoding capabilities and a method for turbo decoding
A device and a method for turbo decoding, the method includes performing multiple iterations of a turbo decoding process until a turbo decoding process is completed; wherein the performing comprises repeating the stages of: (i) initializing at least one state metric of multiple windows of a channel data block for a current iteration of the turbo decoding process by at least one corresponding state metric that was calculated during a previous iteration of the turbo decoding process; and (ii) calculating in parallel, at least forward state metrics and backward state metrics of the multiple windows, during the current iteration. |
| US08171382B2 |
Encoding system and method for encoding error control codes within bit streams
An encoding system for encoding error control codes may include a first encoder configured to encode an input bit stream to generate first bit streams of C-bits, where c is an integer greater than zero, and a second encoder may be configured to receive the first bit streams and shuffle data of the received first bit streams to generate second bit streams. The data shuffling of the first bit streams may adjust an error distribution of the second bit streams. An encoding method may include encoding an input bit stream to generate first bit streams of C-bits, and receiving the first bit streams and shuffling data of the received first bit streams to generate second bit streams. An error distribution of the second bit streams may be adjusted based on the data shuffling. |
| US08171381B2 |
Outer coding methods for broadcast/multicast content and related apparatus
Transmission techniques are provided that improve service continuity and reduce interruptions in delivery of content that can be caused by techniques that occur when the User Equipment (UE) moves from one cell to the other, or when the delivery of content changes from Point-to-Point (PTP) connection to a Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) connection in the same serving cell, and vice-versa. Such transmission techniques enable seamless delivery of content across cell borders and/or between different transmission schemes such as Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) and Point-to-Point (PTP). Mechanisms for adjusting different streams and for recovering content from each data block during such transitions are also provided so that data is not lost during a transition. In addition, mechanisms for realigning data during decoding at a receiving terminal are also provided. |
| US08171380B2 |
Adaptive systems and methods for storing and retrieving data to and from memory cells
Adaptive systems and methods that may help assure the reliability of data retrieved from memory cells are described herein. The systems may include a memory device including a plurality of memory cells, a data quality monitoring block, and an adaptive data encoding block, the data quality monitoring block and the adaptive data encoding block both being operatively coupled to the memory device. The data quality monitoring block may be configured to determine a quality value of a group of one or more memory cells included in the memory device, the determined quality value being indicative of a quality of the group of one or more memory cells. The adaptive data encoding block may be configured to select a coding scheme from a plurality of coding schemes to encode data to be written to the group of one or more memory cells in the memory device, the selection of the coding scheme being based at least in part on the determined quality value of the group of one or more memory cells. |
| US08171379B2 |
Methods, systems and media for data recovery using global parity for multiple independent RAID levels
Implementations described herein generally provide methods, systems and media for recovering data from disk failures. One method generally includes calculating a global parity for a group of disks comprising multiple independent RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) arrays; determining if a two disk failure has occurred within a single RAID array; and if so, recovering from the two disk failure using the global parity and data from the RAID arrays. |
| US08171376B2 |
Method for protecting important data of contents and apparatus therefor
A method of protecting important data in digital content and an apparatus therefor are provided. The method includes: receiving digital content which includes first important data; receiving reference data which includes second important data and authentication data for verifying whether the first important data is modified; and selectively correcting the first important data included in the digital content based on the reference data. |
| US08171372B2 |
Feedback signaling error detection and checking in MIMO wireless communication systems
A method of feedback in a wireless transmit receive unit includes providing a precoding matrix index (PMI), error checking the (PMI) to produce an error check (EC) bit, coding the PMI and the EC bit and transmitting the coded PMI and EC bit. |
| US08171368B1 |
Probabilistic transition rule for two-level decoding of reed-solomon codes
Decoding data is disclosed, including computing a syndrome polynomial for Reed-Solomon encoded data, applying the Berlekamp-Massey method to solve key equations associated with the syndrome polynomial, comparing a linear feedback shift register (LSFR) length LΛ associated with an error locator polynomial Λ(x) with an error correction capability t, and based on the comparison, determining whether to perform soft decision decoding or a Chien search. |
| US08171361B2 |
Multiplexer Control Circuitry for TAP Domain Selection Circuitry
Today many instances of IEEE 1149.1 Tap domains are included in integrated circuits (ICs). While all TAP domains may be serially connected on a scan path that is accessible external to the IC, it is generally preferred to have selectivity on which Tap domain or Tap domains are accessed. Therefore Tap domain selection circuitry may be included in ICs and placed in the scan path along with the Tap domains. Ideally, the Tap domain selection circuitry should only be present in the scan path when it is necessary to modify which Tap domains are selected in the scan path. The present disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus which allows the Tap domain selection circuitry to be removed from the scan path after it has been used to select Tap domains and to be replaced back into the scan path when it is necessary to select different Tap domains. |
| US08171360B2 |
Linking module enable leads connected to plural TAPs
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). |
| US08171354B2 |
Communication system and method for controlling the same
For an error rate QBER, threshold values are preset, including a threshold value Qbit for frame synchronization processing, a threshold value Qphase for phase correction processing, and a threshold value QEve for eavesdropping detection. Upon the distribution of a quantum key from a sender to a receiver, when the measurement value of QBER is deteriorated more than Qbit, frame synchronization processing is performed. When the measurement value of QBER is deteriorated more than Qphase, phase correction processing and frame synchronization processing are performed. When QBER does not become better than QEve even after these recovery-processing steps are repeated N times, it is determined that there is a possibility of eavesdropping, and the processing is stopped. |
| US08171350B2 |
Method and system for providing automatic disabling of network debugging
An approach is provided for automatic disabling of network debugging. A debugging command is received for initiating debugging of a router that includes a processor configured to execute a debugging procedure. Utilization of the processor is monitored. A determination is made whether the utilization exceeds a utilization threshold. The debugging procedure is disabled based on the determination that the utilization threshold is exceeded. |
| US08171347B2 |
Method and apparatus for troubleshooting a computer system
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for troubleshooting a computer system. During operation, the system receives an identifier for a suspect computer system, which is suspected of operating abnormally. The system also receives an identifier for a normal computer system, which is operating normally. Next, the system automatically sends a command to be executed to both the suspect computer system and to the normal computer system. The system subsequently receives a response to the command from both the suspect computer system and the normal computer system and compares the responses to determine differences in behavior between the suspect computer system and the normal computer system. |
| US08171344B2 |
System, method and computer readable storage medium for troubleshooting
A troubleshooting system that receivesing as input one or more symptom(s) of trouble of an IT system and outputting a remedy for the symptom, the troubleshooting system including: a first data base to collecting configuration information of the IT system, a second data base to collecting incidents of trouble including symptoms of trouble and remedies for dealing with the symptoms, a first storage unit to deriveing and storeing configuration information of incidents of trouble from the first data base and the second data base using the configuration information as a key, a configuration information similarity degree calculation unit to calculating similarity degrees between input configuration information of the IT system experiencing trouble and configuration information of the incidents of trouble, and an output unit to presenting a remedy for the IT system experiencing the trouble together with the similarity degree. |
| US08171341B2 |
Method for controlling an operating mechanism and a manipulation unit
A method for controlling an operating mechanism using a manipulation unit, in which the operating mechanism includes at least one microcontroller, at least one memory with a plurality of memory cells, and at least one debug interface, and the debug interface presents a monitoring functionality for monitoring memory content and using the debug interface a first timepoint of the operating mechanism is detected for writing into a first memory cell and, using the information transmitted by the debug interface for the first timepoint to the manipulation unit, a trigger timepoint results for a processing routine through the manipulation unit (IN) and using the processing routine a second value is written by the manipulation unit using the debug interface for a second timepoint in the first memory cell before the first memory cell is read by the operating mechanism for a third timepoint. |
| US08171338B2 |
Method and system for enabling checkpointing fault tolerance across remote virtual machines
A checkpointing fault tolerance network architecture enables a backup computer system to be remotely located from a primary computer system. An intermediary computer system is situated between the primary computer system and the backup computer system to manage the transmission of checkpoint information to the backup VM in an efficient manner. The intermediary computer system is networked to the primary VM through a high bandwidth connection but is networked to the backup VM through a lower bandwidth connection. The intermediary computer system identifies updated data corresponding to memory pages that have been least recently modified by the primary VM and transmits such updated data to the backup VM through the low bandwidth connection. In such manner, the intermediary computer system economizes the bandwidth capacity of the low bandwidth connection, holding back updated data corresponding to more recently modified memory pages, since such memory pages may be more likely to be updated again in the future. |
| US08171334B2 |
Apparatus and method to interface two different clock domains
A gearbox is placed between two clock domains to allow data to be transferred from one domain to the other. Although the two domains may operate at the same clock frequency, typically one domain has a faster clock speed than the other. The gearbox is disposed between the two clock domains to control timing of data transfer from one to the other, by selecting a pattern which identifies when data is made transparent for the transfer. The gearbox allows a number of clock ratios to be selected, so that a particular clock ratio between the two domains may be readily selected in the gearbox for the data transfer. |
| US08171332B2 |
Integrated circuit with reduced electromagnetic interference induced by memory access and method for the same
The invention provides an integrated circuit with reduced electromagnetic interference induced by memory access. The integrated circuit includes a random code generator, a request receiver and a memory unit. The random code generator generates a plurality of random codes according to a predetermined delay parameter. The request receiver obtains an input clock signal according to a plurality of data requests and spreads the spectrum of the input clock signal based on the random codes to derive a non-periodic output clock signal. The memory unit accesses image data to be displayed in response to the data requests and the output clock signal. |
| US08171330B2 |
Asynchronous circuit insensitive to delays with time delay insertion circuit
The asynchronous circuit insensitive to delays comprises at least one time delay insertion circuit on the propagation path of a signal. The delay insertion circuit comprises, between an input and an output of the signal, a Muller C-element and a plurality of delay circuits connected in series to an output of the Muller C-element. The outputs of the delay circuits are connected to corresponding inputs of a multiplexing circuit having an output constituting the output of the delay insertion circuit. The Muller C-element comprises an input connected to the output of the last delay circuit via an inverter gate, and an input constituting the input of the signal to the delay insertion circuit. The multiplexing circuit control circuit preferably comprises a random generator. |
| US08171327B2 |
Packet processing device, power-saving device, and power supply method
In a packet processing device capable of reducing power consumption when time intervals between input packets is increased and an input traffic capacity is reduced, packet processors, N in number (N is an integer of one or more), sequentially perform processing in response to an input packet to output a processed packet and processor packet detectors detect whether or not a packet exists in the packet processors. Responsive to a result of the processor packet detectors, a power supply switch unit controls power supply to the packet processors. Thus, each of the packet processors is intermittently put into an active state by intermittent power supply. |
| US08171324B2 |
Information processing device, data writing method, and program for the same
An information processing apparatus comprises: a creation unit creating a preset number of pieces of second data by duplicating first data, and holding the second data in a predetermined area or sending the second data to another information processing apparatus; a first writing unit for writing the first data in a first storage device; an activation unit activating power to a second storage device at a predetermined time, the second storage device being in a stopped state; a second writing unit for writing the second data in the second storage device activated by the activation unit by retrieving the second data from the predetermined area or another information processing apparatus after the second storage device is activated by the activation unit; a stop unit stopping power to the second storage device in which the second data is written by the second writing unit. |
| US08171323B2 |
Integrated circuit with modular dynamic power optimization architecture
A system and method for regulating power consumption within an integrated circuit (IC) with a modular design. The IC is designed so that any one distinct functional module within the IC utilizes only transistors with a substantially same or similar critical voltage level, which may for example be the threshold voltage of the transistors. Consequently, the supply voltage delivered to each functional modules can be lowered to the minimum voltage necessary to enable the transistors within the module to operate. Similarly, modules within the IC may be designed with transistors which share a common value for a substrate bias voltage or a clock speed, or with a combination of common values for several electrical factors. In this way, it is possible to reduce power consumption by fine-tuning the voltages supplied to (or clock speeds driving) specific modules, in a way which is custom-tuned to each module. |
| US08171321B2 |
Method and apparatus for cost and power efficient, scalable operating system independent services
A low cost, low power consumption scalable architecture is provided to allow a computer system to be managed remotely during all system power states. In a lowest power state, power is only applied to minimum logic necessary to examine a network packet. Power is applied for a short period of time to an execution subsystem and one of a plurality of cores selected to handle processing of received service requests. After processing the received service requests, the computer system returns to the lowest power state. |
| US08171320B2 |
Information processing apparatus, operation control method and operation control program storage medium
An information processing apparatus having a processing circuit to execute a program by operating at a set operating frequency, including: a measuring section that measures an elapsed time from the user's last operation; a notification section that notifies operation allowing frequencies in the processing circuit and instructs, in response to an elapsed time longer than a predetermined threshold time measured by the measuring section, fixing to a specific low-operating frequency among the operation allowing frequencies and in response to the user's operation in an input section, instructs to release the fixing; and a setting section that selects an operating frequency from among the operation allowing frequencies according to a processing situation and sets the selected operating frequency to the processing circuit and upon release of the fixing, restarts setting of an operating frequency selected from among the operation allowing frequencies, according to a processing situation in the processing circuit. |
| US08171318B2 |
Reporting flash memory operating voltages
Apparatus and associated systems, methods and computer program products relate to using information stored in a flash memory to adjust the operating voltage supplied to the flash memory. The voltage information indicates a minimum operating voltage at which to operate the flash memory device. In general, operating a flash memory device near a minimal operating voltage may substantially minimize power consumption. The minimum operating voltage for individual flash memory devices may vary from IC to IC, by manufacturing lot, and by manufacturer. In a product, the minimum operating voltage for a particular flash memory may be determined, for example, by a controller built-in to a flash memory reporting (automatically or in response to a query) the minimum operating voltage (e.g., 2.5 V, 3.15 V) to a memory controller or microprocessor. The stored voltage information may further include information to adjust the operating voltage based on temperature. |
| US08171317B2 |
Conserving power in a platform supporting network interfaces
A computer system may comprise a platform in which a processing block may be provisioned. The processing block may determine an optimal compression ratio such that the optimal compression ratio may cause a minimum of a total power to be consumed by the computer platform. The total power may comprise total compression power consumption and total transmission power consumption. The processing block may generate compressed frames from a plurality of frames generated by an application. The compressed frames may be generated by encoding the plurality of frames using the optimal compression ratio. The processing block may select a network interface from multiple network interfaces supported by the computer system to transmit the compressed frames. |
| US08171316B2 |
Mobile system on chip (SoC) and a mobile terminal including the mobile SoC
A mobile System on Chip (SoC) including a central processing unit (CPU) and an audio out module that includes a buffer and an audio interface. A power mode of the audio out module is controlled separately from a power mode of the mobile SoC so that the audio out module operates when the mobile SoC is in a power down mode. |
| US08171307B1 |
Background encryption of disks in a large cluster
The invention provides for rekeying a large cluster of storage security appliances which allows more than two of the storage security appliances to proxy a single storage medium while encrypting the storage medium in a manner that is transparent to any attached server. The invention provides a method for synchronizing encryption of the disk among a large cluster of storage security appliances, while allowing all of the storage security appliances involved to access the storage device being rekeyed in a secure fashion. |
| US08171301B2 |
Method and system for integrated securing and managing of virtual machines and virtual appliances
Method and system for the integrated securing and managing of virtual machines and virtual appliances are presented. Sealing the virtual appliance at the computer of a sender, verifying authenticity of the sender at a recipient computer and managing the execution of the VA are performed in a seamless fashion. |
| US08171300B2 |
Security method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for providing password security to an electronic device. Access rights to an electronic device are determined by decrypting and decoding an encrypted password given to one or more individuals. When an individual enters a given encrypted password into the electronic device, a decrypting function decrypts the password to generate a decrypted password. The decrypted password contains information as to whether access should be granted to the individual, and if so, to what extent. For example, the decrypted password may comprise a numerical value and access is granted if the numerical value is less than or greater than a predetermined value, or if the numerical value is within a predetermined range. |
| US08171297B2 |
System and method using information based indicia for securing and authenticating transactions
A method, system, and apparatus for authenticating transactions and records is disclosed. A method for authenticating an information-based indicium includes receiving an article bearing a first identifier, wherein the first identifier substantially prevents a single user from accumulating multiple articles bearing the same first identifier, receiving a first digital certificate that is derived in part by encoding the first identifier, and comparing the first digital certificate and the first identifier to authenticate the information-based indicium. |
| US08171292B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for securely transmitting a security parameter to a computing device
Embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein generally facilitate the secure transmittal of security parameters. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a representation of first data comprising a password is generated at the first computing device as an image or audio signal. The image or audio signal is transmitted from the first computing device to the second computing device. The password is determined from the image or audio signal at the second computing device. A key exchange is performed between the first computing device and the second computing device wherein a key is derived at each of the first and second computing devices. In at least one embodiment, one or more security parameters (e.g. one or more public keys) are exchanged between the first and second computing devices, and techniques for securing the exchange of security parameters or authenticating exchanged security parameters are generally disclosed herein. |
| US08171290B1 |
System for authenticating remotely generated optical control signals
An authentication system authenticates remotely generated optical control signals. A remote optical emitter transmits an optical control signal from a remote location. A remote authentication device collocated with the remote optical emitter receives an authentication challenge signal and transmits a compatible authentication response signal. A control optical signal processor positioned at a first location receives the optical control signal from the remote optical emitter and generates a control output signal in response to detection of a valid optical control signal. An authentication device is coupled by a real time data communications link with the optical signal processor and with the remote optical emitter. The control authentication device receives the control output signal from the optical processor, transmits the authentication challenge signal to the remote authentication device in response to receipt of the control output signal and generates an authenticated control output signal in response to receipt of a valid authentication response signal from the remote authentication device. |
| US08171289B2 |
Method and apparatus to provide authentication and privacy with low complexity devices
A method and apparatus to provide a cryptographic protocol for secure authentication, privacy, and anonymity. The protocol, in one embodiment, is designed to be implemented in a small number of logic gates, executed quickly on simple devices, and provide military grade security. |
| US08171285B2 |
Cryptographically signed filesystem
A cryptographically signed filesystem provides a central database resident on a server that contains database objects. The server creates startup software to be installed in a client system's read only memory. The startup software contains a hash value for a second stage loader. The server also creates software for a bootstrap loader object which typically contains the operating system for a client system and also the bootstrap loader's hash value and a digital signature that is unique to the server. The startup software and objects created by the server are initially installed on a client device at the time of manufacture. The server can update a client's bootstrap loader and root filesystem at any time through the transmission of slices. |
| US08171276B2 |
Minimal startup mode for performing multiple-reboot configuration
A computer implemented process performs a plurality of computer bootups in minimal mode. Login authentication is disabled during the computer bootups. All startup programs and services not required to install new software are disabled during the computer bootups. New software is installed during the computer bootups. During the final computer bootup, the disabled startup programs and services are enabled to restore the computer to normal operating condition. |
| US08171274B2 |
Method and system of executing stack-based memory reference code
A method and system of executing stack-based memory reference code. At least some of the illustrated embodiments are methods comprising waking a computer system from a reduced power operational state in which a memory controller loses at least some configuration information, executing memory reference code that utilizes a stack (wherein the memory reference code configures the main memory controller), and passing control of the computer system to an operating system. The time between executing a first instruction after waking the computer system and passing control to the operating system takes less than 200 milliseconds. |
| US08171272B1 |
Critical pre-OS driver verification
Before booting from a main OS into a pre-OS, a pre-OS management component verifies that all critical drivers are present in the pre-OS. The pre-OS management component identifies the hardware devices present on the computer on which the pre-OS is to be booted, and determines which drivers are installed in the pre-OS. If any drivers for critical devices are missing, the pre-OS management component provides a detailed report so that that the user can locate the missing drivers and add them to the pre-OS. In another embodiment, the pre-OS management component automatically obtains and installs the missing drivers. |
| US08171271B2 |
Server device and method of sharing basic input/output system
A server device and a method of sharing a basic input/output system (BIOS) include a plurality of mainboards, a circuit board, and a memory unit, and a switching unit disposed on the circuit board. A single memory unit stores a plurality of BIOS entity program segments respectively corresponding to a mainboard model, and transmits the BIOS entity program segments corresponding to the model of the mainboard for receiving the BIOS to the mainboard through the switching unit, so that the mainboards of various models may share the BIOS. |
| US08171269B2 |
Branch target buffer with entry source field for use in determining replacement priority
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for branch prediction. As an example, some embodiments of the present invention provides processor circuits that include a program address circuit, a branch target buffer, a branch prediction replacement circuit, and an execution pipeline. The branch target buffer includes a plurality of entries each associated with a respective change of flow instruction. Each entry includes an indication of an entry source and a next program address corresponding to the respective change of flow instruction. The branch prediction replacement circuit is operable to determine replacement priorities of the plurality of entries based at least in part on the entry source for each of the plurality of entries. The execution pipeline receives an executable instruction corresponding to one of the next program addresses. |
| US08171260B2 |
Fetching all or portion of instructions in memory line up to branch instruction based on branch prediction and size indicator stored in branch target buffer indexed by fetch address
The invention provides a method and apparatus for branch prediction in a processor. A fetch-block branch target buffer is used in an early stage of pipeline processing before the instruction is decoded, which stores information about a control transfer instruction for a “block” of instruction memory. The block of instruction memory is represented by a block entry in the fetch-block branch target buffer. The block entry represents one recorded control-transfer instruction (such as a branch instruction) and a set of sequentially preceding instructions, up to a fixed maximum length N. Indexing into the fetch-block branch target buffer yields an answer whether the block entry represents memory that contains a previously executed a control-transfer instruction, a length value representing the amount of memory that contains the instructions represented by the block, and an indicator for the type of control-transfer instruction that terminates the block, its target and outcome. Both the decode and execution pipelines include correction capabilities for modifying the block branch target buffer dependent on the results of the instruction decode and execution and can include a mechanism to correct malformed instructions. |
| US08171259B2 |
Multi-cluster dynamic reconfigurable circuit for context valid processing of data by clearing received data with added context change indicative signal
A dynamic reconfigurable circuit includes multiple clusters each including a group of reconfigurable processing elements. The dynamic reconfigurable circuit is capable of dynamically changing a configuration of the clusters according to a context including a description of processing of the processing elements and of connection between the processing elements. A first cluster among the clusters includes a signal generating circuit that when an instruction to change the context is received, generates a report signal indicative of the instruction to change the context; a signal adding circuit that adds the report signal generated by the signal generating circuit to output data that is to be transmitted from the first cluster to a second cluster; and a data clearing circuit that, when output data to which a report signal generated by the second cluster is added is received, performs a clearing process of clearing the output data received. |
| US08171257B2 |
Determining an end of valid log in a log of write records using a next pointer and a far ahead pointer
Provided are a method, computer program product and system for determining an end of valid log in a log of write records. Records are written to a log in a storage device in a sequential order, wherein the records include a next pointer addressing a next record in a write order and a far ahead pointer addressing a far ahead record in the write order following the record. The far ahead pointer and the next pointer in a plurality of records are used to determine an end of valid log from which to start writing further records. |
| US08171255B1 |
Optimization of paging cache protection in virtual environment
A system, method and computer program product for virtualizing a processor include a virtualization system running on a computer system and controlling memory paging through hardware support for maintaining real paging structures. A Virtual Machine (VM) is running guest code and has at least one set of guest paging structures that correspond to guest physical pages in guest virtualized linear address space. At least some of the guest paging structures are mapped to the real paging structures. A cache of connection structures represents cached paths to the real paging structures. The mapped paging tables are protected using RW-bit. A paging cache is validated according to TLB resets. Non-active paging tree tables can be also protected at the time when they are activated. Tracking of access (A) bits and of dirty (D) bits is implemented along with synchronization of A and D bits in guest physical pages. |
| US08171252B2 |
Sharing of non-divisible files
A method and a system for sharing files recorded by non-divisible sections in a first memory, including dividing each section into subsets to which are respectively assigned specific access rights; storing, in a second memory, separate from the first one, a specification table comprising at least the location of each subset in the section, at least one key conditioning the access to this subset, and the rights assigned to the key; and conditioning the accesses to the subsets to their respective specifications by a control performed by a microprocessor. |
| US08171249B2 |
Internet-safe computer
The present invention eliminates the possibility of problems with viruses, worms, identity theft, and other hazards that may result from the connection of a computer to the Internet. It does so by creating a new configuration of components within the computer. In addition to commonly used components, two new components are added. These are a secondary hard drive and a secondary random access memory. When the computer is connected to the Internet these secondary components are used in place of their primary counterparts. The primary hard drive is electronically isolated from the Internet, thus preventing Internet contamination of the primary hard drive. |
| US08171248B2 |
Storage system controlling method, switch device and storage system
A method for controlling a storage system having first and second switches and a storage device connected to the switches via a network in response to a request from a host, the storage device having first and second areas, each of the first and second switch accessing to the first and second area, the method includes, receiving a request for copying data stored in the first area to the second area from the host, transmitting initiation notification of the copying to the second switch, executing the copying by the first switch, maintaining progress status of the copying, controlling the second switch to refer to the progress upon receiving a request for access to the first or second area by the host before completion of the copying, and determining whether to permit access to the first or second area by the second switch. |
| US08171247B2 |
Method for backup storage device selection
A method and system for backing up computer data uses a network device to select a storage device in a manner that enhances at least one parameter associated with the backup process. |
| US08171244B2 |
Methods for implementation of worm mode on a removable disk drive storage system
Embodiments provide systems and methods for maintaining immutable data in an archiving system using random access memory. To ensure data is immutable, novel pointers are maintained in the hardware/firmware of the drive ports and on the removable disk drives. For example, a hardware/firmware in a modular drive bay maintains a pointer to a memory address in the removable disk drive memory that cannot write to a memory block that precedes the pointer. Data may only be stored after the pointer in the removable disk drive. As such, once data is written to the removable disk drive, the data cannot be overwritten although the removable disk drive employs random access memory. |
| US08171242B2 |
Systems and methods for scheduling a memory command for execution based on a history of previously executed memory commands
A memory system is operated by maintaining a queue of memory commands to be executed, maintaining a list of previously executed memory commands, comparing local information associated with the commands to be executed with local information associated with the list of previously executed commands, and selecting one of the commands for execution from the queue of memory commands to be executed based on a result of the comparison. |
| US08171240B1 |
Misalignment predictor
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a circuit coupled to receive an indication of a memory operation to be executed in the processor. The circuit is configured to predict whether or not the memory operation is misaligned. A number of accesses performed by the processor to execute the memory operation is dependent on whether or not the circuit predicts the memory operation as misaligned. In another embodiment, a misalignment predictor is coupled to receive an indication of a memory operation, and comprises a memory and a control circuit coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store a plurality of indications of memory operations previously detected as misaligned during execution in a processor. The control circuit is configured to predict whether or not a memory operation is misaligned responsive to a comparison of the received indication and the plurality of indications stored in the memory. |
| US08171238B1 |
Identification of data stored in memory
Systems and methods for identification of data stored in memory are provided. A data packet is received and a first packet byte within the data packet is compared to a first memory byte within a memory. A mismatch is determined between the first packet byte and the first memory byte. A memory location is jumped to that contains a second memory byte that is non-consecutive with the first memory byte. A packet location is jumped to that contains a second packet byte that is non-consecutive with the first packet byte. The second packet byte is compared to the second memory byte. A retrieval instruction is generated based at least in part on a result of the comparison between the second packet byte and the second memory byte. Various embodiments may be included in a network memory architecture to allow for faster data matching and instruction generation in a central appliance. |
| US08171237B2 |
Automatic association of reference data with primary process data based on time and shared identifier
A method and system for automatically associating primary process data with reference data. The primary process data may include image, video, audio, text, search data, and the like. The reference data may include location, temperature, pressure, and the like. A primary process data processor device, such as a digital camera, is used to acquire the primary process data with time information, but without any reference data. A reference data collector device, such as a cellular telephone, is used to acquire the reference data with time information. The primary process data and the reference data are uploaded to a server and each are associated with a shared identifier, such as a user ID. Of the content and reference data associated with the shared ID, the server determines which primary process data and reference data were acquired near the same time, and automatically associates the reference data with the primary process data. |
| US08171235B2 |
Atomic compare and swap using dedicated processor
An atomic compare and swap operation that can be implemented in processor system having first and second processors that have different sized memory transfer capabilities. The first processor notifies the second processor to perform a compare and swap operation on an address in main memory. The address has a size less than or equal to a maximum memory transfer size for the second processor and greater than a maximum memory transfer size for the first processor. The second processor atomically performs the compare and swap operation and notifies the first processor of the success or failure of the compare and swap operation. |
| US08171231B2 |
System and method for aggregating core-cache clusters in order to produce multi-core processors
According to one embodiment of the invention, a processor comprises a memory, a plurality of core-cache clusters and a scalability agent unit that operates as an interface between an on-die interconnect and multiple core-cache clusters. The scalability agent operates in accordance with a protocol to ensure that the plurality of core-cache clusters appear as a single caching agent. |
| US08171230B2 |
PCI express address translation services invalidation synchronization with TCE invalidation
A PCI Express (PCIe) computer system utilizes address translation services to translate virtual addresses from I/O device adaptors to physical addresses of system memory. A combined memory controller and host bridge uses a translation agent to convert the I/O addresses via translation control entries (TCEs) in a TCE table (also known as an address translation and protection table). Some of the I/O device adaptors have address translation caches for local storage of TCEs. The TCE definition includes a new non-cacheable control bit which is set active in the TCE table when the TCE is in the process of being invalidated. The memory controller prevents further caching of the TCE while the non-cacheable control bit is active. A further implementation utilizes a change-in-progress control bit of the TCE to indicate that the TCE is in the process of being changed to allow simultaneous invalidation of the previously TCE information. |
| US08171219B2 |
Method and system to perform caching based on file-level heuristics
A method and system to perform caching based at least on one or more file-level heuristics. The caching of a storage medium in a caching device is performed by a cache policy engine. The cache policy engine receives file-level information of input/output access of data of the storage medium and caches or evicts the data of the storage medium in the caching device based on the received file-level information. By utilizing information about the files and file operations associated with the disk sectors or logical block addresses of the storage medium, the cache policy engine can make a better decision on the data selection of the storage medium to be cached in or evicted from the caching device in one embodiment of the invention. Higher cache hit rates can be achieved and the performance of the system utilizing the cache policy engine is improved. |
| US08171218B2 |
Memory card system, memory card and method for executing an application program thereon
A memory card system and memory card. The memory card system may include a host and a memory card able to be received by the host. The memory card may transfer an application program index to the host in response to a command from the host. Time spent finding information relating to the application programs loaded in the memory card may be saved and a convenient and efficient interface may be provided to a user. |
| US08171212B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing program storage medium
A data processing apparatus has a processing memory section that stores plural processing sections for building a combination processing section; a construction data memory section that stores construction data for building the same combination processing section as the latest combination processing section used for executing a series of processing of most recently input data; and a processing construction section that reads, at a timing before data to be processed is input, plural processing sections forming the same combination processing section as the latest combination processing section, based on the construction data and connects the processing sections in the same order of processing as in the latest combination processing section, thereby building the same combination processing section as the latest combination processing section. |
| US08171210B2 |
Semiconductor memory, operating method of semiconductor memory, and system
Operation control circuits start a first operation of any of memory cores in response to a first operation command, start a second operation of any of the memory cores in response to a second operation command, and terminate the first operation and continue the second operation in response to a termination command to terminate operations of the plurality of memory cores. For example, the semiconductor memory is mounted on a system together with a controller accessing the semiconductor memory. The termination of the operation in response to the termination command is judged in accordance with an operation state of the memory core. Accordingly, it is possible to terminate the operation of the memory core requiring the termination of operation without specifying the memory core from outside. |
| US08171209B2 |
Write protection method and device for at least one random access memory device
In a write protection method for at least one random access memory device, the inherent problems of such memory devices with regard to data integrity and security with respect to hacker attacks, such that they can also be used for secure archiving in particular of a large volume of data, are avoided by virtue of the fact that commands directed to the at least one memory device are received by a write protection device connected upstream of the at least one memory device before said commands are forwarded to the at least one memory device, wherein commands received in the write protection device are compared with a positive list of permitted commands previously stored in the write protection device, wherein in one case, where the comparison determines that a permitted command is present, said command is forwarded to the at least one memory device, and in the other case, where the comparison determines that no permitted command is present, said command is not forwarded to the at least one memory device. |
| US08171207B2 |
Adaptive hybrid density memory storage device and control method thereof
The present invention discloses a control method of an adaptive hybrid density memory storage device suitable for locating a data to the storage device. The storage device includes a high density memory unit and a low density memory unit. The method is characterized in that the property of the data is determined by its length, and the data is written to the high density memory unit or the low density memory unit according to the property of the data and the relative wearing rate and the amount of data processed by the storage device. |
| US08171204B2 |
Intelligent solid-state non-volatile memory device (NVMD) system with multi-level caching of multiple channels
A flash memory system stores blocks of data in Non-Volatile Memory Devices (NVMD) that are addressed by a logical block address (LBA). The LBA is remapped for wear-leveling and bad-block relocation by the NVMD. The NVMD are interleaved in channels that are accessed by a NVMD controller. The NVMD controller has a controller cache that caches blocks stored in NVMD in that channel, while the NVMD also contain high-speed cache. The multiple levels of caching reduce access latency. Power is managed in multiple levels by a power controller in the NVMD controller that sets power policies for power managers inside the NVMD. Multiple NVMD controllers in the flash system may each controller many channels of NVMD. The flash system with NVMD may include a fingerprint reader for security. |
| US08171201B1 |
Systems and methods for improving virtual machine performance
Virtual machine optimization and/or storage reclamation solutions are disclosed that manage virtual machine sprawl and/or growing enterprise storage costs. For instance, certain solutions receive recommendations based on one or more rules, policies and/or user preferences that identify storage and/or alignment criteria for virtual machine disk (VMDK) partition(s). In certain examples, a resize tool that operates within a host operating system of a host server dynamically resizes and/or aligns one or more VMDK partitions of a powered-down virtual machine. For instance, the resize tool can be injected to the host server from a remote management server and can resize and/or align the VMDK partitions without requiring contents of the VMDK to be copied to another VMDK. By reallocating storage and/or aligning the VMDK partitions, embodiments of the invention can increase virtual machine performance and improve storage management. |
| US08171197B2 |
Main electronic device for communicating within a network and method for operating a main electronic device for communicating within the network
The present invention relates to a main electronic device (1) for communicating within a network (7) comprising an interface (6) for enabling communication within the network (7) and a controller (4) for sending polling messages via the network (7) to logical addresses via said interface (6) in order to request information from at least one further electronic device (1a, 1b . . . 1f).The present invention further relates to a method for operating a main electronic device (1) for communicating within a network (7). |
| US08171188B2 |
Method of handling successive bitstream extraction and packing and related device
To handle boundary conditions efficiently during bitstream extraction, a predetermined number of bits are extracted from the bitstream register starting from a most significant bit of the bitstream register when an underflow flag is set. The predetermined number equals a predetermined extraction width minus a previous starting position. The bits are stored in a lowest part of a destination register, and the underflow flag is cleared. |
| US08171186B1 |
On-chip interconnect fabric
A method for performing write transactions in an interconnect fabric is described. A burst write transaction is received by a bridge coupled to a master. The burst transaction is initiated by a command phase that includes a wait state attribute. The bridge is also coupled to a second bus that is coupled to a slave destination device or to another bridge. The bridge may initiate a cut-through transaction to the second bus when the wait state attribute indicates a master inserted wait state will not be incurred during the burst transaction. |
| US08171185B2 |
Electronic device and communication method
This invention provides an electronic device that can suppress the undesired influence of signals flowing on the bus as interference on devices connected to the bus. The electronic device has two ports connected to the bus with corresponding physical layer processing means. The physical layer processing means may optionally be connected together permitting separate connection to separate busses. Thus a bus reset on first bus will not interfere with processing on the second bus. |
| US08171184B2 |
Multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions
A multifunction device has a plurality of functions selected from among a printer function, scanner function, facsimile function, and data storage function and capable of being connected to a computer via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The multifunction device includes: a device data outputting unit that outputs information forcing an OS in the computer to recognize the multifunction device as a USB storage class device having a plurality of USB-compliant logic unit numbers (LUNs) when establishing a connection with the computer; and a controlling unit that determines, when output data is transmitted from the computer, which one of the plurality of functions the output data is for controlling, based on the LUN included in the output data, and that controls the determined function based on the output data. |
| US08171181B2 |
Memory module with configurable input/output ports
A memory module has one or more memory devices, a controller in communication with the one or more memory devices, and a plurality of input/output ports. The controller is configured to configure each input/output port as an input, an output, or a bidirectional input/output. |
| US08171173B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing delivery of media content
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to select a portion of content servers among a plurality of content servers for delivery of media content to the set top box, where the selection is based on server metrics associated with the plurality of content servers and received by the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08171166B1 |
Method and a computer program product for modifying or generating a multiple program transport stream
Methods and computer program products for modifying a multiple program transport stream, generating a multiple program transport stream and extracting a single program transport stream, the method for modifying the multiple program transport stream includes: receiving a multiple program transport stream; and inserting a decoding time stamp equivalent value program clock reference in a transport stream packet of a program; wherein the transport stream packet is positioned so as the value of the inserted decoding time stamp equivalent value program clock reference is substantially equal to a decoding time stamp of an elementary stream of the program. |
| US08171164B2 |
Target routing by initiator
An illustrative embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for target routing by initiator, using Internet small computer system interface. The computer-implemented method obtains a logical unit number configuration, containing a set of logical unit numbers, determines whether an initiator Internet protocol address, associated with a requester, has a mapping to a logical unit number in the set of logical unit numbers. The computer implemented method further sets a path for an input output/request from the requester to a backing file, according to the mapping, and returns success to the requester. |
| US08171161B2 |
Static and dynamic content delivery
Systems and methods of the present invention provide for returning website content after being requested by a client. A dynamic component and a rewritten URL may be requested and a static component may be requested, which may be updated. The combination of static and dynamic website content may be returned to the client. |
| US08171152B2 |
Systems, methods and computer-readable media for configuring receiver latency
The present disclosure is related to transmitting and receiving media channels, such as audio and video channels. These channels may be transmitted as packets from one or more transmitting devices to one or more receiving devices for playout. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods, and computer-readable media for determining latency of a data network for synchronized playout of received signals. Additionally, certain embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods, and computer-readable media for synchronizing playout among devices connected to a data network. |
| US08171150B2 |
Data transfer system and method
A method is disclosed of data transfer between a source computer and multiple target computers. The method includes: receiving a user data and format request from one or more target computers; transmitting a multi-media formatted transmission from the source computer over a first network to a server configured to receive the multi-media formatted transmission; extracting a data stream from the multi-media formatted transmission; transmitting the data stream in an Internet format over a second network to the target computers, the target computers each configured to receive the data stream in a finite set of protocols over the second network, the finite set of protocols including Internet protocols but excluding multi-media protocols; and extracting data from the data stream and reformatting the extracted data into a multi-media format at each target computer, wherein each target computer is able to reformat the extracted data into different multi-media formats. |
| US08171149B2 |
Communication system, terminal device, and method of controlling terminal devices in communication system
In a communication system, a first terminal device and a second terminal device are connected via a wireless network and perform communications with each other. Each of the first and second terminal devices includes an interface unit which accesses a memory-card type recording medium detachably mounted to the interface unit. Information needed for one of the first and second terminal devices to communicate with the other terminal device is transferred between the first terminal device and the second terminal device using the recording medium. |
| US08171148B2 |
Systems and methods for establishing connections between devices communicating over a network
Systems and methods are described for establishing a connection between a client and a server that are each communicating via a network. The methods and techniques may be used, for example, to establish a media streaming connection between a media player and a placeshifting device when a firewall or other impediment to direct network connections exists. A relay server receives connection requests from the client and from the server via the network. In response to receiving the requests, a first connection is established between the relay server and the client and a second connection between the relay server and the server. Data received by the relay server on each of the first and second connections is relayed to the other of the first and second connections to thereby establish the connection between the client and the server via the relay server. |
| US08171142B2 |
Data center inventory management using smart racks
A system for managing physical and virtual inventory in a data center is disclosed. The system includes a resource management system for managing computing resources of the data center, an inventory management system for tracking physical locations of the plurality of hosts and the plurality of virtual machines in the data center and a smart rack for housing a plurality of hosts. The computing resources include a plurality of hosts and a plurality of virtual machines running on one or more of the plurality of virtual machines. The smart rack has sensors for detecting movement of each of the plurality of hosts in the data center. The smart rack also has a control unit to control the sensors and collecting data from sensors. The control unit is coupled to the inventory management system and configured to transmit the collected data to the inventory management system through a network. The plurality of hosts, the resource management system and the control unit are coupled together through the network. |
| US08171141B1 |
Provisioning system including stack manager
Systems and methods of executing and/or provisioning an application in an application specific runtime environment are disclosed. The application specific runtime environment is defined by an application environment specification to include a minimal or reduced set of software resources required for execution of the application. These software resources are optionally stored in a resource repository that includes resources associated with a plurality of operating systems and/or executable applications. Various embodiments of the invention include the development of hierarchical resource metadata configured to characterize the various files, packages and file families included in the resource repository. In some embodiments this metadata is used to select between files and different versions of files when provisioning an application specific runtime environment. Various embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for dynamically and/or manually determining which resources should be included in the provisioning of an executable application. |
| US08171140B2 |
Resource allocation in computers
A method and tangible medium embodying code for allocating resource units of an allocatable resource among a plurality of clients in a computer is described. In the method, resource units are initially distributed among the clients by assigning to each of the clients a nominal share of the allocatable resource. For each client, a current allocation of resource units is determined. A metric is evaluated for each client, the metric being a function both of the nominal share and a usage-based factor, the usage-based factor being a function of a measure of resource units that the client is actively using and a measure of resource units that the client is not actively using. A resource unit can be reclaimed from a client when the metric for that client meets a predetermined criterion. |
| US08171137B1 |
Transferring application state across devices
A first client device or system performs a method that includes retaining in memory registration information for a respective application indicating the respective application is registered for sharing application state with other client devices or systems. The method further includes storing an application state of a respective application, and detecting a transfer triggering condition. The transfer triggering condition includes presence of a second client device or system within a predefined proximity of the first client device or system, and the predefined proximity is a predefined proximity for near field communication. Furthermore, upon detecting the triggering condition, the first client device or system determines, in accordance with the stored registration information, that the respective application is registered for application state sharing, and transmits the application state of the respective application to the second client device or system. |
| US08171136B2 |
System and method for transmitting pollution information over an integrated wireless network
A pollution information message system provides a system and method for generating and transmitting pollution information messages. In one embodiment, the pollution information message system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to monitoring devices. Control room operators receive a pollution information message from an identifiable transceiver. The transceiver, identified by an identification code, indicates a location and the nature of the detected pollution. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
| US08171134B2 |
Methods and apparatus to characterize and predict network health status
Methods and apparatus to characterize and predict network health status are presented. A particular method of characterizing and predicting a health status of a network node includes receiving a plurality of report values associated with the network node, where each report value is one of alert and normal, and where each report value is received at a corresponding time. The method includes calculating a current report weight associated with a current report value received at a current time. When a first previous report value was received at a first previous time before the current time, the current report weight is calculated based at least partially on the current report value and at least partially on a first previous report weight associated with the first previous value. The method includes storing the current report weight at a memory device. |
| US08171126B2 |
Storage network system, managing apparatus, managing method and program
A management computer includes a memory storing toplogical information including identifiers of ports of computers, storage apparatuses, and switches. The management computer includes a processor, which is configured to: collect a plurality of performance information of the ports, and a plurality of access times from computer ports to the storage apparatuses; evaluate that a certain access time among the plurality of access times exceeds a predetermined allowable range; search a first access path to which the certain access time corresponds; search at least one second access path starting from a first computer port on the first access path; and search performance information of certain ports which are on the at least one second access path in order to display the searched performance information. |
| US08171125B2 |
Scalable distributed storage and delivery
Embodiments describe scalable distributed storage delivery method that can utilize commodity storage devices, thus there is little, if any, modification of the existing storage hardware or storage clients. According to an aspect is a system that can include a plurality of primary servers and application servers to deliver data to the storage client. The client can request information from the primary server, which can in some embodiments, authenticate the client. The primary server can determine a set of application servers that can deliver the information. The information data can be served to the client transparently from the application servers. The application servers can read the information content from a local cache or directly from storage devices. |
| US08171124B2 |
Systems and methods for GSLB remote service monitoring
The present invention provides improvements to the integration between a metric exchange protocol and a monitoring mechanism supporting load balancing by a Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB) appliance in a GSLB hierarchy of appliances, using a method for triggering a monitor on a remote service. The method includes receiving, by a first appliance, metrics of a second appliance via a metric exchange connection between the first and second appliances. The first appliance includes a GSLB service and identifies a service provided via the second appliance as a remote service for GSLB. The first appliance may identify via the metrics that a state of the service is up, and determine that the metric exchange connection is down. Responsive to the determination, the first appliance may trigger a monitor to monitor the status of the service. Further, the first appliance may obtain via the monitor a second status of the service. |
| US08171123B2 |
Network bandwidth detection and distribution
In a node configured to communicate with one or more other nodes over a network, available bandwidth for network traffic may be distributed among two or more distinct channels of communication within a single application running on the node. An available bandwidth may be detected for communication between the first node and a second node. A distribution may be determined for the available bandwidth among the two or more communication channels. A sending rate may be adjusted for data sent from the first node to the second node over one or more of the two or more communication channels in response to a detected change in the available bandwidth. |
| US08171119B2 |
Program deployment apparatus and method
With a management server that is connected via a network to at least one physical server including a physical server with a virtualization facility for providing a virtual server to a client and deploys a program to the at least one physical server as necessary, and by a program deployment method for such a management server for deploying a program to the at least one physical server as necessary, there is provided units for detecting one or more nodes which are any of the physical server, the virtualization facility, and the virtual server and connected via the network, acquiring first configuration information about a virtual layer of each detected node for each detected node, and selectively deploying the program to the relevant node based on the first configuration information for each acquired node. |
| US08171118B2 |
Application streaming over HTTP
Disclosed are systems and methods for application streaming over HTTP. A virtual application running on a host computing device may detect the need for a page of memory that is not present on the host computing device. Accordingly, the virtual application may send a request to a virtual application server, seeking the absent memory page. The virtual application server may send to a web server an HTTP GET byte range request for the desired memory page. The web server may retrieve the requested block, which may be a portion of the virtual application image file. The requested data is returned to the host computing device via the virtual application server. The virtual application continues running on the host device using the requested data. |
| US08171112B2 |
Content channels for a mobile device
Various embodiments enable a user of a mobile media device to select one or more channels to load onto the device. Each channel comprises a collection of media content files, such as video content, audio content, and so on. Each collection of media content files can be associated with a particular genre (or genres) of media content. A channel can be managed such that its collection of media content can be rearranged, augmented, and/or otherwise edited to produce a refreshed version of the channel. The refreshed version of the channel can be provided to the mobile media device for playback. Thus, a channel associated with a particular genre of media content can provide a user with a dynamic user experience without requiring the user to manipulate specific media content files. |
| US08171104B2 |
Scheduling and searching meetings in a network environment
Provided are a method, system, and program for scheduling and searching meetings in a network environment. A form is transmitted over a network to be rendered at an organizer computer to enable entry of information on a meeting. The form is received having organizer entered information on one meeting. The information in the received form is stored in a meeting database, wherein the stored information from the received form is associated with the meeting identified in the received form. A user computer accessed by a user is enabled to register for at least one selected meeting. An email database accessed by the user is updated automatically to include information on the at least one selected meeting indicated. |
| US08171095B2 |
Speculative distributed conflict resolution for a cache coherency protocol
A conflict resolution technique provides consistency such that all conflicts can be detected by at least one of the conflicting requestors if each node monitors all requests after that node has made its own request. If a line is in the Exclusive, Modified or Forward state, conflicts are resolved at the node holding the unique copy. The winner of the conflict resolution, and possibly the losers, report the conflict to the home node, which pairs conflict reports and issues forwarding instructions to assure that all requesting nodes eventually receive the requested data. If a requested cache line is either uncached or present only in the Shared state, the home node provides a copy of the cache node and resolves conflicts. In one embodiment, a blackout period after all responses until an acknowledgement message has been received allows all conflicting nodes to be aware of conflicts in which they are involved. |
| US08171089B2 |
Privileged and restricted email processing to multiple recipients based on sender defined visibility settings
A method is provided for email processing to recipients based on user defined visibility settings. Input of email addresses for recipients in a privileged list and for recipients not in the privileged list is received. An email message is transmitted to recipients in the privileged list and to recipients not in the privileged list. The recipients in the privileged list are able to visibly distinguish recipients in the privileged list from the recipients not in the privileged list. The recipients not in the privileged list are unable to visibly distinguish the recipients in the privileged list. Input of email addresses for recipients in a restricted list and for recipients not in the restricted list is received. An email message is transmitted to recipients in the restricted list and to recipients not in the restricted list. Recipients in the restricted list are unable to visibly see recipients in the restricted list. |
| US08171087B2 |
Thread-based conversation management
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with thread-based conversation management are described. One system embodiment includes a conversation manager that provides access to communication applications, that provides lifecycle management for an electronic conversation carried on over the communication applications, and that organizes conversation elements belonging to a conversation carried on using the communication applications. The conversation lifecycle may include pausing and resuming a conversation carried on, at least in part, over a synchronous, online, real-time, communication application. The system embodiment may also include a thread manager to provide thread-based storage for conversation elements. |
| US08171085B1 |
Methods and apparatuses for authenticating electronic messages
Methods and systems and machine readable media for processing email and other electronic messages. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes storing a plurality of domain names, each of which correspond to a portion of a full email address; receiving a first email; determining whether a sender address specified by the first email is within a domain specified by the plurality of domain names; determining whether the first email is authentically from an entity which controls the domain specified by the plurality of domain names if the sender address is within the domain; and presenting an indication of nonauthenticity if the first email is not authentically from the entity. |
| US08171084B2 |
Custom emoticons
Methods and devices for creating and transferring custom emoticons allow a user to adopt an arbitrary image as an emoticon, which can then be represented by a character sequence in real-time communication. In one implementation, custom emoticons can be included in a message and transmitted to a receiver in the message. In another implementation, character sequences representing the custom emoticons can be transmitted in the message instead of the custom emoticons in order to preserve performance of text messaging. At the receiving end, the character sequences are replaced by their corresponding custom emoticons, which can be retrieved locally if they have been previously received, or can be retrieved from the sender in a separate communication from the text message if they have not been previously received. |
| US08171080B2 |
Click to create meeting makers from electronic messages
A method and system for generating meeting maker requests as efficiently and with as few steps as possible. Here, a software API or program automatically generates and populates a meeting maker request by using information already located within an electronic message, such as an e-mail, to compose the meeting maker request. One embodiment includes a method for converting an electronic message into a meeting maker. The method comprises receiving an electronic message. Meeting information is located within the received electronic message. Invited attendees to the meeting are determined based on information within the electronic message. A meeting maker request is automatically generated using the determined information. |
| US08171079B2 |
Metasearch engine for ordering items returned in travel related search results using multiple queries on multiple unique hosts
Process and system for metasearching on the Internet performed by a metasearch engine, comprising: receiving an HTTP request from a client device for the metasearch engine to send a plurality of search queries to a plurality of unique hosts that provide access to information to be searched, the HTTP request associated with a plurality of travel related items that may be ordered comprising at least one airline ticket and at least one other type of travel related item; sending the plurality of search queries to the plurality of unique hosts in response to the HTTP request; receiving search results from the plurality of unique hosts; incorporating the received search results into a response; communicating the response from the metasearch engine to the client device; receiving another HTTP request from the client device for placing an order for at least one of the plurality of travel related items; processing the order. |
| US08171078B2 |
System and method of package creation that includes audio content and audio advertising
A particular method includes receiving, via an interactive voice response unit, an audio content item during a first call. An indication of an insertion point at which to insert audio advertising in the audio content item is also received. The method further includes receiving via the interactive voice response unit an audio advertisement during a second call. The audio advertisement is automatically inserted into the audio content item at the insertion point to create a package. |
| US08171072B2 |
Media contents distribution system and method
A server stores a media content and an execution program for processing the media content, and determines a usage rule for the media content to be transmitted to a terminal. The server distributes the usage rule, the media content, and the execution program to the terminal. The terminal stores the distributed usage rule, media content, and execution program. The terminal executes the stored execution program and processes the stored media content within the bounds of the usage rule as stored. The server may perform a billing process in accordance with the determined usage rule, or select and distribute a media content or an execution program in accordance with the processing ability of the terminal or a state of communications. Moreover, the server may distribute, in addition to the execution program, middleware for constructing an operating environment for the execution program. |
| US08171070B2 |
Turnkey reseller program for registering domain names
A reseller program may be used to increase the number of Customer desired domain names that are registered by a Registrar. There are two main embodiments of this reseller program. In the first embodiment, Resellers guide Customers to a Registrar web site through the use of advertisements, links in various web sites and/or links from search engines. The Registrar web site communicates directly with the Customer and registers the Customer desired domain names and compensates the Reseller for guiding the Customer to the Registrar web site. In the second embodiment, Resellers have their own reseller web sites that communicate directly with the Customers and communicate the desired domain names to the Registrar web site so the Registrar web site can register the Customer desired domain names. In this embodiment, the Customer may compensate the Reseller and the Reseller may compensate the Registrar for the services rendered. |
| US08171069B2 |
Streaming digital data filter
A method of filtering streaming digital data in real time. The method including: (a) initializing and storing a set of m data elements and an associated set of m pointer data from 1 to m in sequence, m an integer greater than 2; (b) receiving in real time a first or next data element of a digital data stream of sequential data elements; (c) simultaneously with (b), replacing a stored data element associated with the pointer datum m with the received data element, changing the pointer datum of m to 1, and incrementing the value of all other pointer data by 1; (d) simultaneously with (b) sorting in order from a low to high all stored data elements; (e) simultaneously with (b), maintaining the association of pointer datum and data elements; (f) simultaneously with (b), filtering all stored data elements; and (g) repeating (b) through (f) multiple times. |
| US08171068B2 |
Generating unique pseudorandom numbers
A method of generating a set of unique pseudorandom N-digit base-B integers includes the steps of selecting an integer A, wherein A is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than BN−1, and adding to integer A an integer P, modulus BN, wherein P is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than BN−1, and wherein P and N are relatively prime, to obtain a first element of the set. The method generates a second element of the set by adding P to the first element, modulus BN. The method generates the complete set of unique pseudorandom N-digit base-B integers by repeating the process BN times. Elements of the set may be used to populate a data set. |
| US08171065B2 |
Relational objects for the optimized management of fixed-content storage systems
A system and method is described for managing data objects in a fixed-content storage system. Metadata is provided for each variable size packet and may include offset information, packet size data, reference content blocks, and the like. Using this information, intelligently decomposed objects, consolidated objects, differenced objects, and composite objects may be stored in the storage system. The data structure provided by these objects allows for the reduction of necessary storage resources and the total number of stored objects. |
| US08171061B2 |
File-system based data store for a workgroup server
A system and method for storing workgroup objects on a file-system based data store in a workgroup server is disclosed. The present invention implements a file-system based workgroup system in which a workgroup object is stored in one or more files. The present invention further includes a workgroup object list comprising object identifiers, each object identifier uniquely mapping to a workgroup object and each object identifier including a property of the workgroup object based on which the workgroup object list is sorted. |
| US08171058B2 |
One click creation of linkages between master data records
A method and system for creating interrecord relationships between master data records stored in a relational database are provided. The method includes receiving information for a first master data record from a user, searching a plurality of master data records in the relational database for candidates that have a potential of being related to the processed master data record, the searching performed automatically in response to the receiving, determining at least one possible relationship type between the candidates found as a result of the searching and the first master data record, and presenting the at least one possible relationship type and the candidates found as a result of the searching to the user. The disclosed method and system allow a user to create and maintain relationships between multiple master data records with minimal steps. |
| US08171056B2 |
Data processor, data processing method, and computer product
A data processor includes a storage unit, a decompressing module, an interface module, and a data retrieving module. The storage unit stores therein a compressed setting data file including setting data files each compressed in a compression format. The decompressing module decompresses a setting data file, in the compressed setting data file, corresponding to a model of a printer selected for printing. The interface module displays a setting screen corresponding to the setting data file decompressed by the decompressing module. The data retrieving module sets print settings based on settings specified on the setting screen. |
| US08171053B2 |
Dynamic workflow documentation system
The dynamic workflow documentation system is a computer implemented process comprising the following steps: The dynamic workflow documentation system starts a workflow manager program, a class loader program in a computer memory and creates an instance of a workflow program in the computer memory. The dynamic workflow documentation system extracts metadata properties from the workflow program and records the metadata properties in the memory. The dynamic workflow documentation system notifies the workflow manager that a new instance of the workflow program has been created and repeats the steps of creating an instance of a workflow component program, extracting metadata properties, recording the metadata properties and notifying the workflow manager for all workflow components associated with the workflow program. Security and auditing functions of the dynamic workflow documentation system ensure that workflow programs execute according to the workflow requirements. |
| US08171046B1 |
Converting CQL query results into user-controllable objects
A method is provided. The method includes (a) sending, from a client device to a data storage system, a query regarding elements of the data storage system, (b) receiving, at the client device, from the data storage system, a query result, the query result containing information about a set of elements within the data storage system presented in tabular format, the set of elements being defined by the query, (c) parsing the query result, at the client device, to obtain a class object representing an element of the set of elements, and (d) performing an operation associated with the element on the class object. Corresponding apparatus and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08171043B2 |
Methods for improving the diversity of image search results
Techniques are described to increase the diversity or focus of image search results. A user submits an original query to search for images. A server generates a first results set by executing the original query using metadata associated with each image. The server selects, from the first results set, a specified number of results ranked highest and generates a list of terms from the metadata of each of the results selected. The terms may be only the tags of the results. The server generates an updated query using terms in the list that may be weighted based on the frequency of the term in the list or include only a specified number of the highest occurring terms in the list. The server generates a second results set by executing the updated query using metadata associated with each image. The second results set is then stored and displayed to the user. |
| US08171041B2 |
Support for international search terms
A search engine server supports delivery of search results using an international search string option by identifying websites that provide support in English as well as the language of the international search string. The international search string is a search string in any of the languages that are listed/supported by the search engine server. The search engine server delivers web links of websites that provide support in both English as well the language of the international search string by identifying conjugate English terms, strings or phrases for the international search string, that provide exact or approximate equivalent meaning for searching. In addition, the search engine server also provides web links of websites that provide international language support by utilizing a thesaurus in English that provides synonyms for the conjugate English terms. The search engine server also translates websites where there is no support in the language of the search string. |
| US08171040B2 |
Method and system for navigation of a data structure
A method and system are provided for navigation of a data structure. The method includes receiving an input path expression (104) for a query of a data structure (101) to locate one or more elements (110) in the data structure (101) at runtime. The input path expression (104) includes one or more path steps. The method includes accessing a schema (103) of the data structure (101) and obtaining information relating to the one or more elements (110). The path expression (104) is modified to specify an index in one or more of the path steps to limit the number of occurrences of an element located in a path step. In one embodiment, modifying the path expression (104) also expands any wildcard characters and specifies one or more full paths of the elements (110), wherein if there are two or more full paths they are combined by a union operator, and the modified path expression is used to query (111) the data structure (101) at runtime. |
| US08171037B1 |
System and method for reference number expansion
Method and system are disclosed for expanding a reference number range without altering existing data storage length. Such reference numbers may include employee numbers, social security numbers, customer account numbers, and the like. The method/system takes advantage of the way decimal numbers are stored by computers to allow text to be used in numeric reference numbers. In one implementation, letters A-Z are used for the leftmost position, increasing the domain count of reference numbers from 10 to 36 for that position. A reference number expansion utility is then used to convert the additional reference numbers to and from the existing data storage format. |
| US08171027B1 |
Clustering for additive trees
A computing device-implemented method includes receiving an additive tree; assigning data associated with the additive tree to one or more initial clusters; partitioning the additive tree into one or more pairs of additive sub-trees corresponding to one or more binary segmentations; computing a set that includes partitions resulting from a combination of the one or more initial clusters and the one or more pairs of additive sub-trees; evaluating one or more partitions of the set with one or more cluster validation criteria; storing one or more evaluation results for the one or more partitions; selecting at least one partition from the one or more partitions of the set that satisfies the one or more cluster validation criteria, where the at least one partition is associated with an optimal evaluation result; and removing at least one of the binary segmentations that corresponds to the at least one partition. |
| US08171025B2 |
Density-based data clustering method
A density-based data clustering method, comprising a parameter-setting step for setting a scanning radius and a minimum threshold value, a dividing step for dividing a space of a plurality of data points according to the scanning radius, a data-retrieving step for retrieving one data point out of the plurality of data points as a core data point, a searching step for calculating a distance between the core data point and each of the query points, a grouping determination step for determining whether a number of the neighboring points is smaller than the minimum threshold value. |
| US08171021B2 |
Query identification and association
Apparatus, systems and methods for predictive query identification for advertisements are disclosed. Candidate query are identified from queries stored in a query log. Relevancy scores for a plurality of web documents are generated, each relevancy score associated with a corresponding web document and being a measure of the relevance of the candidate query to the web document. A web document having an associated relevancy score that exceeds a relevancy threshold is selected. The selected web document is associated with the candidate query. |
| US08171018B2 |
SQL code generation for heterogeneous environment
This invention relates generally to a system for processing database queries, and more particularly to a method for generating high level language or machine code to implement query execution plans. In one preferred embodiment, the method begins by receiving a subject query, and then forming an execution plan corresponding to the subject query. The execution plan will typically have a sequence of component snippets or pieces and corresponding processes for implementing the pieces. For at least one piece in the plan, the process then (a) generates source code using different code generation techniques as a function of expected runtime processing machine types; and then (b) compiles the generated source code to form machine executable code for implementing the subject query. As a result, the query executed directly as machine executable code thereby avoiding runtime interpretation of the pieces in the execution plan. |
| US08171014B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for executing a distributed spatial data query
A method for executing a distributed spatial data query. The present invention allows a client to perform spatial queries against spatial data stored in a various formats in various separate databases. A view of the data is created in the relevant databases, wherein the spatial data is converted to WKB and stored as a BLOB. A federated server contains nicknames for the various database views, and also contains views of the data where the BLOB is converted back to a spatial data type. The federated server presents to clients an application view of the distributed heterogeneous spatial data such that the clients can treat the data as if it were a homogenous data source. Also taught is incorporating distributed non-spatial data into the application view by creating a nickname and a view on top of the nickname which derives spatial information from the non-spatial location information. |
| US08171006B1 |
Retrieval of searchable and non-searchable attributes
Retrieving stored data is disclosed. A retrieval request is received for an object. A retrieval response is generated that includes: 1) a first set of searchable attributes associated with the object, wherein an attribute of the first set of attributes is stored in a database in a manner that enables a database query to be performed against the attribute of the first set of attributes; and 2) a second set of non-searchable attributes associated with the object, wherein an attribute of the second set of attributes is stored in the database in a manner that does not enable a database query to be performed against the attribute of the second set of attributes. |
| US08171001B2 |
Using a data mining algorithm to generate rules used to validate a selected region of a predicted column
Provided are an article of manufacture, system, and method for using a data mining algorithm to generate rules used to validate a selected region of a predicted column. A data set has a plurality of columns and records providing data for each of the columns. Selection is received of at least one predicted column for which rules are to be generated and at least one region of the selected at least one predicted column, wherein each region specifies data positions in the column. The data set is processed to determine association relationships among data in at least one predictor column and subsequences in the selected at least one region of the at least one predicted column. At least one rule is generated from the relationships specifying a condition involving at least one predictor column that predicts at least one value in the selected region of the at least one predicted column. |
| US08170999B2 |
Online incremental deferred integrity processing and maintenance of rolled in and rolled out data
A system and a method for the deferral and incremental performance of integrity processing for data rolled into a table of a data warehouse and for the deferral and incremental performance of maintenance on data rolled out of a table of the data warehouse while permitting general users online access to other data contained in the table. The rolled in and rolled out data are contained within specific data partitions of the table. Each data partition in the table has an associated distinguishable partition ID. Each data partition can also have associated attributes corresponding to containing rolled-in and rolled-out data respectively. Table operation mechanisms are arranged such that general users of the table do not access rolled in data in a partition for which integrity processing has not yet been performed and do not access rolled out data. |
| US08170998B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for estimating accuracy of linking of customer relationships
The disclosed methods, systems, and computer-program products allow a business to estimate linking errors in customer relationships in a database and to identify metrics that improve the linking accuracy. In an embodiment, a plurality of sample customer relationships are selected from a database to form a sample data set that is statistically representative of the database. Potential linking errors are then identified within the sample data set. The identified potential linking errors are then validated to identify actual linking errors in the sample data set. Once validated, the actual linking errors within the sample data set are used to estimate linking errors within the database. Further, the estimated linking errors in the database may be analyzed to identify one or more factors that contribute to the linking errors. |
| US08170995B2 |
Method and system for offline indexing of content and classifying stored data
A method and system for creating an index of content without interfering with the source of the content includes an offline content indexing system that creates an index of content from an offline copy of data. The system may associate additional properties or tags with data that are not part of traditional indexing of content, such as the time the content was last available or user attributes associated with the content. Users can search the created index to locate content that is no longer available or based on the associate attributes. |
| US08170991B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing image data on a sequential storage device
Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for managing an image of a storage volume are described. File extents for each of a plurality of files as defined in an original block layout of the image are obtained. A re-ordered block layout is generated by re-ordering, for each file of the plurality of files, blocks as defined by the original block layout based on the file extents of the respective file such that the blocks are contiguous. Layout metadata indicative of a mapping between the original block layout and the re-ordered block layout is generated. An archive image having the re-ordered block layout and the layout metadata is stored to a sequential storage device. |
| US08170987B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for automatically identifying and backing up user device content
Methods, systems and computer program products facilitate intelligent, automatic selection of content on consumer electronic devices to be backed up. User-defined rules selectively and automatically back up content and/or metadata about the content to a network, to another external device, or to an internal chip or memory. Via a user-friendly interface, users can initially set up rules for content backup, and thereafter, content backup can occur automatically. Stored back up content can be replicated on a device, for example, when the content has become corrupted on the device, when the content is lost, and/or when the CPE device crashes. |
| US08170985B2 |
Primary stub file retention and secondary retention coordination in a hierarchical storage system
A protected file is retained in secondary storage for a retention period, and a corresponding stub file is retained in primary storage for the retention period. The stub file retains attributes of the file indicating a location of the file data in the secondary storage and indicting that the stub file is to be retained for the retention period. A system administrator may instruct a primary file server that a secondary file server supports retention based protection and it is desired to protect stub files corresponding to protected files that are migrated to the secondary file server. The primary file server may request the secondary file server to return a protection status of the file after migration. This enables automatic policy-based migration to both file level retention (FLR) and non-FLR retention protected secondary storage from diverse applications accessing FLR or non-FLR files in the primary storage. |
| US08170980B1 |
Universal software architecture for decision support
A universal software architecture for decision support includes an n-tiered architecture for building a universal task and workload management software system. The design incorporates a connectivity tier for activating a data object representative of application specific data; a management tier for activating a workflow object in response to both the data object and application specific rules; and a presentation tier for providing a user with decision support elements responsive to said workflow object. The design may also incorporate a corporate tier for providing the application specific data and rules. |
| US08170977B2 |
Conditional probability tables for Bayesian belief networks
An apparatus for making probabilistic inferences based on a belief network includes a processing system configured to receive as input one or more parameters of a causal influence model. The belief network has a child node Y and one or more parent nodes Xi (i=1, . . . , n) for the child node Y. The causal influence model describes the influence of the parent nodes Xi on possible states of the child node Y. The processing system is further configured to use a creation function to convert the parameters of the causal influence model into one or more entries of a conditional probability table. The conditional probability table provides a probability distribution for all the possible states of the child node Y, for each combination of possible states of the parent nodes Xi. |
| US08170972B2 |
Conflicting rule resolution system
A method for identifying conflicting and duplicate rules in a decision support system is provided. The method includes establishing a first subsystem including a protocol of existing rules, each existing rule includes an input feature. The method also includes creating a new rule that includes an input feature, and comparing terminology in the input feature of the new rule against terminology in the input feature of each existing rule of the protocol using a second subsystem and determining whether the new rule and at least one existing rule from the protocol are similar. |
| US08170971B1 |
Systems and methods for providing recommendations based on collaborative and/or content-based nodal interrelationships
In selected embodiments a recommendation generator builds a network of interrelationships between venues, reviewers and users based on their attributes and reviewer and user reviews of the venues. Each interrelationship or link may be positive or negative and may accumulate with other links (or anti-links) to provide nodal links the strength of which are based on commonality of attributes among the linked nodes and/or common preferences that one node, such as a reviewer, expresses for other nodes, such as venues. The links may be first order (based on a direct relationship between, for instance, a reviewer and a venue) or higher order (based on, for instance, the fact that two venue are both liked by a given reviewer). The recommendation engine in certain embodiments determines recommended venues based on user attributes and venue preferences by aggregating the link matrices and determining the venues which are most strongly coupled to the user. |
| US08170970B2 |
Constraint based system that identifies top constraint expressions
A constraint solver solves a constraint satisfaction problem (“CSP”) that includes a network of variables and constraints. The solver receives a sub-expression and determines if the sub-expression is an internal constraint of the CSP. The internal constraint has a supporting operator expression. If the sub-expression is an internal constraint, the solver determines any or all top constraint expressions associated with the supporting operator expression. |
| US08170966B1 |
Dynamic streaming message clustering for rapid spam-wave detection
In some embodiments, a streaming message classification method dynamically allocates a stream of messages to a variable number of clusters (e.g. message categories), each containing messages which share a set of similar features. Incoming messages are compared to a collection of known spam clusters. New spam types are identified, and new clusters are created automatically and dynamically in order to accommodate the new spam types. Message clustering is performed in a hyperspace of message feature vectors using a modified k-means algorithm. Triangle inequality distance comparisons may be used to accelerate hyperspace distance calculations. |
| US08170965B2 |
Method for governing the operation of a generalist agent within a complex multi-agent adaptive system
Described is a method for governing the operation of a generalist agent within a multi-agent complex adaptive system such that the generalist agent maintains the stability of the system. The method includes the steps of migrating about the system, badging with the specialty agents, participating in the respective function performed by the specialty agents, collecting information while functionally participating as a specialty agent, evaluating the collected information, reconfiguring source code in view of the evaluated information, testing the reconfigured source code through additional functional participation, determining the usefulness of the reconfigured source code, archiving any reconfigured source code determined to be useful, and distributing the useful reconfigured source code. |
| US08170964B2 |
Method for planning a semiconductor manufacturing process based on users' demands using a fuzzy system and a genetic algorithm model
A method for planning a semiconductor manufacturing process based on users' demands includes the steps of: establishing a genetic algorithm model and inputting data; establishing a fuzzy system and setting one output parameter representing percent difference of each cost function in neighbor generations; setting to have a modulation parameter corresponding to each input parameter for adjusting fuzzy sets of the output parameter; executing genetic algorithm actions; executing fuzzy inference actions; eliminating chromosomes that produce output parameter smaller than a defined lower limit, and the remaining chromosomes that produces the largest output parameter is defined as the optimum chromosome, wherein the genetic algorithm actions stops being executed upon the optimum chromosome; then determining whether or not a defined number of generations has been reached, if yes, executing the optimum chromosome of the last generation; if no, continuing executing the genetic algorithm actions, thereby finding the optimum semiconductor manufacturing process for users. |
| US08170954B2 |
Secure and efficient payment processing system with account holder defined transaction limitations
A method for carrying out commercial transactions includes establishing a transaction processing system on an electronic communications network, and establishing an account within the transaction processing system for a corresponding account holder. One or more descriptions of acceptable future commercial transactions related to the account are obtained from the account holder. Commercial transactions carried out via the transaction processing system are administered, and it is verified that administered commercial transactions related to the account meet one or more of the descriptions obtained. |
| US08170952B2 |
System and method for providing instant-decision, financial network-based payment cards
A system and method for issuance of a financial network-based payment card (generally known as a “payment card” or a “credit card”) almost instantaneously after application, wherein an applicant applies for a credit card by entering data into a data entry system using a handheld electronic device, advantageously by filling in a plurality of predefined forms in a computer-based data entry system. The applicant's data is sent via a data network to a central decision center, which approves or disapproves the application. If the application is approved, data is generated, a payment card is activated, and a result of the determination to issue is sent to the handheld electronic device. |
| US08170950B1 |
System and method for automated order entry on short queues
Orders are automatically sent to the market when certain user defined conditions are met. In particular, a trader can configure the trading application to automatically send orders for preset quantities at price levels with queues falling below a user-defined threshold. The length of queues may be measured in several ways, for example, the queue length could be measured by quantity at a given price level or the queue length could be measured by the number of orders at a given price level, or the queue length could be measured by a combination of quantity and orders. The present embodiments can more quickly recognize opportunities and send an order to take advantage of it than a trader can do manually. Other advantages and features are described herein. |
| US08170949B2 |
Products and processes for order distribution
Systems and methods for trading financial instruments through multiple trading intermediaries are described. |
| US08170947B2 |
Fraud detection based on call attempt velocity on terminating number
A method of identifying fraud in a telecommunications system, the method including receiving data related to a current call placed from an originating ANI to a terminating ANI, where the received data includes the terminating ANI and a billing number used to place the call. Billing numbers for prior calls to the terminating ANI, if any, and corresponding indicia of the times of the calls are retrieved. A determination is made of whether the number of billing numbers used for the current and prior calls to the terminating ANI over a prior period of time falling within a time interval satisfies a threshold. If the threshold is satisfied, a fraud alert is generated. |
| US08170946B2 |
Cost management file translation methods, systems, and apparatuses for extended commerce
A quantity of an item referenced within a multilevel bill of material (BOM) is determined. A price bid for the item is received into an application framework from a supplier. The price bid is associated with the item. The cost of the multilevel BOM is determined based on the quantity of the item and the price bid. |
| US08170935B2 |
Systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of a model portfolio of a financial instrument
System and methods for checking portfolios used to model the behavior of actively managed funds to facilitate intra-day trading of actively managed exchange traded funds (AMETFs) without revealing the fund assets. Exchange traded notes based on an underlying actively managed fund without revealing the fund assets. Computer means are used to perform a statistical comparison between a model portfolio and the AMETF, and a statistical comparison compares the periodic values, returns, or risk characteristics of the model portfolio and the financial instrument over some period of time, periodically sending or publishing the results of the statistical comparison. The model portfolio does not reveal the assets of the financial instrument. |
| US08170932B1 |
System and method for data management and financial transaction categorization
A transaction management system includes a database system configured to receive and store data for a plurality of financial transactions, the data for the plurality of financial transactions being associated with a plurality of financial accounts of a user. The system further includes a server system coupled to the database system and configured to categorize the plurality of financial transactions into a plurality of categories, the categories including merchant categories and payment method categories, the server system being further configured to provide a plurality of user interfaces to the user, each user interface providing a display of a different portion of the plurality of financial transactions, each user interface configured to enable a user to select a link configured to direct the user to an image of a check associated with one of the plurality of financial transactions; and categorize the financial transaction into a one of the merchant categories. |
| US08170931B2 |
Configuring user-customized services for networked devices
Systems and methods for managing one or more aspects of a user's relationship with one or more media devices or other information handling systems and one or more media content providers. In some embodiments, a service center functions as a central management point and includes various modules configured to provide the management services. |
| US08170924B1 |
Real time auction with end game
A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids. |
| US08170922B2 |
Multi-party payment object oriented system and method
The present invention involves a server for accommodating multiple payments in an e-commerce transaction. The server includes a processor with a communications device and software modules. The vendor software module is adapted to receive payment requirements from a vendor via the communications device, and also to receive payment parameters from an initiator. The payment parameters include an item payment amount and an identification of at least one contributor. The contributor software module is adapted to obtain payment information from at least one of the initiator and the contributors wherein the payment information is sufficient to authorize the commitment of funds to a transaction. The aggregation software module is adapted to send participation messages via the communications device to at least one contributor. The participation messages include information on the item, the item payment amount, and directions for the contributor to interact with the contributor module. Further, the aggregation software module maintains a total of committed funds and initiates a payment transaction when the committed funds are sufficient to pay the vendor the item payment amount. |
| US08170919B2 |
Method and system for on-line, real-time, interactive collaborative visualization
An inventive system and method for collaborative commerce is presented. The invention comprises activating an art board, placing items onto the art board, inviting users to interact with the art board, and collaborating with the invited users. Additional features and functions include purchasing items shown on the art board, including by placing the items in a shopping cart, using e-mail, text messaging, and instant messaging to invite users, who may be chosen from a buddy list. Collaborating can be performed using voice chatting, video chatting, instant messaging, and text messaging, and includes examining reviews, ratings, reputations, and recommendations, and also includes displaying details regarding the items. In addition, reports comprising information regarding the items can be generated. A toolbar can be located on the art board and used to initiate inviting of users and placing of items onto the art board. |
| US08170917B2 |
Information communication system, content output apparatus, user apparatus, content delivery apparatus, and methods for controlling content output apparatus, user apparatus, and content delivery apparatus
In an information communication system, a portable apparatus stores owned content information as list information about a content already purchased by a user. The portable apparatus transmits the owned content information to an in-vehicle apparatus capable of wireless communication. When the in-vehicle apparatus does not store the content the user already purchased, the in-vehicle apparatus acquires content data for the content from a content delivery server. The information communication system can automatically supplement the in-vehicle apparatus to be used by the user with the content the user already purchased. As a result, the user can use the already purchased content on the in-vehicle apparatus without any inconvenient operations. |
| US08170911B1 |
Incentive program awarding points per-mile-driven
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to incentive programs awarding loyalty points based at least in part upon the number of miles driven in a motor vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, reward points can be earned by having the vehicle serviced at authorized locations, such as a dealership. At the time of servicing, the authorized location notes the current vehicle odometer reading, and this odometer reading is communicated to an administrator of the loyalty program. The odometer reading in turn serves as the basis for calculating the number of miles driven since the last authorized servicing, and for conversion of this mileage figure into loyalty points to be credited to the owner, lessor, or renter of the vehicle. In this manner, a manufacturer of an automobile or other sponsor of a co-branded payment card can provide incentives for servicing only at manufacturer-authorized locations such as dealerships, thereby enhancing profitability of the dealership and promoting relations between manufacturer and dealer. |
| US08170908B1 |
Apparatus and method for processing agricultural materials and changing the proportions of output materials
Apparatus and method for optimizing different amounts of output products derived from an initial biomass material. The method includes obtaining economic data of costs and availability of raw materials and resources, and prices that would be paid for output products derived, performing calculations to determine an optimum amount of each of the output products; and controlling processes that generate the output products. In some embodiments, the processes convert initial biomass materials into intermediate and output products, an economic engine that obtains economic data relating to costs of initial materials and prices that would be paid for output products derived from the raw materials, and performs calculations to determine an optimum amount of each of the output products, and valves that are controlled by the economic engine to route variable amounts of the initial biomass materials to the processes to obtain a mix of output products that provides an optimum profit. |
| US08170899B2 |
Supply chain reservation
A method for managing a supply chain which provides for mapping each demand and its respective source of supply. The method entails attaching a reservation between a demand and a supply. The reservation is updated as the status of the source of supply changes. As a result, the user has complete visibility for modeling the entire supply chain as material moves from one location to another. |
| US08170898B2 |
System and method for facilitating bilateral and multilateral decision-making
Techniques for facilitating evaluation, in connection with the procurement or delivery of products or services, in a context of at least one of (i) a financial transaction and (ii) operation of an enterprise, are disclosed. The techniques involve retrieving party and counterparty preference profile data from digital storage media; performing multilateral analyses of the combined preference data by computing a closeness-of-fit value; and delivering a list matching the selected party and the at least one counterparty using the computed closeness-of-fit values. |
| US08170897B1 |
Automated validation of results of human performance of tasks
Techniques are described for facilitating automated validation of results of performance of tasks. In some situations, task requesters may specify various automated validation criteria for tasks that they submit, and those specified validation criteria may automatically be used to determine whether results of performance of those tasks by task performers are validated. To facilitate such automated validation, predefined types of validation criteria may be provided that a user may select and/or configure. The outcome of automated validation of results may be used in various ways, such as to indicate when results have been validated and/or have not been validated, to determine whether to provide results to a task requester (e.g., if results are not provided unless they have been validated, or if results that fail validation are corrected or replaced with results that pass validation) and/or to compensate task performers for providing the results. |
| US08170891B2 |
User interface for generating and managing medical documentation sets
Methods, computer storage media, systems and user interfaces for generating and/or managing medical documentation sets are provided. Medical documentation sets are generated by replicating a predetermined medical template. After the predetermined medical template is replicated, the medical label associated with the medical documentation set may be modified so that the medication documentation set includes a unique medical label. Upon the completion of a medication documentation set, it may be retrieved and managed as desired. |
| US08170882B2 |
Multichannel audio coding
Multiple channels of audio are combined either to a monophonic composite signal or to multiple channels of audio along with related auxiliary information from which multiple channels of audio are reconstructed, including improved downmixing of multiple audio channels to a monophonic audio signal or to multiple audio channels and improved decorrelation of multiple audio channels derived from a monophonic audio channel or from multiple audio channels. Aspects of the disclosed invention are usable in audio encoders, decoders, encode/decode systems, downmixers, upmixers, and decorrelators. |
| US08170877B2 |
Printing to a text-to-speech output device
A method for producing speech output can include the step of selecting a TTS output device from a plurality of available output devices. The selected output device can be associated with outputting content of an application responsive to a print command. According to the method, the print command can be detected, which results in the content of the application being conveyed to the selected TTS output device. The TTS output device can be associated with at least one text-to-speech engine. Upon content conveyance to the TTS output device, at least a portion of the content can be automatically converted using the text-to-speech engine. The speech converted content can be outputted. |
| US08170876B2 |
Speech processing apparatus and program
A word dictionary including sets of a character string which constitutes a word, a phoneme sequence which constitutes pronunciation of the word and a part of speech of the word is referenced, an entered text is analyzed, the entered text is divided into one or more subtexts, a phoneme sequence and a part of speech sequence are generated for each subtext, the part of speech sequence of the subtext and a list of part of speech sequence are collated to determine whether the phonetic sound of the subtext is to be converted or not, and the phonetic sounds of the phoneme sequence in the subtext whose phonetic sounds are determined to be converted are converted. |
| US08170873B1 |
Comparing events in word spotting
An approach to comparing events in word spotting, such as comparing putative and reference instances of a keyword, makes use of a set of models of subword units. For each of two acoustic events and for each of a series of times in each of the events, a probability associated with each of the models of the set of subword units is computed. Then, a quantity characterizing a comparison of the two acoustic events, one occurring in each of the two acoustic signals, is computed using the computed probabilities associated with each of the models. |
| US08170869B2 |
Method to detect and assist user intentions with real time visual feedback based on interaction language constraints and pattern recognition of sensory features
A language model back-off system can be used with a user interface employing one or more language models to constrain navigation of selectable user interface input components. A user input interpretation module receives user input and interprets the user input to determine if a selection is made of one or more user interface input components. If a selection is not made, the user input interpretation module determines whether conditions are met for backing off one or more language models employed to constrain navigation of the user interface input components. If the conditions are met, a language model back-off module backs off the one or more language models. |
| US08170865B2 |
Speech recognition device and method thereof
A speech recognition device and a method thereof are adapted to recognize a Chinese word. The speech recognition device includes a lexicon model, a language model, a speech recognition module, and a parsing module. The lexicon model keeps a plurality of words. The speech recognition module performs a speech recognition processing on a voice signal conforming to a syntax structure of Chinese word description. The speech recognition processing searches words related to the Chinese word description from the lexicon model according to a feature of the Chinese word description, and produces a literal word series in digital data form by referring a syntax combination probability. The language model based on the syntax structure of Chinese word description provides the syntax combination probability according to combination relations between the searched words. The parsing module analyzes the syntax structure of the literal word series for retrieving the Chinese word. |
| US08170864B2 |
Method and apparatus for capturing graphic user interface resource of an application
A method and apparatus for capturing graphic user interface resource of an application, which method comprises: loading resource files in which visible text data in graphic user interfaces of the application are stored; duplicating the resource files; adding identification information to each visible text data unit in the resource files, the identification information being used to uniquely identify each visible text data unit in each of the resource files; capturing at least one panel of graphic user interface according to the graphic user interfaces of the application; and saving the duplicated resource files and the at least one captured panel as the graphic user interface resource of the application into an intermediate file. Advantageously, a linkage can be built up between the visible text data and the resource bundles by adding the unique identification information to each visible text data unit, and the application environment of the visible text data can be obtained by capturing the panels of graphic user interface of the application when the application is executed, so as to provide a basis for precise translation of the visible text data. There is also provided a method and apparatus for editing graphic user interfaces of an application. |
| US08170862B2 |
Document image processing device and document image processing program for maintaining layout in translated documents
A document image processing device includes a region dividing unit that divides a document image into sentence regions, a character recognizing unit that recognizes characters in each sentence region obtained by the region dividing unit, a classifying unit that classifies the sentence regions into groups based on first character sizes and first line spacings, a translation unit that translates the characters constituting a character string in each sentence region, a calculating unit that calculates second character sizes and second line spacings, and a correcting unit that corrects the second character sizes and the second line spacings of the sentence regions classified into a same group by the classified unit so that differences in second character size and second line spacing between the sentence regions of the same group is substantially equal to or less than predetermined values. |
| US08170860B2 |
Method and device for emulating control and/or regulating functions of a control or regulating device
A method and an emulation device for emulating control and/or regulating functions of a control or regulating unit, in particular of a motor vehicle. For emulation, the functions are swapped out into an external emulation computer, a data circuit is produced before the beginning of the emulation via a software interface of the emulation computer and a software interface of the control/regulating unit. In order to significantly accelerate the development and programming of new control/regulating functions of the control/regulating unit, the software interfaces are configured for the emulation of different control/regulating functions before the beginning of the emulation without changing the software. |
| US08170858B2 |
Characterization and modeling of ferroelectric capacitors
Simulation of an electronic circuit including a model of a ferroelectric capacitor. The model of the ferroelectric capacitor includes a multi-domain ferroelectric capacitor, in which each of the domains is associated with a positive and a negative coercive voltage. A probability distribution function of positive and negative coercive voltages is defined, from which a weighting function of the distribution of domains having those coercive voltages is defined. The electrical behavior of the ferroelectric capacitor is evaluated by evaluating the polarization of each of the domains, as weighted by the weighting function. A time-dependent factor can be included in the polarization expression evaluated for each domain, to include the effect of relaxation. The effects of longer-term mechanisms, such as imprint, can be modeled by deriving a probability distribution function for the domains after an accelerated stress. |
| US08170857B2 |
In-situ design method and system for improved memory yield
A system and method for designing integrated circuits includes determining a target memory module for evaluation and improvement by evaluating performance variables of the memory module. The performance variables are statistically simulated over subset combinations of variables based on pin information for the module. Sensitivities of performance on yield to the variables in the subset combinations are determined. It is then determined whether yield of the target module is acceptable, and if the yield is not acceptable, a design which includes the target module is adjusted in accordance with the sensitivities to adjust the yield. |
| US08170854B2 |
Behavioral model generation
A model of a device is generated. An input port of the device is stimulated with a large amplitude signal having a central frequency. A first port of the device is perturbed with a small amplitude signal tone. The small amplitude signal tone is at a frequency offset slightly from a harmonic of the central frequency. Spectral component frequencies of a resulting signal from the device are obtained to determine model coefficients for the device. At least some of the spectral component frequencies occur at frequencies offset slightly from harmonics of the central frequency. |
| US08170851B2 |
Method and apparatus for surveying a borehole with a rotating sensor package
A method and apparatus for surveying a borehole using a rotating sensor package. A sensor tool preferably including a magnetometer sensor array is disposed in the bottom hole assembly of a drillstring. Conditioning circuitry in the sensor tool processes the sensor readings from the sensor array taken while the drillstring is rotating. In one embodiment, the conditioning circuitry includes processing circuitry adapted to adjust the sensor readings to account for an analytically predicted level of axial current induced in the drillstring as a result of its rotation in the Earth's magnetic field. In another embodiment, a current generator is provided to generate a counter-current intended to cancel the analytically predicted level of axial current induced in the drillstring as a result of rotation in the Earth's magnetic field. In another embodiment, insulating members are disposed above and/or below the sensor tool to prevent conduction of rotation-induced current therein. In still another embodiment, the sensor tool is disposed in a drill collar that is composed of a non-conducting material, such that no rotation-induced current is conducted through the sensor tool. |
| US08170848B2 |
System and method for providing simulation model penetration presentation
A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page. |
| US08170842B2 |
Fabric modelling
A method of modelling fabric properties and behavior first involves generating (16) a yarn model from fiber parameters, which may be empirically determined. The yarn model is homogenised (18, 20) to produce a homogenous representation of the yarn (YMM), suitable for use in finite element analysis. The method may then, secondly, involve generating (24) a fabric weave model by finite element analysis of the yarn representation (YMM). The fabric model is then also homogenised (26, 28) to produce a homogeneous representation of the fabric (FMM), suitable for use in finite element analysis. Finite element analysis of the fabric representation (FMM) can then be used to assess the suitability of various fabric materials for technical applications. |
| US08170837B2 |
Oilfield equipment identification method and apparatus
A system comprising a piece of oilfield equipment, an identifier assembly and a reader. The piece of oilfield equipment has an exterior surface. The identifier assembly comprises an identification tag storing a unique identifier. The identification tag is capable of outputting a signal indicative of the unique identifier. The identification tag is mounted to the exterior surface of the piece of oilfield equipment beyond an external surface perimeter of the piece of oilfield equipment such that the identification tag is isolated from the exterior surface of the piece of oilfield equipment. The reader has an antenna receiving the signal indicative of the unique identifier from the identification tag. |
| US08170836B1 |
Low-power triggered data acquisition system and method
A low-power triggered data acquisition system and method utilizes low-powered circuitry, comparators, and digital logic incorporated into a miniaturized device interfaced with self-generating transducer sensor inputs to detect, identify and assess impact and damage to surfaces and structures wherein, upon the occurrence of a triggering event that produces a signal greater than a set threshold changes the comparator output and causes the system to acquire and store digital data representative of the incoming waveform on at least one triggered channel. The sensors may be disposed in an array to provide triangulation and location of the impact. |
| US08170830B2 |
Method and system for providing tolerance to interference and obstructions of line of sight
Various aspects of the present invention are shown and described, each of which has stand alone utility in a navigated medical environment. A receiver position calibration system and method facilitates calibration of a reference frame prior to each navigated procedure. A concept and application of confidence weights is introduced. Confidence weights can be applied to distance calculations to mitigate the effects of interference and increase the tolerance of the navigated medical system. Multi-path interference is minimized through the transmission of a signal having a pattern of unique frequencies and filtering of the distance calculations for each frequency to identify the “best” distance in the presence of multi-path interference. A position determination method and system that transmits a signal having multiple frequency components permits positions to be identified with high resolution over a large area. |
| US08170827B2 |
Drop mass deviation measuring apparatus, drop mass deviation measuring method of the same, pattern forming system using the same, and control method of the pattern forming system using the same
A drop mass deviation measuring apparatus, a drop mass deviation measuring method, a pattern forming system, and a control method measure mass deviations of drops discharged from a plurality of drop discharge units in real time with high precision. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of drops discharged from a plurality of drop discharge units, a drop moving force providing part to provide moving forces, having directions different from discharge directions of each of the plurality of drops, to the plurality of drops, a discharged drop position detection member to acquire drop position images individually reflecting the a position of each of the plurality of drops, and a drop mass deviation measurement control part to calculate a drop discharge direction separation angle of each of the plurality of drops using the drop position images acquired by the discharged drop position detection member to measure mass deviation of each of the drops. |
| US08170825B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating seeders
A calibration device for calibrating a metering system that dispenses a product to a seeder towed by a farm vehicle is provided for obtaining and maintaining a desired rate of delivery of the product from the seeder. The calibration device includes a first console port positioned at or near the farm vehicle and a second console port at or near the metering system, each operative to receive at least one a calibration console for calibrating the rate of product delivery and adjust the metering system accordingly. |
| US08170823B1 |
Jitter estimation in phase-locked loops
A phase-locked loop is characterized by analyzing phase noise in its output signal while known levels of input phase noise are provided. The resulting data provides intrinsic phase noise and gain of the phase-locked loop. These values provide a general relationship between input phase noise and output phase noise for the phase-locked loop, which allows estimation of output phase noise corresponding to a given level of input phase noise, and allows estimation of input phase noise corresponding to a given level of output phase noise. |
| US08170822B2 |
Compensation method for touch sensor system
A compensation method devoid of operating voltage calibration, establishing fundamental linearity calibration table and inputting, and detecting the actual operating voltage is disclosed. The compensation method comprises the steps of: a) turning off a switch in a touch sensor system; b) initializing the touch sensor system and measuring a reference frequency outputted from a oscillator in the touch sensor system; c) turning on the switch and measuring a first frequency outputted from the oscillator; and d) deducting the first frequency from the reference frequency so as to obtain a frequency difference; and e) comparing the difference with a predetermined value, and judging based upon the difference if the touch sensor system is touched by a foreign object. |
| US08170820B2 |
Virtual probing
A method and apparatus for generating one or more transfer functions for converting waveforms. The method comprises the steps of determining a system description, representative of a circuit, comprising a plurality of system components, each system component comprising at least one component characteristic, the system description further comprising at least one measurement node and at least one output node, each of the at least one measurement nodes representative of a waveform digitizing location in the circuit. One or more transfer functions are determined for converting a waveform from one or more of the at least one measurement nodes to a waveform at one or more of the at least one output nodes. The generated transfer functions are then stored in a computer readable medium. |
| US08170818B2 |
Battery state estimator using multiple sampling rates
A method for estimating vehicle battery parameters that uses two different sampling rates. The method samples a battery terminal voltage and current at a high sampling rate to estimate the battery open circuit voltage and high frequency resistance. The battery state of charge (SOC) is derived from the open circuit voltage. Next, the battery terminal voltage and current are re-sampled at a low sampling rate. Other battery parameters can be extracted from the low-rate sampled signals. Next, all of the battery parameters that were obtained from the two sampling rates are used together to predict battery power. |
| US08170817B2 |
Method and device for determining the electrical loadability of overhead lines by means of temperature measurement
In a method for determining the electrical loadability of power lines by temperature measurement, the temperature is measured with at least one sensor arranged on the power line and connected to a data processing system, wherein the time-dependent temperature of the power line is determined by an existing or a weighted load parameter, and wherein based on the electrical current and the temperature measured by the sensor, taking into account either the existing or a weighted load parameter, a time-dependent electrical load is determined in the data processing system. |
| US08170816B2 |
Parallel arc detection using discrete wavelet transforms
An apparatus to perform parallel arc fault current interruption (AFCI) is provided. The apparatus includes a current sensing device disposed in the electrical circuit, a detection unit configured to receive an output signal produced by the current sensing device and to output a secondary signal based on the output signal, a microcontroller coupled to the detection unit, configured to receive and to decompose the secondary signal via discrete wavelet transforms to thereby obtain discrete wavelet coefficients, to compute a sum of the discrete wavelet coefficients, and to compare the sum of the discrete wavelet coefficients to a predetermined threshold, and to generate a trip signal when the sensed load current is above a predetermined threshold and the sum of the discrete wavelet coefficients cooperatively indicate that predetermined threshold conditions are satisfied. |
| US08170815B2 |
RF fingerprinting for location estimation
The location of a terminal is estimated within an area of coverage of a wireless network comprising at least one fixed node by measuring a complex frequency response of a radio channel between the terminal and one of said fixed nodes and estimating the location of the terminal on the basis of at least a comparison between data representing a first metric of the measured complex frequency response and data representing a plurality of stored metrics, each of said plurality of stored metrics being related to one of a plurality of different locations within the network and each stored metric being of a complex frequency response measured between the said one of said fixed nodes and the location within the network to which the metric relates. |
| US08170814B2 |
Systems and methods to determine an impedance mismatch
In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving data related to a customer premise equipment (CPE) device and determining an impedance mismatch between a transmission line and the CPE device based on the received data. The method further includes initiating removal of a source of the impedance mismatch in response to determining the impedance mismatch. |
| US08170811B2 |
Drive device comprising a drive shaft and a device for detecting torque
A drive device, which has a drive shaft mounted in such a way as to rotate about an axis, two driving cranks which are connected to the drive shaft in an angularly rigid manner in relation to the axis in the peripheral direction, and an output element which is connected to the drive shaft and transmits torque between the drive shaft and a load element. To enable the measurement of the torque transmitted by the shaft as easily and economically as possible, the drive device has at least one magnetostrictive sensor which is connected to the drive shaft in a fixed manner and axially arranged between a driving crank and the output element. |
| US08170810B2 |
Method for monitoring the load on rotor blades of wind energy installations
In a method for monitoring the load on rotor blades of wind energy installations by measuring acceleration on at least one rotor blade of a wind energy installation and determining load on the rotor blade from the picked-up acceleration signals, dynamic, even uncritical load states can be detected, in differentiated fashion, and combined in a suitable form for evaluation in order to influence, if possible prior to the onset of damage to the rotor blade, the mode of operation of the wind energy installation, in particular the design of the pitch control or angle setting of stall-regulated rotor blades, on the basis both of all of the rotor blades together and of a single rotor blade. Frequency of occurrence of the load values over a certain period of time is determined from amplitudes of the acceleration signal or amplitudes of selected natural oscillations of the frequency spectra are obtained by Fourier transformation. |
| US08170805B2 |
Method for selecting statistically validated candidate genes
Provided herein are methods for evaluating associations between candidate genes and a trait of interest in a population. The methods include a combination of genome-wide association analysis and one or more of nested association mapping (NAM), expression QTL analysis (eQTL), and allele epistastic analysis (AEA). Markers are selected or prioritized if they are shown to be positively-correlated with a trait of interest using GWA and a combination of one or both of NAM and eQTL. Also provided are models for evaluating the association between a candidate marker and a trait in a nested population of organisms. These methods include single marker regression and multiple marker regression models. Markers identified using the methods of the invention can be used in marker assisted breeding and selection, as genetic markers for constructing linkage maps, for gene discovery, for identifying genes contributing to a trait of interest, and for generating transgenic organisms having a desired trait. |
| US08170802B2 |
Communication between sensor units and a recorder
A seismic acquisition system. In one implementation, the seismic acquisition system includes a recorder having a memory having a communication protocol application stored therein and one or more sensor units in communication with the recorder through a communications network. Each sensor unit may include a memory having the communication protocol application stored therein. |
| US08170801B2 |
Determining fluid rate and phase information for a hydrocarbon well using predictive models
Physical models of wells are used to determine rate and phase composition for fluid produced from or injected into the wells on a near real time and continuous basis. The method can be used to alert operators or others of conditions in a well or field to permit more immediate response. The method can be more tolerant of sensor faults, sensor drift, anomalous data or other occurrences which could otherwise lead to incorrect output. More than one model can be used to permit a hierarchy of calculation such that the rate and phase determination is more tolerant of anomalous data. The calculated rate and phase values from one or more wells can be reconciled against facility data. |
| US08170792B2 |
Vehicle control device
A vehicle control device which can at least provide compatibility between a high grip performance and fuel efficiency or compatibility between quietness and fuel efficiency is provided. When a camber angle of a wheel 2 is adjusted to a negative camber, ground contact in a first tread 21 is increased and ground contact in a second tread 22 is decreased. Accordingly, the high grip performance or the quietness is provided. On the other hand, when the camber angle of the wheel 2 is adjusted to a positive camber, the ground contact in the first tread 21 is decreased and the ground contact in the second tread 22 is increased. Accordingly, a rolling resistance becomes low, and fuel saving is achieved. In this manner, by adjusting the camber angle of the wheel 2, the compatibility can be provided between conflicting performances of the high grip performance or the quietness and the fuel saving. |
| US08170786B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining reference points for groups of data
In a method and apparatus for the management of data, particularly coordinate data, which are determined with respect to a number of predetermined reference points with a spatial distribution around the respective reference points using at least one sensor arrangement, such as a coordinate determination arrangement, the data points are grouped into a number of classes in accordance with a first distance criterion, a respective center point of the data point classes is determined, a distance of each data point from the center points of the data point classes is compared with a second distance criterion, and the various individual data point classes are assigned to respective reference points. |
| US08170784B2 |
Method and apparatus for moving content to mobile devices
A method and apparatus is provided for moving content to a mobile device (2). A data item (34) of a predetermined type is received at a first device (14), the data item (34) including a content URI for fetching content associated with the data item. Upon detecting that the data item (34) is of the predetermined type, the first device (14) generates a symbol (40) representing at least: a local address of a content-retrieval device (14) on a local wireless network, and an explicit or implicit identifier of the content associated with the data item. The symbol (40) is then read using the mobile device (2). The mobile device (2) decodes the symbol and transmits a request, containing the content identifier, to the content-retrieval device (14). On receiving the request, the content-retrieval device (14) uses—the content identifier in the request to obtain that content, and replies to the request with the obtained content. |
| US08170780B2 |
Apparatus and method for control of a vehicle
An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle. |
| US08170774B2 |
Method and devices for the control of the air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine
Methods and devices for controlling the normalized air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine, otherwise known, in technical terms, as Lambda. The present invention is based on the use of the ionization current released by a device positioned on each cylinder of the engine. This ionization current is measured by a Control Unit equipped with a low-pass filter and electronic means which implement the invention. |
| US08170771B2 |
Fluid-powered thrust reverser actuation system speed control
A fluid-powered thrust reverser actuation speed control system and method are provided. A drive fluid is supplied to a fluid-powered drive mechanism that is coupled to a thrust reverser movable component to thereby move the thrust reverser movable component at a first movement speed. A determination is made as to when the thrust reverser movable component attains a predetermined position. In response to the thrust reverser movable component attaining the predetermined position, the drive fluid supplied to the fluid-powered drive mechanism is controlled to thereby move the thrust reverser movable component at a second movement speed that is less than the first movement speed. |
| US08170768B2 |
Slip ratio estimating device and slip ratio control device
The present invention provides a slip rate estimating device measuring a slip ratio without the need for a body speed and a slip ratio control device using the slip ratio estimating device. A motor torque measured by a torque measuring instrument is input to each of a vehicle model (601) and an SRE (602) that performs calculations including time differentiation of the slip ratio. The vehicle model (601) derives a wheel rotation speed, a wheel rotation acceleration, and a body speed. The vehicle model (601) outputs the wheel rotation speed and the wheel rotation acceleration to the SRE (602). The SRE (602) outputs the slip ratio based on the motor torque, the wheel rotation speed, and the wheel rotation acceleration. |
| US08170766B2 |
System and method for supplying power to ABS for vehicle
A system and method for supplying power to an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for a vehicle includes: determining whether an ignition key has been turned on; comparing voltage of a first battery unit, configured to apply the power to an ABS actuation unit, with voltage of a second battery unit, connected to the first battery unit, if the ignition key has been turned on; determining whether the ABS actuation unit is operating if the voltage of the first battery unit is lower than the voltage of the second battery unit; and charging the first battery unit with the power if the ABS actuation unit is operating, and balancing the voltage of the first battery unit and the voltage of the second battery unit if the ABS actuation unit is not operating. |
| US08170763B2 |
Method for controlling a drive system and/or wheel braking system
A method is provided for controlling a drive system and/or a wheel braking system of a vehicle, in which a total braking power to be exerted on the wheels of a motor vehicle is composed of a drive braking power and/or a wheel braking power. The instantaneously set drive braking power is frozen when, starting from a steady state operating mode, the gradient of the required total braking power exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US08170757B2 |
Selection device for shifting a vehicle transmission
A selection device for shifting a vehicle transmission, with a operating element (4), which can be rotated into different shift positions (6, 7, 8, 9) about an axis of rotation (5) and with a shaft (21), which is connected to the operating element (4) and is rotatable about the axis of rotation. An angle of rotation sensing device (32) is connected to the shaft, by which a rotation of the operating element (4) about the axis of rotation (5) can be sensed. An actuator (22) is provided by which a torque can be applied to the shaft (21) or a torque can be applied to oppose a rotation of the shaft (21). A control is connected to the angle of rotation sensing device (32) and to the actuator (22) for controlling the torque. The vehicle transmission (10) can be shifted into shift states (P, R, N, D) assigned to the shift positions (6, 7, 8, 9), wherein the shaft (21) extends along the axis of rotation (5) between the angle of rotation sensing means (32) and the operating element (4), which is designed as a rotary knob or button and is arranged at a first end (28) of shaft (21). |
| US08170752B2 |
Parking assistance apparatus, vehicle-side apparatus of parking assistance apparatus, parking assist method, and parking assist program
A parking assistance apparatus makes it easy for a driver to grasp a relative positional relation between a vehicle and a target parking position and makes it possible to park the vehicle at the target parking position in a parking space with accuracy.An image of a mark M in a parking space S is taken by a vehicle-side camera 7. A relative position calculation portion 8 calculates a relative positional relation between the vehicle and a target parking position T based on the taken image of the mark M. A backward locus calculation portion 9 calculates an expected locus when the vehicle moves based on the relative positional relation and based on a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor 15. An image of the parking space S is taken by a parking-space-side camera 3 and transmitted to a vehicle-side apparatus 1. An image composition portion 12 composes the image of the parking space S from the parking-space-side camera 3 and the expected locus calculated by the backward locus calculation portion 9. The composed image is displayed on the monitor 14 located in the vicinity of a drivers seat of the vehicle. |
| US08170749B2 |
Roll rigidity controller of vehicle
A target roll angle of the vehicle is computed based on an actual lateral acceleration at the centroid of the vehicle, and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle at the centroid is corrected by use of lateral acceleration correction amounts based on a yaw rate of the vehicle, whereby the lateral accelerations of the vehicle at the front wheel position and the rear wheel position are computed. Subsequently, target anti-roll moments at the front wheel position and the rear wheel position are computed based on the target roll angle and the accelerations of the vehicle at the front wheel position and the rear wheel position, and active stabilizer apparatuses of the front and rear wheels are controlled based on these target anti-roll moments. |
| US08170747B2 |
Fleet maintenance method and in-vehicle communication system
A fleet maintenance method for generating a suggested speed for each vehicle in a fleet to maintain the vehicle in the fleet is provided. In the fleet maintenance method, vehicles are clustered into a plurality of sub-fleets, and in each sub-fleet, one vehicle is selected as a leader vehicle and the other vehicles are considered as member vehicles. Besides, a position coordinate and a speed of each vehicle in each sub-fleet are obtained, and the position coordinate is converted into a corresponding linear coordinate. In addition, a sub-fleet gravity center of each sub-fleet and a fleet gravity center of the entire fleet are calculated according to the linear coordinates. Moreover, a suggested speed of each leader vehicle is generated according to a gravity center distance of the leader vehicle, and a suggested speed of each member vehicle is generated. |
| US08170742B2 |
Antilock braking system diagnostic tool and method
A method of diagnosing, installing, repairing and/or maintaining an antilock braking system (ABS) unit in a motorcycle. The method includes connecting a diagnostic tool to an ABS unit of a motorcycle, communicating with the ABS unit using the diagnostic tool and informing a mechanic utilizing the diagnostic tool about a component in the ABS unit. Also, a tool for diagnosing, installing, repairing and/or maintaining an antilock braking system (ABS) unit in a motorcycle. |
| US08170737B2 |
Method of controlling vehicle powertrain and vehicle control system
A method of controlling a vehicle powertrain and a corresponding vehicle control system are provided that enable operation in an electric-only operating mode for an extended range by adjusting the threshold minimum state of charge of the battery, i.e., the state of charge of the battery at which the engine will be started to allow the battery charge to be replenished, in accordance with vehicle location. The engine will also be started when the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a long-term parking location. |
| US08170736B2 |
Control device for vehicle, hybrid vehicle, method of controlling vehicle, program for causing computer to execute the method of controlling the vehicle, and computer-readable recording medium recording the program
A control device includes a target rotation speed determination unit that determines a target rotation speed of an engine, a filtering process unit that receives an output of the target rotation speed determination unit, changes the received output such that the target rotation speed changes gently, and outputs the changed output, a property switching control unit that switches properties of the filtering process unit in accordance with a vehicle state, and a first torque value calculation unit that calculates a target torque of a motor generator in accordance with a difference between the output of the filtering process unit and an actual rotation speed of the engine. Preferably, the property switching control unit increases a time constant of the filtering process in accordance with a shift switch instruction to switch a vehicle state from a traveling state to a neutral state. |
| US08170735B2 |
Marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus and marine vessel including the same
A marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion system and a steering mechanism. The marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus includes a first operational unit arranged select a forward drive position for forward drive of the propulsion system, a reverse drive position for reverse drive of the propulsion system, and a neutral position for an inactive state of the propulsion system, a second operational unit arranged to command rightward and leftward movement of the marine vessel, and a target value computing unit arranged to determine target values including a target propulsive force for the propulsion system and a target steering angle for the steering mechanism, such that the marine vessel undergoes parallel movement in a direction that is in accordance with an operation position of the first operational unit when rightward or leftward movement is commanded by the second operational unit. |
| US08170728B2 |
Rotorcraft control system
A system (100) for controlling a rotorcraft (1) including a rotor (10), at least one variable-pitch propulsion propeller (6L, 6R), and a motor (5) for driving the rotor and the propeller(s), the system includes: a member (101, 101A, 102, 103, 104) for generating a propeller pitch setpoint (θp*+θd*, θp*−θd*) as a function at least of a thrust variation command (TCL); a member (105, 105A) for generating a setpoint (RPM*) for the drive speed (RPM) of the rotor and the propeller(s), as a function at least of the travel speed (VTAS) of the rotorcraft; and a member (106) for generating a setpoint (NG*) for the engine speed as a function at least of the thrust command (TCL), of the drive speed setpoint (RTM*), and of a rotor collective pitch command (θ0). |
| US08170727B2 |
Method for calculating an approach trajectory of an aircraft to an airport
The invention relates to a method for calculating an approach trajectory of an aircraft (200) to an airport The aircraft is slaveable in terms of trajectory, thrust and/or speed. The aircraft is able to advance at reduced engine revs. The airport has a runway The approach trajectory terminates in an impact point (205) on the runway and has a high-altitude descent segment (217) and an intermediate geometric segment (207), to which the aircraft is slaved in terms of trajectory and speed. A step of calculating a final approach segment (208) at reduced engine revs and a landing segment is performed with a greater thrust than the reduced revs so as to prepare a possible go-around (209), to which the aircraft is slaved in terms of thrust and speed. |
| US08170726B2 |
System and method for road angle estimation
A system and method for estimating road angles of a road on which a moving body is traveling are disclosed. The road angle estimation system includes: a sensing module adapted to be mounted on the moving body to detect a plurality of pieces of measurement information associated with the moving body; and a calculating module coupled to the sensing module to receive the pieces of measurement information therefrom. The calculating module simultaneously calculates an estimated bank angle and an estimated grade angle on the basis of the pieces of measurement information, a plurality of support parameters, and a plurality of user control parameters. |
| US08170725B2 |
Vehicle stability enhancement control adaptation to driving skill based on highway on/off ramp maneuver
A system that classifies driver driving skill based on on-ramp or off-ramp maneuvers. The system reads sensor signals for vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The system determines that the vehicle has made an on-ramp or off-ramp maneuver using the vehicle speed signal and the yaw-rate signal and then classifies the driver's driving skill using selected discriminant features obtained or derived from the on-ramp or off-ramp maneuver. |
| US08170722B1 |
Method and apparatus for coding and linking electrical appliances for control and status report
A coding method and apparatus for linking electrical appliances for control and status reporting by arbitrarily appending the appliances remote control protocol with the premise's room/zone code for identifying the appliance location and ID-code to operate on the basis of the appliance type and function, sub header code define the command nature, a blank header identifies the signal and a checksum trailer ends the five byte command for operating a range of appliances, lights and LED illuminators, locally and in the different rooms, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry including provision for extending the commands when needed. Current sensors for power outlets and power cables linked via lightguides or fiber optic use same codes for reporting statuses of and current consumption by the appliances and lights to the video interphone or the shopping terminal. LED bulbs are coded through an optical transceiver accessed through the rear of the bulb socket. |
| US08170721B2 |
Automatically adjusting irrigation controller
Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation, an irrigation control unit comprises a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables used at least in part in calculating plant water requirements, and at least one input adapted to receive signals corresponding to current values of one or more of the plurality of variables. The unit also comprises a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory, the processor adapted to determine the plant water requirements at least in part using, for each of the plurality of variables, a current value in the event the current value is available and at least in part using, for each of the plurality of variables, a stored historical value in the event the current value is not available. |
| US08170714B2 |
Integrated suite of medical tools
The present disclosure is directed to a tool that can be used to order, dispense, locate, request and administer medications as well as locate, issue and administer medical items and supplies for patients from a plurality of entry points into the system, e.g. handheld devices, mobile cart, etc. New workflows and functionality for various devices such as dispensing devices (automated dispensing cabinets) and issuing devices (e.g. open shelving) are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. |
| US08170712B2 |
Method and apparatus for non-linear unit-level sortation in order fulfillment processes
A flexible, non-linear, unit-level sortation system for sorting mixed collections of items into orders. Collections of unsorted items for fulfilling requests are delivered to one or more singulation stations. At a singulation station, individual units of items are selected from a collection, associated with particular conveyance receptacles, and placed into the receptacles, with one and only one unit per receptacle. The receptacles may be inducted into a conveyance mechanism under the direction of a control system. The receptacles are not fixed to the conveyance mechanism. The control system may direct the conveyance mechanism to route the receptacles to a particular one of one or more sorting stations. At a sorting station, the units may retrieved from receptacles and placed into locations corresponding to particular orders under control or direction of the control system. The conveyance mechanism may, but does not necessarily, return empty conveyance receptacle to a singulation station. |
| US08170711B2 |
Method and system for transporting inventory items
A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point. |
| US08170705B2 |
Interactive on-demand orthotic vending machine and method of producing orthotic including disc version
An orthotic vending machine may comprise a measuring apparatus and an orthotic fabricating apparatus. The measuring apparatus may comprises a plurality of probes capable of sensing pressure at various pixels on the underside surfaces of the person's feet at various configurations (e.g., flat plane, shoe contour, or prescriptive optimal) and determining the heights at the various pixels for the various configurations. The fabricating apparatus may lay down a plurality of discs on a base layer having different hardnesses based on the measured pressure and heights by the measuring apparatus to fabricate customized orthotics. Alternatively, the fabricating apparatus may form the customized orthotic via solidifying a polymerizeable material in a honeycomb structure based on the measured pressure and heights by the measuring apparatus. As a further alternative, the fabricating apparatus may form the customized orthotic via milling orthotic blanks based on the measured pressure and heights by the measuring apparatus. The orthotic vending machine may be placed in shoe retail shops such that shoe purchasers may purchase a shoe and a customized orthotic during one visit to the shoe store. |
| US08170698B1 |
Virtual robotic controller system with special application to robotic microscopy structure and methodology
The present invention defines a unique, flexible system that may be applied to the manufacture and assembly of a plurality of highly configurable and reusable virtual robotic control devices. It is specifically concerned with providing a plurality of self contained virtual control systems that comprise a moving part that is detected by an associated sensor whereby signals may be generated and transmitted to a plurality of other devices to operate a plurality of robotic microscopes directly or, when configured through a robot control program, through an intermediate computer and network. Furthermore, these virtual robotic control systems may be assembled into a number of partial or complete robotic microscopes so that the degree of realism and control over the examination of a slide may be matched more exactly to the needs and requirements of a microscopist. |
| US08170693B2 |
Stage command autostop
The present system teaches an autostop system for a stage control system in which some of all of the device implemented effects associated with a production may be automatically stopped when certain conditions exist. The conditions causing the effects to stop may be configurable by the show creator to prevent injury to the persons involved with the production and damage to the scenery and equipment. |
| US08170690B2 |
Implantable medical lead having an anchor providing enhanced fixation
An implantable medical lead is disclosed herein wherein the lead employs a helical distal tip anchor having improved fixation capabilities. The implantable medical lead may include a body and a helical anchor. The body may include a distal end and a proximal end. The helical anchor may be at least one of extending and extendable from the distal end. The helical anchor may include at least one loop including first and second straight sides that intersect at a first corner. |
| US08170684B2 |
Electrodes for applying an electric field in-vivo over an extended period of time
As compared to conventional electrodes, the electrode configurations disclosed herein minimize irritation and damage to the skin when they are placed in contact with a patient's body over extended of time. The electrodes are formed from a conductive substrate coated with a thin dielectric material, and a plurality of open spaces pass through the electrodes. Those open spaces are distributed and sized to permit moisture on the surface of the patient's body to escape when the electrode is placed in contact with the patient's body. One intended use for the electrodes is for treating tumors by applying an AC electric field with specific frequency and field strength characteristics over an extended period of time. |
| US08170677B2 |
Recording and retrieval of sound data in a hearing prosthesis
A hearing prosthesis for delivering stimuli to a hearing-impaired recipient is disclosed, the hearing prosthesis comprising: a sound transducer for converting received sound signals into electric audio signals; a sound processor for converting the electric audio signals into stimuli signals; a stimulator for delivering the stimuli to the recipient; a memory for storing data representative of sound signals; and a controller configured to cause selected sound data to be retrieved from the memory and processed by the sound processor. |
| US08170673B2 |
Carbon nano-tube power cell
A device which converts mechanical deformation in electrical current, these mechanical deformations are generated as a result of liquid pressure over a part of the device. This device is integrated within an implantable lead and inserted into the cardiovascular system of a patient. The purpose of the device is to charge a battery which stores energy for various uses of other implantable devices. |
| US08170671B2 |
Method and system for overdriving a heart chamber during a threshold search according to an AV delay
An implantable medical device includes a lead, a pulse generator, an autothreshold module and a control module. The lead includes electrodes positioned within a heart. At least one of the electrodes senses cardiac signals. The pulse generator delivers a stimulus pulse through at least one of the electrodes. The autothreshold module performs a threshold search when operating in an autothreshold mode and causes atrial stimulus pulses to be delivered in an atrium of the heart at an overdrive rate during the threshold search. The control module determines an AV conduction time and applies an overdrive AV adjustment to the AV conduction time to generate an AV delay. The autothreshold module uses the AV delay in connection with delivering ventricular stimulus pulses to a ventricle of the heart. |
| US08170664B1 |
Monitoring heart disease using implantable sensors and slopes determined therefrom
Specific embodiments of the present invention use an implanted sensor, during a period of time, to measure a physiologic property when the patient's heart is not stressed, and when the patient's heart is stressed. A slope is determined, where the slope is indicative of a change in the physiologic property during the period of time. Heart disease is monitored based on a magnitude of the slope. In further embodiments of the present invention, a slope indicative of a change in a physiologic property during a period of time is determined, for each of a plurality of periods of time. Changes in the patient's heart disease are monitored based on changes in the slope. |
| US08170663B2 |
Method and apparatus to control delivery of high-voltage and anti-tachy pacing therapy in an implantable medical device
A system and method for delivering both anti-tachy pacing (ATP) therapy and high-voltage shock therapy in response to detection of abnormal cardiac rhythms is disclosed. The system controls the time between delivering ATP therapy and the charging of high-voltage capacitors in preparation for shock delivery based on a predetermined set of criteria. In one embodiment, the inventive system operates in an ATP During Capacitor Charging (ATP-DCC) mode wherein all, or substantially all, of the ATP therapy is delivered during charging of the high-voltage capacitors. Based on evaluation of the predetermined set of criteria, the system may switch to an additional ATP Before Capacitor Charging (ATP-BCC) mode, wherein substantially all of the ATP therapy is delivered prior to charging of the high-voltage capacitor. According to one aspect of the invention, the predetermined set of criteria is based, at least in part, on the effectiveness of previously-delivered ATP therapy. |
| US08170662B2 |
Method and apparatus for charging partitioned capacitors
One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing a selective capacitance. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a first and second capacitor in a stack, and a switching circuit connected between the first and second capacitors. The switching circuit has at least two states, and is adapted to provide a first defibrillation capacitance in a first state and a second defibrillation capacitance in a second state. A switching circuit embodiment includes a field effect transistor (FET) adapted to have a source connected to the first capacitor and a drain connected to the second capacitor, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) adapted to have an emitter connected to the source of the FET and a collector connected to a gate of the FET, a first current source connected to the collector of the BJT, and a second current source connected to a base of the BJT. |
| US08170661B2 |
Pacing system controller integrated into indeflator
Systems and methods for temporarily pacing a patient's heart are provided. One system includes a vascular treatment system having a vascular access system and a therapy system. The therapy system includes an indeflator and an elongate medical device and the elongate medical device has an inflatable member and an electrode. The indeflator is adapted to provide pressurized fluid to the inflatable member and electrical signals to the electrode, with its operation manually or automatically controlled. Devices for electrically and fluidly coupling the indeflator and the elongate medical device are also provided. |
| US08170659B2 |
Method for thermal modulation of neural activity
Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with thermal stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of thermal blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. |
| US08170658B2 |
System for electrical modulation of neural conduction
Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with electrical stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. |
| US08170657B1 |
Delivery catheters for light activated agents
A delivery catheter for delivery, then photo-activation of photo sensitive material has a photo-sensitive substance-delivery part and an activation part. The catheter delivers substances such as biomaterials to a target site, followed by illumination of the target using optics located at the distal tip of the catheter which are optically coupled to an extracorporeal light source. In another aspect a deployable light-delivery catheter is disclosed that can illuminate a large area of tissue. |
| US08170654B1 |
Sequential discrimination approach for detecting treatable cardiac rhythms
A system and method for use in a medical device for discriminating cardiac events establishes population-based thresholds corresponding to cardiac signal morphology metrics for discriminating between a first cardiac event and a second cardiac event. A population-based threshold criterion for discriminating cardiac events is established. The population-based threshold criterion is applied to a cardiac signal segment and the segment is classified if the criterion is satisfied. A patient-specific threshold is established in response to the sensed cardiac signal segment not being classified after applying the population-based threshold criterion. The sensed signal segment is classified in response to the patient-specific threshold comparison. |
| US08170651B2 |
Imaging volumes with arbitrary geometries in non-contact tomography
A method for tomographic imaging of diffuse medium includes directing waves into a diffusive medium, solving a surface-bounded inversion problem by forward field calculations through decomposition of contributions from the multiple reflections from an arbitrary surface within the diffusive medium or outside the diffusive medium into a sum of different orders of reflection up to an arbitrary order, and using contact or non-contact measurements of waves outside said diffusive medium to generate a tomographic image. |
| US08170639B2 |
Case for defibrillator electrode pads and release liner
A case for defibrillator electrode pads on a release liner is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the case is closed, spring contacts on opposite sides of the inside of the case retain the pads and release liner in place. The retention either holds electrical conductors in contact with each other to retain the pads in electrical connection with each other, or in a different configuration in which the pads are not electrically connected. |
| US08170633B2 |
Mobile terminal configured to be mounted on a user's wrist or forearm
A mobile terminal includes: a terminal body having a display unit; a band connected with both ends of the terminal body; and an antenna radiator installed in the band. |
| US08170621B1 |
Mobile device display management
The display of a mobile device is managed during a voice communication session using a proximity sensor and an accelerometer. In one example, the display of a mobile device is turned off during a phone call on the mobile device when a proximity sensor detects an object is proximate the device and an accelerometer determines the device is in a first orientation. |
| US08170620B2 |
Mobile terminal and keypad displaying method thereof
A mobile terminal including a display configured to display a first keypad in a first display portion and to display information input using the first keypad in a second display portion, a sensing unit configured to detect a touch and drag action on the first keypad displayed in the first display portion, and a controller configured to change the first keypad displayed in the first display portion to a second keypad that is different from the first keypad when the detected touch and drag action is determined to be more than a predetermined distance. |
| US08170619B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying event of mobile terminal
An event display apparatus and method of a mobile terminal are disclosed. The event display method of a mobile terminal includes: detecting events in the mobile terminal; displaying time graphics on a screen; and positioning the detected events on the time graph according to their types. Various scattered events in the mobile terminal are detected and displayed on the time graphics indicating time according to types of the detected events, so the events can be easily viewed and managed. |
| US08170618B1 |
Measuring signal strength in a multiple-input multiple-output antenna environment
A wireless communication device is operated in a M by N multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mode. M is the number of antennas transmitting to the communication device from a first base station. N the number of receiving antennas and receivers. M and N are integers greater than one. The wireless communication device is operated in an M by N−1 MIMO mode while a first one of the N receiving antennas and a first one of the N receivers receives wireless communication from a second base station. |
| US08170611B2 |
Internal accessory antenna system and method for wireless network
Described is a method and system which includes an arrangement including an internal wireless communication antenna and a wireless communication device couplable to one of an external wireless communication antenna and the arrangement. When the arrangement is attached to the device, the device is capable of unitizing either first or second wireless channels. When the arrangement is not attached to the device, the device utilizes only the second channel. |
| US08170609B2 |
Personal virtual assistant providing advice to a user regarding physiological information received about the user
A personal virtual assistant is provided. The personal virtual assistant includes a medical device and remote station that is connectable via a wireless network to a server containing a control processor and rules engine. The medical device is used to provide physiological information to the remote station. The remote station communicates the physiological information and other related information to the server that monitors the information for a number of reasons, including determining whether the physiological information has a trend. Based on the detrimental trend, the server communicates back to the remote station virtual assistance in the form of advice regarding tips to help facilitate halting or reversing the trend. |
| US08170608B2 |
Transmission/reception channel matching apparatus and method for mobile communication terminal and mobile phone test equipment
Disclosed herein is a transmission/reception channel matching apparatus and method for a mobile communication terminal and a mobile phone test equipment. The apparatus includes mobile communication terminal-side terminals, transmission and reception terminals, a connection detection unit, a switching unit, and a control unit. The mobile communication terminal-side terminals are connected to the option pins of a serial communication port in a one-to-one correspondence. The transmission and reception terminals correspond to the transmission and reception channels of the mobile phone test equipment. The connection detection unit detects the state of connection between the mobile communication terminal-side terminals and the option pins. The switching unit connects the mobile communication terminal-side terminals to the transmission and reception terminals. The control unit automatically sets the transmission and reception channels of the mobile communication terminal and the transmission and reception channels of the mobile phone test equipment with reference to the state of the connection, and outputs the channel matching command. |
| US08170599B2 |
Format based power control
Power control methods and apparatus taught herein advantageously provide quick convergence to the signal quality target needed to achieve a given data error rate target, when changes in transport format use by a given transport channel require such convergence. Specifically, the methods and apparatus maintain a “baseline” signal quality target that stays current with changing signal propagation conditions because it is common to all transport formats used by the transport channel. The methods and apparatus then bias this baseline signal quality target with a target offset particularized for the transport format in use. This offset may be selected from memory or dynamically calculated, and, regardless, can often be applied after a single transmission time interval. |
| US08170592B2 |
Method and system for frame timing acquisition in evolved universal terrestrial radio access (EUTRA)
Aspects of a method and system for frame timing acquisition in evolved universal terrestrial radio access (EUTRA) may include determining a received secondary synchronization sequence (SSS) based on a selected cyclic prefix length and on synchronization of a primary synchronization sequence (PSS). A first portion of information associated with the received SSS may be processed separately from a second portion of information associated with the received SSS. A frame timing and/or base station identifier may be determined by comparing the processed first portion of information with the processed second portion of information. The cyclic prefix length may be selected from a finite set of possible cyclic prefix lengths. The cyclic prefix length may be, for example, 9 samples or 32 samples. The primary synchronization sequence synchronization may be determined via correlation. |
| US08170582B2 |
Extended positioning reporting
A method of transferring positioning information using a set of data having a standardized set of formats for a single position entity comprises inclusion (212) of data representing at least two separate position entities or an entity having information beyond the standardized set of formats in data containers intended for points defining corners of a single polygon. The method further comprising arranging (214) of data within the set of data according to predetermined rules as an indication of an existence of such data. The set of data is transferred (230) over a communication network. In the transferred set of data, the indication of an existence of such data is detected (224) and data representing the original position is extracted (226) from the data containers intended for points defining corners of a single polygon. A communication network node performing at least a reception part or a transmission part of the method above is also presented. |
| US08170580B2 |
Geo-boundary triggered messaging and schedule system and method of use
A location based system is provided is configured to provide messages to a recipient based on time and location based information. The a method includes detecting when a mobile user has crossed within a predefined geo-boundary. The method further includes sending a message to the mobile user when the mobile user has crossed within the predefined geo-boundary during a predetermined time period set by an originator of the message. |
| US08170578B1 |
Location reporting system
A communication system receives a registration message from a device that identifies a location of the device and a device identifier. The system transmits the location of the device to a location database. The system receives a watch list that identifies a plurality of devices. The system also receives a session request from the device for a session. The system processes the device identifier to determine if the device is a one of the plurality of devices. In response to determining that the device is one of the plurality of devices, the system transfers the location of the device from the location database to a location reporting system. |
| US08170576B2 |
Network oriented spectrum sharing system
There is provided a system and method for sharing a wireless spectrum compromising a first transceiver for establishing the communication channels within the allocated bandwidth using a first protocol, a broker for determining the unused bandwidth within the allocated bandwidth, and a second transceiver for establishing the further communication channels within the unused allocated bandwidth using a second protocol. The first protocol is UMTS and the second protocol is WiMax. The broker may monitor UMTS traffic and allocate bandwidth to WiMax traffic whenever resources are idle or traffic are low or allocate bandwidth in dependence upon time division multiplexing, or frequency division multiplexing or may overlap a WiMax signal with a UMTS signal. |
| US08170574B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling interference between cells in mobile communication network
A method and apparatus for controlling interference between cells for non-real time data transfer in a mobile communication network is provided. The method of controlling interference between cells in a mobile communication system including a plurality of cells includes: dividing each cell into at least one segment based on density of terminals within each cell and distance from the center of each cell; allocating rise over thermal (RoT) with respect to each segment based on the distance from the center of each cell, an attenuation ratio according to the distance, and a shadowing factor; and providing data services to terminals within each segment according to the allocated RoT. Accordingly, it is possible to improve system throughput. |
| US08170573B2 |
Base station apparatus and wireless communication method
A base station apparatus which conducts a packet communication with a wireless communication terminal includes: a retransmission request detection unit which detects a retransmission request from the wireless communication terminal; a bandwidth assignment unit which assigns a communication bandwidth applied to the packet communication; a modulation class calculation portion, based on both bandwidth information regarding the bandwidth assigned by the bandwidth assignment unit and a data amount of packets corresponding to the retransmission request, calculates a modulation class applied to a retransmission in order to adjust a number of retransmitted packets to be the same as a number of previously transmitted packets; a modulation class determination unit which determines whether or not the modulation class is lower than a modulation class applied to a previous packet transmission; and a retransmission unit which retransmits packets corresponding to the retransmission request based on the determination result regarding the modulation class. |
| US08170571B2 |
Base station and mobile station communicating with OFDM system using a plurality of subcarriers and communication method with OFDM system using a plurality of subcarriers
A multicarrier communication apparatus that is capable of suppressing interference of feedback information with other channels and alleviating a reduction in an uplink capacity. In PL signal reception section (260) of this apparatus, PL signal extraction section (261) extracts pilot signals and reception quality measuring section (262) measures reception quality such as an SIR. Here, since pilot signals are included in respective subcarriers, reception quality measuring section (262) measures reception quality of subcarriers. FBSC determining section (270) determines a feedback information subcarrier based on the reception quality of subcarriers. More specifically, FBSC determining section (270) determines a subcarrier having the highest reception quality as a feedback information subcarrier. FBSC determining section (270) outputs information about the feedback information subcarrier (FBSC information) to control CH transmission section (110) and FB information reception section (250). |
| US08170567B2 |
Radio resource management in wireless cellular networks having multihop relay stations
Radio resource management for wireless cellular networks equipped with relay stations for multi-hop packet or protocol data unit (PDU) relaying. |
| US08170563B2 |
Systems and methods for transmission of data in a communication system
A method of transmitting data from a node, such as a session node including any network node, located in a first network to one of a plurality of devices located in a second network, said method comprising; determining that another device connected to the node is located in the second network; transmitting from the node to the other device located in the second network a message addressed to the one of said plurality of devices via the connection between the node and the other device; and forwarding the message from the other device to the one of said plurality of devices via a connection established within the second network. |
| US08170552B2 |
Mobile network device multi-link optimizations
Methods and apparatus for performing optimizations for a mobile network device such as a Mobile Node or Mobile Router supporting multiple links to a Home Agent (or Correspondent Node in a Mobile IPv6 environment) are disclosed. During the registration process, link characteristics are transmitted in the registration request. From the link characteristics, it is possible to determine whether the mobile network device has roamed from a high to a low bandwidth link, or vice versa. A first set of optimizations may be performed when the mobile network device has roamed from a high to a low bandwidth link, while a second set of optimizations may be performed when the mobile network device has roamed from a low to a high bandwidth link. Some optimizations may be performed during the establishment of a TCP session, while others may be performed during or upon completion of the Mobile IP registration process. |
| US08170547B1 |
Dynamic adjustment of a base transceiver station in a wireless communication system
A system is provided for dynamic communication adjustment. The system includes a server that obtains data associated with a base transceiver station. The server also compares the data to at least one threshold. Additionally, the server promotes adjustment of an operational parameter of a base transceiver station based on the comparison. Furthermore, the server promotes readjustment of at least one operational parameter based on an at least weekly comparison of subsequently obtained data associated with the base transceiver station to at least one threshold. |
| US08170546B2 |
Client device characterization of other client device transmissions and reporting of signal qualities to access point(s)
A wireless network in a communication infrastructure has a packet switched backbone network and includes a plurality of access points and services at least one client device. The access points communicatively couple to the packet switched backbone network and each include access point processing circuitry and access point wireless transceiver circuitry. Each client device has client processing circuitry and client wireless transceiver circuitry. The client devices receive transmissions from other client devices serviced by the plurality of access points and characterize the received transmissions to determine signal qualities of the plurality of transmissions received from the other client devices. The client devices then report the signal qualities of the plurality of transmissions to at least one of the plurality of access points. The access points may forward the signal qualities to other access points, to other client devices, and may alter operation of the wireless network based upon the signal qualities. |
| US08170545B1 |
Information technology support system and method
A computer support tool is provided. The tool includes diagnostic software and a user interface. The diagnostic software identifies information associated with a computer problem, wherein the information is based on the needs of help desk personnel. The user interface informs a user of the information associated with the computer problem, and suggests a self help option for the user to address the computer problems. |
| US08170540B2 |
System and methods for remotely upgrading software applications
The present invention includes a system and methods for upgrading software on a mobile terminal. The system includes a network management computer (NMC) adapted to receive a plurality of software upgrades and to transmit one of the plurality of software upgrades to one of a plurality of mobile terminals through a satellite link. The mobile terminal can include an upgradeable component, which in turn includes a detachable device descriptor (DDD) corresponding to operating characteristics of the upgradeable component. According to the present invention, the NMC is adapted to transmit the one of a plurality of software upgrades to the mobile terminal in response to the DDD of the upgradeable component. Methods employing similar features and advantages are also disclosed herein. |
| US08170539B2 |
Messaging with proprietary attributes
Methods, computer readable media, and system embodiments are provided for messaging with proprietary attributes. A method embodiment includes storing a particular proprietary attribute for a mobile service feature in a datastore of a telecommunications system. The method includes receiving a configuration for a mobile service from a service provider to the datastore, the configuration including the mobile service feature. The method also includes transmitting a message for the mobile service from the datastore through the telecommunications system, the message including the particular proprietary attribute. |
| US08170538B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for programming user-defined information into electronic devices
A device for programming user-defined information into an electronic device is provided. The programmer allows a user to program customized information, such as user-selected audio, video, or Internet access information into his or her programmable device. Such electronic devices include wireless telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants. The programmer allows a user to, among other things, customize the device to suit his or her particular taste. |
| US08170534B2 |
Systems and methods for user sessions with dynamic service selection
Under one aspect, a system generates dynamic call models within an IMS network, allowing different user entities (UEs) to have different service experiences. The IMS network includes application servers (ASs) and a serving call state control function (S-CSCF) that receives and then forwards UE service requests. The system includes storage media storing a service tree, which defines potential call models that map potential UE service requests onto ASs. At least two potential call models map a specified potential UE service request onto different ASs that can provide different service experiences. The system includes control logic for providing session control, which receives UE service requests from the S-CSCF, receives the service tree from the storage media, generates a call model for each UE based on potential call models defined by the service tree and on the requested service, and invokes a specified AS based on the generated call model. |
| US08170530B2 |
Managing wireless devices using access control
An improved solution for managing wireless devices that uses access control is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for managing wireless devices includes receiving a notification for one of the plurality of wireless devices, the notification indicating at least one of: an access attempt threshold is exceeded or the wireless device is displaced; and remotely locking the wireless device based on the notification. |
| US08170528B2 |
Network access control
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of authorizing a communication device to connect to a network. The method comprises receiving, at a processor, a communication device identifier and a subscriber identifier, determining, by the processor, whether the received communication device identifier is associated with the received subscriber identifier in a data store. Where it is determined that the received identifiers are not so associated the method further comprise requesting, by the processor, a security token associated with the communication device, receiving, at the processor, a security token, determining, by the processor, whether the received security token matches a stored security token associated with the received communication device identifier in the data store, and where it is so determined, authorizing the communication device to connect to the network. |
| US08170527B2 |
Real-time balance on a mobile phone
A system, method and prepaid payment mobile phone configured to display a current prepaid balance. The prepaid payment mobile phone receives a debit balance request from input on the mobile phone. After retrieving an encoded current balance, the mobile phone displays the amount. The current balance may be calculated by the phone after a transaction, or the phone may receive a debit balance via a short message service notification. |
| US08170525B2 |
System and method for initiating communication
A system and method for initiating communications with a called party using a wireless device. The wireless device comprises an input element and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, when a specific input is entered using the input element, the wireless device performs the following tasks: disabling one or more components of the wireless device; establishing a wireless communication session with the called party; communicating with a location system to generate location information of the location of the wireless device; and providing the location information to the called party. In other embodiments, the wire device performs additional tasks, including: capturing content during the wireless communication; communicating with the location system to generate subsequent location information; and providing one or more of the subsequent location information and the content to the called party. The called party may then use the location information and the content to perform one or more actions, including providing help to the user of the wireless device. |
| US08170524B2 |
Power line communication system and an intelligent meter
A power line communication system including a plurality of intelligent devices in communication with a power line and operable to monitor energy usage at a site and communicate usage data onto the power line, and a controller also in communication with the power line, wherein each intelligent device maintains a routing table identifying a first set of other intelligent devices downstream of it relative to the controller that it can communicate with directly and identifying a second set of other intelligent devices downstream of it relative to the controller that it can communicate with through one or more of the first set of other intelligent devices. |
| US08170523B2 |
Super regenerative receiver and method of saving power of the same
A low power super regenerative receiver and a method of reducing the power consumption of the low power super regenerative receiver are provided. The super regenerative receiver includes: an oscillator having a start-up time period starting oscillation that varies according to an existence of an input signal; and a power controller supplying power within the start-up time period of the oscillator. |
| US08170521B2 |
Method and apparatus for sampling RF signals
The invention provides a method and apparatus used in a receiver for sampling RF signals, particularly to provide a method and apparatus for greatly decrease the sampling rate performed in RF band. The invention provides an apparatus for sampling a RF signal including a plurality of interference frequency components and a useful frequency component, comprising: a filtering unit for filtering out at least one preset interference frequency component from the RF signal to generate a notch-filtered RF signal; a sampling unit for sampling the notch-filtered RF signal at a preset sampling rate to generate a discrete analog signal. The sampling unit can be implemented by a plurality of notch filters. RF sampling can be simply and conveniently implemented by using the method and apparatus according the invention, and the sampling rate can be decreased to about 1/N of the carrier frequency of the useful frequency component, which is much lower than the sampling rate in existing RF sampling scheme. The method and apparatus according the invention can greatly decrease power dissipation when sampling. |
| US08170518B2 |
Dual antenna system having one phase lock loop
Circuits, systems, and methods are disclosed for controlling multiple antenna receive paths in a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the circuit may include a pair of receiving antennas, a first receive path including a VCO coupled to receive a PLL signal and a first mixer coupled to receive a first signal from the VCO and a signal from one of the antennas, and a second receive path integrated separately from the first receive path including a second mixer coupled to receive a second signal from the VCO and a signal from the other antenna. By utilizing the output of the VCO to tune the first and second mixers in the first and second receive paths to the same phase and frequency, control of the multiple antenna receive paths may be optimized. |
| US08170517B2 |
Receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus comprising: a first mixing unit to output first and second mixed signals each having a first frequency that is a frequency difference between a received signal and a first local oscillator signal, the first and second mixed signals having phases substantially orthogonal to each other; a phase control unit to output second and third local oscillator signals each having a second frequency, the second and third local oscillator signals having a phase difference from each other corresponding to a phase difference between the first and second mixed signals; and a second mixing unit to add a signal obtained by mixing the first mixed signal and the second local oscillator signal, and a signal obtained by mixing the second mixed signal and the third local oscillator signal, to output an intermediate frequency signal having an intermediate frequency that is a difference between the first and second frequencies. |
| US08170515B2 |
Method and apparatus for the phased detection of a signal including a frequency deviation detection phase
A plurality of phases of sniff operations are performed for detecting wake-up signals being received by an implantable medical device (IMD), including a phase that performs a staged detection of whether the integrated frequency deviation of a received signal is outside of an expected frequency deviation range, where sniff operations are aborted if the integrated frequency deviation of the received signal falls outside of corresponding high and low thresholds in any stage, wherein the difference between the high and low thresholds tightens with each subsequent stage and an average frequency deviation over all completed stages are used in the calculations. One phase of sniff operations includes a dual frequency modulation (FM) detector including a first FM detector that introduces a small delay in a received signal providing an average frequency estimate and a second FM detector having a larger delay that is adjusted based on the estimated average frequency. |
| US08170509B2 |
Incident and reflected signal phase difference detection
Embodiments include methods and apparatus for detecting a phase angle between an incident signal and a reflected signal. The apparatus comprises a plurality of phase shifters and additional circuitry. The plurality of phase shifters is adapted to apply first phase shifts to a representation of the incident signal and to apply second phase shifts to a representation of the reflected signal. The additional circuitry, which is operatively coupled to the plurality of phase shifters, is adapted to produce a first indication of a location of a relative phase difference between the incident signal and the reflected signal within a first region of a first reference circle, and to produce a second indication of the location of the relative phase difference within a second region of a second reference circle, wherein the second reference circle is rotated with respect to the first reference circle. |
| US08170504B2 |
Modified preamble for programmable transmitter
A programmable transmitter generates a frame preamble to train a receiver with respect to a communication link format that corresponds to a transmission mode wherein the transmission mode may comprise transmitting the communication link over one or more antennas. Generally, the invention includes generating a preamble with an arrangement that depends upon whether a Greenfield (high data rate) or mixed mode transmission is to occur and that depends upon a number of spatial streams that are to be generated. One format for high data rate transmission includes a short training sequence, a long training sequence and a signal field. The mixed mode transmission further includes a legacy prefix. |
| US08170501B2 |
WCDMA transmit architecture
A baseband digital processing module operates cooperatively with an analog signal processing module to effectuate highly adjustable and highly accurate gain adjustment in accordance with transmitter processing within a communication device. The gain adjustment and/or gain control is partitioned between the digital and analog domains by employing two cooperatively operating digital and analog modules, respectively. Gain adjustment in the analog domain is performed in a relatively more coarse fashion that in the digital domain. If desired, gain adjustment in each of the analog and digital domains is performed across a range of discrete steps. The discrete steps in the analog domain are larger than the discrete steps in the digital domain. Also, the discrete steps in the digital domain may be interposed between two successive discrete steps in the analog domain. |
| US08170500B2 |
Radio-frequency switch circuit
A radio-frequency switch circuit of the invention includes: n-stage through FETs (field effect transistors) connected in series between the antenna terminal and each of the radio-frequency terminals, where n is a natural number; a radio-frequency leakage prevention resistor connected to a gate of the through FETs; a control signal line commonly connected to the gates of the n-stage through FETs connected to the same radio-frequency terminal; and a resistor connected to each of at least two of the control signal lines and connected to the radio-frequency leakage prevention resistor in series The two control signal lines are capacitively coupled between the resistor and the through FETs. |
| US08170498B2 |
IC antenna structures and applications thereof
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a package substrate, a die, and a plurality of antenna structures. The die includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and a control module, wherein the RF transceiver processes inbound and outbound RF signals. The control module enables the RF transceiver to receive the inbound RF signal from one or more of the plurality of antenna structures in a frequency band of approximately 55 GHz to 64 GHz and enables the RF transceiver to provide the outbound RF signal to one or more of the plurality of antennas structures for transmission in a frequency band of approximately 55 GHz to 64 GHz. |
| US08170492B2 |
Methods and arrangements for noise rise estimation
A received total wideband power in a wireless communications system is measured (202) a number of times during a time interval. A site communication throughput is determined (204) and processed (206) into a time averaged site communication throughput. A probability distribution for received total wideband power is estimated (210) from the measured received total wide-band power. An estimate of a noise floor measure is computed (214) based on the probability distribution for received total wideband power and a noise rise measure is calculated (218) based on the probability distribution for received total wideband power and the estimate of a noise floor measure. According to the present invention, an adjustment (208) of the noise rise measure is provided based on the averaged site communication throughput. |
| US08170486B2 |
Wireless headset with FM transmitter
A method and device are provided for relaying audio from a source audio device via a wireless headset. Audio signals are received from the source audio device via a first wireless communications protocol. Instructions are received to activate a transmitter associated with a second wireless communications protocol different from the first wireless communications protocol. The received audio signals are output via the transmitter. |
| US08170484B2 |
Synchronized UWB piconets for SOP (simultaneously operating piconet) performance
Synchronized UWB piconets for SOP (Simultaneously Operating Piconet) performance. A common backbone (either wired or wireless) is employed that provides a common CLK (clock signal) to all of the various PNCs (piconet coordinators) of various piconets that may operate within a sufficiently close region such that interference could undesirably occur. By providing a very reliable CLK signal from a common backbone to all of the PNCs of the various piconets operating within a substantially close proximity to one another, very precise synchronization may be ensured for all of the communications performed therein. The various piconets may then even operate using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)—whose performance would be substantially compromised without effective synchronization. In addition, combined TFC (time frequency code) and TDMA may also be employed to support the communications therein thereby providing even another degree of orthogonality that provided by TDMA alone. |
| US08170481B2 |
Techniques for discovering services provided in a wireless network
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for discovering services provided in a wireless network, comprising enabling devices equipped with radio interfaces to advertise the services it provides and discover services offered by other nearby devices without establishing a network connection with the devices. |