| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08191675B2 |
Silencer
A silencer is described for damping the outflow noise of compressed air from compressed air appliances, in particular compressed air appliances of vehicles, with an inlet port, with at least one outlet port and with a pot-like housing which is arranged between these ports and which has a pot casing and a pot bottom, a sound-absorbing material in the form of a cartridge of a filter knit, serving for noise damping, being arranged in the inner space of the pot-like housing, characterized in that a layer of fibrous material is arranged between the cartridge and the pot casing. |
| US08191672B2 |
Storage system, storage panel, and storage wall
A storage system is provided. The storage system includes a storage unit that stores items; and a panel-shaped display that displays an image of a storage state of the items stored in the storage unit. The storage unit is provided on the backside of the display. |
| US08191670B2 |
Crash support in the tunnel region of a motor vehicle
A crash support assembly is provided in the tunnel region of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has at least one exhaust tract guided through a tunnel of the vehicle and seat cross members are disposed to the side of the tunnel. A crash support is held on the exhaust tract and is disposed such that it swings freely between the seat cross members. A crash support of this type permits the vehicle to be optimized with regard to the conditions of a pole crash with a low outlay on production and assembly. |
| US08191668B2 |
Mounting assembly for emissions control system
An exhaust system is disclosed. The exhaust system may have an emissions control system including a mount and at least one exhaust treatment device secured to the mount. The exhaust system may also have a mounting assembly including a platform and a base frame. The emissions control system may be secured to the platform. The mounting assembly may be configured to position the emissions control system substantially adjacent to a power source. The platform may be movable relative to the base frame between a first position and a second position. |
| US08191658B2 |
Cutting elements having different interstitial materials in multi-layer diamond tables, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and methods of forming same
Methods of forming cutting elements for earth-boring tools include providing a barrier material between a first powder and a second powder each comprising diamond grains, and subjecting the powders and barrier material to high temperature and high pressure conditions to form polycrystalline diamond material. The formation of the polycrystalline diamond material is catalyzed, and catalytic material may be hindered from migrating across the layer of barrier material. Cutting elements for use in earth-boring tools include a barrier material disposed between a first layer of polycrystalline diamond material and a second layer of polycrystalline diamond material. Earth-boring tools include one or more such cutting elements for cutting an earth formation. |
| US08191653B2 |
System and method for tracking and maintaining an on-grade horizontal borehole
A tracking receiver system is used to track the progress of a downhole tool along a subsurface path having a desired grade. The tracking receiver system is adapted to detect a reference line originating from a reference line receiver and to determine the position of the downhole tool along a desired subsurface path relative to the reference line. In an alternative embodiment the tracking receiver system may comprise a global positioning satellite system to provide information used to determine the position of the downhole tool relative to the desired subsurface path. |
| US08191651B2 |
Sensor on a formation engaging member of a drill bit
In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element. |
| US08191649B2 |
Impact screwdriver having a shaft locking device
The present invention provides both an impact switching function and a shaft locking function for use in an impact screwdriver. The impact screwdriver includes a housing, a motor located in the housing, a motor drive shaft driven by the motor, a hammer which can move axially and rotate around the motor drive shaft, a hammer anvil, an impact switching device and a shaft locking apparatus. The shaft locking apparatus has a mating member coupled with the hammer anvil, an engagement ring fixed to the housing and a middle member located between the mating member and the engagement ring. The shaft locking apparatus has a locked position, where the mating member is secured to the hammer anvil and also secured to the engagement ring and the housing. |
| US08191648B2 |
Power tool
It is an object of the invention to easily determine a currently-selected operation mode in a power tool which offers several operation modes. A representative electric hammer drill 101 embodying a power tool according to the invention has a controller 171 for at least controlling a driving motor 111. The controller 171 includes a switch detecting circuit 173 that detects the on or off state of each of first and second switches 141, 146 when power is on, a computing/driving section 174 that determines a current operation mode based on results of detection of the switch detecting circuit 173, and a motor control section 176 and a drive circuit 177 that output a drive control signal to the driving motor 111 when the switch in the off state is turned on after the computing/driving section 174 determines the operation mode. |
| US08191634B2 |
Magnetic flapper shock absorber
A flapper in a subsurface safety valve has at least one magnet that comes in close proximity with another magnet mounted in a fixed position on the valve body. There is a fixed magnet on the body adjacent to the fully open and the fully closed positions of the flapper. In each case like poles on the flapper magnet and the housing magnet come in close proximity as the flapper reaches its fully open and fully closed positions. The orientation of like poles adjacent each other creates a repelling force that damps or eliminates shock loading. |
| US08191632B2 |
Method of treating a subterranean formation using a rheology model for fluid optimization
Subterranean formation treatment methods incorporating a rheology model which enables prediction of fluid rheology properties during a treatment operation, where the foundation of the model is a description of the reaction chemistry which describes how the number of crosslinks and broken polymer linkages develops in time under the influence of crosslinkers, breakers, and/or thermally induced effects and pressure effects. In one aspect, when used as a tool for simulating the fluid viscosity, the model can help optimizing the fluid design and optional breaker schedule for a hydraulic fracturing treatment. |
| US08191624B2 |
Bypass gas lift system for producing a well
A completion system delivers lifting gas supplied from the surface via a casing annulus through the packer for injecting to the wellbore at bottom hole. So, lifting gas maximizes hydrocarbon producing from a subterranean well while maintaining integrity and serviceability as a typical gas lift well. More specifically, a single completion system uses the same tubing string for both producing the well and delivering lifting gas to the wellbore at downhole. The top section of the tubing is used for producing the well, while the bottom section of the tubing is used for delivering lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole. The lifting gas will be injected to the wellbore proximately at perforation intervals for helping unloading liquid and producing the well. The use of modified equipment named “TK Bypass Mandrel” and “JP Bypass Nipple Sub” allows delivering and controlling of the lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole via a single tubing string. |
| US08191620B2 |
Gripper for coiled tubing injectors
The current device relates to a gripper assembly for use within a coiled tubing injector unit. The gripper assembly comprises a carrier for securing the gripper to the chain drive mechanism of the coiled tubing injector unit and a gripping shoe carried by the carrier. The configuration of the gripper assembly permits quick and easy removal and replacement of the gripping shoe. |
| US08191619B2 |
Downhole system and an immersion hydraulic machine for extraction of fluids
The claimed invention relates to the downhole systems for extracting various fluids, in particular—for simultaneous extraction out of a number of producing formations. The inventive downhole system comprises a casing pipe and a tubing extending through said casing pipe, between which pipe and tubing formed are separate isolated cavities. Each one of which cavities communicates, via perforations, with a respective producing formation. In each one of the isolated cavities, to the tubing coupled is a hydraulic machine comprised by a motor and pump. The hydraulic machines in different isolated cavities being adapted to be adjusted independently. This system permits simultaneous extraction of fluids out of different producing formations, with independent controlling of such extraction in various formations. The claimed invention also relates to an immersion hydraulic machine used for extracting fluids. |
| US08191615B2 |
Linked heat exchangers having three fluids
A heat exchanger apparatus is provided wherein a multifluid or at least three-fluid heat exchanger is mounted externally to but in combination with a two-fluid heat exchanger. The multifluid heat exchanger includes three fluid passages or conduits wherein heat energy can be transferred efficiently between at least one of the fluid conduits and each of the other fluid conduits. The multifluid heat exchanger and two fluid heat exchanger are arranged so that the two heat exchangers share a common fluid, the multifluid heat exchanger, therefore, allowing heat transfer to or from the common fluid to the two other fluids in the multifluid heat exchanger thereby improving the overall heat transfer amongst the fluids. |
| US08191606B2 |
Security screen system
A screen system in which a mesh is connected to a frame through a tensioning system. The tensioning system includes a plurality of holders which are fastened to edge portions of the mesh and a plurality of adjustable tensioners which connect the holders to the frame. Tension in the mesh and the frame can thereby be adjusted after the screen has been assembled. |
| US08191605B2 |
One cord blind
Disclosed is a one cord blind that has a simplified structure enabling it to be easily manufactured, prevents a safety accident by not using a ball chain, makes an interior design neat and enables a roll screen to move upward and downward by a rotating cord or hands, so that the upward and downward operations can be easily made. |
| US08191603B1 |
Accordion-type transparent segmented shutter and shutter assembly
A shutter blade and blade assembly in an accordion shutter assembly used to protect a building opening from flying object damage caused by storm or hurricane. The blade assembly includes one or a plurality of preferably transparent or translucent plastic, preferably polycarbonate blades each having one molded edge defining a male hinge half and a slide-on metal female hinge half slidably engaged into the other edge of the shutter blade which is formed as a rail. The molded plastic male and slide-on metal female hinge halves have pivotally interacting features which matably engage with the corresponding edge of the next adjacent blade assembly to form the shutter assembly. Each blade assembly is preferably formed of a plurality of blades connectable together in an end-to-end arrangement and strengthened into a blade assembly by the preferably one-piece metal female hinge half. |
| US08191601B2 |
Screen device
A weight moving in a height direction interlocking with development and reception of a slide guide frame is provided, and the weight brakes reception of the slide guide frame owing to an increase in potential energy and promotes development of the slide guide frame owing to a decrease in potential energy, whereby an operating force is decreased, a feeling of operating a slide bar is made light, and the slide bar is decreased in sliding speed at the time of closing to achieve an improvement in safety. |
| US08191599B2 |
Apparatus for laminating a solar module
The apparatus for laminating a solar module includes a press for pressing and heating the solar module including: a first press part and a second press part between which an evacuable cavity is formed; a bearing surface for the solar module disposed in the cavity; a heater being disposed in the cavity and being movable relative to the bearing surface so that the solar module can be pressed via the heater against the bearing surface. The press includes one or more sealing bodies being disposed in an intermediate space between the heater and the first press part and/or in an intermediate space between the heater and the second press part and being brought into contact with the heater and at least one of the press parts so that the cavity is divided into at least two chambers being separated from one another in an airtight manner. |
| US08191596B2 |
Fiber application machine comprising a flexible compacting roller with a thermal regulation system
A fiber application machine for the production of parts made of composite materials comprising a compacting roller for applying on an application surface a band formed of at least a resin pre-impregnated flat fiber, and a heating system able to emit a heat radiation towards the band. The compacting roller comprises a rigid central tube provided with radial holes, and a cylinder made of an elastically deformable, flexible material, assembled on the central tube, and having a fluid communication assembly that brings the radial holes into fluid communication with the external surface of the cylinder. The machine includes a thermal regulation system that injects a thermal regulation fluid in the central tube internal passage. |
| US08191594B2 |
Wheel axle and drive or universal shaft for vehicles with a central tyre pressure supply
A wheel axle system for vehicles with a central tire pressure supply through a bore in the wheel axle. The invention includes a first wheel component removably coupled to a second wheel component, and a seal therebetween. The first wheel component includes a first mechanical valve, a coaxial circumferential groove, and an axial bore defined in the first component. The circumferential groove is located at a wheel side end of the axial bore. The second wheel component has a second mechanical valve, and a coaxial circumferential groove facing the circumferential groove of the first wheel component. The second mechanical valve co-acts with the first mechanical valve. The seal is interchangeable placed in the circumferential groove of the first and second wheel components, and acts as a coupling member between the first and second wheel components which revolve in relation to one another. |
| US08191589B2 |
Method of processing wood and compressed wood product
A desired property is readily granted to a wooden piece (1) subjected to compression. When the wooden piece (1) is processed by a pair of metal molds (51, 61), a property granting liquid (101) is applied to a surface of at least one (61) of the metal molds (51, 61) which comes into contact with a surface of the wooden piece (1). The property granting liquid (101) is in liquid state at temperatures of 5 to 35 C and grants a certain property to the surface of the wooden piece (1). The wooden piece (1) is sandwiched and compressed by the pair of metal molds (51, 61) including the metal mold (61) to which the property granting liquid (101) is applied. |
| US08191587B2 |
Dosage-dispensing device with a tapping mechanism
A dosage-dispensing device for dosage material in powder- or paste form includes a holder device and at least one receiving device. At least one dosage-dispensing unit can be set into, as well as removed from, this receiving device. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one actuator whose action is directed at the receiving device. The receiving device is pivotably supported on the holder device with the freedom of performing a pendulous movement. The actuator can generate oscillatory pendulous movements of the receiving device. |
| US08191586B2 |
Automated apparatus and method for tire pressure maintenance
A device and method for tire air pressure maintenance with a compressor. The device includes a manifold having an input from the compressor and an output, and wherein the output is in pressure communication with the tire and an air chuck for clamping onto the tires, wherein the air chuck is in pressure communication with the manifold. The device also comprises an air pressure sensor, operatively associated with the manifold, for monitoring changes of pressure within the manifold and generating a data signal. A processor, operatively associated with the manifold, for processing changes in pressure is included, and wherein the processor receives the data signal. The device further includes a bleeder line operatively attached to the manifold, and an actuator valve operatively associated with the bleeder line, and wherein the actuator valve is operatively attached to the processor, and wherein the processor is capable of generating a low pressure command signal to open the actuator valve. |
| US08191584B2 |
Method and device for filling pressure containers with low-boiling permanent gases or gas mixtures
On cold filling of pressure containers the filling gas is cooled before introduction into the pressure container to be filled. On completion of the filling process the pressure container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner. As the gas warms up the pressure in the pressure container rises rapidly. According to the invention, the pressure container is cooled before the introduction of the filling gas. The filling gas cools rapidly by means of heat transfer to the pressure container, whereby the filling capacity of the pressure container is considerably increased. Said method is particularly suitable for the filling of small tanks, in particular, for gas-driven vehicles and fuel-cell systems. |
| US08191580B2 |
Method of lining pre-existing pipes or passages and apparatus therefor
A method and apparatus for lining a pre-existing pipe or passage having at least one curved section or bend along its length with a pipe assembly (10) is disclosed. An assembly is formed from a plurality of pipe sections (11), having axial ends (15,16) which are inclined at non-orthogonal angles (x) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sections, and having interengagement means, placed end-to-end and engaged together. The pipe assembly is advanced into the passage or pre-existing pipe, pipe sections being vibrated such that the relevant pipe sections rotate relative to one another towards a relative orientation in which the axes of adjacent pipe sections within a curved section of pre-existing pipe or passage lie inclined at an angle to one another such that the pipe assembly can be advanced through the pre-existing pipe or passage. |
| US08191579B2 |
Directional or flow control valve
A directional or flow control valve has an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a slide that controls a fluid connection between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and is configured to control the fluid connection in at least two adjustable opening cross-sections that are spaced axially apart from each other and allow a partial flow to pass through. |
| US08191575B2 |
Double poppet quick connect
Two independent poppets/valves that open and close independently as a quick connect coupling is mated and unmated are employed as part of a cooling system for high end data processing systems. More particularly, the present invention comprises a quick connect poppet valve having two internal, independently functioning sealing seats therein disposed within a serially connected flow path to prevent leakage and to minimize the effects of debris. |
| US08191572B2 |
Snap action valve with bumper pad
A rotary valve plate adapted for housing within a conduit employs a vibration absorbing bumper pad coupled to the valve plate at a surface thereof adapted to contact an inner surface of the conduit whenever the valve plate is rotated to a closed position. The bumper pad minimizes vibratory noise and improves the durability of the valve plate over extended periods of operation. |
| US08191570B2 |
Bi-directional flapper valve
The invention provides a valve assembly comprising a conduit with a bore 1b for passage of fluid therethrough. The valve assembly also comprises a sealing member that is movable within the conduit to open and close the bore. The seal assembly has a valve seat on which the sealing member seals when the bore is closed, and wherein the valve seat is movable within the conduit. The invention also provides a valve assembly comprising a sealing member, a first valve seat for the sealing member, and a second valve seat for the sealing member. The valve assemblies can be resettable. The invention further provides a flapper valve assembly wherein the flapper is pivotable through more than 90° and a bi-directional flapper valve assembly. |
| US08191567B2 |
Mixer cartridge
A mixer cartridge for insertion into the basic body of a fitting contains a bottom making the water connection with the basic body of the fitting. This bottom is guided so as to be displaceable to some extent with respect to the cartridge housing. In the initial state, this bottom is positioned such that the seals present between it and the mixer system are compressed to an extent such that sufficient sealing-off takes place in the case of a low water pressure. It is arranged so as to be displaceable with respect to the cartridge housing in the direction of an increasing compression of these seals. Consequently, in the case of an increasing water pressure, a higher compression of the seals and therefore an increasing sealing action are made possible. |
| US08191559B2 |
Compressible cosmetic applicator
An applicator head for cosmetic products such as mascara is described. The applicator head has at least two arched supports, each with and outwardly directed applicator surface. The arched supports surround a clearance and define a relatively large, expanded configuration for loading and application purposes. The arched supports flex inwardly, into the clearance, so that the expanded configuration can collapse to permit the applicator head to be drawn through a relatively smaller wiper opening. The applicator head can be used in stock packaging. |
| US08191554B2 |
Nipple covering system
One aspect of the present invention relates to a covering member for a protruding portion of a patient's body. This cover is flexible and collapsible so that it conforms to the shape of the encased portion of the body. This prevents the cover from being noticed while it is worn under clothing. The cover can contain a medicament or agent for pretreating a portion of the body before an examination or procedure. When the cover is used to apply a topical anesthetic to a portion of the body for a recommended period of time prior to the procedure or examination commencing, the amount of discomfort experienced by the patient can be significantly reduced compared to the amount experienced by the patient who has the anesthetic applied for just a few moments before the procedure begins. Alternatively, the cover can be used to hold a medicament or agent on the intended portion of the body in order to heal a wound or cure a condition such as a skin rash or the like. |
| US08191553B2 |
Jaw thrust device
A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient's jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient's neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient's airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient's neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient's airway. |
| US08191551B2 |
Oxygen delivery system
Disclosed are apparatus and method for delivering oxygen from an oxygen supply to a person in a convenient, sanitary and organized manner. The oxygen delivery system includes a rail attached to a surface of the room and a sliding trolley attached to the rail. An oxygen supply tube is attached to the oxygen supply and the trolley for transferring oxygen from the oxygen supply to the trolley. The system enables the person to move to various locations in the room while receiving oxygen from the oxygen supply through the oxygen supply tube, the trolley, a drop tube and a nasal cannula, or other breathing device connected to the trolley. The person may guide the trolley around the room by pulling the drop tube in the desired direction of travel. |
| US08191550B2 |
Method and apparatus to relieve menstrual pain
An apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping includes one or more tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps having first and second ends. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener attaches to the second end of each strap. The apparatus includes a variable compression drive located proximate to one pad to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect. The drive includes an outer drum shell, an inner rotator having an inner diameter that is treaded, a motor which communications with the inner rotator, and a threaded shaft which engages the inner diameter of the inner rotator. A tab attaches the threaded shaft to the strap. |
| US08191549B2 |
Tube collector with variable thermal conductivity of the coaxial tube
Collector tube for a solar collector, having an envelope tube, an absorber tube which is arranged within the envelope tube and into whose interior a heat carrier medium can be carried, characterized by an inner tubular element which is arranged within the absorber tube and has a thermal conductivity which is variable. Distributor segment for at least one collector tube which is designed in particular according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one first opening for supplying a heat carrier medium into the at least one collector tube, at least one second opening for carrying the heat carrier medium away from the at least one collector tube, a channel for supplying the heat carrier medium from outside the at least one collector tube into the at least one collector tube, a channel for carrying the heat carrier medium away from the collector tube to outside the at least one collector tube, with the supply channel and the output channel being arranged such that the distributor segment can be directly coupled to at least one further identical distributor segment in a heat carrier medium circuit. |
| US08191547B2 |
Portable solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector
A solar-heating system having an inflatable solar collector connected to a housing that can be installed, e.g., in a sash window of a house. The housing has an air blower that draws air from the interior of the house and directs it into the inflatable solar collector, which is positioned outside the window. The collector has a flexible permeable membrane that serves as a transpired absorber of solar radiation. The air flowing through the collector is heated when it percolates through the membrane exposed to solar light. The heated air is returned back to the interior of the house, thereby providing space heating. In certain embodiments, in addition to serving as a transpired absorber, the membrane can also serve as an air filter that removes particles, odor-causing pollutants, and/or allergens from the drawn air. |
| US08191546B2 |
Flue tuning and emissions savings system
A flue tuning and emissions saving system is disclosed. The device or system includes an inlet duct (20) having an inlet cross-sectional area and an outlet duct (18) having an outlet cross-sectional area that is the same as the inlet cross-sectional area. An outer duct (16) that is of an outer duct cross-sectional area is sealingly connected to the inlet duct (20) and the outlet duct (18), while separating the inlet duct (20) and the outlet duct (18). At least one disc (12) that is positioned at a specified distance S between the inlet duct (20) and at the same S to the outlet duct (18) and centered in the outer duct, the disk (12) includes a specified disc area so that flow of an exhaust gas entering the system through the inlet duct (20) will be diverted by the disc (12) into the outer duct (16) before the flow continues to the outlet duct (18) without encountering a restriction in flow cross-sectional area. When two or more discs are used, an annular fin (22) that extends from the outer duct to create a passage of the inlet duct (20) diameter that separates the discs. |
| US08191538B2 |
Deaerating and aerating device for a supercharged internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to a deaerating and aerating device (19) for an internal combustion engine (1) for discharging blowby gas out of a crankcase (3), comprising a first line (20) which is connected at one end to the crankcase (3) and at the other end to a fresh gas line (7) downstream of a supercharging device (10) and which contains a deaerating valve (23), and a second line (21) which is connected at one end to the fresh gas line (7) upstream of the supercharging device (10) and at the other end to the crankcase (3) and which contains a throttle device (28) and, parallel thereto, a non-return check valve (29) which provides a blocking action in the direction of the crankcase (3). |
| US08191537B1 |
Crankcase ventilation system with variable blower for increased efficiency
A crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine includes a separator and an amplifier increasing at least one of flow and pressure along the flow path through the separator to provide higher separation efficiency. |
| US08191535B2 |
Sleeve hydrocarbon trap
A sleeve hydrocarbon trap is provided. In some examples, the sleeve hydrocarbon trap includes a hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve, the sleeve adapted to be positioned in a sensor bore and the sleeve including one or more hydrocarbon adsorbing layers, and a cage adapted to retain the hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve in the sensor bore. |
| US08191533B2 |
Fuel delivery system diagnostics after shut-down
A method for operation of an engine fuel system includes initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down. The mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the higher or lower pressure pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start. In this way, a distinction can be made between internal and external leaks, allowing the mitigating action taken to be adjusted accordingly. |
| US08191527B2 |
Compensation shaft of a multi-cylinder engine
A compensation shaft for a multi-cylinder engine at least two bearing pegs and at least four unbalanced weight sections, two of the at least four unbalanced weight sections being arranged respectively, around each of the at least two bearing pegs, so that at least two units are formed, these at least two units being connected to each other by a connecting part, wherein two of the unbalanced weight sections are arranged asymmetrically around each of the two bearing pegs, and the connecting part is configured as a flexurally rigid and torsion-proof component. |
| US08191525B2 |
System for improving gas distribution in an intake manifold
A system for improving distribution of gases within an intake manifold of an engine is presented. The system may be used to improve engine air-fuel control. In one example, turbulence of gases entering an intake manifold is increased. |
| US08191523B2 |
Rocker arm
A rocker arm includes a pair of side wall portions formed so as to face each other, an engaging portion connecting the pair of side wall portions and adapted to engage with a rocking support member arranged in an engine, and a sliding portion connecting the pair of side wall portions and being adapted to be in slidable contact with a stem front end portion of an engine valve. The engaging portion includes a board surface portion connecting the pair of side wall portions and a protruding portion protruding from the board surface portion toward the rocking support member. In the protruding portion, a spherical concave portion adapted to engage with a spherical protruding portion of the rocking support member is formed as a depression. |
| US08191522B2 |
Varying the phase and lift of a rocker arm on a camshaft actuating a valve or injector
In an internal combustion engine using poppet type valves, a center pivot rocker arm is moved through a specific path wherein the roller in contact with a cam is moved to alter the phasing of the valves or injectors in the engine. Depending on the interface between the valve or injector and the rocker arm, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm may be altered, giving a change in lift as well. By positioning a control arm at desired points on either side of a centered position, and rotating the control arm about its own pivot point via an arm actuator, phase change is achieved. The arm actuator controls the location of the control arm and thus the timing of the valve or injector relative to the rotation of the cam. Advanced, centered, and retarded phase change is possible depending upon the movement of the control arm. |
| US08191519B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes intake and exhaust camshafts including high-lift lobes and low-lift lobes separated by a lobe separation angle. The engine transitions between operating in a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode with positive valve overlap and a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode with negative valve overlap solely by selecting the corresponding one of the high-lift lobes and the low-lift lobes. |
| US08191513B2 |
System and method for controlling a pump in a recirculating hot water system
A system and a method for controlling a pump in a recirculating hot water system is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for controlling a temperature of water in a recirculating hot water system including a storage tank for storing heated water, a recirculation conduit including a supply conduit for supplying the heated water to users via a plurality of outlets having a first outlet and a last outlet and a return conduit for returning an unused portion the heated water to the storage tank, a pump for circulating the heated water, the pump disposed along the return conduit, the method including measuring, at a point along the recirculation conduit, a temperature of the heated water provided from the storage tank, and controlling a speed of the pump, disposed along the return conduit, based on the measured temperature. |
| US08191507B2 |
Automatic monitoring of milking plant valve means
The invention relates to a solution for cleaning a milking plant, which includes a milk line system (MLS), connectable to a collecting means, and is adapted to deliver milk that has been withdrawn from animals to a milk storage means (250). The milking plant also includes milk storage valve means (100; 235, 240), arranged between the milk line system (MLS) and the milk storage means (250). The valve means (240) are selectively adjustable to prevent fluid communication between the milk line system (MLS) and the milk storage means (250) during cleaning of the milk line system (MLS). Moreover, the valve means (100; 235, 240) are associated with a monitoring arrangement (275, EPS), which is adapted to determine an amount of leakage through the valve means (100; 235, 240) during the cleaning of the milk line system (MLS), and produce a valve health status signal (Sv) reflecting the amount of leakage. Hence, the functionality status of the valve means (100; 235, 240) may be qualitatively evaluated. |
| US08191506B2 |
Milking system and method for generating and communicating error messages in such a milking system
A milking system comprises a plurality of apparatuses (11a-g), wherein each of the apparatuses comprises a device (12a-g) for performing an action related to the operation of the milking system; a microprocessor (13a-g); an error message generating system (14a-g) for generating error messages (21) about errors that have occurred in the apparatus; and means (15a-g) for communicating said error messages to all other ones of the apparatuses. Each of the error messages comprises information, preferably categorized information, regarding the nature (22) and severity (23) and optionally physical location of the error and is interpretable by all other ones of the apparatuses. |
| US08191502B1 |
Adjustable protective paint shield
A tool used for covering or shielding a length of baseboard, trim or molding that is connected to a wall being painted. The adjustable protective paint shield has a fixed length center section from which are adapted two telescopic inner sections that extend to a desired length in order to cover or shield varying lengths of baseboard or trim. Each section has a general appearance of an elongated inverted L-shape. The center section has a plurality of pivotally affixed legs used in securing the shield in an upright position. The legs have an outwardly arched shape. The ached shape allows the bottom of the leg to sit securely flat against a floor while supporting the adjustable paint protection shield upright and tightly against a section of baseboard or trim being covered. |
| US08191500B2 |
Coating device comprising flowing coating material for smooth or structured surfaces
The invention relates to a device for coating plates (6) in circulation. Said device comprises a transport system for transporting plates (6) and a feeding device (5) which can apply the coating material (8) to the surface of the plates. Means (7) for drying and/or hardening the coating material are provided next to the feeding device and above the plates. Contrary to state of the art devices, said inventive device comprises means which enable a material web (3) to pass between the transport elements for the transport of plates and means (7) for drying and/or hardening. |
| US08191496B2 |
Pump horn
The pump horn includes a chamber that can be filled continuously and indefinitely by a push/pull slide that when pushed into the chamber forces pressurized air through an attachable member, a tube, a sound producing device, and an amplifying unit to produce a loud blast sound. The push/pull slide includes a screw in piece at the end which is secureable to the attachable member within the chamber for releasable securement of the push/pull slide. This allows compact carrying and storage. |
| US08191492B2 |
Sewing machine and computer-readable recording medium storing sewing machine control program
A sewing machine that sews a work cloth being moved by a user includes a detection device that detects the work cloth, a movement calculation device that calculates movement data of the work cloth, a movement data storage device that stores the movement data, a movement data creation device that causes the detection device and the movement calculation device to respectively detect the work cloth and calculate the movement data for each stitch, and that stores the movement data into the movement data storage device, a line segment specification device that specifies a line segment based on the movement data, a determination device that determines whether a stitch to be formed next will overlap with an already formed stitch corresponding to the specified line segment, and an error control device that performs an error correction operation based on a determination result. |
| US08191490B2 |
Disc planter for applying fertilisers and seeds to soil
A disc planter (10) for applying fertilizers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22) and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closely adjacent to and rearwardly overlapping the seed furrow opening disc (18), and the soil closing wheel (22) is laterally aligned with the seed furrow opening disc (18) in the forward direction of travel. |
| US08191488B2 |
Reconfigurable support leg
A support leg for a table includes a rod having a first end and an opposing second end. The rod includes a first groove that extends into the rod from an outer surface of the rod toward a geometric center of the rod. The first groove extends generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the rod and is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a first side panel of the table. The rod includes a second groove spaced-apart from the first groove along the outer surface of the rod. The second groove extends into the rod from the outer surface of the rod toward the geometric center of the rod. The second groove extends generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a second side panel of the table. |
| US08191486B2 |
Nestable pallet
A nestable pallet includes a deck having an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly from the upper panel to the lower panel. The upper panel further includes a plurality of openings for receiving feet of a similar pallet when nested. The lower panel further includes a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck, each foot having a cavity defined therein lined within one of the plurality of openings in the upper panel. Each cavity is configured to receive a foot from a similar pallet when nested therein. |
| US08191479B2 |
Reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) including fuse system with shaped charges and a system and method of making same
A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target. Further, the fusing system may include a shaped charge to control the ignition of the main explosive charge to control the amount of collateral damage when the bomb casing is filled with high explosives. |
| US08191478B2 |
Low foreign object damage (FOD) weighted nose decoy flare
The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight. |
| US08191477B1 |
Microelectromechanical safe arm device
Microelectromechanical (MEM) apparatus and methods for operating, for preventing unintentional detonation of energetic components comprising pyrotechnic and explosive materials, such as air bag deployment systems, munitions and pyrotechnics. The MEM apparatus comprises an interrupting member that can be moved to block (interrupt) or complete (uninterrupt) an explosive train that is part of an energetic component. One or more latching members are provided that engage and prevent the movement of the interrupting member, until the one or more latching members are disengaged from the interrupting member. The MEM apparatus can be utilized as a safe and arm device (SAD) and electronic safe and arm device (ESAD) in preventing unintentional detonations. Methods for operating the MEM apparatus include independently applying drive signals to the actuators coupled to the latching members, and an actuator coupled to the interrupting member. |
| US08191473B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing information about printing plates to be manufactured for a new production of a printing press
A method and an apparatus are used for providing information about printing plates to be manufactured for a new production of a printing press. A point of use of at least one of the printing plates is visualized on a display. Several different positions exist at the point of use of each respective printing plate. Each may relate to one of several installation positions on a plate cylinder disposed in the printing press. These can also relate to storage positions of a printing plate magazine. Using the display, several different points of use in the printing area, for a particular printing plate, are displayed. The display depicts which one of the positions of use is to be provided. The display additionally depicts different states or properties of at least one printing plate. It may also depict a print location of a printing plate on a transport path. |
| US08191472B2 |
Method and apparatus for screen printing
When a printed circuit board is inspected and determined to have an insufficient amount of printing of a print pattern, the printed board is returned to a screen-printing apparatus so that a new print pattern is formed so as to overlap a previous print pattern. In the re-printing, a raising speed of the printed board at a final stage of the board raising operation is rendered lower than in the previous screen printing so that the printed board is brought into contact with the underside of the screen mask more slowly. |
| US08191471B2 |
Method for inspecting print, apparatus for inspecting print, and printer
A print inspection device is provided with a camera for picking-up an image of a substrate to be processed after a paste is printed on the substrate through a mask sheet by a printer, a measured value calculating a measured value of a printed paste area based on the picked-up image of the substrate, a setting means for setting a standard range for working state judgment of the area, and a comparing and judging means for comparing the measured value with the standard range and for judging whether the printer is in a normal working state or not depending on whether the measured value is in the standard range or not. The setting means sets the standard range to a less paste amount side for a predetermined period of time after the mark sheet is cleaned up than for other periods of time. |
| US08191458B2 |
Gas spring piston with partial bellows support feature and gas spring assembly including same
A piston for use in forming a gas spring assembly includes a longitudinally extending axis, a first end wall extending approximately transverse to the axis, and an outer side wall extending longitudinally from adjacent the first end wall. The outer side wall includes a first side wall portion that forms a fully circumferential outer surface and a second side wall portion that forms a partially circumferential outer surface that extends longitudinally beyond the fully circumferential outer surface. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included. |
| US08191457B2 |
Actuating mechanism for fluid displacement and pressurizing device
A fluid displacement device, particularly for use of the device to pressurize balloon catheters, or the like. The device includes a plunger which is displaceable through a housing, and an actuating mechanism which engages the plunger. The actuating mechanism includes a nut member that is biased into engagement with a threaded portion of the plunger. The device has a press-to-release feature wherein the plunger is instantly releaseable by simply depressing a toggle lever of the nut member to overcome a restorative spring force. Subsequently, the plunger can be translated using macro movements (i.e., by pushing or pulling the plunger). |
| US08191456B2 |
Method of driving an hydraulic actuator by means of a pressure controlled proportioning solenoid valve
A method of driving a hydraulic actuator provided with a pressure-controlled proportioning solenoid valve; the method includes the steps of: determining a first open-loop contribution according to a pressurized oil flow rate which crosses the proportioning solenoid valve and according to the desired load pressure inside the actuation chamber; determining a second open-loop contribution according to the desired position of the spool of the proportioning solenoid valve; determining a third closed-loop contribution according to the difference between a desired value of the position of the mobile piston and a real value of the position of the mobile piston; and calculating a desired electric driving current value of the proportioning solenoid valve by means of an algebraic sum of the three contributions. |
| US08191454B2 |
Canisterized interceptor with embedded windings and method for safe round detection
Embodiments of a canisterized interceptor and method to prevent the launch of a canisterized interceptor that may have been penetrated by small arms fire are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the canisterized interceptor includes a composite canister for housing an interceptor. The canister includes an embedded winding to provide a conductive path and comprises a conductor arranged within composite material of the canister. A maximum spacing may be provided between windings of the conductor and penetration of the canister may be indicated by an open or short circuit in the conductive path. |
| US08191452B2 |
Device for punching green sheets
A punching tool for green sheets or similar sheet-like work-pieces having a support plate with punched holes (7), and a holding-down plate disposed above the support plate and containing stripper openings (24). Operative portions (23) of dies (8) extend through the stripper openings (24) and are guided therein. The operative portions (23) are formed in graduated form with a punching portion (26) of reduced diameter. Each punching portion (26) has a length that is less than the length of the stripper opening (24), and is located entirely in the stripper opening (24) when the die (8) is at its top dead center. A part (25) of the operative portion (23) protrudes into the stripper opening (24) to guide the die (8). The punching portion (26) is only approximately as long as required for the punching stroke of the die (8). The slight length of the punching portion (26) makes possible an especially slender punching portion, and thus the creation of especially small punched holes. |
| US08191441B2 |
Hybrid powertrain and dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission is provided including a transmission input member, a first output member, a first, second, third and fourth gear sets, a first and second countershafts, and a first and second sleeve shafts. In operation, the first countershaft is engaged to the first sleeve shaft or the second countershaft is engaged to the second sleeve shaft, at least one of the first and second gears of the first and second gear sets is engaged to at least one of the first and second sleeve shafts, and at least one of the first and second gears of the third and fourth gear sets is engaged to at least one of the first and second countershafts to establish at least eight forward speed ratios between the transmission input member and the output shaft. |
| US08191440B2 |
Actuator
An actuator comprises a screw shaft, a nut translatable along the shaft between a retracted position and an extended position, a tine component carried by the nut, the tine component including tine fingers formed with projections each being engageable with a formation provided on a housing when the nut occupies its extended position to secure the nut against axial movement, and a lock member engageable with the tine fingers to restrict radial movement of the tine fingers. |
| US08191437B2 |
Gas sample collection and analysis
A system and method for capturing a sample gas for analysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an accumulator that has a variable volume. A volume of the sample gas is fed to the accumulator. The system also has an analyzer. An aliquot of the sample gas is withdrawn from the accumulator and fed to the analyzer. The analyzer analyzes a desired component of the sample gas. |
| US08191424B2 |
Low differential pressure transducer
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure transducer having a header wherein the header is comprised of a first section and a second section that are offset from each other. Each first and second section has a flexible diaphragm adapted to receive a first and second pressure, respectively. A central channel connects the diaphragms and a pressure sensor, located within the central channel, communicates with the channel and produces an output equal to the difference between the first and second pressures. The resultant device is a low differential pressure transducer which enables one to bring leads from the sensor out while having diaphragms of substantially the same size and diameter, therefore enabling the diaphragms to exhibit the same back pressure and be equally compliant. |
| US08191423B2 |
Grooved structure for die-mount and media sealing
Dual piezoresistive transducers formed into a single silicon die, are anodically bonded to a pedestal. Two separate pressure ports extend through a plastic housing. The port openings inside the housing are surrounded by a groove having a shape and size that accepts the pedestal. A thin, liquid adhesive is deposited into the groove and allowed to level out. The pedestal is placed into the adhesive and embeds itself therein. Adhesive overflow into the ports is avoided by dimensioning the groove and depositing an amount of adhesive that will fill the groove but not overflow when the pedestal is placed therein. Once the adhesive cures, the adhesive bond strength is greater due to the adhesive being in shear relative to the groove side walls and pedestal sidewalls. The grooved structure provides an apparatus and methodology for precise die mounting and media sealing. |
| US08191421B2 |
Digital ballistic impact detection system
Methods and devices for a miniature, ultra-low power impact recorder for detecting, quantifying and recording the energy of an explosive blast or ballistic projectile impact. In one embodiment, the impact recorder can included a sensor comprised of an array of electromechanical resonators that is sensitive to the vibrations produced in selected, discrete frequency ranges that approximate the spectral signature characteristics of the shockwave resulting from the ballistic impact event, even after traveling through impacted material or body tissues. |
| US08191419B2 |
Multiple-sensor measuring device for on-board gauging probe
A multiple-sensor device for a gauging system including: an insert configured to be inserted along an axis in a capacitive probe so as to assume a predetermined axial position with regard to the probe; a support on which a plurality of sensors are mounted; and a retaining mechanism to maintain the support at a predetermined distance from the insert along the axis. |
| US08191417B2 |
Flow rate measuring apparatus including a recess for changing air flow direction
An inflow port and an outflow port of a bypass passage have openings on a front surface near a projecting end and on a bottom surface, respectively, of a bypass passage forming member. A recess portion is disposed on the front surface of the bypass passage forming member on a circuit housing portion side of the inflow port so as to extend at a predetermined depth over an entire region in a longitudinal direction of a short side of a rectangular cross section of the bypass passage forming member. |
| US08191411B2 |
Device and method for monitoring a fuel metering system
A method and device for monitoring a fuel metering system, in which fuel is pumped from a low-pressure zone into a high-pressure zone. The pressure in the high-pressure zone is detected. An error is recognized on the basis of the pressure variation in the high-pressure zone. The type of error is recognized on the basis of the shape of a pressure drop curve. The variation of the pressure quantity over time is approximated using a function such as the hyperbolic function. The type of error is recognized on the basis of the quantity characterizing the function. |
| US08191405B2 |
Solvent delivery device and analytical system
Disclosed herein is a stable solvent delivery device capable of delivering solvent both at high pressure and at constant flow rate. A solvent delivery device comprises a plurality of plungers which reciprocate in the respective pump chambers including an eluent charge side pump chamber and an eluent discharge side pump chamber, a motor to reciprocate these plungers, a control unit to control the operation of the motor, valves which are respectively set at the eluent inlet and outlet of the eluent charge side pump chamber, a first sensor to measure the quantity of load received by the plunger in the eluent charge side pump chamber, and a second sensor to measure the pressure of the eluent discharged from the eluent discharge side pump chamber. |
| US08191404B2 |
Liquid chromatograph and sample introducing apparatus
Disclosed herein is a sample introducing apparatus which is designed such that the analytical flow path runs from the needle to the separation column without the flow path switching means placed at the downstream side of the needle. This design reduces dead volume, which in turn reduces the diffusion of the sample injected into the analytical flow path. Moreover, the absence of the flow path switching means at the downstream side of the needle to inject a sample into the analytical flow path eliminates connection of the pipe with the flow path switching means. This prevents the sample from remaining in the connecting part, thereby reducing sample carry-over and improving the accuracy of analysis. |
| US08191400B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting accelerometer based controls in a mobile environment
A method of processing signals from an accelerometer/gyroscopic-based input device includes providing the input device within a vehicle. An accelerometer/gyroscopic-based second device is also provided within the vehicle. The input device is manually actuated while the vehicle is in motion. First signals are transmitted from the input device in response to the manually actuating step. Second signals are transmitted from the second device in response to the motion of the vehicle. The first signals are adjusted dependent upon the second signals. |
| US08191393B2 |
Micro-channel tubes and apparatus and method for forming micro-channel tubes
An apparatus and method are provided for extruding a micro-channel tube (402) from a non-aluminum metal or alloy such as copper. The micro-channel tube is formed by simultaneously extruding two rectangular shaped billets (404; 406) to form a top portion of the micro-channel tube and a bottom portion of the micro-channel tube in parallel. The top and bottom portions are then joined during the extrusion process (e.g., within a die assembly) to form the micro-channel tube (402). |
| US08191391B2 |
Drive for a cold pilger mill
A drive for a roll stand having a reciprocal frame, has a pair of substantially identical cranks rotating about respective crank axes offset from the frame, respective connecting rods pivoted on and connected between the cranks and the frame, and respective counterweight on the cranks opposite the respective arms. The cranks, rods, and counterweights flank a central plane. Respective drives rotate the cranks about the respective axes in opposite rotational directions. |
| US08191389B2 |
A washing machine
A tub having a structurally strengthened rear wall and a washing machine with the same therein are disclosed. A washing machine includes a bearing housing having a flange part and a tub part injection-molded with the bearing housing inserted into a wall thereof, the wall having a recessing part and a projecting part formed on an inner or an outer surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and a circumferential rib or a radical rib formed on the recessing part. |
| US08191387B2 |
System and method for controlling temperature in a forehearth
Systems and methods are provided for controlling temperature in a glass forehearth. In one implementation, a system includes at least one burner disposed in said forehearth, a manifold coupled to said burner, a combustion fuel supply coupled to said burner, a combustion air blower for delivering ambient air under pressure to said manifold, and a controller coupled to said burner for controlling operation of said burner. The system may include a temperature sensor operatively coupled downstream of the blower for providing to the controller a temperature signal indicative of temperature of air delivered to the manifold by the blower. The controller may be responsive to the temperature signal for controlling operation of the burner as a function of current temperature of air fed to the manifold. Operation of the burner may also be controlled as a function of an average air temperature over a preceding time duration. |
| US08191384B2 |
Refrigeration system
The invention concerns a refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant circuit which comprises several evaporator paths and a distributor (5) which distributes the refrigerant on the evaporator paths. The aim of the invention is to improve the operation of said refrigeration system in a simple manner. According to the invention, the distributor (5) comprises a controllable valve (12) for each evaporation path. |
| US08191383B2 |
Ejector device and refrigeration cycle apparatus using the same
An ejector device includes a nozzle having an inner wall surface defining a circular cross-sectional fluid passage extending from an inlet to a jet port. Furthermore, the fluid passage has a throat portion at a position between the inlet and the jet port, and a passage expanding portion in which the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage is enlarged from the throat portion as toward downstream. The passage expanding portion includes a middle portion in which the inner wall surface is expanded in a fluid flow direction by a first expanding angle, and an outlet portion from a downstream end of the middle portion to the jet port, in which the inner wall surface is expanded in the fluid flow direction by a second expanding angle that is larger than the first expanding angle. The ejector device can be suitably used for a refrigeration cycle apparatus. |
| US08191382B2 |
Refrigerator having a switching compartment and controlling method for the same
A refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and a switching compartment to store food items. Various elements are provided to maintain the three compartments at selected target temperatures. A heater and/or a light source may be provided to rapidly heat the switching compartment when the switching compartment is being changed from a freezing operation to a refrigerating operation. |
| US08191381B2 |
Outdoor unit of air-conditioner and fan used therefor
An outdoor fan for an air-conditioner is provided to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and noise generated during an operation by reducing a side circulation flow generated when the fan rotates. The outdoor fan may include a hub shaft with a side hole, and rotary blades that convert rotary power received from the hub shaft into a pressure difference. The hub shaft may include a main plate unit perpendicular to the hub shaft and, positioned at a front side as compared to a virtual plane that includes the side hole, and the main plate unit to cover at least a portion of the hub shaft. |
| US08191378B2 |
Dispenser related technology
A refrigerator, in which a dispensing unit moves between a received position and a dispensing position, and a dispenser receiving structure defines a receiving space in which at least a portion of the dispenser unit is positioned when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The refrigerator also includes a cover unit that is attached to the dispensing unit and moves with the dispensing unit. The cover unit covers a portion of an opening defined in a surface of a door by the dispenser receiving structure when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. The refrigerator further includes a shielding unit that covers a gap remaining between the dispenser receiving structure and the cover unit when the dispensing unit is oriented in the received position. |
| US08191374B2 |
Two-shaft gas turbine
The temperature rise of a wheel space between a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine is suppressed. Cooling air is led from outside a casing 17 to a wheel space via a low-pressure turbine initial stage stator blade 5 and a diaphragm 11. An upstream side space seal portion 41 is adapted to restrict and divide the upstream side space into an outer circumferential portion 25 and an inner circumferential portion 27 and to allow cooling air to the upstream side space outer circumferential portion 27 to blow out into the upstream side space outer circumferential portion 25. Also, a downstream side space seal portion 42 is adapted to restrict and divide the downstream side space into an outer circumferential portion 26 and an inner circumferential portion 28 and to allow cooling air to blow out into the downstream side space outer circumferential portion 26. |
| US08191373B2 |
Interlocking retention strip
An impingement shield assembly for a turbine includes a first impingement shield portion and a second impingement shield joined to the first impingement shield portion. The assembly also includes a first connection portion formed on the first impingement shield portion, a second connection portion formed on the first impingement shield portion and first and second wedge weld portions that mate with and hold the first and a second connection portions in a fixed relationship to one another. |
| US08191371B2 |
Drive train, particularly for motor vehicles
The invention relates to a drivetrain, in particular for motor vehicles, having an internal combustion engine, comprising an output shaft; having a turbocharger, comprising an exhaust gas turbine, which is situated in the exhaust gas stream of the internal combustion engine, and a compressor driven by the exhaust gas turbine, which is situated in an air channel leading to the internal combustion engine in order to compress air for the internal combustion engine; the exhaust gas turbine additionally having a drive connection to an auxiliary system or to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine or being switchable into such a connection, in order to transmit drive power alternately or simultaneously from the exhaust gas turbine to the compressor or the output shaft and the auxiliary system; and a hydrodynamic clutch being situated in the additionally provided drive connection, comprising a bladed primary wheel and a bladed secondary wheel, which implement a working chamber with one another, which is fillable or filled with a working medium, in order to transmit drive power hydrodynamically from the primary wheel to the secondary wheel, and the primary wheel has a drive connection to the exhaust gas turbine, and the secondary wheel has a drive connection to the auxiliary system or the output shaft. The invention is characterized in that the hydrodynamic clutch is switched between the exhaust gas turbine and the compressor. |
| US08191364B2 |
Method for controlling pump of working machine
The present invention is intended to provide a technology that can utilize the advantages of both a load sensing control and a regeneration circuit without causing any problem.A regeneration circuit is added to a hydraulic circuit provided with a hydraulic pressure signal line for detecting a hydraulic pressure value of a circuit and controlling a volume of hydraulic fluid to a cylinder 1 with reference to the detected value. A pressure reducing valve 6 that outputs a reduced pressure as an operating signal to a pump 2, and subsequently the controlling means 5 causes the pressure reducing valve 6 to output a pressure reduction command to a pump 2 and thus to reduce a discharge rate from the pump 2, when the regeneration circuit is in a regeneration state. |
| US08191360B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08191357B2 |
Method for adjusting the metered additions of reducing agent for selective catalytic reduction
A method for use in conjunction with an exhaust gas post-treatment system for metering an ammonia-releasing reducing agent into the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine installed in a motor vehicle and operating with excess air. A control unit meters the quantity of reducing agent as a function of a stored model and, during the operation of the internal combustion engine, determines, by comparison of a value proportional to the nominal emission or the nominal conversion stored in the control unit of the internal combustion engine for the associated operating point of the internal combustion engine and/or of the exhaust gas post-treatment system with a value proportional to the actual emission or the actual conversion metrologically determined by the control unit. |
| US08191355B2 |
Method to reduce engine emissions for an engine capable of multi-stroke operation and having a catalyst
A method to control valves in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve engine emissions as operating conditions vary. |
| US08191354B2 |
Method and aftertreatment configuration to reduce engine cold-start NOx emissions
Systems and methods for reducing NOx emissions using a branched exhaust system with a first and second turbine including an emission-control device containing a zeolite, are described. In one example approach, a method comprises: during a first duration when exhaust temperature is below a first temperature threshold, directing exhaust gas through the second turbine and the emission-control device, and adjusting the second turbine to control intake boost; and during a second duration following the first, directing exhaust gas through the first turbine, and adjusting the first turbine to control intake boost. In this way, the first and second turbines may provide a greater degree of boost control in order to reduce boost fluctuations while enabling storing cold start NOx emissions for later reduction. |
| US08191351B2 |
Insensitive rocket motor
There is disclosed a solid fuel rocket motor including a center-perforated solid fuel grain. The solid fuel grain may be adapted to burn outwardly from a center surface facing the center perforation when ignited by a primary igniter during a normal mode of operation. The solid fuel grain may be further adapted to burn longitudinally from an end face when ignited by a secondary igniter during a safety mode of operation. |
| US08191350B2 |
Compressed-air or gas and/or additional-energy engine having an active expansion chamber
An engine supplied with compressed air includes a main drive piston (1) driving a crankshaft (5) and one active expansion chamber (13) of a variable volume allowing work to be produced and which is connected, by a passage (6), with the volume contained in the driving cylinder (2). The passage (6) includes a shutter (7) thus allowing the active expansion chamber to be isolated from or to be placed in contact with the dead volume, in such a manner that the engine works according to a four-phase thermodynamic cycle: * an isothermal expansion without work; * a transfer-slight expansion with work known as quasi-isothermal; * a polytropic expansion with work; * an exhaust at ambient pressure. |
| US08191349B2 |
System and method for low emissions combustion
A turbine system comprises a compressor for compressing air to generate a compressed flow, an air separation unit for receiving and separating at least a portion of the compressed flow into oxygen and a low-oxygen stream, a combustor for receiving and combusting at least a portion of the low-oxygen stream, a portion of the compressed flow and a fuel to generate a high temperature exhaust gas, and a turbine for receiving and expanding the high temperature exhaust gas to generate electricity and a reduced temperature low-NOx exhaust gas. |
| US08191348B2 |
Layered cord for tire belt
A compact metal cable having two layers (C1, C2) of construction 1+N, rubberized in situ, usable in particular as a reinforcing element for a tire belt for a heavy industrial vehicle, comprising a core or inner layer (C1) comprising a single core wire of diameter d1, and a saturated outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2 around the layer C1. The layered cable has the following characteristics (d1, d2, p2 in mm): 0.15 |
| US08191347B2 |
Method and apparatus for indicating the approach to the end of a rope
A device for indicating the approach of the end of a rope includes a stiffening mechanism located at or near the end of the rope which is sufficiently stiff and sufficiently long to warn a user moving along the rope that he is approaching its end, and the method of using such a rope. |
| US08191343B1 |
Systems and methods for cooling a controller assembly
Apparatus and methods for cooling controller assemblies for electric utility vehicles are disclosed. Auxiliary implements powered by electric motors onboard a utility vehicle create airflow that is captured and directed to provide increased ambient airflow across heat sinks used to dissipate heat from heat generating components. Airflow across heated surfaces is further created by vehicle movement and vacuum pressure. Fins and other heat dissipating architecture are employed. Features of the cooling systems enable increased controller assembly functionality and/or decreased controller assembly package size. |
| US08191342B2 |
Riding lawnmower vehicle
A riding lawnmower vehicle includes two main drive wheels, at least one caster wheel, an electric traction motor, an internal combustion engine, a generator driven by the internal combustion engine, and a lawnmower. The electric energy generated by the generator can be supplied directly or via an electric accumulator to the electric traction motor. The main drive wheels are independently driven by the electric traction motor, which can operate as a traction power source. When viewed from one end to the other end in the width direction of the vehicle, the internal combustion engine and a secondary battery operable as the electric accumulator overlap each other, and the main drive wheels overlap at least a part of at least one of the internal combustion engine, the generator, the secondary battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, an inverter, a cooling device, a mower driving motor, and a grass-collecting duct. |
| US08191341B2 |
Method for forming a transportable container for bulk goods
A transportable container for flowable bulk goods is formed by vertically spacing a slip frame former from a bottom support. An outer wrap is disposed around the bottom support and a portion of at least one former wall to initially form the transportable container prior to the addition of the bulk goods into the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves vertically relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods. As the fill level increases in the transportable container, previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the transportable container and lock together the bulk goods disposed in the transportable container. Additional portions of outer wrap are disposed around a portion of the at least one wall of the slip frame former to maintain the transportable container for receiving bulk goods as the previously disposed portions of outer wrap are disengaged from the at least one wall of the slip frame former. |
| US08191338B2 |
Inserting apparatus and method for placing a product in an envelope using such an inserting apparatus
An inserting apparatus for placing a product in an envelope is provided with a discharge path. The discharge path is provided with a skewed roller conveyer which comprises a plurality of rollers arranged at an angle relative to the discharge conveying direction, to align the envelopes along a stop extending in the conveying direction of the roller conveyer. The discharge path is provided with at least one pressing device extending above the roller conveyor to press envelopes towards the roller conveyor, the pressing device comprising at least one array of vertically moveable, rotatable balls. The roller conveyor is provided with at least one endless transport belt for the envelopes, extending opposite the at least one pressing device, the endless belt extending substantially transversally with respect to the rollers. |
| US08191334B2 |
Method for laying floor panels
A method for laying floor panels in a room to form a closed floor area on a laying plane (R) without using an adhesive. The floor panels especially comprising a wood material, such as MDF or HDF, and having matching corresponding profiles on opposite longitudinal edges (I, I′) and transverse edges (II, II′). The closed floor area is obtained by interconnecting a plurality of panels on their transverse edges (II, II′) to give a row (R1) and on their longitudinal edges (I,I′) to give a plurality of rows (Rn) and then locking them in relation to each other. |
| US08191331B2 |
Demountable paneling system
A demountable and remountable wall assembly for partitioning room space between an overhead and a floor, the major elements of which are reusable. The assembly provides one or two walls, at lease one of which has an outer fastener-free surface. Additionally, the fastener-free surface may be made substantially smooth and seamless. The walls are arranged in planar congruence, separated by internal spacers or studs, and vertically positioned between the overhead and floor of the room space to be partitioned. Removable tracks or spacers at the top and bottom of the wall assembly serves to interface the wall assembly with the floor and ceiling of the space. The walls are constructed of either finished or unfinished wall panels (e.g., fabric covered or sheet rock panels) which are incorporated into the assembly using a combination of removable fasteners and releasable adhesives. The finished or exposed area of a wall surface includes no fasteners. Any fasteners used to fix a wall panel in place is covered by a removable trim or other removable feature, which make the fasteners readily exposable and easy to remove. |
| US08191322B2 |
Payload mast
An extensible payload system including mounting equipment and a mast system removably coupled to the mounting equipment. The mast system includes a plurality of nested mast sections, at least one cable, and a pull block assembly. The plurality of nested mast sections include a first mast section and a second mast section nested within the first mast section. At least one cable is rollably coupled to the first mast section. The pull block assembly is coupled to an end of the second mast section. The pull block assembly has a cable receiving opening. The cable is routed into the cable receiving opening and is coupled to the pull block assembly. |
| US08191321B2 |
Building integrated solar array support structure device, system, and method
The system provides an n-s rail bracket that both supports a plurality of solar panels structurally, provides view-guards to hide electrical components, and a water conduit to channel water shed from the solar panel to a desired collection point provided by the structure. As such, the system includes an n-s structural rail consisting of a bottom wall and two vertically extending sidewalls. An intermediate horizontal member extends between the two sidewalls at or near their midpoint to form a compartment between the intermediate horizontal member, a lower portion of the left sidewall, the bottom wall, and a lower portion of the right side wall. Also, the intermediate horizontal member cooperates with an upper portion of the left side wall and an upper portion of the right sidewall to form a U-shaped channel. Each distal end of the respective left and right side wall includes a T-shaped shoulder for supporting the solar module. |
| US08191318B2 |
Prefabricated resin house
A prefabricated resin house includes a peripheral wall 10 achieved by assembling a plurality of peripheral wall structural members 11-19 constituted of resin and a roof 30 that is formed by assembling a plurality of roof structural members 31-39 constituted of resin and is placed on top of the peripheral wall 10. |
| US08191317B2 |
Ventilated curb-mount skylight with separable hinge
Provided herein is a curb-mounted skylight having a rigid plastic curb frame, a mechanism for firmly securing the curb frame to an opening in a building, a transparent or translucent covering element, and a mechanism for retaining the covering element on the frame. The curb frame includes a fixed base frame (having an interior frame and a counter-flashing element) and a moveable sash frame (having an accessory shelf and a sash). The base frame and the sash frame may be connected to one another by a first hinge member integral with the counter-flashing element and a cooperative and complementary-shaped second hinge member attached to the sash. The hinge members form a watertight seal and may be disengaged to permit the sash to be removed from the skylight assembly during installation, if so desired. Because the frame and hinge components are made of plastic, the skylight assembly is relatively lightweight. |
| US08191311B2 |
Opening and closing apparatus
An opening and closing apparatus having an opening and closing body, a drive portion, a control portion, and a detecting device is disclosed. The detecting device has a sensor portion for detecting the capacitance between the sensor portion and an object that is in the proximity of the sensor portion or is contacting the sensor portion. The detecting device detects that the object is in the proximity of the sensor portion or is contacting the sensor portion based on the capacitance detected by the sensor portion. If the detecting device detects contact of the object with the sensor portion when the opening and closing body is not being moved, the control portion controls the drive portion to start opening the opening and closing body. If the detecting device detects that the object is in the proximity of the sensor portion when the opening and closing body is being closed, the control portion controls the drive portion to stop or reverse the movement of the opening and closing body. |
| US08191310B2 |
Stackable plant pot
A plant pot which is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots. |
| US08191307B2 |
System and method for harvested water irrigation
A system and method for harvested water irrigation is provided. The irrigation system generally collects harvested water from a variety of sources and disperses it from a tank to a landscape for irrigation. The irrigation may be managed using a system controller. The system controller interacts with a variety of devices, including a level controller, a pump or valve, and at least one zone valve. The system may be configured to end irrigation cycles in response to certain events and to supplement harvested water irrigation with potable water as needed or selected. |
| US08191301B2 |
Firearm attachment
An attachment for the slide assembly of a firearm. The attachment includes a pair of laterally opposed arms, each arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the arms being joined by a central portion oriented perpendicular to the arms, the arms and the central portion defining a void therebetween for receiving a portion of the slide assembly, a bridging portion having a radius, disposed in the void and coupled to the central portion, and a flange portion coupled to the bridging portion and having a radius greater than the radius of the bridging portion. |
| US08191298B2 |
Magazine quick-release blocking apparatus and method
Apparatuses, methods, and kits are disclosed for preventing quick release of a magazine from a magazine well of a Sa vzor 58 rifle without the need to substantially disassemble the rifle, thereby providing a means to modify Sa vzor 58 rifles to bring such rifles within permissible limitations of certain local, state, and federal guns laws. |
| US08191295B2 |
Interchangeable advertising sign
A system and a method for advertisement for a business is provided. The contemplated embodiments of the system and method utilize a sign having interchangeable capabilities such that the sign may be changed based on promotional programs and or may be changed to display new design for advertisement. Additionally, a contemplated embodiment of the system and method utilize a sign that may be interchangeable and moreover may display three dimensional promotional materials including toys, small articles among others. The invention may comprise a plurality of parts including a first backboard portion having a plurality of slots wherein a second promotional material may be inserted in the backboard portions and may be removable inserted and interchanged based on desired promotions and display materials. |
| US08191293B2 |
Digital display advertising apparatus fixable to a printed directory
A solar powered advertising apparatus comprising a digital display to display an advertisement heading, wherein the apparatus is configured to be affixable to an exterior of a printed directory. The apparatus comprises a memory to store a set of advertisement headings, with the advertisement headings stored in the memory prior to affixing the advertising apparatus to the printed directory. The advertising apparatus further comprises a set of buttons for selecting an advertisement heading to be displayed. |
| US08191290B2 |
Displacement-controlled hydraulic system for multi-function machines
A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for installation on a multi-function machine, and multi-function machines equipped with the hydraulic system and having devices for propelling the machine, at least a first implement, and multiple actuators that perform multiple functions of the machine. The multiple actuators include first actuators that control the first implement and second actuators that control the propelling devices. The hydraulic system comprises multiple pumps for controlling the first actuators and optionally the second actuators, and valves that enable at least one of the pumps to sequentially control two of the multiple actuators and a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby. None of the pumps sequentially controls the second actuators in combination with any of the first actuators. |
| US08191284B2 |
Footwear cooling system
An article of footwear including a cooling system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a sole system. The sole system includes a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber, each configured to compress during motion. The compression of the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber creates a pressure imbalance that facilitates the exchange of air throughout the article of footwear by means of apertures disposed along the upper sole portion, and channels configured to transfer air to the apertures. |
| US08191281B2 |
Method of drying honeycomb formed article
A method of drying a honeycomb formed article, in which the honeycomb formed article can be dried in a short time while prohibiting occurrence of defects such as deformation, breakage and the like. There is provided a drying method of an unfired honeycomb formed article including raw material composition containing ceramics raw material, water, and binder, and having a plurality of cells, the cells being separated by partition walls to be passage of fluid, and electromagnetic wave drying is performed to dry the honeycomb formed article after the honeycomb formed article is preheated by steam. |
| US08191275B2 |
Adjustable square device
The disclosure depicts an adjustable square device with a body having a substantially uniform cross-section at planes orthogonal to a longitudinal axis, the cross-section having a generally rectangular outline. A first groove extends inwardly from a first end of the body and oriented generally parallel a bottom surface of the body. A second groove extends inwardly from the first end and is orthogonal the first groove, the first and second grooves intersecting at a vertex. The device also has a tunnel extending from the vertex to a second end of the body, and a blade slidably engagable into one of the first or second grooves. |
| US08191268B2 |
Reciprocating pruning saw
An apparatus for the cutting of tree limbs includes an extensible drive shaft that is detachably-attachable at one end to a portable electric drill and is secured to a housing at an opposite end thereof. The housing converts the rotary motion that is supplied by the drill into reciprocating motion of a saw blade and it disposes the saw blade at an angle with respect to the drive shaft that is slightly less than 90 degrees. An extensible two-part cylindrical outer sleeve covers the drive shaft and is detachably-attached at one end thereof to the drill and at an opposite end to the housing. A hook is provided in the housing and is used to grab and urge severed limbs where desired. An optional clamping mechanism is attached to the housing and is used initially to urge the blade and the limb toward each other during cutting and then to retain the limb proximate the housing after it has been cut for controlled placement and safe release of the limb. |
| US08191265B2 |
Razor cartridge with comb
A multi-function razor cartridge that can be used for hair trimming and normal shaving has a housing including a retractable guard and at least one razor blade having a cutting edge. The razor cartridge also has a comb mounted to the housing that is movable by a user between a non-operable position and an operable position. When the comb is in the non-operable position the razor cartridge can be used for a normal shaving operation. As the comb is moved to the operable position for hair trimming, the guard is retracted so that it will not interfere with the passage of longer hairs between the teeth of the comb. |
| US08191259B2 |
Method for setting up a condensation facility using a pre-assembly frame and a welded root and finish seam
Method for setting up a condensation plant, for which two tube bundles (2, 3) are placed on a roof-shaped preassembly frame (1) and connected to one another in a first area. The tube bundles (2, 3,), along with the base plates (5, 6) thereof which hold the heat-exchanger tubes, are placed in supports (10) at a roof ridge strut (11) of the preassembly frame (1) in such a way that the mutually facing longitudinal sides (12, 13) of the base plates (5, 6) can be welded together by means of a root seam, before the preassembled roof-shaped tube bundle delta (14) is lifted from the preassembly frame (1) and brought into the installed position. |
| US08191258B2 |
Flat tube, flat tube heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same
A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins. |
| US08191250B2 |
Method for processing terminal treatment of braid of a shield wire
For providing a shield wire, in which efficiency of processing terminal treatment of braid can be improved, and an apparatus for processing terminal treatment of braid, an apparatus for processing terminal treatment of braid of a shield wire includes a first hold unit holding a top of the braid covering the electric wire, a second hold unit holding a far-side of the braid, a push unit pushing the top toward the far-side so as to fold a part of braid from the top to form an overlap portion, and a forming unit forming the overlap portion into a cone shape, in which the top is located. The formed overlap portion is clamped by a set of inner and outer ring brackets. |
| US08191245B2 |
Method of forming a land grid array (LGA) interposer
A land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane. Provided is also a method of producing the land grid array interposer structure. |
| US08191243B2 |
Method for making contact with a contact surface on a substrate
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed for contacting at least one electric contact surface on a surface of a substrate and/or a surface of a semiconductor chip arranged on a substrate. According to one embodiment of the invention, a film of electrically insulating plastic material is laminated onto the surfaces. A large-area contacting of the contact surfaces, which are freely accessible via the openings in the film, with a layer of electrically conductive material is then carried out. It is the aim of a planar electric contacting method to produce openings in an insulation during a short period of processing time. In particular, openings are to be positioned at a precise position to the contact surfaces. To achieve this, openings are produced in the film of electrically insulating plastic material in the region of the contact surface to be contacted by means of laser cutting and prior to laminating. This method is suitable for all planar contacting processes. Substrates or semiconductor chips which are contacted accordingly may be produced. The semiconductor chips used can be, in particular, power semiconductor chips. |
| US08191238B2 |
Method for forming a magnetic writer
A magnetic writer comprises a write pole, a substrate and a non-magnetic, oxygen-free buffer material. The write pole has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first side and second side. The substrate is at the leading edge of the write pole. The non-magnetic, oxygen-free buffer material is located between the write pole and the substrate. |
| US08191235B2 |
Method of producing magnetoresistance effect element
The method of the present invention provides a magnetoresistance effect element, which is capable of having a high MR ratio, corresponding to high density recording and being suitably applied to a magnetoresistance device even though a barrier layer is thinned to reduce resistance of the magnetoresistance effect element. The method of producing the magnetoresistance effect element, which includes the barrier layer composed of an oxidized metal, a first magnetic layer contacting one of surfaces of the barrier layer and a second magnetic layer contacting the other surface thereof, comprises the steps of: laminating the barrier layer on the first magnetic layer with using a target composed of the oxidized metal; and laminating the second magnetic layer on the barrier layer. The barrier layer is annealed before laminating the second magnetic layer thereon. |
| US08191232B2 |
Method of manufacturing spindle motor
A sleeve and a hub are fixed to each other, and then the sleeve and the hub are gripped and rotated around a central axis, during which cutting is performed over the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve and a flange surface of the hub. Thus, the flange surface can be finished accurately such that the flange surface is normal to the central axis and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve. |
| US08191231B2 |
Method for manufacturing antenna
A method for manufacturing an antenna includes steps as follows. First, a substrate is provided, wherein a surface of the substrate has an antenna region. Then, the surface of the substrate is electroless plated with a metal medium, so that the surface is covered with the metal medium. Then, the metal medium is covered with a resist. Then, a portion of the resist in the antenna region is removed. Then, the antenna region is electroplated with metal material to form an antenna main body. Then, a remaining portion of the resist is removed, and excluding a portion of the metal medium in the antenna region, the other portion of the metal medium is also removed from the substrate. |
| US08191229B2 |
Rotor for a rotary electrical machine comprising grooves for magnets
A rotor for an electrical machine that comprises two parallel magnet wheels, each of which comprises axial teeth so that each tooth on a wheel is situated in the space existing between two consecutive teeth on the other wheel, and that comprises magnetic elements, each arranged between two adjacent teeth and partly received in a groove produced in each of the opposite lateral faces of the two adjacent teeth. In one embodiment, each of the two adjacent teeth comprises one groove at a maximum, which emerges at the base of the first tooth. |
| US08191224B2 |
Fastener manufacturing
A fastener has a metallic member and a nonmetallic cap member. The metallic member has a head and a shaft. The shaft has a first end at the head, a distal second end, and an externally threaded portion. The metallic member further has a projection extending from the head opposite the shaft. The cap member is mated to the head opposite the shaft and retained by the projection. |
| US08191223B2 |
Snowmobile track clipping tool
A crimp tool and crimp arrangement for connecting a clip onto a snowmobile tread. The snowmobile tread and clip once connected together are positioned in cooperating engagement with the suspension of a snowmobile. The crimp tool implements a pneumatic actuator having a shaft with a transverse axle that is in operable engagement with bearing surfaces of the two press levers. The transverse axle causes the two press levers to pivot about pivot posts between a crimped and uncrimped position. When a clip for connection to the tread of the snowmobile is positioned between the crimp ends of the two press levers, the clip can be bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position by the crimp ends, thereby connecting the clip to the tread of the snowmobile. |
| US08191221B2 |
Local buckling performance evaluating method for steel pipe, steel pipe designing method, steel pipe manufacturing method, and steel pipe
A method for evaluating local buckling performance of a steel pipe includes obtaining a stress-strain relationship of a material having a yield plateau in the stress-strain relationship; determining the comparison of a starting strain of strain-hardening in the stress-strain relationship obtained and a critical strain of the steel pipe; and evaluating that the steel pipe has a possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be larger than the starting strain and evaluating that the steel pipe has no possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be not larger than the starting strain. |
| US08191216B2 |
Vibrating piece manufacturing method and vibrator manufacturing method
A vibrating piece manufacturing method includes: (a) preparing a supporting body having first and second surfaces, the first and second surfaces defining a thickness while being directed toward opposite directions, the supporting body including a base and a plurality of arms, the arms extending side-by-side in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the thickness from the base, a lower electrode film being disposed on the first surface of each of the arms, a piezoelectric film being disposed on the lower electrode films, at least one upper electrode film being disposed on the piezoelectric film, at least a part of the second surface of each of the arms being an exposed area; and (b) etching the exposed area of the second surface so as to reduce the thickness to reduce flexural rigidity of the arms with respect to the thickness direction. |
| US08191212B2 |
Security system and method including security buckle
The security buckle includes a first body member having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is transitioned to the engagement mode. |
| US08191207B1 |
Cord protective apparatus and associated method
The cord protective apparatus includes a protective, flexible, slip-resistant sheath wrap for use with a cord or hose. Binding straps have opposite end portions each having corresponding hook and loop fastener portions, thereby allowing the sheath to wrap securely around the circumference of a hose for protecting said hose from incidental and accidental nicks and other damage that may occur when said hose is placed through a doorway or other high traffic areas. The apparatus further includes a hook to fasten the wrapped hose to a secure mounting structure and conveniently and tidily store said cord/hose in an appropriate place. |
| US08191203B2 |
Dust receptacle and vacuum cleaner having the same
A dust receptacle having a receptacle body that may be attached to and detached from a cleaner body is disclosed. The dust receptacle includes the bottom of which is opened; a handle, which is disposed on the receptacle body in a longitudinal direction; an exhaust cover, an end of which is hinged with a lower end of the handle, and which is used to expose a bottom of the receptacle body; and an operating lever that locks or unlocks the exhaust cover. |
| US08191198B2 |
Wiper blade
In the case of a wiper blade for cleaning windscreens on vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, with at least one spray duct arranged in the wiper blade with spray orifices for applying a washing or cleaning fluid to the windscreen to be cleaned, with at least one first connection for connection of the spray duct to an external line for supply of the washing or cleaning fluid and with at least one adapter for connecting the wiper blade to a wiper arm, the at least one connection is part of a connection and distribution element provided on the adapter, which is connected by at least a second connection to a duct section of the spray duct extending away from the adapter. |
| US08191195B2 |
Scratch and dispose apparatus
An apparatus for scratching and disposing a scratch-off coating that conceals information on a paper is provided. The apparatus includes a panel, one or more scratch tools, a brush and a debris unit. The panel includes a base and a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls is configured along a periphery of the base to form an enclosed area therebetween for accommodating the paper. The paper is accommodated within the enclosed area, and the scratch-off coating is scratched using the one or more scratch tools. The one or more scratch tools are capable of being contained within the panel. Scratching the scratch-off coating forms debris. The debris formed is swept using a brush. The brush is capable of being contained within the panel. The swept debris is received and contained in the debris unit that is coupled to a first wall of the plurality of walls. |
| US08191190B2 |
Deflection compensating mechanism for patient imaging table
When inserting a patient into a bore of a patient imaging device (e.g., CT, SPECT, PET, MRI, fMRI, etc.), a cantilevered pallet supported by an adjustable table deflects under the patient's weight. A pair of springs couples the table to first and second support arms, which are coupled to each other at a pivot point. A lever is coupled to the front end of the table and pivots on a fulcrum. A pair of wires are coupled to a rearward end of the lever and passed over respective pulleys before being coupled to a rearward portion of the table. A component of the patient's weight applied to the front edge of the table causes the lever to pivot on its fulcrum, raising the forward ends of the wires, which pass over the pulleys and pull the rearward end of the table downward to maintain the patient at a desired altitude and/or angle. |
| US08191185B2 |
Holder device for shower head and nozzle
A holder device may be attached to a water outlet tube which is extended from a wall, without drilling holes in the wall, and includes a housing having an inlet attached to the water outlet tube, and two or more outlet ports for coupling to a shower head and a sprayer nozzle, a base having a spring-biased latch for clamping the pipe to the base, a seat slidably attached onto the pipe for adjustably and removeably supporting the sprayer nozzle. The housing includes a casing having a chamber for receiving a valve stem, and a spring-biased valve member received in the valve stem to control the water to flow out through the outlet ports of the housing, and a knob secured to the valve stem to rotate the valve stem relative to the casing and the housing. |
| US08191184B2 |
Disposable neck pillow for shampoo basin
The disposable neck pillow for a shampoo basin is formed from one or more bladders joined or otherwise positioned side-by-side to form a single cushioning pillow. Preferably, the bladders are filled with air. In a first embodiment, the neck pillow/pad has a top cover and a bottom cover. The top cover is fabricated from a suitable, soft, cloth-like fabric or material. The bottom cover is fabricated from a liquid impermeable or resistant material. The bottom and top covers are arranged to encapsulate the bladders. A layer of adhesive material may be disposed on the outer surface of the bottom cover to secure the pillow to the shampoo basin. |
| US08191183B2 |
Suction fitting for bathing installations
A suction fitting assembly for a bathing installation includes a cover with a pattern of orifices, a wall fitting, and an adapter structure. The wall fitting is configured for insertion through a hole in a wall of a bathing water receptacle, and may be secured in place with a locking nut. The cover is fastened to the wall fitting on the bather side of the wall. A suction adapter structure is connected to the wall fitting. A function of the suction adaptor structure is to admit air through an air tube from the atmosphere to the suction line during a blocked condition, rendering pump operation ineffective. |
| US08191179B2 |
Hockey helmet with an outer shell made of two different materials
The present invention covers a hockey helmet for receiving a head of a player. The helmet comprises an outer shell made of first and second materials having respective first and second flexibilities. The outer shell comprises a front portion for at least partially facing the crown region of the head, a top portion for at least partially facing the top region of the head, a back portion for at least partially facing the back region of the head, an occipital portion for at least partially facing the occipital region of the head, and left and right portions for at least partially facing the left and right side regions of the head, the left and right portions comprising respective left and right projections that extend downwardly in front of the respective left and right ears and left and right sections located above and behind the respective left and right ears wherein one of the occipital portion, left and right projections and left and right sections is made of the second material and wherein the second flexibility is greater from the first flexibility. |
| US08191175B1 |
Cap visor protector
A visor protector for caps having a visor including a periphery having a front edge, a pair of lateral edges, and upper and lower sides. The visor protector includes a flexible body having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the flexible body meets the lower portion of the flexible body at a leading edge of the flexible body. The upper portion of the flexible body is receivable on the upper side of the visor, and the lower portion of the flexible body is receivable on the lower side of the visor. The upper and lower portions of the flexible body cooperate to define a substantial U-shape, wherein the visor is receivable between the upper and lower portions such that the leading edge of the flexible body is substantially aligned with the front edge of the visor. The visor protector includes a pair of spring clips that each have a first leg that is engageable with the upper portion of the flexible body and a second leg that is engageable with the lower portion of the flexible body. The spring clips are configured to urge the flexible body into engagement with the visor. Indicia, such as advertising, can be placed on the visor protector to provide the perfect promotional platform for products. |
| US08196217B2 |
Tip-enhanced resonant apertures
Transmission efficiency and/or spatial resolution provided by resonant apertures can be enhanced by disposing a tip on part of the screen that extends laterally into the aperture. For example, a tip disposed on the ridge of a C-shaped aperture can dramatically improve performance. A spatial resolution of λ/50 has been experimentally demonstrated with this approach. The combination of high spatial resolution and high transmission efficiency provided by this approach enables many applications, such as near field optical probes for near field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). Another application is high resolution electron sources, where an photoelectron emitter can be disposed at or near a tip+aperture structure such that the high resolution optical near-field provides a correspondingly high resolution electron source. |
| US08196213B2 |
Verification of un-trusted code for consumption on an insecure device
Disclosed is a code verification service that detects malformed data in an automated process and rejects submission and distribution if any malicious code is found. Once the submission is verified it may be packaged in container. The container may then be deployed to a mobile device, and the public key may be used to verify that the container authentic. The device can load trusted managed libraries needed to execute the application and a manager can ensure that only trusted libraries access native resources of the device. |
| US08196212B2 |
Personal information management device
A personal information management apparatus acquires associated information that is associated with target information for which transmission has been requested, and if the acquired associated information includes personal information, transmits the target information after modifying the associated portions of the target information. This structure enables improving protection of personal information by protecting not only personal information but also information that cannot be used independently to identify a person but can be easily correlated with other information and used to identify a specific individual with reference to the other information. |
| US08196211B2 |
Authorized authorization set in RBAC model
The Authorized Authorization Set System comprising a modified operating system, a command table containing authorized authorization sets, and a modified RBAC security system, eliminates the need for inherited privileges that must be passed to subcommands in order for the command to run. The modified operating system accesses a table containing authorized authorization sets which identify the privileges for all subcommands within a command. When a user is assigned an accessauth for a command, and a sub-command is a privileged sub-command, the privileged sub-command is only run when the accessauth of the sub-command is included in the authorized authorization set of the command. |
| US08196210B2 |
Software license compliance
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to software license compliance. In aspects, a configuration manager receives an indication of an intent of an software-related action and determines that a license may affect the action. The configuration manager consults with a license needs calculation engine that determines whether additional licenses are needed to perform the action. If additional licenses are needed, the configuration manager consults with a rules engine to determine whether the action is to be allowed. The rules engine applies one or more business rules to the licenses needed data and indicates a response to the intent. In either case, the configuration manager may provide information to an administrator and others regarding the action and may allow or disallow the action as indicated by the rules. If the administrator determines to take the action, the configuration manager may create an audit record. |
| US08196206B1 |
Network browser system, method, and computer program product for scanning data for unwanted content and associated unwanted sites
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for scanning data for unwanted content and unwanted sites in response to a user request. In use, a user request is received via a network to scan data prior to downloading the data utilizing a network browser. In addition, the data is scanned for unwanted content and associated unwanted sites in response to the user request. Further, a response is sent to the user via the network. |
| US08196204B2 |
Active computer system defense technology
Active computer system defense techniques can include sending disruptive communications to attackers, where the disruptive communications include random data elements which could potentially interfere with the operation of an attacking system. Such computer system defense techniques can also be augmented to automatically optimize the disruptive communications sent to the attackers. |
| US08196200B1 |
Piggybacking malicious code blocker
A method includes determining whether a transaction request has occurred during a transaction session. Upon a determination that a transaction request has occurred, the method includes parsing critical values from the transaction request and determining whether the critical values are legitimate. If the critical values are found to be suspicious instead of legitimate, the method further includes seeking approval of the transaction request from the user of the host computer system. Upon approval of the transaction request, the transaction request is allowed. Conversely, upon denial of the transaction request, the transaction request is determined to be malicious, and protective action is taken including terminating the transaction request. |
| US08196198B1 |
Access using images
A computer-implemented method may include presenting to a user multiple images, multiple identifiers and a challenge to select one of the identifiers for each of the images, receiving the selected identifiers from the user, and providing access to a computing service based on a comparison of the selected identifiers to an answer to the challenge. |
| US08196196B2 |
Provisional administrator privileges
A system grants “provisional privileges” to a user request for the purpose of provisionally performing a requested transaction. If the provisionally-performed transaction does not put the system in a degraded state, the transaction is authorized despite the user request having inadequate privileges originally. |
| US08196195B2 |
Role-based privilege management
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for role-based privilege management is provided. A transformation request is received from a requester to form a received request, and a target environment of the received request is identified. A determination is made whether the target environment matches a predefined environment in a set of role-based privileges and, responsive to a determination that the target environment matches a predefined environment in the set of role-based privileges, the parameterized privileges from the set of role-based privileges are mapped to the target environment and the request is performed. |
| US08196192B2 |
Setting a preliminary time on a network appliance using a digital certificate
A method and system for setting a time on a network appliance. The method may include attempting to establish a secure connection with a server using a certificate issued for a network appliance, and determining that an attempt to establish a secure connection has failed. The method may further include determining that a possible cause of the failure to establish a secure connection is incorrect time data provided by the network appliance, and updating the time on the network appliance using time data contained in the certificate. |
| US08196184B2 |
Efficient data structures for multi-dimensional security
Efficient data structures are generated to enforce permissions on a multi-dimensional representation in a performance management application. A model site is generated having at least one model with at least one dimension. User permissions and group permissions are set for the model. The user permission and the group permissions are deployed to a relational database. A collective user permission table is generated based on the user permissions and the group permissions. Thus, an end user may receive permissions associated with a model and permissions associated with particular dimensions of a model without an inefficient consumption of resources. |
| US08196181B2 |
Private network system and method
A method for forming a secure virtual private network (VPN) is described comprising: providing a lookup device, causing at least one pre-designated contact entity on the VPN to periodically poll the lookup device for received joining requests, receiving at the lookup device a request from a joining entity to connect to the VPN, in response to a poll for joining requests the lookup device notifying the polling contact entity of at least the address of each joining entity, and the contact entity supplying at least its address to the lookup device which passes this to the joining entity to establish a link with the contact entity. |
| US08196180B2 |
Authorization and authentication of user access to a distributed network communication system with roaming feature
A system and method for providing roaming access on a network are disclosed. The network includes a plurality of wireless and/or wired access points. A user may access the network by using client software on a client computer (e.g., a portable computing device) to initiate an access procedure. In response, a network management device operated by a network provider may return an activation response message to the client. The client may send the user's username and password to the network provider. The network provider may rely on a roaming partner, another network provider with whom the user subscribes for internet access, for authentication of the user. Industry-standard methods such as RADIUS, CHAP, or EAP may be used for authentication. The providers may exchange pricing and service information and account information for the authentication session. A customer may select a pricing and service option from a list of available options. |
| US08196177B2 |
Digital rights management (DRM)-enabled policy management for a service provider in a federated environment
A method operative at a service provider enforces a digital rights management (DRM) scheme associated with a piece of content. The service provider typically is a content provider. The service provider is an entity that participates in a “federation” with one or more other entities including, for example, an identity provider, a DRM privileges provider, and a DRM policy provider. In one embodiment, the method begins upon receipt at the service provider of a single sip on (SSO) message generated by the identity provider entity that includes a reference to a set of DRM privileges associated with an end user requesting access to the piece of content. In response to receiving the message, the service provider as necessary obtains the DRM privileges and at least one applicable DRM policy. It then evaluates the DRM privileges associated with the end user against the DRM policy, and provides the end user a response. |
| US08196171B2 |
System and method for provisioning a single physical broadband drop to accommodate multiple specific devices
A method and system for provisioning a specific device to receive video and/or data services from a plurality of service providers at a physical drop in a digital broadband network serviced by a telecommunication services provider utilizes a broadcast manager for transmitting an electronic message in a modified format determined by the telecommunication services provider, wherein the electronic message contains information identifying the physical drop associated with the specific device. A broadband digital terminal, in communication with the broadcast manager and the physical port, receives the electronic message, stores the information, and upon receiving a sign-on request from a requesting device that is requesting access to one of the video and/or data services, determines whether the requesting device is authorized to access the requested video and/or data service based on the stored information. |
| US08196169B1 |
Coordinate-based set top box policy enforcement system, method and computer program product
A system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, a plurality of coordinates of a set top box is identified. In addition, a policy associated with usage of the set top box is enforced utilizing the coordinates. |
| US08196166B2 |
Content hosting and advertising systems and methods
In an exemplary system, a data store includes at least a subset of media content, media content attribute data associated with the media content, user profile data associated with at least one consumer having access to the media content, advertising content, and content matching data associated with the advertising content. An access module is communicatively coupled to an access device and configured to receive a request sent by the access device, the request being for access to a media content instance included in the media content. A matching module is configured to match at least one advertising content instance included in the advertising content to the media content instance based on the media content attribute data, user profile data, and content matching data. The access module is configured to provide the matched advertising content instance to the access device for user presentation. |
| US08196164B1 |
Detecting advertisements using subtitle repetition
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying advertisements in television broadcasts. In an aspect, a method includes identifying caption data that has been received at least a threshold number of times and received over at least a threshold number of channels as repeated caption data, selecting video frames indexed at times and channels that that correspond times and channels of the repeated caption data, providing the selected video frames to a video processing system that identifies advertising objects in the video frame data and receiving from the video processing system the advertising objects, and for each advertising object, associating the advertising object with the repeated caption data having times and channel indices that match the time and channel index of the video frame from which the advertising object was identified. |
| US08196163B2 |
Controlled delivery of event information to IPTV users
A method and a gateway are provided for controlling delivery of event information to users sharing a user device. The gateway is informed of activity states of each user sharing a same user device. Events related to services used by the users are detected by the gateway. Because some users of a same device may be active while others are inactive, the gateway verifies the activity state of each user for whom an event is detected. Active users are informed of events that are of interest for them. |
| US08196160B2 |
Television receiver, server, operational system of the television receiver and operational program of the television receiver for detecting and correcting unintended connection
Provided are a television receiver, server, operational system of the television receiver and operational program of the television receiver capable of detecting and correcting unintended connection in case that the connection is established, and facilitating the operation of the television receiver from the outside. A television receiver 110 is operable via a network, and has a notifying section 115 that notifies a user of key information for specifying an operational request of the television receiver 110, and a receiver-side transmitting/receiving section 114 that receives connection confirmation information specific to temporary connection when an external terminal 150 and the television receiver 110 are temporarily connected based on the key information, where the notifying section 115 notifies the user of the received connection confirmation information so as to enable the external terminal 150 to operate the television receiver 110 when the connection confirmation information is confirmed between the user and an operator. |
| US08196156B2 |
Optical disc reproducing apparatus having protruding and rotating disc drive
An optical disc reproducing apparatus includes a body installed at a wall or other mounting apparatus, and an optical disc drive protruding from the body such that an optical disc is inserted into the optical disc drive. The optical disc drive is rotatably installed to the body to protrude forward from the body, so that the optical disc reproducing apparatus is installed regardless of positions of a wall-mount television installed above the optical disc reproducing apparatus. |
| US08196154B2 |
Copying workload files to a virtual disk
The present invention is directed to a system and method for transferring workload files on a host to a Virtual Machine (VM) destination disk without the need for the VM to be running. This accomplished by creating a VM disk device interface to move data from the workload files to the VM destination disk. The VM disk device interface comprises a device driver to interact with the VM destination disk and destination access software utilizing standard operating system procedures to access the VM destination disk. |
| US08196153B1 |
Method and apparatus for associating device drivers via a device tree
Techniques for associating device drivers via a device tree are described herein. In one embodiment, a device tree having a hierarchical structure is maintained by a kernel of an operating system. The device tree includes device nodes corresponding to devices installed in a computer, including a first node and a second node. An auxiliary driver identifier is encoded within the first node for identifying a second device driver associated with the second node. The auxiliary driver identifier is used by a first device driver associated with the first node to invoke the second device driver to perform a predetermined operation on a device associated with the first node. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08196148B2 |
Notification of changed parameters in a printing system
A print controller, methods, and software are disclosed. A print controller of the invention includes applications, a parameter manager, and a notification system. The applications register with parameter manager those parameters for which they want to be notified when a change occurs. As part of the registration, the applications designate a callback identifier (CID) for each of the parameters, where an individual CID may be associated with a single parameter or a plurality of related parameters. Responsive to receiving an indication of changes to one or more of the parameters, the notification system identifies the applications registered to be notified of changes to the parameters, and identifies the CIDs associated with the parameters that have changed. The notification system then transmits one or more notification messages, including the identified CIDs for the changed parameters, to each application that is registered. |
| US08196147B1 |
Multiple-processor core optimization for producer-consumer communication
A novel technique for improving throughput in a multi-core system (and in a virtual machine environment) in which data is processed according to a producer-consumer relationship by eliminating latencies caused by compulsory cache misses. A producer process is executed on one processor core and two or more instances of a consumer process are executed on different cores so that while the first instance of a consumer process is executed in a “consuming” mode to process a first subset of data elements produced by the producer process, a second instance of the consumer process pre-fetches, to its cache memory, a second subset of data items produced by the producer process. As a result, the second subset of data items is already cached at the core where the second instance is running even before the consumer process starts processing the second subset of data items. |
| US08196144B2 |
System and method for accelerating input/output access operation on a virtual machine
A system and method for accelerating input/output (IO) access operation on a virtual machine, The method comprises providing a smart IO device that includes an unrestricted command queue (CQ) and a plurality of restricted CQs and allowing a guest domain to directly configure and control IO resources through a respective restricted CQ, the IO resources allocated to the guest domain. In preferred embodiments, the allocation of IO resources to each guest domain is performed by a privileged virtual switching element. In some embodiments, the smart IO device is a HCA and the privileged virtual switching element is a Hypervisor. |
| US08196142B2 |
Use of external services with clusters
A method, apparatus, and system are directed toward managing a system that includes a cluster and an external resource. The external resource may be part of a second cluster that is collocated on the same hardware platforms as the cluster. A proxy resource is used to enforce a dependency relationship between a native resource of the cluster and an external resource, such that a dependency with the proxy resource serves to enforce a dependency with the external resource. The cluster framework may maintain states of the proxy resource, including an offline state, an online-standby state, and an online state. The online-standby indicates that the proxy has been started, but it has not determined that the associated external resource is enabled. The proxy may determine whether the external resource is enabled or disabled and, in response, notify the cluster framework. |
| US08196138B2 |
Method and system for migrating virtual machines between hypervisors
A method for migrating virtual machines between hypervisors is disclosed. Initially, metadata describing a virtual machine are automatically scanned and parsed. The structure of the metadata of a source virtual machine are automatically analyzed. Elements of this structure are mapped to corresponding entries of a target virtual machine. A target metadata descriptor to be used as part of the target virtual machine is generated. A predefined layout description of the data stored in a file system image of the source virtual machine read. A predefined layout description of the data to be stored in a file system image to be used at the target virtual machine is also read. The data are extracted from the source virtual machine. A template of a file system image for the target virtual system is generated. Storage space corresponding to the target virtual machine is allocated, and the extracted data are inserted into the allocated storage space. |
| US08196137B2 |
Remote auto provisioning and publication of applications
Techniques for auto provisioning and publication of applications are described. The auto provisioning process enables automatic installation of applications having their respective file packages pre-stored in the server. Subsequently, publication of these applications is conducted automatically. By employing such an automatic process, the latency involved in provisioning and publication of remote applications is reduced, thereby making the process more efficient. |
| US08196136B2 |
Configuration and change management system with restore points
A configuration and change management system may have installation and configuration processes that include a discovery mechanism for discovering incomplete installations or configuration changes, a cleanup mechanism for placing the system in a state to continue, an installation or configuration mechanism, and a rollback mechanism for rolling back to a defined restore point if a problem is detected. The configuration and change management system may be used for initial installation, as well as configuration changes after installation. The system may be used in a multiple server environment with interdependencies between devices, as well as a multiple services environment with interdependencies between applications and services, including services provided over the Internet. |
| US08196133B2 |
Software change modeling for network devices
A method for software change modeling for network devices provides dynamic (on the device) and static (computer) change modeling. The same source code and libraries are used for both modeling applications, allowing a user to see the impact of activating or deactivating specific software modules without affecting the actual node. A master node passes a node the identity of the software package(s) to be updated and the dependencies. The node notifies its running processes about the update. If any of the processes determine that the update will degrade or have a negative impact on the operation of the node, it returns a veto to the node which sends a list of the processes that are impacted along with the reasons why to the master node. |
| US08196125B2 |
Optimization of policy enforcement
Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for improving the efficiency of policy enforcement. According to one embodiment, a method for improving efficiency during enforcement of a policy can comprise determining a topology for the policy. A plurality of equivalent topologies for the policy can then be determined. A cost function can be applied to each of the plurality of equivalent topologies and one of the plurality of equivalent topologies can be selected based on the cost function. |
| US08196123B2 |
Object model for transactional memory
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing an object model for transactional memory. The object model for transactional memory allows transactional semantics to be separated from program flow. Memory transaction objects created using the object model can live beyond the instantiating execution scope, which allows additional details about the memory transaction to be provided and controlled. Transactional memory can be supported even from languages that do not directly expose transactional memory constructs. This is made possible by defining the object model in one or more base class libraries and allowing the language that does not support transactional memory directly to use transactional memory through the object model. |
| US08196122B2 |
Data flow analysis of transactional processes
A XLANG/s compilation method is provided that uses data flow analysis of a program's flow graph to determine lifetimes of a data object. A flowgraph is created according to abstract computer instructions. A depth-first order is assigned to basic blocks and a dominance relationship between the basic blocks is determined. A determination is made as to whether any loops are present within the flowgraph and, if so, the loops are identified. A creation point, destruction point and lock point for the data object is determined. Instructions are inserted into the computer code to create the at least one data object at the creation point, to destroy the data object at the destruction point and to lock the data object at the lock point. |
| US08196117B2 |
Merging sample based profiling data
In one embodiment, a computer system comprises one or more processors, and a memory module communicatively connected to the one or more processors. The memory module comprises logic instructions stored on a computer readable medium which, when executed on the one or more processors configure the one or more processors to normalize data from a first data set comprising sample based profiling data to form a first normalized data set, normalize data from a second data set comprising sample based profiling data to form a second normalized data set, combine the first normalized data set and the second normalized data set to form a merged data set, and present a portion of the merged data set on a user interface. |
| US08196115B2 |
Method for automatic detection of build regressions
A method and apparatus for automatically performing regression processing on trace data are provided. With the apparatus and method, call tree data structures are generated for two or more executions of two or more builds of a computer program. The apparatus and method perform a “tree-minimization” operation on each set of call tree data structures for each of the builds to generate minimized call tree data structures for each build of the computer program. The minimized call tree data structures are then subtracted from one another to generate a subtracted minimized call tree data structure. From this subtracted minimized call tree data structure, the portions of the computer program that are different from build to build and which appreciably and consistently affect the difference in execution of the computer program from build to build may be identified. Thus, the analyst's attention is directed to these areas of the computer program code which may be optimized in order to obtain better execution of the computer program. |
| US08196113B2 |
Realtime creation of datasets in model based testing
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that tests a software program. During operation, the system creates a behavioral model of the software program using branches, decisions, and options. Next, the system applies a weight assignment technique to the behavioral model to create a set of global identifiers (IDs), which correspond to test cases of the behavioral model. The system then generates a test case from the behavioral model and executes the test case on the software program. Finally, the system analyzes an output of the executed test case to determine a validity of the software program. |
| US08196112B1 |
Systems and methods for testing widgets in computer environments
Widgets or other code modules for applications written in structured languages such as HTML can be tested advantageously by separating the extraction and validation logic. To test the functionality of a widget in response to an action, widget features of interest are identified. Context and feature nodes for these features are extracted from a page tree structure to generate a property vector that is representative of the state of the widget. After performing the action, context nodes for the features are attached to the new page tree for the newly loaded page, and an observed property vector is generated that represents the state of the widget after the action. The previous property vector is used with updated state information to generate an expected property vector. The observed property vector is compared with the expected property vector, and if the vectors match the validation is claimed to be successful. |
| US08196109B2 |
Common debug adaptor in a multiple computer programming language environment
Software developers working on multi-language systems with various debug tools (BPEL, AE, Java, etc.) can use a common debug adaptor (CDA). The CDA implements a method of debugging in a multi-computer program language environment. The method includes registering various debug tools associated with different programming languages in the multi-computer program language environment, each one of the plurality of debug tools providing suspended threads and stack frames in response to a debug event in the multi-computer program language environment. The method can further include receiving the suspended threads and stack frames from the plurality of debug tools. The method can further include correlating the received suspended threads and stack frames under a common suspended thread; and providing the common suspended thread in a debug view. Such a method can have a number of attributes intended to assist developers facing debugging problems in multi-language systems. |
| US08196104B2 |
Systems and methods for testing application accessibility
Systems, methods, and computer program products consistent with the invention expose semantic information for the user interface elements of an application at runtime as part of a rich object model and check accessibility requirements compliance, such as Section 508 compliance, for each user screen or other user-interface that the application presents. In some embodiments, accessibility checks are based at least in part on the context of the user interface elements as exposed through the object model. |
| US08196102B2 |
Software supportability certification
A method for certifying a software product for supportability is disclosed in which the software product is identified, wherein the software product is configured to receive and process one or more user interactions. One or more anticipated log messages corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined user errors which the software product is anticipated to generate on a logging framework associated with supporting the software product are identified. It is required that the software product perform each of the plurality of predetermined user errors responsive to the one or more user interactions. It is determined that the software product generates, for each of the plurality of predetermined user errors, one or more log messages on the logging framework, and the software product is certified for supportability based on a comparison of the anticipated log messages with the generated log messages. |
| US08196099B2 |
Updating application design
A method and system for updating templated application design, which facilitates the later ‘undoing’ of the design update is provided. The method intercepts all design update requests and automatically creates and stores a description of the pre-update version of the application. When a developer intends to apply an update to a design of an application, the application is first asked to provide a description of itself, e.g. a template. If the application comprises a plurality of components, each application component provides a description. Thus a point-in-time design description of the application is created. This is stored and can later be used for an undo method or even multi-level rollback, as required. |
| US08196096B2 |
.Net ribbon model for a ribbon user interface
An object model is provided that allows .NET developers to customize the Office Ribbon user interface according to a .NET Ribbon model rather than the Ribbon XML/callback model of Office applications. The .NET Ribbon model implements the IRibbonExtensibility interface and provides properties and events for Ribbon components. At runtime, the .NET Ribbon model generates and provides an Office application or document with the XML needed to render the custom Ribbon user interface. A visual designer tool uses the .NET Ribbon model to provide .NET developers with a component view architecture that allows developers to set component properties and generate events. |
| US08196095B2 |
Mobile marketing application
Disclosed is a method for facilitating quick mobile website creation by mobile advertisers, including providing access to an advertiser of a mobile marketing application that interfaces with an ad server, wherein the advertiser is authenticated for access to the ad server; enabling the advertiser to input to an interface of the application a plurality of content items selected from the group consisting of a descriptive text, an image, a phone number, and a hyperlink; presenting the advertiser with a go live option; automatically creating the mobile website to include the submitted content items when the go live option is selected, wherein the application facilitates rapid creation by the advertiser of a mobile website having a plurality of web pages, and the mobile website is optimized for mobile delivery; subjecting the created mobile website to a plurality of error checks; and publishing the mobile website to a network through a mobile service provider system. |
| US08196091B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for improving programming modeling with lightweight stereotypes
Computer method and apparatus provides lightweight stereotypes in a programming model. An alternative to applied profiles is disclosed. A keyword list or list of strings is recorded as an annotation to a model element. The keywords are indicative of applied stereotypes of the model element, where the stereotypes are empty or are used as labels. The list of strings effectively augments the collection of applied stereotypes of the model element. |
| US08196087B2 |
Chip area optimized pads
An optimized semiconductor chip pad configuration. The pad includes a pad circuit area Ap, a first dimension x and a second dimension y, in a chip having N number of pins on each side. The pins include a longitudinal axis, and the chip includes a chip core of length Lc. The method includes determining the first dimension x by dividing the length Lc by the N, determining the second dimension y by dividing the pad circuit area Ap by a result of a division of the length Lc by the N, and creating a semiconductor area pad that includes pins with the longitudinal axis positioned parallel to the chip core. A stack of circuits is designed in the chip to fit in the pad based on the first dimension x and the second dimension y. |
| US08196082B1 |
Signal routing and pin placement
A method is provided for assigning signals to input pins of a component subject to asymmetric delays. A latency is determined for each signal-pin combination of the plurality of signals and plurality of input pins. The latency is determined as a function of an arrival time of the signal, a time to route the signal from to the input pin, and a time attributable to processing by the component. A latency threshold is selected. Signal to pin assignments using only signal-pin combinations having latencies less than or equal to the latency threshold are analyzed to determine if a one-to-one signal-to-pin assignment exists that includes all signals. The latency threshold is increased and the analysis is repeated until a valid one-to-one signal-to-pin assignment is found. |
| US08196078B2 |
Method for predicting and debugging EMI characteristics in IC system and related machine-readable medium
A method for predicting and debugging electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics of an integrated circuit (IC) system includes the following steps: selecting a frequency domain range according to transformed raw data of the IC system to generate a blocking frequency analysis result, wherein the transformed raw data are transformed by a time-frequency waveform transformation; setting criteria data; comparing the blocking frequency analysis result with the criteria data to generate at least one comparison result; and generating a pass analysis report when a processing unit determines that each comparison result is passed; otherwise, executing an EMI design time-frequency analysis. |
| US08196076B2 |
Optimal flow in designing a circuit operable in multiple timing modes
A design approach provided according to an aspect of the present invention consolidates the constraint files of respective modes into consolidated information and performs place-and-route using such consolidated information. The resource requirements may be reduced as result. Another aspect of the present invention provides a programmatic approach to consolidating timing constraint files of different timing modes into consolidated information. |
| US08196074B2 |
Heuristic clustering of circuit elements in a circuit design
An apparatus, program product and method utilize heuristic clustering to generate assignments of circuit elements to clusters or groups to optimize a desired spatial locality metric. For example, circuit elements such as scan-enabled latches may be assigned to individual scan chains using heuristic clustering to optimize the layout of the scan chains in a scan architecture for a circuit design. |
| US08196068B2 |
Modeling critical-dimension (CD) scanning-electron-microscopy (CD-SEM) CD extraction
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a process that models critical-dimension (CD) scanning-electron-microscopy (CD-SEM) extraction during photolithography process model calibration. During operation, the process receives measured CD values which were obtained using a CD-SEM extraction process, wherein the CD-SEM extraction process determines a measured CD value for a feature by measuring multiple CD values of the feature along multiple electron beam scans. The process then determines simulated CD values, wherein a simulated CD value is determined based at least on a set of CD extraction cut-lines evenly placed around the target feature. During subsequent photolithography process model calibration, the process fits a parameter that models an aspect of the photolithography process based at least on both the measured CD values and the simulated CD values. |
| US08196064B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments
A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality. |
| US08196061B1 |
Method and system for providing scroll bar enabled bookmarks in electronic document displays
A system and method for providing scroll bar enabled bookmarks in electronic document displays whereby a bookmark enabled scroll bar is provided as a feature associated with a displayed electronic document. The bookmark enabled scroll bar includes one or more bookmark sequencing buttons. When a user desires to mark a portion of an electronic document for future reference, the user activates the bookmark enabled scroll bar and places/creates a bookmark/breakpoint at a location in the bookmark enabled scroll bar corresponding the portion of the electronic document the user wishes to bookmark for future reference. Once the user activates the bookmark enabled scroll bar and creates the bookmark, a visual indicator appears in the bookmark enabled scroll bar at the selected location corresponding to the portion of the electronic document the user wishes to bookmark for future reference. Then when the user desires to return to the portion of the electronic document the user bookmarked for future reference, the user activates one of the one or more bookmark sequencing buttons and the user is taken to the corresponding portion of the electronic document the user had bookmarked using the bookmark enabled scroll bar. |
| US08196060B2 |
Method of displaying planar image
A planar image and a mark are displayed on a display having an outer periphery. A region is provided on the display. The region has a boundary distanced from the outer periphery of the display. The mark is moved with respect to the planar image on the display when the mark is positioned in the region. The planar image is scrolled in a direction directed from the region to the mark on the display when the mark is positioned at an outside of the region. This method allows the mark to be positioned efficiently. |
| US08196059B2 |
Switch and on-screen display systems and methods
A system with switch and on-screen display function includes a display device and a switch device. The display device includes a display panel and a display circuit. The display circuit is coupled with the display panel and is configured to control the display device. The display circuit includes an on-screen display generating circuit. The switch device is coupled with the display device and is configured to switch an access to one of at least two computers. The on-screen display generating circuit includes a signal receiving circuit, a processing circuit and a signal outputting circuit. The signal receiving circuit is configured to receive command signals from the switch device. The processing circuit generates first on-screen display menu signals for providing a first on-screen display menu in response to the received command signals. The signal outputting circuit of the on-screen display generating circuit provides the first on-screen display signals to the display panel. |
| US08196058B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image data list display method
An image processing apparatus includes an image data storage unit, an operation unit, a generation unit, a display unit and a control unit. The image data storage unit stores plural pieces of image data. The operation unit allows a user to input an instruction. The generation unit outputs one of a first list of the stored image data in a first display form and a second list of the stored image data in a second display form according to the instruction. The control unit controls the display unit to display the one. When the generation unit switches from outputting the one to outputting the other in accordance with the input instruction, the control unit controls the display unit to display the other so that image data, which is displayed at a particular position in a previous display form, is displayed at a particular position in a current display form. |
| US08196054B2 |
On-site system building support tool
An on-site system building support tool for assisting a user in building an on-site system by displaying a layout creation screen having an icon area for displaying icons, each of which represents any of various kinds of machines that can be used, and a canvas area in which a virtual system is built. The icons are displayed in the canvas area and connected to each other through an association line. A model setting screen is used to display the icons, and on the basis of setting conditions displayed on the model setting screen, a load on the virtual system built on the canvas area is calculated and displayed which applies to the environment. This enables checking of an environmental load on the basis of various kinds of conditions of the site. |
| US08196045B2 |
Various methods and apparatus for moving thumbnails with metadata
Various methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for a moving thumbnail generator. The moving thumbnail generator generates one or more moving thumbnails that are tagged and time-stamped to arbitrary video trigger events that take place in an associated original video file. Each of the moving thumbnails has two or more moving frames derived from its associated original video file at a portion in the original video file that is tagged and time-stamped to one or more relevant video trigger events in order for the generated moving thumbnail to summarize a visual content of the associated original piece of video file to a user. The tag carries information about content that takes place in the original video file and metadata about that content including a time reference to frames that are contextually relevant to the reason why a viewer of the thumbnail might be interested in viewing that thumbnail. |
| US08196044B2 |
Configuration of user interfaces
Configuration of user interfaces is described. In an implementation, a method includes receiving a query from a device. The query is for a user interface (UI) from a client. The UI, when executed by the device, is configured to form a request for execution of a control function by the client. A processing of the request determines whether the execution by the client of the control function is permitted. The processing is performed at a head end by using client state data. The hardware and/or software capabilities of the device to execute the UI are detected. The UI is configured based on the hardware and/or software capabilities of the device. |
| US08196043B2 |
User interface for presenting media information
A user interface and methods for using a user interface for controlling processing of time-based media files. In one exemplary method, a graphical representation of a time line for a time-based media is displayed along with a graphical representation of a current time along the graphical representation of the time line. A start graphical indicator and a stop graphical indicator is also displayed along the graphical representation of the time line. A portion of the time-based media may be selected for presentation by dragging or positioning at least one of the start graphical indicator and the stop graphical indicator along the graphical representation of the time line. In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method allows for the adaptive control of a portion of the interface which indicates time relating to a time-based media. An input speed is determined where this input is to change the portion and the rate at which the change to this portion occurs is dependent upon the input speed. Other aspects of the present invention relating to the interface for controlling the processing of time-based media files are also described. |
| US08196042B2 |
Self-revelation aids for interfaces
Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitates revealing assistance information associated with a user interface. An interface can obtain input information related to interactions between the interface and a user. In addition, the interface can output assistance information in situ with the user interface. Further, a decision component that determines the in situ assistance information output by the interface based at least in part on the obtained input information. |
| US08196040B2 |
Color management system and method using natural language description of color differences
Disclosed are embodiments of a color management system and an associated method that display a visual representation of a digital version of a document and further annotate selected object(s) in the visual representation with corresponding statement(s) containing a natural language description of any color differences between the selected object and the same object in a different digital version of the same document. For example, a visual representation of the print-preview version of a document can be displayed and a selected object within the visual representation can be annotated with a statement containing a natural language description of any color differences between the selected object and the same object in the selected-for-print-preview version of the document. By annotating selected object(s) on the display in this manner, the embodiments provide an accurate indication of color variations between the two versions even in a non-calibrated and/or non-optimal viewing environment. |
| US08196038B2 |
System, method and graphical user interface for managing contacts and calendars within an online card system
A system, method and graphical user interface (GUI) are described for managing a contacts and calendar database within an online stationery/card service. For example, a system implemented by an online stationery/card service allowing a user to personalize and send non-electronic stationery/cards is described, the system comprising: a graphical user interface for personalizing and sending non-electronic stationery/cards comprising: a reminder list comprised a plurality of reminder entries, each of the reminder entries identifying an upcoming event including events generated based on a specified relationship between the user and one or more contacts stored in a contacts database of the user; a recommendation region comprising a plurality of stationery/card design recommendations, the recommendation region populated with stationery/card designs associated with a specified one or the one or more entries in the reminder list, including the events generated based on the specified relationship between the user and each of the contacts; and a stationery/card personalization engine executed in response to the user selecting one of the stationery/card design recommendations from the recommendation region, the stationery personalization engine providing the end user with a set of personalization options related to the selected stationery/card design, and generating personalized stationery with the selected stationery/card design based on user input. |
| US08196036B2 |
Method and system for converting hypertext markup language web page to plain text
A method for converting an HTML web page to plain text includes extracting from HTML source code of the HTML web page a portion containing a plurality of character strings and tags, calculating length and position of each character string in the extracted portion so as to find a first predetermined percentage of the character strings with the longest lengths, analyzing a number of position intervals between adjacent ones of the character strings belonging to the first predetermined percentage of the character strings with the longest lengths, labeling the corresponding character strings as belonging to a same block if the number of position intervals is not greater than a second predetermined value so as to find a largest character string block, and deleting the tags in the largest character string block so as to obtain main content of the HTML web page in plain text. |
| US08196034B2 |
Computer system and method for reducing power consumption of storage system
A disk rotation control part for controlling the rotations of a plurality of disk devices is provided. The configuration is such that a disk of a disk device for which an access will not be generated is rotated at a second rate of speed, which is faster than 0, and slower than a first rate of speed, which is the rotation speed at access time. DB management information comprises information denoting which DB schema inside a DB is stored in which location. The disk rotation control part, based on a query plan of a query received by the DBMS, and DB management information, specifies the storage location of a DB schema to be accessed when this query is processed, and rotates a disk of the disk device comprising the specified storage location at a first rate of speed. |
| US08196032B2 |
Template-based multimedia authoring and sharing
Systems and methods for template-based multimedia authoring and sharing are described. In one aspect, media content is selectively applied to a content description template to author media in a content description. The content description template provides a temporal structure for the applied media content. A content representation template is selected and combined with the temporally structured media in the content description to specify rendering criteria and generate a content description and representation for one or more of rendering, sharing, and exporting the temporally structured authored media. |
| US08196030B1 |
System and method for comparing and reviewing documents
A document processing system for accurately and efficiently analyzing documents and methods for making and using same. Each incoming document includes at least one section of textual content and is provided in an electronic form or as a paper-based document that is converted into an electronic form. Since many categories of documents, such as legal and accounting documents, often include one or more common text sections with similar textual content, the document processing system compares the documents to identify and classify the common text sections. The document comparison can be further enhanced by dividing the document into document segments and comparing the document segments; whereas, the conversion of paper-based documents likewise can be improved by comparing the resultant electronic document with a library of standard phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. The document processing system thereby enables an image of the document to be manipulated, as desired, to facilitate its review. |
| US08196029B1 |
System and method for enabling simultaneous multi-user electronic document editing
A document management system and method are provided to support simultaneous multi-user editing of a single document. The system and method do not require the use of a new file format or the use of a central document repository to limit user access to the document. When a user attempts to open the document and a determination is made that the document is in use, then an alert is presented to the user that informs the user that the document is locked for editing. The user may select to receive a notification when the original document is no longer in use. If the user selects to make a local copy and subsequently merge the changes, the local copy will be made and the path of the original document will be stored so that the original document location can be determined at the time that the changes are merged. When the original document becomes available, the user's changes can be merged into the original document. The original document is located using the original path that was stored when the local copy was created. Of course, any time that a merge is attempted, and a conflict exists (i.e., the changes in the local document are inconsistent with the changes made to the original document), an alert can be generated to inform the user of the conflict and the user can be prompted to reconcile the conflict to complete the merge. |
| US08196026B2 |
Method and computer unit for error detection and logging in a memory
In a method for detecting errors in computer data in a memory, a check sum is calculated in runtime and compared to a stored check sum. In this method, the computer data is being subdivided into at least two logical blocks and a check sum is calculated for each logical block. Also provided is a computer unit having a processor and a memory which has a ROM in which firmware is stored, and/or which has a RAM, the memory having at least two logging functions for logging established memory errors, e.g., errors in the ROM and/or the RAM. |
| US08196025B2 |
Turbo LDPC decoding
An iterative low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoding system comprises a first shift register for storing bit estimates, a plurality of parity-check processing node banks configured for processing the bit estimates for generating messages, combiners configured for combining the messages with the bit estimates for generating updated bit estimates, and fixed permuters for permuting the updated bit estimates to facilitate storage and access of the bit estimates. A second shift register is provided for storing the messages, and a subtraction module subtracts messages generated a predetermined number of cycles earlier from the updated bit estimates. |
| US08196024B2 |
Demapper using floating-point representation of soft bits
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and systems for converting fixed-point soft bit values, provided by a demapper, into floating-point soft bits values. In one aspect, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, from a demapper, soft bits formatted as a fixed-point value. Moreover, the soft bits may be converted from the fixed-point value to a floating-point value. The floating-point value is punctured to remove a bit. The converted soft bits are provided to a buffer to enable decoding of the buffered soft bits. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described. |
| US08196023B2 |
Encoder and optical disk recording apparatus
An encoder includes an information holding section which stores flag bytes and an initial address, a data generation section which generates sets of first parity symbols from the initial address and the flag bytes, a parity generation section which generates and outputs sets of second parity symbols, for each column of data units included in the block, from the columns of data units included in the block and input user control data. The data generation section generates the addresses and the sets of first parity symbols, required to generate the columns of data units included in the block, based on the initial address and the flag bytes, selects necessary portions from the flag bytes and the addresses and the sets of first parity symbols generated, and outputs the portions to the parity generation section, as the columns of data units included in the block. |
| US08196014B2 |
Check matrix generating device, check matrix generating method, encoder, transmitter, decoder, and receiver
When arranging J cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) with p rows and q columns (0≦j≦J−1, 0≦l≦L−1) in a row direction and also arranging L cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) in a column direction so as to generate a regular quasi-cyclic matrix having uniform row and column weights, a quasi-cyclic matrix generating unit 31 configures the regular quasi-cyclic matrix by combining cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) in each of which matrix elements whose row number is r (0≦r≦p−1) and whose column number is (r+pj,l) mod p are “1”s, and other matrix elements are “0”s in such a way that a plurality of cyclic permutation matrices I(pj,l) arranged at, e.g., the 1st row differ from one another. |
| US08196013B2 |
Supporting global input/output interconnect features on ports of a midpoint device
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a midpoint device utilizing an Input/Output (I/O) interconnect is provided, wherein the midpoint device contains a plurality of ports, the method comprising: receiving a request to initiate a session between a device on a first port of the midpoint device and a device on a second port of the midpoint device; retrieving information regarding whether the first port supports a feature, and information regarding whether the second port supports the feature; and when the first port supports the feature and the second port does not support the feature, permitting the session to be initiated, such that communications between the first device and the second device are performed partially using the feature, independently of support of the feature on other ports. |
| US08196010B1 |
Generic encoder for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes
Systems and methods are provided for encoding data based on an LDPC code using various inversion mechanisms to obtain parity bits. In some embodiments, an LDPC encoder may compute parity bits using a speculative recursion and correction mechanism. In these embodiments, the LDPC encoder may initiate a recursion using at least one speculative value in place of the actual value for a parity component. The speculative values may then be corrected using a correction factor. In other embodiments, an LDPC encoder is provided that can perform a blockwise inversion mechanism. This mechanism may be used on LDPC codes with parity check matrices having a parity portion composed partially of a large triangular matrix. In still other embodiments, a generic LDPC encoder is provided. The generic LDPC encoder can implement a variety of different encoding techniques, such as different inversion mechanisms, and may be processor-based or finite state machine-based. |
| US08196007B2 |
Frequency-diversity 8-VSB AM broadcasting to mobile/handheld receivers
A system for broadcasting the same data in concatenated convolutional coded (CCC) form from a network of 8-VSB amplitude-modulation transmitters operated with different radio-frequency carrier waves assigns the coded data to time-interleaved ones of time slots that are universal throughout the network. Therefore, a mobile/handheld (M/H) receiver with a single frequency-agile tuner can provide frequency-diversity reception of the time-interleaved data in CCC form. Alternatively, an M/H receiver with two tuners is used to provide frequency-diversity reception of the time-interleaved data in CCC form. The system for a network of 8-VSB AM transmitters that broadcast the same data in CCC form can further provide for each 8-VSB AM transmitter to make repeated transmissions of data in CCC form, to facilitate iterative-diversity reception of those transmissions by M/H receivers. |
| US08196006B2 |
Modified branch metric calculator to reduce interleaver memory and improve performance in a fixed-point turbo decoder
A turbo decoder that calculates alpha, beta and gamma (branch metric) values does not normalize the branch metric but instead applies the normalization factor to the newly calculated extrinsic values before writing them to interleaving memory, resulting in use of less memory than in prior turbo decoders. A compensating factor is applied when the extrinsics are read from interleaving memory. The absence of normalization in the gamma calculation not only conserves memory but also enhances decoder sensitivity. |
| US08196004B1 |
Fast erasure decoding for product code columns
A method, computer-readable medium storing instructions, and apparatus for decoding column codewords of a two-dimensional product code having intersecting row and column codewords is presented that reduces the number of computations needed to decode a column codeword. The method includes computing an error location polynomial for all column codewords based on known failure locations in intersecting row codewords, computing a syndrome polynomial for each column codeword, and correcting errors in the column codeword according to error evaluation values generated based on the syndrome polynomial and the stored error location polynomial. |
| US08196003B2 |
Apparatus and method for network-coding
Provided are a network-coding apparatus and method which can increase a data communication capacity in a communication environment to which an error-correction code (ECC) is applied. The network-coding apparatus includes a received signal processing unit receiving at least two signals, and decoding the at least two received signals; and a transmission signal processing unit receiving the at least two decoded signals from the received signal processing unit, merging the at least two decoded signals, and generating a merged transmission signal. |
| US08196002B2 |
Systems and methods for joint LDPC encoding and decoding
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for LDPC encoding and decoding. For example, a system for performing LDPC encoding and decoding is disclosed that includes a joint LDPC encoder/decoder. The joint LDPC encoder/decoder includes both an LDPC decoder and an LDPC encoder that each utilize a common LDPC decoder circuit to perform the respective functions of encoding and decoding. |
| US08196001B2 |
Identification of potentially erroneous and/or erased data
Systems for identifying potentially erroneous and/or erased data are provided. Systems have a bit detector, an accumulator, and a data reconstruction processor. The bit detector assigns values to bits read in a data signal. The bit detector illustratively assigns multiple values to each of the bits. The accumulator accumulates a count of the multiple values assigned by the bit detector for each of the bits. The accumulator associates each bit with a particular value based at least in part on its accumulated count. The data reconstruction processor determines for each of the bits a confidence level of the particular value associated to it. The data reconstruction process sets flags for a portion of the bits. The flags identify the portion of the bits as possible erased or erroneous data. The flags are set based at least in part on the confidence levels of the portion of the bits. |
| US08195996B2 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for detecting errors in data streams on point-to-point serial links
Methods, apparatuses and systems for physical link error data capture and analysis. A receiver is coupled to receive a data stream via a point-to-point serial link. A control circuit is coupled with the receiver to cause the receiver to selectively sample the data stream according to an offset parameter and an interval parameter. Comparison circuitry compares the data stream sample to expected data values to determine a bit error rate. |
| US08195995B2 |
Integrated circuit and method of protecting a circuit part of an integrated circuit
A integrated circuit comprises a circuit part to be protected and protective lines located at least one wiring level of the integrated circuit. In addition, the integrated circuit comprises logical gates coupled to the protective lines, whereby a logic circuit is formed, and a processing unit implemented to detect a manipulation of the integrated circuit by applying test patterns to the logic circuit and verifying a logic output value of the logic circuit responsive to the test patterns. |
| US08195989B1 |
Detection of ethernet link failure
A device may detect and report failure in point-to-point Ethernet links. In one implementation, the device may determine, based on a periodic timing signal, whether at least one packet was received on an incoming Ethernet link during a previous period of the periodic timing signal. The device may update an entry in a circular buffer to indicate whether the at least one packet was received during the previous period of the periodic timing signal and analyze the circular buffer to determine whether there is a signal failure on the incoming Ethernet link. |
| US08195987B2 |
Hang recovery in software applications
Various embodiments provide a guard mechanism that is configured to prevent transmission of synchronous function calls to hung application components. In at least some embodiments, the guard mechanism receives a synchronous function call that is intended for an application component. Before permitting the synchronous function call to be transmitted to the application component, the guard mechanism determines whether the component is hung. Responsive to determining that the component is not hung, the guard mechanism permits the synchronous function call to be transmitted to the component. If, however, the guard mechanism determines that the application component is hung, a hung component recovery process is initiated. |
| US08195976B2 |
Fault-tolerance and fault-containment models for zoning clustered application silos into continuous availability and high availability zones in clustered systems during recovery and maintenance
A cluster recovery and maintenance technique for use in a server cluster having plural nodes implementing a server tier in a client-server computing architecture. A first group of N active nodes each run a software stack comprising a cluster management tier and a cluster application tier that actively provides services on behalf of client applications running in a client application tier. A second group of M spare nodes each run a software stack comprising a cluster management tier and a cluster application tier that does not actively provide services on behalf of client applications. First and second zones in the cluster are determined in response to an active node membership change involving active nodes departing from or being added to the first group as a result of an active node failing or becoming unreachable or as a result of a maintenance operation involving an active node. |
| US08195968B2 |
System and method for power reduction by sequestering at least one device or partition in a platform from operating system access
In some embodiments, the invention involves a system and method relating to managing power utilization in partitioned systems. In at least one embodiment, the present invention is intended to control the sleeping/wakefulness of devices, as necessary, to minimize power utilization of devices whose accesses are routed away. Inter-partition communication is used to utilize devices in a sequestered partition while devices in the OS partition are put into a sleep state to save power. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08195963B2 |
Circuit for controlling time sequence
A circuit for controlling time sequence of a motherboard to supply power for a motherboard component includes a control circuit, a switch circuit, and a power conversion circuit. The control circuit is configured for receiving a startup signal during turning on the motherboard. The startup signal is configured to turn off the control circuit to delay a first voltage signal received by the first power receiving terminal for a period of time before outputting a new voltage signal. The switch circuit is configured for being turned off under the control of the new voltage signal. The power conversion circuit is configured for converting a second voltage signal into a supply voltage in response to the switch circuit being turned off, to provide the supply voltage to the motherboard component. |
| US08195958B2 |
Security module for encrypting a telephone conversation
A telephone conversation between one or several first telecommunication terminals in a packet oriented data network and telecommunication terminals in an analog and/or digital network is encrypted by a module which enables the use of protocols from a LAN network to a TDM network to carry out end-to-end encryption. |
| US08195956B2 |
Re-keying data in place
A system comprises an encryption engine and a host processor coupled to the encryption engine. The host processor determines when a time period has expired for a unit of data. Upon determining that the time period has expired, the host processor causes the encryption engine to re-key the unit of data in place. |
| US08195950B2 |
Secure and seamless wireless public domain wide area network and method of using the same
A wireless public domain Wide Area Network (WPDWAN) is a system and method of providing high throughput data services to public domain customers through the use of encoded 2.4 Ghz microwave transmissions. Connecting computers to multi-point wireless bridges USi11g the 2.4 Ghz spectrum has been available for many years. However, the concept of opening the service to public domain has long been limited due to authentication, security and inevitable routing concerns. With the incorporation of a wireless router, methods of authentication through the use LDAP MAC authentication with route control and logical segmentation to preclude sniffing actions. This problem has been addressed with WPDWAN. The WPDWAN provides high data throughput connection rates to residential, commercial and mobile customers. The WPDWAN allows users to connect to the Internet backbone using a 2.4 Ghz 802.IIb standard PCMCIA card. These cards function at rates of at least 2 Mbps. The wireless card connects the computer to the Internet backbone and allows the customer to remain either stationary or be mobile within the area of coverage. |
| US08195949B2 |
Mechanism for generating message sequence order numbers
In one embodiment, a mechanism for generating message sequence order numbers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a timestamp value, and calculating a message authentication code (MAC) using as inputs the timestamp value, public information of an intended recipient, and a shared secret key kept between a broadcaster and the intended recipient. In addition, the method includes extracting, according to a pre-determined process agreed to between the broadcaster and the intended recipient, a required number of bits that define a size of an initial sequence number from the MAC. Lastly, the method includes using the extracted result as the initial sequence number. |
| US08195948B2 |
Hybrid signature scheme
A signature scheme is provided in which a message is divided in to a first portion which is hidden and is recovered during verification, and a second portion which is visible and is required as input to the verification algorithm. A first signature component is generated by encrypting the first portion alone. An intermediate component is formed by combining the first component and the visible portion and cryptographically hashing them. A second signature component is then formed using the intermediate component and the signature comprises the first and second components with the visible portion. A verification of the signature combines a first component derived only from the hidden portion of the message with the visible portion and produces a hash of the combination. The computed hash is used together with publicly available information to generate a bit string corresponding to the hidden portion. If the required redundancy is present the signature is accepted and the message reconstructed from the recovered bit string and the visible portion. |
| US08195946B2 |
Protection of data of a memory associated with a microprocessor
A method and a circuit for checking the coherence between data read from a first area of a memory of a microcontroller and the address of these data, including calculating a current digital signature of the read data by a function also taking into account the address of these data in the memory, and checking the coherence between the current signature and a previously-recorded signature. |
| US08195942B2 |
Network security authentication method
An authentication method for network security includes: configuring a Media Gateway (MG) with an authentication key and setting a security data package on a network protocol by a Media Gateway Controller (MGC); during a security authentication, sending, by the MGC, security authentication request data to the MG using the data package; receiving by the MGC a calculation result obtained by performing an encryption calculation on the request data using the authentication key by the MG; and determining by the MGC whether the MG is legal according to the calculation result. |
| US08195940B2 |
Key updates in a mobile wireless system
This disclosure describes a key update scheme for use in a mobile IP network. The update scheme may be implemented to facilitate key updates between a mobile device and a server computer that authenticates the mobile device. The techniques described herein can facilitate key updates in a manner that accounts for potential message loss during the update routine, mobile device failure during the update routine, or other problems typically encountered in a mobile network settings. In this manner, the techniques can provide a robust scheme for key updates and may improve network security. |
| US08195939B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting sensitive data
Methods and systems are disclosed for protecting sensitive data. In one implementation, a message is received that includes a plurality of information elements, at least one of the plurality of information elements having message information and belonging to at least one of a plurality of predefined classes of information elements. At least one of the plurality of information elements may be selected that belongs to a predefined class corresponding to a target class, the target class including classes of information elements selected for removal. Further, any message information corresponding to the selected information elements may be removed to protect sensitive data. |
| US08195938B2 |
Cloud-based application whitelisting
Systems and methods for allowing authorized code to execute on a computer system are provided. According to one embodiment, an in-memory cache is maintained having entries containing execution authorization information regarding recently used modules. After verifying a module, its execution authorization information is added to the cache. Activity relating to a module is intercepted. A hash value of the module is generated. The module is verified with reference to a multi-level whitelist including a global whitelist, a local whitelist and the cache. The verification includes first consulting the cache and if the module is not found, then looking up its hash value in the local whitelist and if it is not found, then looking it up in the global whitelist. Finally, the module is allowed to be executed if the code module is approved by the multi-level whitelist database architecture. |
| US08195935B2 |
Systems, methods and computer-accessible media for acquiring and authenticating public key certificate status
Exemplary embodiments of systems, methods and computer-accessible medium can be provided for obtaining and verifying a public key certificate status. In particular, it is possible to construct and send a certificate query request, construct and send a combined certificate query request, construct and send a combined certificate status response, deliver a certificate status response, perform a verification by the general access point, and/or perform a verification by the user equipment. The exemplary embodiments address some of the deficiencies of conventional methods which have a complicated implementation as well as likely inability of such conventional methods to be applied to the network architecture of user equipment, a general access point and a server. The exemplary embodiments of the systems, methods and computer-accessible medium can obtain a user certificate status to provide certificate statuses of the user or the user equipment and the general access point when the user equipment accesses the network via the general access point. Message exchanges can be reduced, bandwidth and calculation resources can be saved, and higher efficiency can be achieved. According to another exemplary embodiment, by way of adding random numbers into the certificate query request and the combined certificate query request, as well as the message m, freshness of the certificate status response can be facilitated and even ensured, and security protection can be enhanced. |
| US08195934B1 |
Systems and methods for managing certificates
Systems and methods for managing certificates are described. A system comprises modules to receive requests related to a digital certificate, receive responses related to authorization of the digital certificate related to the requests, and store the requests and responses. A system comprises modules to communicate audit requests, receive responses related to the audit requests, and store the responses. A system comprises modules configured to communicate audit requests related to different certificate authorization entities, receive responses related to the audit requests, and store the responses. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08195929B2 |
Controlling file systems sharing among two or more operating system
Methods, systems, apparatuses and program products are disclosed for managing, activating and controlling file systems sharing among two or more O/S (Operating Systems) and/or the like within a computing apparatus or within a single computer operational session or context.Provision is made for journaling and resynchronization of file systems even where at least one of the O/Ses has no features for taking account of the presence of the other O/S. |
| US08195924B2 |
Early instruction text based operand store compare reject avoidance
A method and system for early instruction text based operand store compare avoidance in a processor are provided. The system includes a processor pipeline for processing instruction text in an instruction stream, where the instruction text includes operand address information. The system also includes delay logic to monitor the instruction stream. The delay logic performs a method that includes detecting a load instruction following a store instruction in the instruction stream, comparing the operand address information of the store instruction with the load instruction. The method also includes delaying the load instruction in the processor pipeline in response to detecting a common field value between the operand address information of the store instruction and the load instruction. |
| US08195923B2 |
Methods and mechanisms to support multiple features for a number of opcodes
Systems and methods for efficient instruction support of an multiple features for opcodes of an instruction set. A processor detects a fetched instruction of a computer program comprises an opcode corresponding to a plurality of functions. Each function corresponds to a different type of operation. The processor determines the received instruction corresponds to a feature requested by the computer program, such as a cryptographic algorithm. A determination is made as to whether hardware support exists for the feature. If hardware support exists for the feature, the instruction is executed on-chip by the hardware. Otherwise, software performs the operation corresponding to the instruction. |
| US08195922B2 |
System for dynamically allocating processing time to multiple threads
A pipeline processor architecture, processor, and methods are provided. In one implementation, a processor is provided that includes an instruction fetch unit operable to fetch instructions associated with a plurality of processor threads, a decoder responsive to the instruction fetch unit, issue logic responsive to the decoder, and a register file including a plurality of banks corresponding to the plurality of processor threads. Each bank is operable to store data associated with a corresponding processor thread. The processor can include a set of registers corresponding to each of a plurality of processor threads. Each register within a set is located either before or after a pipeline stage of the processor. |
| US08195916B2 |
Apparatus and method to translate virtual addresses to physical addresses in a base plus offset addressing mode
An apparatus and method to translate virtual addresses to physical addresses in a base plus offset addressing mode are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes performing a first translation lookaside buffer (TLB) lookup based on a base address value to retrieve a speculative physical address. While performing the TLB lookup based on the base address value, the base address value is added to an offset value to generate an effective address value. The method also includes performing a comparison of the base address value and the effective address value based on a variable page size to determine whether the speculative physical address corresponds to the effective address. |
| US08195914B2 |
Mechanism for remapping post virtual machine memory pages
According to one embodiment, a computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a processor, a chipset coupled to the processor and a memory coupled to the chipset. The chipset translates partitioned virtual machine memory addresses received from the processor to page level addresses. |
| US08195913B2 |
Data storage control on storage devices
An object of the present invention is to improve the usage efficiency of a storage extent in a storage system using the Allocation on Use (AOU) technique. A controller in the storage system allocates a storage extent in an actual volume to an extent in a virtual volume accessed by a host computer, detects any decrease in necessity for maintaining that allocation, and cancels the allocation of the storage extent in the actual volume to the extent in the virtual volume based on the detection result. |
| US08195905B2 |
Systems and methods of quota accounting
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to incremental computing. Specifically, embodiments of the invention include systems and methods that provide for the concurrent processing of multiple, incremental changes to a data value while at the same time monitoring and/or enforcing threshold values for that data value. For example, a method is provided that implements domain quotas within a data storage system. |
| US08195904B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling access to storage device
The storage system includes a controller receiving a plurality of access commands from a plurality of host computers, a plurality of disk drives being coupled to the controller, and a panel adapted to display host group identifiers and logical storage regions so that security information can be set for a logical storage region by a user on a host computer basis or on a host group basis. |
| US08195898B2 |
Hybrid transactions for low-overhead speculative parallelization
A method and apparatus for a hybrid transactional memory system is herein described. A first transaction is executed utilizing a first style of a transactional memory system and a second transaction is executed in parallel utilizing a second style of a transactional memory system. For example, a main thread is executed utilizing an update-in place Software Transactional Memory (STM) system while a parallel thread, such as a helper thread, is executed utilizing a write buffering STM. As a result, a main thread may directly update memory locations, while a helper thread's transactional writes are buffered to ensure they do not invalidate transactional reads of the main thread. Therefore, parallel execution of threads is achieved, while ensuring at least one thread, such as a main thread, does not degrade below an amount of execution cycles it would take to execute the main thread serially. |
| US08195895B2 |
Shared object control for controlling information read/write processing
Methods, systems, and computer program products for controlling information read/write processing. The method includes assigning a plurality of division areas to a shared storage area for storing a shared object: specifying a division area used for read/write processing in accordance with user identification information for identifying a user; and executing the read processing for reading information from a specified division area and the write processing for writing information to the specified division area. The shared object is shared among a plurality of processes. |
| US08195891B2 |
Techniques to perform power fail-safe caching without atomic metadata
A method and system to allow power fail-safe write-back or write-through caching of data in a persistent storage device into one or more cache lines of a caching device. No metadata associated with any of the cache lines is written atomically into the caching device when the data in the storage device is cached. As such, specialized cache hardware to allow atomic writing of metadata during the caching of data is not required. |
| US08195886B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method for implementing a replacement scheme for entries of a storage unit
A data processing apparatus and method are provided for implementing a replacement scheme for entries of a storage unit. The data processing apparatus has processing circuitry for executing multiple program threads including at least one high priority program thread and at least one lower priority program thread. A storage unit is then shared between the multiple program threads and has multiple entries for storing information for reference by the processing circuitry when executing the program threads. A record is maintained identifying for each entry whether the information stored in that entry is associated with a high priority program thread or a lower priority program thread. Replacement circuitry is then responsive to a predetermined event in order to select a victim entry whose stored information is to be replaced. To achieve this, the replacement circuitry performs a candidate generation operation to identify a plurality of randomly selected candidate entries, and then references the record in order to preferentially select as the victim entry a candidate entry whose stored information is associated with a lower priority program thread. This improves the performance of the high priority program thread(s) by preferentially evicting from the storage unit entries associated with lower priority program threads. |
| US08195881B2 |
System, method and processor for accessing data after a translation lookaside buffer miss
Data is accessed in a multi-level hierarchical memory system. A request for data is received, including a virtual address for accessing the data. A translation buffer is queried to obtain an absolute address corresponding to the virtual address. Responsive to the translation buffer not containing an absolute address corresponding to the virtual address, the absolute address is obtained from a translation unit. A directory look-up is performed with the absolute address to determine whether a matching absolute address exists in the directory. A fetch request for the requested data is sent to a next level in the multi-level hierarchical memory system. Processing of the fetch request by the next level occurs in parallel with the directory lookup. The requested data is received in the primary cache to make the requested data available to be written to the primary cache. |
| US08195880B2 |
Information handling system with immediate scheduling of load operations in a dual-bank cache with dual dispatch into write/read data flow
An information handling system (IHS) includes a processor with a cache memory system. The processor includes a processor core with an L1 cache memory that couples to an L2 cache memory. The processor includes an arbitration mechanism that controls load and store requests to the L2 cache memory. The arbitration mechanism includes control logic that enables a load request to interrupt a store request that the L2 cache memory is currently servicing. The L2 cache memory includes dual data banks so that one bank may perform a load operation while the other bank performs a store operation. The cache system provides dual dispatch points into the data flow to the dual cache banks of the L2 cache memory. |
| US08195875B2 |
Method and system for responding to file system requests
A system for responding to file system requests having file IDs comprising V, a volume identifier specifying the file system being accessed, and R, an integer, specifying the file within the file system being accessed includes D disk elements in which files are stored, where D is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer. The system includes a switching fabric having a first switching element and a second switching element, each of which are connected to each of the D disk elements. The system includes N network elements, each of which is connected to each of the switching elements of the switching fabric, where N is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer and N+D is greater than or equal to 4. |
| US08195867B2 |
Controlled shut-down of partitions within a shared memory partition data processing system
Controlled partition shut-down is provided within a shared memory partition data processing system including a shared memory partition, a paging service partition, a hypervisor and a shared memory pool within physical memory. The hypervisor manages access to logical pages within the pool and page-out of pages from the pool to external paging storage via the paging service partition. A respective paging service stream exists between the paging service partition and hypervisor for each shared memory partition, with each stream including a stream state. The control method includes: responsive to a shut-down initiating event, notifying the paging service partition to shut down, and determining whether a shared memory partition is currently active, and if so, signaling the hypervisor to complete paging activity for the active memory partition and waiting for its stream state to enter a suspended or a completed state before automatically shutting down the paging service partition. |
| US08195866B2 |
Adjusting available persistent storage during execution in a virtual computer system
The amount of virtual disk space that is available for use by software executing within a virtual machine may be dynamically adjusted while the virtual machine is running in a virtual computer system. According to one aspect, a method for flexible run-time reservation of disk space from a virtual machine is provided. The method includes designating for use by a first virtual machine, a fixed portion of disk space accessible by a computing system. The first virtual machine is activated. During operation of the first virtual machine, a portion of the fixed portion of the disk space designated for use by the first virtual machine is reserved from within the first virtual machine. Use of the reserved portion is controlled from outside of the first virtual machine. |
| US08195860B2 |
Computing device with handheld and extended computing devices
A handheld computing unit includes a processing module, memory, a transceiver, a first extended computing unit interface, a second extended computing unit interface, and an interconnection structure operably coupled to the processing module, the memory, the transceiver, and the first and second extended computing unit interfaces. The first extended computing unit interface couples to a first extended computing unit and the second extended computing unit interface coupled to a second extended computing unit such that the handheld computing unit and the extended computing units constitute a computing device. |
| US08195854B1 |
Method and mechanism to provide high availability storage solution by load balancing and fault tolerance support in the storage controller cards and HBAs
Disclosed is a method and mechanism for virtualizing the resources of multiple physical storage controller cards/HBAs available to a host computer system into a single virtual controller. An Advanced Storage Driver (ASD) may be inserted in a layer above the base device drivers of the storage controllers/HBAs and act as a single virtual controller for access to the end target devices connected to the multiple physical storage controllers/HBAs so that at any point in time the resources of each of the controllers/HBAs may be dynamically allocated to the various requested operations. The ASD may have bi-directional communication with each controller/HBA firmware directly and/or with the base device driver associated with each controller/HBA in order to permit both direct and base device driver controlled communication with each of the physical controllers/HBAs. The ASD may further provide load sharing between the controllers/HBAs as well as fault tolerance functionality to reroute communications through a different controller/HBA in the event of a failure of one or more of the controllers/HBAs. |
| US08195853B2 |
Keyboard-video-monitor-periphery (KVMP) switch
Embodiments of the present invention describe KVMP switch system that can individually control each peripheral device and KVM ports connected to the KVMP switch system and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, a KVMP switch system for switching includes a plurality of console and peripheral devices with any one of a plurality of computer servers includes a plurality of computer connector zones, each computer connector zone having a plurality of computer ports adapted to connect to a computer server, a console port zone having a plurality of console ports adapted to connect to at least a console device and a peripheral device, and a control zone having a plurality of selector switches and a toggle switch, the toggle switch having at least two operable positions, each selector switch associated with a respective one of the computer connector zones and operable to couple one or more selected computer ports of the associated computer connector zone to an associated the console port, the toggle switch operable to determine which computer ports are selected for switching by the selector switches. |
| US08195852B2 |
Configurable connector for system-level communication
A host device comprises a controller and a connector. The host connector comprises fixed-function and multi-function pins. A first group of host connector pins comprises one or more of the fixed-function pins and a second group of pins comprises the remainder of the fixed-function pins and the multi-function pins. The host connector can be releasably attached to a connector of an accessory device. The first group of host connector pins can be used to discover the functions of the accessory connector. The host device can select functions to be enabled at the host and accessory connectors from among the functions mutually supported by the two connectors. The host can enable the selected functions at the host connector and can instruct the accessory to enable the selected functions at the accessory connector. The host can reconfigure host connector functions in response to a different accessory being attached to the host. |
| US08195851B1 |
Personalized multimedia display/digital TV for multi-tasking
A display, possibly in combination with a computer, is used to manage the shape and position of various inputs, so that the inputs can be presented in combination. Possible combinations include displaying a subset of one input with another input, either overlapping or adjacent, displaying a temporal subset of one input, and using conditions to automatically control the selection of inputs. |
| US08195850B2 |
Universal bidirectional serial data transport interface and its data transport method
A UTI (Universal Transport Interface) is provided in the invention, the UTI comprising a transceiving unit, configured to receive and transmit data which accords with USB (Universal Serial Bus) specification; a detecting unit, configured to detect the data received by the transceiving unit to determine whether to convert the received data into data which accords with a particular specification; and a conversion unit, configured to convert the received data into the data which accords with the particular specification when determining that the received data should be converted into the data which accords with the particular specification, and to convert the transmission data which accords with the particular specification into data which accords with the USB specification for transmission via the transceiving unit. With the UTI provided in the invention, service cards may be separated from devices for DTV and various value-added services may be provided. |
| US08195848B2 |
Medical device created through resource leverage of a host processing system and method
A method, system, and apparatus of medical device created through resource leverage of a host processing system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a medical component includes automatically communicating a medical operating system to a host processing system from a memory location of the medical component when it is determined that the host processing system does not include a medical operating system optimized to operate with the medical component, processing a confirmation from the host processing system that the medial operating system has repurposed the host processing system of the host processor and that the medical operating system is now active on the host processing system, capturing a patient reading through the medical component, and leveraging at least one of a processing resource and an input-output (I/O) resource of the host processing system in providing a measurement of the patient reading to a user. |
| US08195825B2 |
UDP broadcast for user interface in a download and configuration gaming method
A method is disclosed for implementing a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture that otherwise allows only client initiated messages. The method including: sending a registration message to a server from a client with a client IP address in the registration message, wherein the registration message includes types of notifications desired to be received by the client; adding the client IP address to a list in a registration message database; requesting a port number from the server by the client; and responding with the port number on which the client should listen by the server. |
| US08195820B2 |
System and method for dynamic security provisioning of computing resources
The present invention facilitates the dynamic provisioning of computing and data assets in a commodity computing environment. The invention provides a system and method for dynamically provisioning and de-provisioning computing resources based on multi-dimensional decision criteria. By employing specialized computing components configured to assess an asset and requestor of an asset, a provisioning engine is able to transform the input from the computing components into a specific configuration of computing resource provisioning and security controls. According to the rules and policies applying to a security domain, the provisioning engine may dynamically allocate computing resources in a manner that is both safe and efficient for the asset. |
| US08195819B1 |
Application single sign on leveraging virtual local area network identifier
A processor-implemented method for providing application single sign on leveraging a virtual local area network identifier is provided. The method comprises an authentication server providing a client device access to a network via association with a virtual local area network and a credential. The method also comprises the device invoking an application hosted on an application server and the application server identifying a virtual local area network tag associated with the device. The method also comprises the application server sending a message to the authentication server requesting linkage of the tag with a user identification associated with the device. The method also comprises the authentication server linking the tag with the user identification associated with the device and sending a message to the application server containing the identification. The method also comprises the application server using the identification to authenticate the device with the application and the device receiving access. |
| US08195815B2 |
Efficient network monitoring and control
In one embodiment, a method for monitoring traffic associated with users in a network includes assigning a trust level to each of the users, monitoring traffic associated with each of the users, and analyzing the monitored traffic. A level of monitoring is based on the trust level of the user. A user's trust level is modified if the analyzed traffic indicates that the user is operating outside of specified network usage parameters. An apparatus for monitoring traffic associated with users in a network is also disclosed. |
| US08195811B2 |
Policy co-ordination in a communications network
In order to address the problem of allowing a GGSN of a UMTS core network to work towards multiple Policy Control Functions (PCFs) co-located with P-CSCF nodes using the COPS protocol, a policy control function coordinator (PCF-C) is implemented between the GGSN and the P-CSCF. A single COPS connection is established between the GGSN and the PCF-C while a COPS connection is established between the PCF-C and each of the P-CSCF nodes. Decisions made at the PCFs are routed to the GGSN via the PCF-C, and responses generated at the GGSN are routed to the appropriate PCFs via the GGSN. This architecture avoids conflicts which might otherwise arise with the COPS protocol. |
| US08195809B2 |
Multigame multiplayer party session
A computing device for executing multiplayer game software applications playable with one or more remote peers, the computing device may include a multigame party module that is configured to create a party session that is joinable by the one or more remote peers, the party session may be hosted by the multigame party module. The multigame party module may be configured to establish a peer-to-peer connection between the computing device and a peer computing device of a remote peer in response to a request from a remote peer to join the party session, and place one or more selected party session members into a first game session of a first multiplayer game software application. |
| US08195807B2 |
System and method for providing a distributed virtual mobility agent
An indication is received from the mobile station (114) indicating that the mobile station (114) is moving from an originating mobility agent (106) to a destination mobility agent (108). An identity of the destination mobility agent (108) is determined using the indication. Routing information is sent from the originating mobility agent (106) to the destination mobility agent (108) using the identity. Incoming data is routed to the mobile station (114) using the routing information. |
| US08195805B2 |
Device configuration and data extraction using a portable transaction format
Method for performing a data transaction (200) with a server (108) using a portable computer (106). The method includes receiving (402) in the portable computer a portable transaction file (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-n) in a predetermined portable transaction file format (500) that includes two or more data fields. The data fields can contain a set of transaction parameters that define a type specific server protocol for a data transaction session with a particular server type (108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-n). By using a generic data transaction engine (302, 303) a data transaction session can be performed with any type of server for which a portable transaction file has been provided. |
| US08195803B2 |
Method and apparatus for modeling and managing quality of service (QoS) in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) environment
A method is provided for implementing data-driven QoS control in design and development of an SOA solution. The method comprises implementing a QoS layer having a first set of architectural building blocks (ABBs) and configured to specify a QoS requirement definition to be propagated through a set of components of the SOA solution to generate QoS data for controlling and managing QoS in a unified form; and implementing a data architecture layer having a second set of ABBs and configured to facilitate propagation of generated QoS data through the set of components in the SOA solution. |
| US08195799B1 |
Smart test article optimizer
A method and apparatus to compare a control article against a test article to support a product or service is disclosed. A client indicates a selection of the test article to be compared with the control article. The articles are fed to multiple end users in response to requests from the end users. The requests or responses are tracked to determine whether the control article or test article has more negative or positive responses. The control article may then be replaced with the test article as a primary article to support the product or service if the test article has a predetermined amount of positive or negative responses when compared with the control article to increase efficiency in supporting the product or service. |
| US08195790B2 |
Optimization of a message handling system
A data processing method for optimizing one or more parameters of a message handling system comprises defining a test workload comprising a plurality of messages, simulating the normal operation of the message handling system, processing at least a portion of the test workload, changing one or more parameters of the message handling system, monitoring the performance of the message handling system, and generating an optimization of at least one parameter based upon the performance of the message handling system. |
| US08195789B2 |
System, apparatus and method for characterizing messages to discover dependencies of services in service-oriented architectures
A system, apparatus, computer readable medium and method are disclosed for identifying underlying services of transactions in a service-oriented architecture (“SOA”)-based computer network. In one embodiment, a computer readable medium includes executable instructions to characterize messages communicating among services to form characterizations of the messages. Also included are executable instructions to determine dependencies using the characterizations of messages within a subset of the services. These dependencies can be represented as dependency links interconnecting the subset of the services that effectuate a transaction of interest. By identifying the dependency links, the underlying services in SOA-based networked computer system can advantageously be determined for managing the behavior of the subset of the services and other distributed services of the SOA-based networked computer system. |
| US08195784B2 |
Linear programming formulation of resources in a data center
An exemplary method for performing work in a data center includes receiving a request for resources in a data center, solving a linear programming formulation that accounts for the request and at least some of the resources in the data center and performing work the request based at least in part on the solving of the linear programming formulation. Such a method can include a linear programming formulation that accounts for multi-core chips and DRAM systems. Various other method, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08195772B2 |
Configuration setting
A method of defining customization for electronic content retrieved over an electronic connection (100, FIG. 1), which retrieves electronic content from a remote server (110) to a local client (102); edits the content at the local client by a user using a WYSIWYG editor, wherein said editor is a standard software used for displaying of content and wherein said editing does not require installation of software requiring user authorization; and automatically generates at least one customization definition based on said editing, said customization definition suitable for automatic applying to said content. |
| US08195768B2 |
Remote slide presentation
Techniques for remotely viewing a presentation are disclosed. In accordance with these techniques, a host device executing a presentation application makes a presentation available over a network. In one embodiment, a remote device receives presentation data corresponding to a currently displayed slide of the presentation. The remote device may then display a representation of the currently displayed slide at the remote location. |
| US08195765B2 |
System and method for remotely controlling network resources
A personal network may be established by interconnecting a plurality of satellites as part of the personal network. Each satellite may be configured to communicate with one or more other satellites. On any given one of the plurality of satellites, data indicating a connectivity status for the one or more other satellites is automatically received, and information indicating a capability of the one or more other satellites is automatically received. The given satellite may be configured to enable at least one other corresponding satellite in the plurality of satellites to be made available for use, so that a capability of the at least one other corresponding satellite is made available for the given satellite. |
| US08195763B2 |
Secure method of synchronizing cache contents of a mobile browser with a server
A method of securely synchronizing cache contents of a mobile browser with a server includes initiating a session between the browser and server, including transmission of browser state information regarding the cache contents and an authentication key to the server; maintaining a record of data sent from the server to the browser for storage in the cache; maintaining a record of the state information regarding the cache contents transmitted from the browser to the server; and transmitting data requests from the browser to the server, in response to which the server uses the key as a seed generation function and accesses each the record of data and returns only data that does not already form part of the cache contents, and wherein the data includes a result of a hash of data generated by the generation function for authentication by the browser before updating the cache contents with the data. |
| US08195761B2 |
Prefetching web resources based on proxy triggers
Web pages are prefetched upon activation of one of three server-side triggers: a service trigger, an access based trigger, and a timed trigger. The service trigger is a subscription service in which the web server agrees to notify the proxy when webpages in the web server are modified. The access based trigger uses logs/metrics to analyze a plurality of users' browsing habits. When the log/metrics database noticeS that a particular webpage experiences heavy requesting traffic during a particular time period, the log/metric creates an access based trigger to prefetch the requested webpage. The timed trigger is a prefetching mechanism that occurs on a regular interval. Configuration data instructs the timed trigger to prefetch a certain webpage a certain times throughout the day. |
| US08195759B2 |
Performing externally assisted calls in a heterogeneous processing complex
A mechanism is provided for accessing, by an application running on a first processor, operating system services from an operating system running on a second processor by performing an assisted call. A data plane processor first constructs a parameter area based on the input and output parameters for the function that requires control processor assistance. The current values for the input parameters are copied into the parameter area. An assisted call message is generated based on a combination of a pointer to the parameter area and a specific library function opcode for the library function that is being called. The assisted call message is placed into the processor's stack immediately following a stop-and-signal instruction. The control plane processor is signaled to perform the library function corresponding to the opcode on behalf of the data plane processor by executing a stop and signal instruction. |
| US08195757B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program for controlling retention of publications
For managing the retention of publications in a publish/subscribe system, a publisher sends a new publication to a publish/subscribe broker with an indication of whether the new publication should be retained in association with a previous retained publication. The publish/subscribe broker responds to such indications by retaining the new publication with the previous retained publication. The contents or ‘payload’ of the new published message may be appended to a previous retained message, resulting in a single retained message that contains information from multiple published messages. |
| US08195756B2 |
Method and computer program product for sending messages
A method and computer program product includes displaying a plurality of recipient databases for enabling a user to select a recipient database. The recipient databases at least include contact names associated with elected offices and profiles of the contact names. Contact names contained within a selected recipient database are displayed for enabling the user to select at least one contact name from the recipient database to receive a message. A profile associated with a selected contact name is displayed. A plurality of communication templates is displayed for enabling the user to select a communication template for generating the message. A selected communication template is displayed for editing by the user. A plurality of delivery options is displayed for enabling the user to select a delivery option for the message. |
| US08195755B2 |
Message delivery in mobile networks
When a device is switched off, all messages for that device are stored in different distributed service centers. For example, the message from user A may be stored in SMSC A and a message from user B in SMSC B where both subscribers and respective SMSCs can even belong to different networks. When the device is switched on again it notifies its presence to the network (performed by the MSC indicating this to the HLR). As a result of this alert, different service centers that have messages pending for that device will be notified that the device has come on-line again (performed by the HLR notifying SMSC A and SMSC B). Instead of directly sending out all messages, as in the prior art, each service center instead schedules the messages in an internal queue for delivery according to a local control scheme, which achieves synchronized delivery from multiple distributed SMSCs even though there is no centralised control. Each service center maps the ‘age’ of the message on its time axis as the time-to-deliver the message to the device. The deliveries are then sent out according to the derived schedule. As independent service centers all will base their decisions on the same length of the delivery schedule and same maximum retention time, the message deliveries of the different service centers will be interleaved with one another. This ensures that for significant time differences, messages from different service centers will still arrive in order at the device. |
| US08195754B2 |
Unsolicited message communication characteristics
A mail server makes use of characteristics of the transport and/or application layer flow (e.g., TCP and SMTP) of received email to determine whether those characteristics are consistent with spam, for example, exhibiting behavior consistent with traffic competing for link access, large round trip times and resource constrained hosts. In some examples, a statistical technique is used to process flow characteristics of a message, optionally with other characteristics of the message, to characterize the message as spam versus a valid message. |
| US08195753B2 |
Honoring user preferences in email systems
In a distributed email system, user preferences respected more effectively by presenting messages marked for deletion to secondary messaging servers having access to user preferences. Messages marked for deletion by inbound servers are presented to secondary level servers having access to user white lists and the choice of whether to delete the suspect message is made by the secondary server. |
| US08195741B2 |
Cached and server views with automatic caching and smooth scrolling
On a client computer, customer relationship management software is integrated into a messaging application that includes a user interface. Customer relationship management (CRM) information is received from a server computer. An automatic determination is made as to whether the received CRM information is to be cached on the client computer. When it is determined that the CRM information is to be cached on the client computer, the CRM information is cached in a cache on the client computer. When at least some of the CRM information is cached on the client computer, the cached CRM information is displayed as a view on the client computer. The display of the CRM information is integrated into the user interface of the messaging application program. |
| US08195738B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating from an integration platform to a profile management server
A method for communicating from an integration platform to a profile management server includes receiving user-entered information at the integration platform. The integration platform generates an event based on the user-entered information and publishes the event on a channel subscribed to by a connector associated with the server. The connector receives the event information, transforms the event information to a format compatible with the server and establishes communications with the server via hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The connector downloads the information to the server and the server updates its database. The connector may also determine whether at least one other system received the event information before downloading the information to the server. |
| US08195734B1 |
Combining multiple clusterings by soft correspondence
Combining multiple clusterings arises in various important data mining scenarios. However, finding a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings is a challenging task because there is no explicit correspondence between the classes from different clusterings. Provided is a framework based on soft correspondence to directly address the correspondence problem in combining multiple clusterings. Under this framework, an algorithm iteratively computes the consensus clustering and correspondence matrices using multiplicative updating rules. This algorithm provides a final consensus clustering as well as correspondence matrices that gives intuitive interpretation of the relations between the consensus clustering and each clustering from clustering ensembles. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of this framework as well as the algorithm for discovering a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings. |
| US08195733B2 |
Systolic array
Disclosed is a one-dimensional MFA systolic array for matrix computation using an MFA (modified Faddeeva algorithm), in which downward square MFA array processing and upward square MFA array processing are mapped to a one-dimensional array in horizontal directions, respectively. In each PE in the one-dimensional array, downward and upward MFA matrix calculations for two threads are executed. An input and an output are provided for each of PEs at both ends of the one-dimensional array. |
| US08195732B2 |
Methods and apparatus for single stage Galois field operations
Techniques for single function stage Galois field (GF) computations are described. Such a single function stage GF multiplication technique may utilize only m-bits per internal logic stage, a savings of m−1 bits per logic stage that do not have to be accounted for as compared with a previous two function stage approach. Also, a common design GF multiplication cell is described that may be suitably used to construct an m-by-m GF multiplication array for the calculation of GF[2m]/g[x]. In addition, these techniques are further described in the context of packed data form computation, very long instruction word (VLIW) processing, and processing on multiple processing elements in parallel. |
| US08195731B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for determining at least one root of an n-dimensional function utilizing triangulation
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining at least one root of an n-dimensional function, utilizing triangulation. In operation, an n-dimensional function is received. Additionally, at least one root of the n-dimensional function is determined utilizing triangulation. |
| US08195727B2 |
Convert significand of decimal floating point data from packed decimal format
A decimal floating point finite number in a decimal floating point format is composed from the number in a different format. A decimal floating point format includes fields to hold information relating to the sign, exponent and significand of the decimal floating point finite number. Other decimal floating point data, including infinities and NaNs (not a number), are also composed. Decimal floating point data are also decomposed from the decimal floating point format to a different format. For composition and decomposition, one or more instructions may be employed, including one or more convert instructions. |
| US08195726B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for solving computational problems
Systems, devices, and methods for using an analog processor to solve computational problems. A digital processor is configured to track computational problem processing requests received from a plurality of different users, and to track at least one of a status and a processing cost for each of the computational problem processing requests. An analog processor, for example a quantum processor, is operable to assist in producing one or more solutions to computational problems identified by the computational problem processing requests via a physical evolution. |
| US08195724B2 |
Providing a virtual binding for a worm storage system on rewritable media
A virtual binding system ensures that the WORM logic for protecting data immutability cannot be circumvented, effectively guaranteeing WORM property of a WORM storage system composed of rewritable magnetic hard disks. To close the security hole between the rewritable media and the WORM logic, virtual binding securely authenticates the legitimacy of a WORM logic controller before granting data access on a WORM storage media. Furthermore, the system verifies the legitimacy of the WORM logic controller during data access. This approach virtually binds together the WORM logic controller and the WORM storage media even though the WORM logic controller and the WORM storage media may be physically separate. |
| US08195722B1 |
Method and system for providing storage checkpointing to a group of independent computer applications
A method and system for storage checkpointing of an independent computer application. The independent computer application is launched by a coordinator; and the coordinator installs at least one of an exec interceptor and a fork interceptor. The coordinator also installs at least one file operations interceptor for all file operations and registers the independent computer application with the coordinator. The independent computer application is run and the at least one file operations interceptor is called upon encountering a file operation. The file operations interceptor logs a file event in a file operations database and passes the operation to at least one of a file system, an operating system, at least one or more device drivers, and a storage disk via a storage interface. The file operations interceptor also verifies that the file operation has been issued. |
| US08195714B2 |
Context instantiated application protocol
A system that facilitates the automatic tagging of contextual metadata information to a file as the file is being created. The system facilitates the automatic association of data with a user context, and includes a data operations component that associates with data operations being performed on a data. These data operations include standard data operations such as read, write, delete, move, copy, paste, etc., that are normally associated with data operations. The system further includes a tagging component that facilitates automatic tagging of contextual information to the data when the data is created. That is, when the data is first saved, the tagging operation of the contextual information is performed on the data. Subsequent save operations simply overwrite the existing data in the storage location. Thus, data and applications can be grouped based on the identity of the tag. |
| US08195713B2 |
Information life-cycle management system, information management server apparatus, electronic media control apparatus, and storage medium
In one embodiment of the present invention, the information management server apparatus includes an information management relation DB which stores the issued management ID and forming time and date information, user information, a medium type, a use limitation policy, and information management server information in a header portion of the copied management file in association with each other with respect to a management ID of a management file in management file copying request information. The electronic medium control apparatus requests an electronic copying of the management file. The management file is managed in the information management relation DB. |
| US08195707B1 |
Identifying and reacting to changes in an extensible automatic runtime object management system
A method include receiving input indicating a listener object and an interface for an object class corresponding to a persisted object of an object model retained by a database, where the interface has multiple different implementations within the object model; recording information indicating that the listener object has an interest in persistent data associated with the interface for the object class corresponding to the persisted object; in connection with a transaction with the database and when each of multiple Dirty( ) calls is received for the database, checking whether the interface for the object class corresponding to the persisted object is associated with the Dirty( ) call; and communicating with the listener object when the interface for the object class corresponding to the persisted object was associated with at least one of the Dirty( ) calls during the transaction. |
| US08195705B2 |
Hybrid search memory for network processor and computer systems
A system includes a data structure having a Direct Table (DT), Patricia-Trees, Pointers and high speed storage systems such as Contents Address Memory (CAM). The DT has a plurality of entries with each one coupled to a Patricia Tree having multiple nodes coupled to leaves. The number of Nodes, termed a threshold, that can be traversed to obtain information in the leaves is limited to a predetermined value. Once the threshold is reached a pointer indicates the address of the CAM and the address of the leaves is stored in the CAM. By using the structure and method the latency associated with tree search is significantly reduced. |
| US08195692B2 |
System and method for managing semantic and syntactic metadata
A method for managing semantic and syntactic metadata. The method begins with receiving heterogeneous data from either a machine or a human. Next, the method captures the semantic metadata corresponding to the received heterogeneous data by means of a semantic template. Next, the method captures the syntactic metadata corresponding to the received heterogeneous data by means of a syntactic template. After capturing the semantic and syntactic metadata, the method logically links the received heterogeneous data with the captured semantic and syntactic metadata. Finally, the method stores the received heterogeneous data in a repository. |
| US08195688B1 |
Deconstruction and transformation of complex objects for de-duplicated storage
A system and method for storing a data object in a single-instance storage system are described. The data object may be deconstructed into a template and one or more values. If the template is not already stored in the single-instance storage system then it may be stored. Otherwise an existing copy of the template may be referenced. Similarly, existing copies of the values may be referenced if they are already present, or otherwise the values may be stored. Reconstruction information useable to reconstruct the data object may also be stored. The reconstruction information may reference the template and the one or more values stored in the single-instance storage system. |
| US08195687B2 |
Program retrieval support device for accumulating and searching pieces of program information and corresponding programs and a method for performing the same
A program (e.g., tv/movie program) retrieval support device includes the following units. A program-information-accumulation unit (102) accumulating pieces of program information. A program-search-criterion-input unit(101) receiving from a user a search criterion. A program-information-search unit (103) searching the pieces of program information accumulated in the program-information-accumulation unit (102) using the received search criterion. A program-information-display unit (104) displaying a list of pieces of program information found by the search. A program-information-user-selection unit (105) receiving from the user an input of pointing (selecting) a piece of program information from the displayed pieces of program information. A program-search-criterion-generation unit (106) determining whether or not the pointed program is a major program and if the pointed program is a major program then generating new search criteria for narrowing down the search range to be more similar to the selected program. A program-search-criterion-display unit (107) displaying the generated new search criteria. |
| US08195686B2 |
Search method and search program
A search device creates as many stack frames as the number obtained by adding one to the number of search condition character strings contained in an out-of-search-condition character string in a stack, sequentially inputs character strings in a text into automaton data, determines whether the character strings in the text hit the search condition character string or the out-of-search-condition character string to push correspondence to the stack or to change correspondence into non-correspondence, and determines whether the text is to be searched. |
| US08195685B2 |
Service grouping and allocation method and system
A service grouping and allocation method and system. The method includes retrieving, by a computing system, a list of candidate services. The computing system retrieves service identification techniques data associated with the candidate services and identifies process elements associated with first candidate services of the candidate services. The first candidate services comprise a process decomposition service identification technique. It is determined if the computing system comprises first mapping data indicating relationships between the process elements and associated functional areas. The computing system generates and stores results data associated with the relationships. |
| US08195683B2 |
Expansion of database search queries
In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a token that is usable in search queries for data in a database. The database includes items of data that are represented by data strings. The method also includes determining a synonym candidate for the token. The method includes adding the synonym candidate as a synonym for the token into an expansion dictionary in response to a determination that the number of data strings having the synonym candidate exceeds a threshold. |
| US08195676B2 |
System and method of creating and rating items for social interactions
A system and method for providing items to users and, more particularly, a system and method for rating items and placing such items into a queued list. The method includes providing an item from a web browser to a recipient on a preferred list and placing the item into a queued list with respect to other items based on a rating. The system includes a computer infrastructure being operable to provide a rated item from a web browser to a recipient on a preferred list and place the rated item in a queued list with respect to other items. |
| US08195674B1 |
Large scale machine learning systems and methods
A system for generating a model is provided. The system generates, or selects, candidate conditions and generates, or otherwise obtains, statistics regarding the candidate conditions. The system also forms rules based, at least in part, on the statistics and the candidate conditions and selectively adds the rules to the model. |
| US08195671B2 |
Method for distributing services for knowledge management processing
A method for processing data in a knowledge management system gathers information content and transmits a work request for the information content gathered. The information content may be registered with a K-map and assigned a unique document identifier. A work queue processes the work requests. The processed information may then be transmitted to another work queue for further processing. Further processing may include categorization, full-text indexing, metrics extraction or other process. Control messages may be transmitted to one or more users providing a status of the work request. The information may be analyzed and further indexed. A progress statistics report may be generated for each of the processes performed on the document. The progress statistics may be provided in a record. A shared access to a central data structure representing the metrics history and taxonomy may be provided for all work queues via a CORBA service. |
| US08195668B2 |
System and method for providing enhanced matching based on question responses
In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a central website that interfaces with one or more end users to establish a profile for each of the end users to be used in matching the end users to each other for a potential relationship. Information is provided in the profile and the information includes relevant characteristics of corresponding end users. A first end user is asked one or more questions after their profile is established, the questions being posed to a second end user whose respective profile has also been established and whose profile has already been matched to the first end user's profile. Answers for the questions from the first and second end users are compared and a subsequent message is sent to the first end user if the answers provided by the first end user and the second end user are compatible. |
| US08195663B1 |
Identifying alternative products
A product catalog system includes a product catalog having information regarding products for sale online by various merchants. The product catalog system transmits information regarding products in response to queries for a target product and also transmits information regarding products that serve as alternatives to the target product. The product catalog system includes a product alternatives module that identifies product alternatives based on information regarding a multitude of received queries and information regarding products that were selected from other products presented in response to the queries. The alternatives module computes an association weight for pairs of products that indicates the likelihood that the two products are alternatives. This association weight is based on the query and product information and further based on the number of times that the two products were the subject of a comparison query. |
| US08195661B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing data on application-level activity and other user information to enable real-time multi-dimensional reporting about user of a mobile data network
A method and apparatus for storing data on application-level activity and other user information to enable real-time multi-dimensional reporting about a user of a mobile data network. A data manager receives information about application-level activity from a mobile data network and stores the information to provide dynamic real-time reporting on network usage. The data manager comprises a database, data processing module, and analytics module. The database stores the application-level data for a predetermined period of time. The data processing module monitors the data to determine if it corresponds to a set of defined reports. If the data is relevant, the processing module updates the defined reports. The analytics module accesses the database to retrieve information satisfying operator queries about network usage. If the operator chooses to convert the query into a defined report, the analytics module creates a newly defined report and populates it accordingly. |
| US08195653B2 |
Relevance improvements for implicit local queries
Computer systems, methods, and media improving the relevance of the search results presented to a user for queries having an implicit local intent are provided. Utilizing the systems and methods described herein locally-biased queries are identified, despite such queries being void of any location-specific terms. A location of a computing device associated with the user is determined and localized web search results associated with the data item pair comprising the input query and the user's determined location are generated and presented to the user. |
| US08195652B1 |
Preferred placement service for domain registration websites
Methods of the present inventions allow for providing a preferred domain position on a registration website. An exemplary method may comprise the steps of receiving data from registrars regarding a domain administered by a registry, generating a quality score for the domain based upon the data, and providing the quality score to requesting entities. |
| US08195649B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for accessing a database
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for accessing a database. A request attribute module constructs a request attribute list from an attribute database for a data value name received in a request block, wherein the request block is an inquiry to a target database and is not formatted as a query statement for the target database. The request attribute list associates the data value name with an attribute name and a schema name. A schema name module adds the schema name from the request attribute list to a schema names list in response to the schema name not being included in the schema names list. An attribute name module adds the attribute name from the request attribute list to an attribute names list in response to the attribute name not being included in the attribute names list. A query module builds a query statement directed to the target database from the schema names list and the attribute names list. |
| US08195640B2 |
Online service for program lookup
An integrated program lookup browser provides an integrated system with an online program lookup web service that assists the user in finding these unrecognized files, protocols and web page objects by allowing the user to perform a program lookup on a web service that can search one or more databases and return the URL to download the appropriate application or protocol or return the actual program or protocol. |
| US08195637B1 |
Rank-adjusted content items
Click logs and query logs are processed to identify statistical search patterns. A search session is compared to the statistical search patterns. Content items responsive to a query of the search session are identified, and a ranking of the content items is adjusted based on the comparison. |
| US08195634B2 |
Domain-aware snippets for search results
Techniques are disclosed for providing a domain-aware snippet for a search result. With such techniques, a domain classification component is provided for identifying a template used to generate a plurality of web pages of a domain, associating the template and content of the web pages related to the template with a Uniform Resource Locator pattern of the plurality of web pages, and storing the associated template, the related content, and the Uniform Resource Locator pattern in a database. A snippet extraction component is also provided for extracting text from a section of a web page of the plurality of web pages for a snippet of a search result corresponding to a search query, wherein the extracted text is based on a ranking value of the section and the relevance of the extracted text to the search query. |
| US08195629B2 |
Establishing parse scope
Example apparatus, methods, and computers control establishing a shared parse scope between two computers that intend to be involved in a shared de-duplication action. One example method includes, upon determining that a first de-duplication logic and a second de-duplication logic are to participate in a shared de-duplication action for an object, controlling the first de-duplication logic to establish a shared parse scope with the second de-duplication logic. Establishing the shared parse scope may include negotiations between the computers, where the negotiations transfer dialect information. The dialect information may take the form of rules. The method may also include persisting the shared parse scope. |
| US08195618B2 |
Disclosure booth
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for facilitating the disclosure of information from a disclosing party. Such a system may comprise a computing device including an operating system executing within the computing device; a software application operating in conjunction with the operating system, the software application prompting the disclosing party for at least two of audio/visual data, graphic data and textual data in response to the prompt; means for contemporaneously collecting the at least two of audio/visual data, graphic data and textual data from the disclosing party; and means for irrecoverably erasing the least two of the audio/visual data, graphic data and textual data from both the computing device and the means for contemporaneously collecting the at least two of audio/visual data, graphic data and textual data. |
| US08195613B2 |
Transactional archiving of an electronic document
Various methods and apparatus are described for archiving of an electronic document between multiple interconnected archive units of a distributed server network in geographically-dispersed locations in order to store identical copies of the electronic document at the same time. An archival portal server in the distributed server network sends a five-step, two-phase commit protocol to a selected set of two or more transaction manager instances resident on remote archive units. The archival system reconciles if an error occurs between a start of a transmission of the electronic document and a permanent archiving of that electronic document, or the electronic document is stored in a permanent data storage location within each of the archive units at an end of the two-phase commit protocol making archiving of an electronic document to multiple locations an atomic operation. |
| US08195611B2 |
Using a sparse file as a clone of a file
One embodiment is for using a sparse file as a clone. The method includes creating, by an application associated with a computer system, a snapshot of a file, such as an individual file, a collection of files, file system, directories, and so forth. Further, the method includes requesting, by the application, a clone of that created snapshot. Further still, the method includes generating, by the application, an empty sparse having at least one inode identifying the empty sparse file as the clone and pointing to the snapshot associated with the clone. Thereby, the requested clone is created using the created sparse file, which begins as an empty sparse file. |
| US08195610B1 |
Method and apparatus for cache management of distributed objects
A method and apparatus for cache management of distributed objects have been disclosed. A query strategy, based on a fetch strategy and a merge strategy, may be used to query a database and reconcile data in a local cache. In one approach, a merge action depends upon whether an entity was added, deleted, or changed relative to the original version of the entity as it was last fetched. |
| US08195607B2 |
Fail over resource manager access in a content management system
In a content management system having a plurality of resource managers storing objects, a replica resource manager stores a replica of an object stored in one of the plurality of resource managers. A library server contains a resource manager table that defines the plurality of resource managers and includes availability information for each of those resource managers. When a client requests an object, the library server identifies a primary resource manager storing the object. The library server also determines a replica resource manager storing a replica of the object and returns information identifying that replica resource manager if the resource manager table indicates that the primary resource manager is unavailable and indicates that the replica resource manager is online and available. The client then retrieves the replica object without incurring a timeout delay waiting for the primary resource manager to respond to an access request. |
| US08195603B2 |
Rapid caching and data delivery system and method
The initial systems analysis of a new data source fully defines each data element and also designs, tests and encodes complete data integration instructions for each data element. A metadata cache stores the data element definition and data element integration instructions. The metadata cache enables a comprehensive view of data elements in an enterprise data architecture. When data is requested that includes data elements defined in a metadata cache, the metadata cache and associated software modules automatically generate database elements to fully integrate the requested data elements into existing databases. |
| US08195602B2 |
Relational database management system (RDBMS) employing a relational datastore and a multi-dimensional database (MDDB) for serving query statements from client machines
A relational database management system (RDBMS) for servicing query statements from one or more client machines, using a relational data store and a multi-dimensional database (MDDB). The RDBMS includes a query interface which is adapted to receive query statements from the client machines, and to generate one or more query requests. The RDBMS includes a query handling mechanism which receives each request from the query interface, extracts a set of dimensions associated with the request, uses the dimensions to retrieve aggregated fact data from the MDDB, and forwards retrieved aggregated fact data to the query processing mechanism for subsequent processing. When the query processing mechanism of the RDBMS determines that servicing one or more query requests requires data stored in the relational tables, then the query handling mechanism automatically routes the requests to the relational data tables, so that data can be accessed from the relational tables and forwarded to the query processing mechanism for use in servicing the requests, in a manner transparent to the client machine. When the query processing mechanism determines that servicing one or more query requests requires aggregated data from the MDDB, then the query handling mechanism automatically routes the requests to the MDDB, so that data can be accessed from the MDDB and forwarded to the query processing mechanism for use in servicing the requests, in a manner transparent to the client machine. |
| US08195598B2 |
Method of and system for hierarchical human/crowd behavior detection
The present invention is directed to a computer automated method of selectively identifying a user specified behavior of a crowd. The method comprises receiving video data but can also include audio data and sensor data. The video data contains images a crowd. The video data is processed to extract hierarchical human and crowd features. The detected crowd features are processed to detect a selectable crowd behavior. The selected crowd behavior detected is specified by a configurable behavior rule. Human detection is provided by a hybrid human detector algorithm which can include Adaboost or convolutional neural network. Crowd features are detected using textual analysis techniques. The configurable crowd behavior for detection can be defined by crowd behavioral language. |
| US08195597B2 |
System and method for obtaining subtextual information regarding an interaction between an individual and a programmable device
The system contains an output device in communication with the programmable device. The output device produces output information from the programmable device to the individual. An input device is in communication with the programmable device. The individual communicates a responsive act to the programmable device through the input device. The responsive act will include at least one psychomotor behavioral element. A processor integral with the programmable device determines the preferred modalities of the individual based, at least partially, on the psychomotor behavioral element of the responsive act from the individual. The processor also determines a preferred combination of modalities and an ordering of modalities by preference thereby further defining a focus of the individual's attention. The combination and order of modalities is calculated by an equation: Σ∫∞−∞((ΣGi(δxi/δlt))/(ΣGi(dxi/dti)))dGidti∝Ψ(G). |
| US08195589B2 |
Apparatus for dynamically determining primary adapter in a heterogeneous N-way adapter configuration
A method and apparatus are provided for dynamically determining a primary adapter in a heterogeneous N-way adapter configuration. Each of the adapters generates information about itself and exchanges the information with all other adapters. First a decision-making adapter is identified. Then the decision-making adapter compares the adapter-generated information of all the adapters and makes a decision determining the primary adapter. The decision-making adapter communicates the decision to all other adapters. The determined primary adapter assumes a role as the primary adapter and the other adapters assume a role as a secondary adapter. |
| US08195588B2 |
System and method for training a critical e-mail classifier using a plurality of base classifiers and N-grams
Disclosed is a method and system for identifying critical emails. To identify critical emails, a critical email classifier is trained from training data comprising labeled emails. The classifier extracts N-grams from the training data and identifies N-gram features from the extracted N-grams. The classifier also extracts salient features from the training data. The classifier is trained based on the identified N-gram features and the salient features so that the classifier can classify unlabeled emails as critical emails or non-critical emails. |
| US08195587B2 |
Method and apparatus for classifying and transmitting electronic documents by storing priorities and classifying rules pertaining to a distribution method
An information classifying apparatus includes an information receiving section, a rule storing section, a deciding section, a creating condition storing section, a creating section and a storage control section. The rule storing section stores a classifying rule which is a rule for classifying a piece of information. The deciding section decides as to whether a piece of information received by the information receiving section satisfies the stored classifying rule or not. The creating condition storing section stores a creating condition which is a condition for creating the classifying rule. The creating section creates, when the deciding section decides that the piece of information does not satisfy the stored classifying rule, a new classifying rule based on the creating condition stored in the creating condition storing section. The storage control section controls the rule storing section to store the new classifying rule created by the creating section. |
| US08195586B2 |
Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and computer program for setting targets in a range and taking action to attain the target
A data processing apparatus includes: predicting means for calculating a prediction value of time series data with respect to input of the time series data using a prediction model for predicting the time series data; determining means for determining a target value of the time series data on the basis of the prediction value of the time series data; error calculating means for calculating an error of the prediction value relative to the target value; and retrieving means for retrieving error reduction data as input of the time series data to the prediction model for reducing the error of the prediction value. |
| US08195584B2 |
Combining predictive models of forgetting, relevance, and cost of interruption to guide automated reminding
The claimed matter provides systems and/or techniques that develop or use predictive models of human forgetting to effectuate automated reminding. The system includes the use of predictive models that infer the probability that aspects of items will be forgotten, models that evaluate the relevance of recalling aspects of items in different settings, based on contextual information related to user attributes associated with the items, and models of the context-sensitive cost of interrupting users with reminders. The system can combine the probability of users forgetting aspects of an item with an assessed cost of forgetting those aspects to ascertain expected costs for not being reminded about events, compare expected costs for not being reminded with expected costs for interrupting users, and based on comparisons between expected costs for being reminded and expected costs for interrupting users regarding events, generate and deliver reminder notifications to users about items. |
| US08195583B2 |
Correlating instruction sequences with CPU performance events to improve software performance
A system and method are disclosed for correlating instruction sequences. A plurality of instructions is processed to parse a first sequence of instructions comprising a first area of interest. A first instruction sequence pattern is then generated from the first sequence of instructions. Pattern matching operations are performed with the first instruction sequence pattern. A second sequence of instructions are parsed, comprising a second instruction sequence pattern and a second address of interest that is a substantially equivalent match to the first instruction sequence pattern. |
| US08195577B2 |
Universal secure registry
In one embodiment, a user device is configured to allow a user to select any one of a plurality of accounts associated with the user to employ in a financial transaction. In one embodiment, the user device includes a biometric sensor configured to receive a biometric input provided by the user, a user interface configured to receive a user input including secret information known to the user and identifying information concerning an account selected by the user from the plurality of accounts. In a further embodiment, the user device includes a communication link configured to communicate with a secure registry, and a processor coupled to the biometric sensor to receive information concerning the biometric input, the user interface, and the communication link. According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to generate a non-predictable value and to generate encrypted authentication information from the non-predictable value, the identifying information, and at least one of the information concerning the biometric input and the secret information, and to communicate the encrypted authentication information via the communication link to the secure registry. |
| US08195576B1 |
Mobile transaction device security system
Embodiments of the invention include apparatuses, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique financial transaction security system. In one embodiment, the financial transaction security system receives a security protocol from a user. The security protocol includes instructions for allowing transactions without authentication and security features for the user if authentication is necessary. The system then determines that the user is conducting a transaction, compares the transaction to the instructions, and determines whether the transaction can occur without authentication. If the user is required to authenticate his identity, the system requests input from the user, compares the input to the security feature, and determines if the user is authenticated. The user is able to customize both the instructions and the security features to provide greater control over financial transaction security. |
| US08195575B2 |
Systems and methods for providing change of address services over a network
This disclosure describes systems and methods for collecting and processing change of address data and providing change of address services to a customer using a computer network. The address data can include a physical address, an electronic address, or both. The systems and methods may also provide additional services to the customer to assist in changing addresses. |
| US08195573B2 |
System and method for list shopping over a computer network
The present invention is a system for conducting commercial transactions over the Internet, whereby a shopper can simultaneously search for a plurality of items on at least one website with a single search command. The shopper can selectively specify the items of interest to be searched and can also specify and/or exclude websites to be searched. The system also searches a selectively alterable set of default website(s) and intelligently recommended website(s). Under one search command, the system simultaneously searches for all of the items on any combination of the following: site(s) specified by the user, a default website, an alterable set of default or intelligently recommended website(s). Information regarding the items retrieved as a result of the search is compiled under an alterable set of criteria, and displayed for viewing by the shopper. The shopper can simultaneously purchase selected ones of said items with one order command. |
| US08195569B2 |
E-bazaar featuring personal information security
Utilization of the E-Metro Community and Personal Information Agents assure an effective and comprehensive agent-rule based command and control of informational assets in a networked computer environment. The concerns of informational privacy and informational self-determination are addressed squarely by the invention affording persons and entities a trusted means to author, secure, search, process, and exchange personal and/or confidential information in a networked computer environment. The formation of trusted electronic communities wherein members command and control their digital persona, exchanging or brokering for value the trusted utility of their informational assets is made possible by the invention. The present invention provides for the trusted utilization of personal data in electronic markets, providing both communities and individuals aggregate and individual rule-based control of the processing of their personal data. |
| US08195567B2 |
Methods and systems for providing scanned mail delivery channel and automatic payment of reply mail
Exemplary systems and methods eliminate a check or a remittance stub from a bill payment process, which may simplify the bill payment process for consumers, providers, and check processing systems. A delivery service provider receives a delivery item at a delivery processing center. It is determined that an account associated with the delivery item is designated for electronic payment. Contents of the delivery item are scanned, and converted into electronic data, which is made available to a biller. |
| US08195565B2 |
Systems and methods for point of interaction based policy routing of transactions
Facilitating commercial transactions using a payment system directory are disclosed. A payment directory and/or wireless point of sale (POS) device may be configured to use predetermined rules, a multitude of data items and/or conditions to locate a payment system, and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to at least one payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. |
| US08195564B2 |
System and method for creating financial assets
A system for creating and maintaining financial assets which accentuate different types of sub-loan level risk associated with a plurality of home mortgage loans and which are configured to operate as hedges against risks that oppose the different types of sub-loan level risk is provided. A decomposition tool is configured to decompose each of the plurality of home mortgage loans into a plurality of sub-loan level cash flows. A repackaging tool is configured to repackage the plurality of sub-loan level cash flows to form the financial assets. Repackaging includes selecting a sub-combination of the plurality of sub-loan level cash flows, packaging the sub-combination of sub-loan level cash flows to create one of the financial assets, and repeating the selecting and packaging steps to create additional financial assets. A graphical user interface is configured to display information relating to the sub-loan level cash flows and financial assets on a display. |
| US08195563B2 |
Systems and methods for enabling trading of financial instruments
Systems and method of enabling trading in currencies are provided. A method of trading a foreign currency option on an electronic trading system according to the invention may include executing a trade of the foreign currency option between a buyer and a seller, locking the trading system with respect to the traded foreign currency option, querying the buyer whether the buyer desires to buy or sell additional volume of the option, querying the seller whether the seller desires to sell or buy additional volume of the option, and authorizing additional participants to join the trade and querying the additional participants whether each of the additional participants desires to buy or sell a volume of the option. The method may also include starting a countdown timer and displaying the timer on the graphical user interface of the buyer, the seller and the additional parties and receiving buy and sell orders from the at least one of the buyer, the seller and additional participants. Following the expiration of the countdown timer, the method preferably includes matching existing buy orders and sell orders for the option. In one embodiment of the invention, the matching occurs according to a predetermined order priority. |
| US08195562B2 |
System and method for displaying market information and order placement in an electronic trading environment
A system and method are provided for displaying a trading screen and placing an order in an electronic trading environment. The system and method may be used to assist a trader in selecting an item of interest, such as the inside market (best bid and best ask) to be displayed relative to a user configured location on the trading screen, such as the center of the trading screen. In a preferred embodiment, the inside market will stay located relative to center of the trading screen and the price levels associated to the inside market will move as the market conditions fluctuate. Other features and advantages are described herein. |
| US08195559B2 |
System and method for determining an index for an item based on market information
Systems and methods for determining an index for an item based on market information are provided. Market information about the item is received and compiled. A standard profile for the item is determined. Index information for the item is determined based on the compiled market information. The index information comprises historical price information and statistical information about the market for the item. The index information is displayed at a user interface and updated based on updated market information. Orders to trade futures and options contracts on the item may be received, communicated, and executed. |
| US08195557B2 |
Routing of orders in equity options by means of a parameterized rules-based routing table
An enhanced system and method for the “smart” routing of orders in an electronic options environment is disclosed. The method of routing includes different rules and protocols for orders that are allowed to route using a traditional intermarket linkage than for orders that are allowed to route using an alternative private direct connection or third-party service provider. The system and method of routing has at its basis a configurable, rules-based routing table that allows orders to be routed using different protocols based on the account type of the incoming order. |
| US08195549B2 |
Systems and methods of on-line credit information monitoring and control
Systems and methods of on-line credit information monitoring and control. In one embodiment, a server computer accesses and retrieves credit information relating to a consumer. The server computer may also provide a user interface with active links associated with credit items. The links may allow the consumer to communicate directly with a credit service. The server computer may offer additional credit-related services such as credit report retrieval, credit monitoring, notifications, identity theft management, interest rate calculations, historical archives, and account management. |
| US08195542B2 |
Web-based issuer support services
A web-based process, residing on a server, provides issuer support services to a financial market. This web-based process includes an issue and issuer process for receiving, from a first data source, issue and issuer data concerning a specific issuer and one or more securities issued by the specific issuer. This issue and issuer data is stored on a storage device. A filings and financial process receives, from the first data source, filing and financial data concerning the specific issuer, which is also stored on the storage device. A compliance process reviews the issue and issuer data and the filing and financial data stored on the storage device to determine if the specific issuer is in compliance with the listing requirements for the market on which the one or more securities are traded. The compliance process generates compliance data indicative of the specific issuer's state of compliance. A trade process receives, from a second data source, trading data concerning the one or more securities issued by the specific issuer. This trading data is stored on the storage device. |
| US08195541B2 |
Method of marketing and contracting for the sale of agricultural yield-increase related products
A method of contracting for the sale of a yield-increase and/or crop protection related products includes the steps of mapping, using geo-referencing technology, areas of a field which have been treated with the yield-increase and/or crop protection related product and areas of the field which have not been treated, measuring, using geo-referencing technology, an amount of harvested crop from the field in both the treated and untreated areas, comparing the amount of harvested crop in the treated areas with the amount of harvested crop in the untreated areas to determine a yield increase associated with the treated areas, and charging for application of the yield-increase and/or crop protection related product based on the determined amount of yield increase. The data acquired may be stored in a database for further use and comparison. |
| US08195539B1 |
Open access transmission tariff information system
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for open access transmission tariff management for a utility. The system includes a database for storing a plurality of data pertaining to providing transmission service to wholesale customers, and a computer processor coupled to the database and cooperative with a plurality of subsystems. A first subsystem determines a budget transmission billing rate. A second subsystem estimates revenue from wholesale customers. A third subsystem determines an updated budget transmission billing rate and an updated revenue projection. A fourth subsystem determines an actual transmission billing rate. A fifth subsystem analyzes a billed transmission rate on a periodic basis. |
| US08195536B2 |
Activity information accounting system
The present invention relates to an activity information accounting system. The system includes a central processing unit 1 for interpreting and executing a program command to perform accounting and processing data, an input unit 2 for inputting activities and resources of a management organization, an auxiliary storage unit 3 for storing an accounting program to execute accounting and storing accounting results of the central processing unit 1 in specific file forms, an output unit 4 for displaying processing results of data by the accounting, an activity table 10 providing activity lists corresponding to the activities, a resources table 20 for, when any one of the activity lists is selected, providing a resources list matching the selected activity list, a table matching unit 30 for matching the selected activity list and its pertinent resources list, and an account title providing unit 50 providing a corresponding account title through matching of the table matching unit 30. |
| US08195535B2 |
Aircraft MRO manager
Electronic aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) tools that improve an organizations ability to manage nearly every phase of an aircraft maintenance visit. MRO management may be implemented at the single aircraft level all the way up to the organization level including several facilities each of which include several aircrafts. The disclosed MRO management solutions assist with mapping out short term and long term planning; including manpower and material and tooling requirements. Additionally, current and future workloads may be identified and considered in advance of maintenance execution to significantly improve stakeholder satisfaction. The methods and systems disclosed generate an electronic contract based on a bill of work to control maintenance task execution, report progress of executing the tasks, and process scope changes to the bill of work and the associated contract. Improved communication of financial milestones and timely closure of both maintenance work and billing processes is facilitated by generating billing invoices and processing electronic approvals based on the electronic contract and the bill of work. Customer flexibility is improved by providing standalone management tools, as well as integration with existing external systems. Additional features include supply chain management and tooling controls necessitated by growing regulatory demands. |
| US08195534B2 |
Method and system for preparing a set of paired identification labels
A system and method for preparing a set of paired identification label based a plurality of characters that identify an inventory item. The method includes a step of assigning a predetermined numerical value to each of the plurality of characters. Mathematical operations are performed on the assigned numerical values to obtain a mapping of the plurality of characters to a corresponding non-textual visual indicator. A label is generated which label includes the plurality of characters and the visual indicator. The visual indicator may be a color or a graphic indicator such as an alignment designation bar or a combination and variation thereof. |
| US08195524B2 |
Items ratio based price/discount adjustment in a combinatorial auction
In a combinatorial exchange, rules can be input for processing bids and a desired exchange objective can be defined. A subset of the rules can be used to determine if an allocation of the bids exists that is optimal for the type of exchange being conducted. If the desired exchange objective is not satisfied, new allocations can be determined using different subsets of rules each time until the desired exchange objective is satisfied. At least one of the bids can include a reference ratio; a discount; a price associated with a quantity Q1 of a first item; a price associated with a quantity Q2 of a second item; and a rule that causes said discount to be applied to an average price of Q1 and an average price of Q2 for each instance of the allocated quantity Q1 over the allocated quantity Q2 that equals the reference ratio. |
| US08195521B1 |
Method of and system for processing transactions
A method of and system for conducting electronic commerce segments an enterprise is segmented into a single firm side system, and multiple customer facing and street side systems. The firm side system maintains a single system of record for the enterprise. The customer facing systems provide an interface between the enterprise and the customer. The street side systems are in communication with the customer facing systems. The street side systems provide an interface between the enterprise and various markets. |
| US08195520B1 |
Message audit trail feature for facilitating electronic transactions
An electronic commerce system provides various features for assisting customers in locating items and generating orders from a merchant's electronic catalog, and for assisting customers and merchants in communicating about such orders. A user-definable categories feature allows customers and/or merchants to define search queries for searching the electronic catalog, and to store these search queries under user-defined category names for subsequent use. An “active quote” feature allows the customer to view and modify quantities of items selected for prospective purchase throughout various catalog browsing or viewing modes. A message audit trail feature allows a customer and a merchant to send messages to one another that are linked to a particular order, and to view an order-specific log of such messages. |
| US08195518B2 |
Collaborative commerce hub
A server acts as the hub of a collaborative commerce system. Suppliers of goods or services self publish information to the hub. Buyers are able to query the hub for product and service availability, price etc. Buyers are able to integrate real time multi product and multi service orders from multiple suppliers, carriers and field serve providers and thus secure available goods as well as the delivery and installation of those goods from the records available on the hub. Once an order is complete to the buyer's satisfaction, the order is transmitted to the hub. The hub then transmits the appropriate information to the relevant suppliers, carriers and installers as required. The system also provides for a system of virtual partitioning of a supplier's inventory. |
| US08195512B2 |
System and method for serving relevant question-based advertisements
Question-based advertising over a network where question-based advertisement selection takes into consideration the content of adjacent material. In various aspects, the adjacent material may be physical and in proximity to a terminal where the question is presented, it may be virtual and be displayed on the same terminal as the question, and it may precede or succeed the question in time. |
| US08195511B2 |
Secondary market and vending system for devices
The system enables one to securely recycle an electronic device in a publicly accessible location. In particular, the embodiment described may be used by a mobile phone owner to submit his/her mobile phone for recycling via an electronic kiosk and receive compensation in some form. The compensation might be dispersed via cash, voucher, credit or debit card, or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods. |
| US08195508B1 |
Method for online session advertising
The invention provides a method of providing and selling online advertising in which a single advertiser is guaranteed major advertising locations on each qualifying page viewed by a web site visitor during the viewer's entire web session. Advertisements from a single advertiser follow web site visitors through the web pages they select for viewing, allowing a consistent message to be displayed to a particular user over a period of time. Advantages include the ability to engage in linear storytelling and to obtain reach, duration, and impact of the advertising message on a par with or exceeding that obtainable from conventional advertising media such as television and print. |
| US08195507B2 |
Method and system for using multi-function cards for storing, managing and aggregating reward points
A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a multi-function card (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). The multi-function card is adapted to aggregate some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward accounts and credit the aggregated points into a single reward exchange account on the multi-function card. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points from the multi-function card. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points from the multi-function card. |
| US08195506B2 |
System, method and computer readable medium for billing based on a duration of a service period
A system, method, and computer readable medium for billing based on a duration of a service period, comprises sending fleet data from a third party entity to a toll authority via a toll rental entity, matching toll data with the fleet data by the toll authority, if the toll data matches the fleet data: charging an account by the toll authority and sending the matched data to the toll rental entity, determining, by the toll rental entity, if the sent matched data is related to an opt-in for duration based tolling or an opt-out for duration based tolling, if the sent matched data is related to an opt-in for duration based tolling, charging the third party entity for the duration based tolling, and if the sent matched data is related to an opt-out for duration based tolling, applying at least one of: a fee for the duration based tolling, a toll usage amount, a service fee for the duration based tolling, and a service fee for the toll usage. |
| US08195501B2 |
Dynamic interactive survey system and method
A system and methodology for communication between a service provider and a service recipient relating to services is described, such that for a particular task or project, interaction and feedback between the respective service provider and service recipient is provided by the system in a manner that enables service recipient satisfaction to be accurately communicated to the service provider and documented by the service recipient. The system is modifiable and customizable to facilitate communication between a service provider and a service recipient in various industries. |
| US08195497B2 |
Virtual workspace for project management coordination
A computer-implemented method for managing a project. A board having rows and columns forming a grid of cells is first created or accessed. Security rules may be assigned to each of the cells. A number of task files each containing information about one of the project tasks are then created. Authorized persons may access the board and the task files with computers linked to the host computer and place representations of selected task files within selected cells of the board. Authorized persons may view a representation of the board with the selected task files shown within the selected cells or move the selected task files from cell to cell to indicate progress made on the tasks. |
| US08195496B2 |
Combining multiple objective functions in algorithmic problem solving
Combining multiple objective functions to perform algorithmic problem solving is described. A first algorithm performs processing on a complex problem and generates multiple solutions to the problem. One or more solutions as generated by the first algorithm are send to one or more additional algorithms for further processing of complex sub-problems bounded by the first algorithm. The solutions to the first algorithm are used as input to the additional algorithms, where those solutions include at least one boundary condition under which the additional algorithms process the sub-problems. Ultimate solutions satisfy boundary conditions of the first algorithm, and all conditions of the additional algorithms. Algorithms may be executed in combinations of parallel and/or sequential operation to generate a final solution considering multiple different sub-problems to the complex problem. |
| US08195495B2 |
Computer system and method for handling encounters
A method of computing to produce a schedule of meetings, the method including: entering into a computer parameters defining an event of meetings of members; entering into the computer a data set for each of the members, the set including: at least one classification characterizing the member, at least one classification for meeting other of the members, and if more than one classification for meeting is entered, a corresponding ranking of the classifications for meeting the other members; and generating a schedule of the meetings for the members by using the classifications and the rankings, if any. |
| US08195494B2 |
Method and system of delivering items using overlapping delivery windows
A method and system for obtaining desired times from intended recipients of items is provided. The method provides each recipient with a plurality of time windows that overlap with one another in time from which the recipient may choose a time for delivery of an item and receives choices made by recipients from the plurality of overlapping windows. One aspect of the invention includes applying predetermined parameters to the time windows to determine which time windows to offer to the recipients as available times from which the recipient may choose a time for delivery. Such parameters may include, among others, which time windows have associated with them the least cost of service in making the delivery, whether the cost of delivering within a time window is less than a monetary threshold, and whether a maximum number of orders to be delivered within one time window has been reached. |
| US08195493B2 |
Concise communication of real-time business information in an enterprise network
A method, system, computer program product, and related business methods for concisely communicating real-time business information to end users in an enterprise network is described. An integrated business system having at least ERP and CRM functionality is accessed via a browser-based user interface. A plurality of portlet windows are simultaneously displayed within a browser window, each portlet window occupying a relatively small area therein. The portlet windows are selected and arranged according to a customizable user profile for each user, and include reporting portlets displaying up-to-date business results retrieved from the integrated business system. Each reporting portlet further comprises report access links associated with at least one of the business results that, when selected by the user, invoke browser-based displays of up-to-date business data underlying those business results. Preferably, in accordance with a user-customizable alert setting stored in the user profile, regular electronic mail messages are sent to the user communicating up-to-date versions of those business results. Preferably, data labels that identify business items within the browser-based user interface and on the electronic mails are expressed in a business vernacular tuned to each user according to customizable business vernacular settings in their user profiles. |
| US08195492B2 |
Systems engineering process
A method for implementing a project for a customer. Business requirements are developed for the project and are reviewed for acceptability in accordance with Business Requirements Review (BRR) exit criteria. System requirements are developed for the project and are reviewed for acceptability in accordance with system requirements review (SRR) exit criteria. Component requirements are developed for the project and are reviewed for acceptability in accordance with Preliminary Design Review (PDR) exit criteria. The business requirements are decomposed into the system requirements. The system requirements are decomposed into the component requirements. A Requirements Traceability and Verification Matrix (RTVM) is generated when the business requirements are established. The RTVM is updated throughout the life of the project. The RTVM includes verification information relating to the business requirements, the system requirements, and the component requirements. The RTVM depicts hierarchical relationships between the business requirements, the system requirements, and the component requirements. |
| US08195491B2 |
Determining relative performance
A method and system for evaluating a public sector organization includes identifying at least one outcome measure and at least one cost-effectiveness measure for a public sector organization; obtaining measurements associated with the measure; and determining a relative public performance measure of the public sector organization based on the measurements. |
| US08195487B2 |
Computer networks
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of analyzing a computer infrastructure providing a service, an intended quality level of the service being defined by at least one service level objective defining a service level quality objective and a related compliance level, the computer infrastructure comprising a plurality of components, the method comprising: obtaining first service level objective compliance data for a selected service level objective, the compliance data being calculated using data collected from the computer infrastructure; calculating second service level objective compliance data for the selected service level objective using in part the collected data and for a selected service level quality objective a value that meets that objective; calculating a difference between the first and second data; and identifying, based on the calculated difference, one or more components suitable for modification. |
| US08195486B2 |
Airline ticket change constrainer
A ticket change constrainer which allows reissuing or revalidating an already issued airline ticket includes a ticket change domain reducer operable to reduce an input search domain of change opportunities on the basis of change conditions set in the already issued ticket. It also includes a ticket change valuer operable to weigh the change opportunities of the reduced search domain and to return a reduced valued search domain of change opportunities. The weighing of the change opportunities is done on the basis of pricing method popularity scores updated in a ticket change memory by a ticket change watcher agent from actual change transactions handled by the system. The change conditions include standard pricing methods of the airline industry. The input search domain of change opportunities is produced by a conventional fare-driven search engine on the basis of a ticket change request issued by an end-user of the system. |
| US08195484B2 |
Insurance product, rating system and method
In the present invention, an insurance product, rating system and method generally relates to a rating and pricing system for quantifying the risk that the annual savings will not fall below specified levels associated with implementing and maintaining economic improvements. The product, system and method can be applied to various industries, including, power generation, petro-chemical, manufacturing and refining facilities. The present invention comprises an insurance product rating and pricing system designed for a relatively small number of insured annually or over a multi-year term with each insured having a relatively large exposure. These savings will produce additional benefits to the client in the form of enhanced creditworthiness and resulting increased availability of financing and reduced cost of financing. |
| US08195483B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for controlling a permission-based workflow process for transferring medical files
The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for managing, transferring, modifying, converting and/or tracking medical files and/or medical system messages. In certain embodiments, the foregoing may generally be based on requesting medical files at a first medical facility, identifying the requested medical files at a second medical facility, initiating a secure network connection between the first and second medical facility, modifying a header portion of the medical files based on patient identification information created by the first medical facility, and other processing steps. |
| US08195480B2 |
System for maintaining person'S medical history in portable memory device
A system includes a portable, hand carried nonvolatile memory device in which a person maintains his or her medical history. The portable memory device includes a program, executable by a general computer, for storing medical records in a secure database in the portable memory device, updating the medical records in the secure database, and providing access to the medical records in the secure database. The system further includes a method for recovering that person's medical history in the event of loss, destruction, or damage of the device, including the steps of: maintaining a backup copy of the secure database externally to the device, which backup copy is accessible via the Internet computer; accessing the backup copy via the Internet; copying the accessed backup copy to a replacement device, which replacement device also includes the program or an updated version of the program. |
| US08195475B1 |
Method for optimally determining appropriate ergonomics for occupants of a workspace
A business method for optimally determining appropriate ergonomics of occupants of a workspace including a metric determined from personal-, environmental- and task-related attributes. |
| US08195473B2 |
Method and system for optimized real estate appraisal
A method and a system for obtaining optimal range of values for real estate property by using all or some of the admissible appraisal approaches through optimization algorithm. The reliability of factor ranges specific to each appraisal approach is evaluated and discrepant ranges are eliminated. An accurate property valuation through a number of admissible appraisal approaches is possible. Valuation, Feasibility Study, Sensitivity Analysis, value reconciliation and highest and best use are obtained optimally and automatically. Capitalization rate and period are optimized in the relevant approaches. |
| US08195472B2 |
High quality time-scaling and pitch-scaling of audio signals
In one alternative, an audio signal is analyzed using multiple psychoacoustic criteria to identify a region of the signal in which time scaling and/or pitch shifting processing would be inaudible or minimally audible, and the signal is time scaled and/or pitch shifted within that region. In another alternative, the signal is divided into auditory events, and the signal is time scaled and/or pitch shifted within an auditory event. In a further alternative, the signal is divided into auditory events, and the auditory events are analyzed using a psychoacoustic criterion to identify those auditory events in which the time scaling and/or pitch shifting processing of the signal would be inaudible or minimally audible. Further alternatives provide for multiple channels of audio. |
| US08195468B2 |
Mobile systems and methods of supporting natural language human-machine interactions
A mobile system is provided that includes speech-based and non-speech-based interfaces for telematics applications. The mobile system identifies and uses context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for users that submit requests and/or commands in multiple domains. The invention creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command. The invention may organize domain specific behavior and information into agents, that are distributable or updateable over a wide area network. |
| US08195467B2 |
Voice interface and search for electronic devices including bluetooth headsets and remote systems
Systems and methods for improving the interaction between a user and a small electronic device such as a Bluetooth headset are described. The use of a voice user interface in electronic devices may be used. In one embodiment, recognition processing limitations of some devices are overcome by employing speech synthesizers and recognizers in series where one electronic device responds to simple audio commands and sends audio requests to a remote device with more significant recognition analysis capability. Embodiments of the present invention may include systems and methods for utilizing speech recognizers and synthesizers in series to provide simple, reliable, and hands-free interfaces with users. |
| US08195465B2 |
Time-warping of decoded audio signal after packet loss
A technique is described for use in a decoder configured to decode a series of frames representing an encoded audio signal. The technique is for transitioning between a lost frame and one or more received frames following the lost frame in the series of frames. In accordance with the technique, an output audio signal associated with the lost frame is synthesized. An extrapolated signal is generated based on the synthesized output audio signal. A time lag is calculated between the extrapolated signal and a decoded audio signal associated with the received frame(s), wherein the time lag represents a phase difference between the extrapolated signal and the decoded audio signal. The decoded audio signal is time-warped based on the time lag, wherein time-warping the decoded audio signal comprises stretching or shrinking the decoded audio signal in the time domain. |
| US08195464B2 |
Speech processing apparatus and program
A speech synthesizer includes a periodic component fusing unit and an aperiodic component fusing unit, and fuses periodic components and aperiodic components of a plurality of speech units for each segment, which are selected by a unit selector, by a periodic component fusing unit and an aperiodic component fusing unit, respectively. The speech synthesizer is further provided with an adder, so that the adder adds, edits, and concatenates the periodic components and the aperiodic components of the fused speech units to generate a speech waveform. |
| US08195463B2 |
Method for the selection of synthesis units
A method for the selection of synthesis units of a piece of information that can be decomposed into synthesis units, comprises at least the following steps for a considered information segment: determining the mean fundamental frequency value F0 for the information segment considered; selecting a sub-set of synthesis units defined as being the sub-set whose mean pitch values are the closest to the pitch value F0; applying one or more proximity criteria to the selected synthesis units to determine a synthesis unit representing the information segment. |
| US08195460B2 |
Speaker characterization through speech analysis
A computer implemented method, data processing system, apparatus and computer program product for determining current behavioral, psychological and speech styles characteristics of a speaker in a given situation and context, through analysis of current speech utterances of the speaker. The analysis calculates different prosodic parameters of the speech utterances, consisting of unique secondary derivatives of the primary pitch and amplitude speech parameters, and compares these parameters with pre-obtained reference speech data, indicative of various behavioral, psychological and speech styles characteristics. The method includes the formation of the classification speech parameters reference database, as well as the analysis of the speaker's speech utterances in order to determine the current behavioral, psychological and speech styles characteristics of the speaker in the given situation. |
| US08195457B1 |
System and method for automatically sending text of spoken messages in voice conversations with voice over IP software
A communications system and method, comprising means for receiving a speech input from a user; converting the received speech input to a text representation thereof; communicating the text representation remotely from the user; and at least one of reproducing the speech input and displaying the text representation remotely from the user; and converting the text representation into speech remotely from the user. |
| US08195455B2 |
Apparatus and method for sound recognition in portable device
Provided are an apparatus and a method capable of recognizing a sound through a reduced burden of computations and a noise-tolerant technique. The sound recognition apparatus in a portable device includes a memory unit that stores at least one base sound and a sound input unit that receives a sound input. The sound recognition apparatus also includes a control unit that receives the sound input from the sound input unit, extracts peak values of the sound input, calculates statistical data by using the peak values, and determines whether the sound input is equal to a base sound by using the statistical data. |
| US08195445B2 |
Data backup system including a data protection component
A data backup system is provided for backing up data files from a data source and for securing those data files against accidental modification or deletion. The system comprises storage and a data protection component that includes an application programming interface defining a command set. The system can also comprise a backup application that is configured to use the commands of the command set. The data protection component allows applications that use the commands of the command set, such as the backup application, to access the storage of the system. The data protection component prevents operating systems and applications that do not use the commands of the command set from accessing the storage. The data protection function of the data protection component can optionally be disabled to allow open access to the storage. |
| US08195442B2 |
Use of hardware peripheral devices with software simulations
A system and method is described for connecting a logic circuit simulation to a hardware peripheral that includes a computer running software for communicating data to and from the hardware peripheral. The software transmits the data received from the hardware peripheral to the device being simulated by the logic circuit simulation. The computer also transmits the data received from the device being simulated by the electronic circuit simulation to the hardware peripheral. This allows the user to test the device being simulated using real hardware for input and output instead of simulated hardware. |
| US08195439B1 |
Real-time adaptive circuit simulation
Some embodiments simulate a mixed-signal circuit design by adaptively applying multiple simulation engines at various regions of the design at various stages of the simulation. Some embodiments partition the mixed-signal design into multiple regions. Some embodiments classify the regions at different time steps of transient analysis. The regions are classified to indicate whether a region is active or inactive at each such time step. Then when analyzing the active regions, some embodiments adaptively apply different solvers to at least two of the active regions based on criteria associated with the active regions. Additionally, some embodiments perform an adaptive bi-direction analysis of the regions. In this manner, some embodiments optimize the circuit simulation by adaptively simulating the design using different solvers that employ greater accuracy where required and greater efficiency when less accuracy is required, thus allowing the simulation to occur with greater overall accuracy, efficiency, and capacity. |
| US08195434B2 |
System and method for generating finite element models
In an embodiment, a drawing file and an interface application are activated. Geometry data is extracted from the drawing file with the interface application. In another embodiment, contents of a geometry file can be automatically read into a drawing application to create a drawing file. Contents of the geometry data file may be revised before being read. In another embodiment, a finite element model can be generated. A control file for an item to be modeled is selected. Contents of the selected control file and part geometry data files identified in the selected control file are read. A finite element model for each part is generated simultaneously from all of the part geometry data files. When more than one part geometry data files are identified in the control file, all of the finite element models of the parts can be integrated into a finite element model of a product. |
| US08195433B2 |
Optimum value search apparatus and method, recording medium, and computer program product
This invention provides an optimum value search apparatus, method, recording medium, and computer program product used in designing, analyzing, or testing a device having a plurality of factors that have effects on a characteristic. In this method, an orthogonal array is generated by setting level values obtained from the initial values of the factors to the coordinates of a two-dimensional table including a matrix of the characteristics and the factors. From the characteristics on the orthogonal array, characteristic values obtained on the basis of combinations of the level values of the factors of a single characteristic are grasped. A combination having a most excellent characteristic value is selected. The level values of the factors in the characteristic corresponding to the selected combination are reset in the orthogonal array. After resetting, processes are repeatedly executed to search for an optimum value as a most excellent one of the characteristic values. |
| US08195426B1 |
Data analysis systems and related methods
Data analysis systems and related methods. An implementation of a method of determining a relationship between a variable of interest and one or more process variables represented by a corresponding plurality of tags may include accessing a data historian including historical data including a variable of interest and a plurality of tags. The method may include defining a plurality of bins, retrieving historical data corresponding with the plurality of bins using the data historian, filtering the historical data for each of the plurality of bins using one or more filters to produce filtered historical data, generating an output display using the filtered historical data for the variable of interest and each of the plurality of tags, and determining which of the plurality of tags correlate with the variable of interest using the output display. The output display may include an overlay CUSUM chart and a correlation plot. |
| US08195418B2 |
Pressure measurement instrument and method
A measurement instrument having a processor, a first sensor and a second sensor. The processor is adapted to output a measurement signal embodying a measurement of a physical quantity. The first sensor and second sensor are connected to the processor and are operable to generate respectively first and second measurements of the physical quantity. The processor defines a first measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the first measurement and not the second measurement. The processor defines a second measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the second measurement and not the first measurement. The first and second ranges meet at a predetermined transition. The first and second measurements are different at the transition and the measurement embodied in the measurement signal crosses the transition without an abrupt change. |
| US08195414B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying an islanding condition
A method and apparatus for identifying an islanding condition. In one embodiment, the method comprises altering a phase error response within a phase locked loop (PLL), and determining whether the islanding condition exists based on the altered phase error response. |
| US08195412B2 |
Iterative method for characterizing the frequency dependence of the linear properties of an electrical component
A method and device characterize linear properties of an electrical component having n>1 ports. The linear properties of the component are described in a matrix relating a voltage applied to the ports to a current through the ports. A frequency dependence of the matrix is approximated to preserve eigenvalues of the matrix by a pole-residual model. The method includes: (a) obtaining a set of values of the matrix at discrete frequencies, and obtaining eigenvalues and eigenvectors for each value; (b) fitting a set of vector equations to the eigenvalues and eigenvectors with a first set of pole frequencies; and (c) calculating a second set of pole frequencies by a vector fitting process for all modes of an element of the matrix. Steps (b) and (c) are repeated using the second set of pole frequencies in step (c) in a subsequent step (b) until a stop condition is met. |
| US08195411B2 |
IDDQ test apparatus and test method
Multiple non-defective samples of a DUT are selected. A quiescent power supply current (IDDQ) is measured for each of test vectors which are switched, for each of the non-defective samples. Statistical IDDQ values are measured in increments of the test vectors, and first array data is created including identifiers for the test vectors and the statistical IDDQs as elements. The first array data is sorted using the IDDQ value as a key so as to create second array data. The difference in quiescent power supply current is calculated by making difference between adjacent current elements of the second array data, so as to create third array data including the identifiers for the test vectors and the differences of current value as the elements. The third array data is sorted using the difference in current value as a key, and creates fourth array data. |
| US08195410B1 |
Method and system for organic specimen feature identification in ultrasound image
A system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium. The system includes an ultrasound transducer configured for coupling ultrasound incident waves into selected regions of an organic specimen and transferring resultant ultrasound data from specimen features for selected ultrasound incident waves to a processor, a location detection unit configured for detecting locations of the ultrasound transducer and organic specimen and for transferring that data to the processor, a memory module configured for storing anatomic model data for at least part of the organic specimen, the processor configured for identifying the region associated with the selected ultrasound data, creating an ultrasound image from that data, obtaining model extracted data from the anatomic model data corresponding to the selected ultrasound data region, creating a model image from the model extracted data, and transferring the ultrasound and model images to a display module, and the display module configured for displaying the ultrasound and model images. |
| US08195409B2 |
Passive acoustic underwater intruder detection system
A portable threat detection apparatus and method is disclosed which may comprise a plurality of acoustic emission sensors arranged in a cluster, forming a polygon defining at least two axes of alignment between respective pairs of acoustic emission sensors; a computing device in cooperation with a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable instructions for performing: receiving a first signal produced by a first acoustic emission sensor within a respective pair of acoustic emission sensors, in response to the first acoustic emission sensor detecting an acoustic emission from a source, and receiving a second signal produced by a second acoustic emission sensor within the respective pair of acoustic emission sensors, in response to the second acoustic emission sensor detecting the acoustic emission; determining a cross-correlation factor between the first signal and the second signal; and, determining a bearing to the source based on the cross correlation factor. |
| US08195408B2 |
Method for setting up system of reagent chip analyzer
A method for setting up a system of a reagent chip analyzer is provided. The method is adapted to modify parameters and testing conditions according to data of an authorization tag, so as to improve the adaptability range of the reagent chip analyzer for reagent chips of multiple specifications. The method includes: reading an identification code, authorization times, and specifications and analysis parameters of the reagent chip from an RFID tag; determining whether to load the specifications and the analysis parameters of the reagent chip according to the identification code and the authorization times; and if it is determined to load the specifications and the analysis parameters of the reagent chip, decreasing the authorization times by one, and analyzing the reagent chip according to the specifications and the analysis parameters of the reagent chip. |
| US08195407B2 |
Online method to estimate hydrogen concentration estimation in fuel cell systems at shutdown and startup
A system and method for estimating the amount of hydrogen and/or nitrogen in a fuel cell stack and stack volumes at system start-up and shut-down. The method defines the fuel cell stack and stack volumes as discrete volumes including an anode flow-field and anode plumbing volume, a cathode flow-field volume and a cathode header and plumbing volume. The method estimates the amount of hydrogen and/or nitrogen in the anode flow-field and anode plumbing volume, the cathode flow-field volume and the cathode header and plumbing volume when the fuel cell system is shut down, during a first stage when the hydrogen partial pressure between the anode and cathode is not in equilibrium and during a second stage when the hydrogen partial pressure between the anode and cathode is in equilibrium by considering various flows into and out of the volumes. |
| US08195402B2 |
Method and an apparatus for determining well or fully differentiated mammal cells
A method and apparatus for the in vitro determination and typification of well-differentiated or fully differentiated mammalian cells is disclosed. The method comprises placing a cell sample on a sampling device, irradiating the cells with infrared light, preparing an FT-IR spectrum from the absorption spectrum, calculating derivatives of the FT-IR spectrum and comparing the derivatives to reference FT-IR spectra for known cell types. The apparatus comprises an infrared source and measuring apparatus capable of recording an absorption spectrum, and software for measurement, evaluation, documentation, and derivation of the absorption spectra. Fourier transformation he method is particularly useful for typing cells from tissue biopsies in preparation for cell transplantation. |
| US08195390B2 |
Navigation device and method for operating a navigation device
A navigation device (1) including an input device for inputting operator commands and/or location data, particularly starting points and/or destinations, a road network database, a route calculating unit for calculating a planned route with consideration of the location data and the road network database, wherein the route leads from the starting point to the destination, a signal receiving unit for receiving position signals, particularly GPS-signals, a position determining unit that determines the current position based on the position signals, and at least one optical display device, has an editable image database, in which image data files (7) provided for being displayed on the display device can be managed in a user-defined fashion and method of operation. |
| US08195387B2 |
Method and device for driver assistance
In a method and a device for driver assistance, traffic elements that point to potential danger zones are detected on the road, using a camera. If such potential danger zones are detected, at least one headlight of the vehicle is controlled in such a way that the potential danger zone is illuminated. |
| US08195385B1 |
Navigation control system
A real-time path-directed controller is disclosed. The controller is extraordinarily well-suited for navigating a vehicle along a desired path across a field for agricultural applications.The controller comprises several important assemblies. It comprises a position sensor which produces an object position signal to an object position signal conditioning module (which, in turn, produces a conditioned object position signal to a controller summer). The controller also comprises a heading conditioning module for receiving the object position signal and conditioning the object position signal to produce a conditioned heading signal to the controller summer. The controller also comprises a control apparatus sensor for producing a control apparatus signal to a control apparatus signal conditioning module (which, in turn, produces a conditioned control apparatus signal to the controller summer). The controller also comprises a control apparatus null position conditioning module for conditioning a distance-differentiated object position signal and conditioned control apparatus signal to produce a conditioned null position signal to the controller summer. Finally, the controller comprises a controller summer summing the conditioned object position signal, the conditioned heading signal, the conditioned control apparatus signal, and the conditioned null position signal to produce a controller summer signal to a controller summer conditioning module so as to produce a control apparatus control signal to a control apparatus controller so as to direct the control apparatus and thereby direct the object by feedback control along the desired path. |
| US08195381B2 |
Safety system for marine vessels
There is elucidated a safety system for a marine vessel. The vessel includes two engines coupled to propellers for propelling the vessel through water. The vessel is provided with a digital anchor in communication with the two engines for maintaining the vessel substantially at a defined location when the anchor is activated. The safety system includes a sensor assembly coupled to a data processing assembly for sensing a region of said water at least partially surrounding the vessel for detecting one or more persons present in the region and for modifying operation of the digital anchor is response to the one or more persons being detected. The invention is of advantage in that the digital anchor is capable of responding to the one or more persons being present in the water and thereby reducing a risk of injury or loss of life when the digital anchor is employed. |
| US08195379B2 |
Multi-pulse injection fuel and load balancing control system
A method for adjusting fuel injection quantities in an internal combustion engine configured to operate multi-pulse fuel injections in a cylinder of the engine includes monitoring in-cylinder pressure, determining a burnt fuel mass for main combustion based upon the in-cylinder pressure, determining a burnt fuel mass for post combustion based upon the in-cylinder pressure, determining a main fuel quantity offset based upon the burnt fuel mass for main combustion, determining a post fuel quantity offset based upon the burnt fuel mass for post combustion, and controlling fuel injections into the cylinder based upon the main fuel quantity offset and the post fuel quantity offset. |
| US08195372B2 |
Method of adaptive braking control for a vehicle
A braking control method that includes: (1) regularly updating a grip model representative of a relationship between a coefficient of friction and a wheel slip rate; (2) determining, with an iterative calculation process including a plurality of calculation cycles a variation of a braking setpoint in a given prediction horizon, the variation of the braking setpoint in the given prediction horizon being established using the regularly updated grip model and its characteristic shape and so that the variation of the braking setpoint in the given prediction horizon complies with the braking order and complies with a given calculation constraint which is function of the wheel slip rate; and (3) retaining as the generated braking setpoint a value of the braking setpoint in the given prediction horizon which corresponds to a first calculation cycle of the plurality of calculation cycles of the iterative calculation process. |
| US08195369B2 |
Control apparatus and control method of continuously variable transmission, program for realizing that method, and recording medium on which that program is recorded
An ECU executes a program that includes a step of increasing belt squeezing pressure to a value P (ON) greater than a normal value P (OFF) that is set as the belt squeezing pressure when a footbrake switch is off, when the footbrake switch is on and the time elapsed after the footbrake switch was turned on is less than a threshold value T (0); and a step of gradually reducing the belt squeezing pressure to the normal value P (OFF) when the time elapsed after the footbrake switch was turned on is equal to or greater than the threshold value. As a result, a decrease in fuel efficiency of a vehicle in which a continuously variable transmission is mounted, as well as a reduction in the durability of a belt of this continuously variable transmission, can be reduced. |
| US08195368B1 |
Coordinated control of two shipboard cranes for cargo transfer with ship motion compensation
The present invention is typically embodied to exert active control of two same-shipboard cranes performing joint lifting of a payload. Sensory signals indicative of ship motion, and of luff angle and hoist line length of both cranes, are transmitted to a computer. The sensory signals are processed by the computer using a ship motion cancellation algorithm, which solves for values of the respective luff angles and hoist line lengths of both cranes, such values achieving static equilibrium (e.g., zero motion horizontally, vertically, and rotationally in the same vertical geometric plane) of the suspended payload. Inverse kinematic control signals in accordance with the mathematical (e.g., minimum norm) solutions are transmitted by the computer to respective luff angle actuators and hoist line length actuators of both cranes so that the suspended payload tends toward steadiness. Inventive control thus acts on a continual basis to significantly reduce pendulation during the two-crane lifting operation. |
| US08195367B2 |
Leveling control system and method for heavy equipment
A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit. The system includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein. The control unit is provided with an auto leveling mode module for performing the leveling against a reference horizontal surface, a re-leveling mode module for performing the leveling against the reference horizontal surface in a standstill state of the equipment for a limited time, and a track leveling mode module for performing the leveling against the lower frame. |
| US08195366B2 |
Control system for a pallet truck
A control system for controlling motion of a pallet truck vehicle includes three modes of operation for controlling coasting of the vehicle. In a first, constant pressure mode, the vehicle coasts for as long as an activation button is depressed. In a second, time controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined period of time. In the third, distance controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined distance. Each of these functions can be activated from a remote location using a remote activation device. |
| US08195365B2 |
Operator restraint system
An operator restraint system is provided. The operator restraint system includes a seatbelt payout sensor and a seatbelt buckle assembly. The seatbelt buckle assembly includes a housing and an alarm assembly. The alarm assembly includes at least one of a light source configured to generate a visible signal and an annunciator configured to generate an audible signal. A controller is associated with at least one of the seatbelt payout sensor and the alarm assembly. The controller is configured to receive from the seatbelt payout sensor a signal indicative of a length of a seatbelt that has been withdrawn, determine whether the length of the seatbelt that has been withdrawn is within a predetermined range, and control the alarm assembly to selectively generate at least one of the visible signal and the audible signal to remind an operator regarding employment of the seatbelt based on the determination. |
| US08195364B2 |
Perception model for trajectory following autonomous and human augmented steering control
A steering control method including the steps of obtaining a heading error, obtaining a velocity value, obtaining a distance error, applying the heading error and defuzzifying an output from a steering rule base. The velocity value and the distance error are applied along with the heading error to fuzzy logic membership functions to produce an output that is applied to a steering rule base. An output from the steering rule base is defuzzified to produce a steering signal. |
| US08195362B2 |
Method for controlling a driver assistance system
A method for controlling a driver assistance system having an LKS function of a vehicle is described. In the region of lane widening, a hypothetical lane which connects a starting lane to a destination lane is generated by the driver assistance system. In the region of the lane widening, the vehicle is guided along the hypothetical lane. |
| US08195358B2 |
Multi-vehicle high integrity perception
The illustrative embodiments provide a method for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, a vehicle having a plurality of sensors attempts to receive sensor data. In response to an inability of the vehicle to obtain needed sensor data, collected sensor data is requested from a plurality of other vehicles to form alternate sensor data. The alternate sensor data is received and the vehicle is controlled using the alternate sensor data. In another illustrative embodiment, a request is received at a first vehicle for sensor data from a different vehicle. Sensor data is collected from a plurality of sensors at the first vehicle. The sensor data is then sent to the different vehicle. |
| US08195356B2 |
Methods for testing an image based occupant classification system
A method for testing an image based occupant classification system includes identifying a plurality of disturbances for an image based occupant classification system and identifying a plurality of test occupants for a vehicle. The method further includes randomly selecting at least one disturbance from the plurality of disturbances and randomly selecting a test occupant from the plurality of test occupants. |
| US08195352B2 |
Method and apparatus for multivariate active driveline damping
A multivariate control method and system to control torque output from a powertrain system to a driveline is provided, to reduce driveline oscillations. The powertrain preferably comprises hybrid powertrain having a plurality of torque-generative devices connected to a transmission. Desired powertrain and driveline operating states are determined, as are a plurality of operating state errors. Each torque-generative device is controlled, based upon the operating state errors, and operating mode of the transmission. A damping torque command, additive to a commanded torque, is determined for one or more of the torque-generative devices based upon the determined transmission operating mode. Determined operating states include operator input, and powertrain/driveline including driveline torque; transmission input torque, rotational speed of the torque-generative devices; road load; and, accessory load. |
| US08195350B2 |
Vehicle and control method thereof
In a hybrid vehicle 20, when the ECO switch 88 is turned on, a maximum allowable charging power Pcmax is set based on a vehicle speed and an ECO mode maximum allowable charging power setting map that is a second relationship having a tendency to allow charging of a battery 50 in comparison with a normal maximum allowable charging power setting map (Step S130), and an engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled so that the battery 50 is charged with an effective charge-discharge power demand Pb* as a charging power demand set at Step S140 in accordance with state of the battery 50 within a range of the maximum allowable charging power Pcmax and a torque demand Tr* for driving is ensured (Steps S150-S280). |
| US08195347B2 |
Method and system for approach decision display
Approach Decision Display and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A method and system in accordance to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a display of operationally-relevant information for final approach and landing on a cockpit graphical display. Approach Decision Display System (ADDS) provides, in a graphical display, dynamic decision parameters as a function of the health of required equipment for the selected approach and the aircraft's ability to execute the approach and landing. |
| US08195346B1 |
Envelope protection for mechanically-controlled aircraft
An avionics system for a mechanically-controlled aircraft configured to provide envelope protection for deterring a pilot from flying outside of acceptable flight parameter limits for flight parameters such as banking angle, pitch attitude, g loading, proximity to terrain and/or obstacles, angle of attack, and/or airspeed. The avionics system may comprise at least one servo actuator and a computing device. The computing device may engage envelope protection by engaging the at least one servo actuator if the aircraft reaches a maximum or minimum limit for any of the flight parameters, such that the at least one servo actuator provides a force to urge a flight control device in a direction to bring the aircraft back within the acceptable flight parameter limits. The servo actuator may be disengaged when the aircraft flight parameters reach an end value corresponding to the start value that triggered envelope protection to engage. |
| US08195344B2 |
Remote control system and method for construction equipment
A remote control system and a remote control method of a construction machine for reducing a fatigue degree of an operator at the time when the operator controls driving of the construction machine depending on his/her body motion in the remote control system of the construction machine. For this, according to the present disclosure, a value acquired by compensating for a predetermined value εβ with respect to a finger bending angle βh for a palm is tracked by a bending angle βe of a bucket at the time of tracking the position of the bucket depending on hand motion of the operator to reduce a finger bending movement amount of the operator, thereby reducing fatigue. Further, the workspace of the operator is set to be smaller than points which are maximally movable in each of X, Y, and Z-axis directions at the time of setting the workspace of the operator, the workspace of WSh of the operator set to be small and a machine workspace WSe match each other, and the operator performs an operation in the workspace which is set to be small, thereby reducing the fatigue. |
| US08195342B2 |
Distributed knowledge base for vehicular localization and work-site management
The illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a vehicle is comprised of a machine controller, a steering system, a propulsion system, a braking system, a sensor system, and a knowledge base used by the machine controller. The machine controller identifies a dynamic condition and sends commands to the steering system, the propulsion system, and the braking system to move the vehicle. |
| US08195337B2 |
Method and apparatus for orchestrating utility power supply and demand in real time using a continuous pricing signal sent via a network to home networks and smart appliances
The present invention orchestrates the supply of power and demand for power of power-side of Utility-provided services such as Electricity, Gas and Water. In real-time a variable price for service is sent from Utilities' SUPPLY-SIDE via a Network such as the Internet to the DEMAND-SIDE, such as to smart appliances in homes, to search for and encourage or discourage use and thus manage demand for Utility services. Demand is managed in the aggregate per type of appliance and across all users, not just at peak times, but rather throughout the day as capacity is needed or otherwise becomes available. With the invention traditional fossil-fuelled electrical capacity can operate less of the time and more efficiently, renewable electrical capacity such as wind and solar power can be more efficiently put to immediate use right when it becomes available, and additional means are available to protect Utilities' transmission and distribution infrastructure. Another aspect of the invention is that it changes pricing often enough throughout the day so that budget-conscious and less fortunate or budget conscious consumers do not have to wait long for favourable pricing in order to cook a meal or otherwise get things done. |
| US08195334B2 |
Hand device
A hand device (1) of the present invention includes a palm (10) and a plurality of finger mechanisms (11-15). The palm (10) is provided with a palm protruding portion (101-103) that protrudes upward from a palm surface region (100) when the palm surface region (100) faces upward. Accordingly, a reaction force against the force acting on an object to be grasped from an inner side of part or all of the finger mechanisms (11-15) can be exerted on the object from the protruding portion (101-103). |
| US08195333B2 |
Companion robot for personal interaction
A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident. |
| US08195331B2 |
Method, medium, and apparatus for performing path planning of mobile robot
A method, medium, and apparatus for performing path planning of a mobile robot is provided. The apparatus for performing path planning of a mobile robot includes a coarse map generation unit to generate a coarse map composed of a plurality of cells; a fine map generation unit to generate a fine map composed of a plurality of sub-cells into which at least one of the plurality of cells is divided, and a path generation unit to control the fine map generation unit to generate the fine map with respect to a specified position in the coarse map generated through the coarse map generation unit. The method of performing path planning of a mobile robot includes generating a coarse map composed of a plurality of cells, generating a fine map composed of a plurality of sub-cells into which at least one of the plurality of cells, which neighbors the cell where an obstacle exists, is divided, generating a moving path whereby the mobile robot can pass a narrow passage by using the fine map, and updating the coarse map by reflecting the moving path. |
| US08195328B2 |
Combination disposal and dispensing apparatus and method
A system and method related to dispensing and disposing medical items is provided. The dispensing portion is generally configured to dispense medical items stored within compartments based on dispensing instructions. The disposal portion is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. |
| US08195322B2 |
Method of analyzing an assembly of parts with respect to a predetermined design criterion
The invention relates to a method of analyzing an assembly of parts with respect to at least one predetermined design criterion, characterized in that it comprises the following steps performed on the basis of the design data represented by digital mock-ups each reliably representing a part in three dimensions, the assembly of mock-ups together defining the assembly of parts in three dimensions:—identifying the parts of the assembly,—determining, among the parts thus identified of the assembly, several first pairs of parts which each define two parts in mechanical contact with one another,—determining, among the first pairs of parts, several second pairs of parts which each define two parts which conform to said at least one predetermined criterion,—identifying a set of second pairs of parts,—as a function of the set thus identified, determining the result of the analysis of the assembly of parts with respect to said at least one predetermined design criterion. |
| US08195321B2 |
Item workflow tracking in an automated production environment
The progressive tracking of items in relation to other items as they are processed and transformed through a sequence of processes executed in a workflow procedure intended to produce a finished hard copy document product for transport to a destination location, as a result of a production run, enables permission based control of one or more processing steps during the production run and/or effective scheduling of any re-do operations that may be desired upon detection of any discrepancies in the item processing operations. |
| US08195320B2 |
Method for manufacturing digitally-designed removable dental prostheses and system required for this purpose
The system, object of the invention consists of a unit for scanning a mould produced from the sample from a patient's mouth, an image which is sent to digital generation equipment of a removable dental prosthesis, producing a file that is transmitted to metal piece manufacturing equipment by means of sintered powder applying a high-energy ray. The design stages consist of the relief of the mould, the calculation of the insertion axis, the paralleling of the teeth, designing of the elements or components of the prosthesis such as lattice, clamp, stop, major connector, minor connector, bristle, pearls, lingual bars, extrusion of the different elements designed, smoothing of the sharp edges, elimination of the superpositions of the different elements designed and conversion of a closed continuous connected surface to a three-dimensional one. |
| US08195319B2 |
Predictive pre-recording of audio for voice input
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing predictive pre-recording of audio for voice input. In one aspect, a method includes establishing, as input data, state data that references a state of a mobile device and sensor data that is sensed by one or more sensors of the mobile device, applying a rule or a probabilistic model to the input data, inferring, based on applying the rule or the probabilistic model to the input data, that a user of the mobile device is likely to initiate voice input, and invoking one or more functionalities of the mobile device in response to inferring that the user is likely to initiate voice input. |
| US08195317B2 |
Data reproduction apparatus and data reproduction method
A data reproduction apparatus includes: arithmetic means for calculating difference data that indicate a difference between left-channel and right-channel data that have been compressed in a predetermined compression format; higher harmonic component generation means for generating a higher harmonic component, which was lost during compression, by performing, when the difference data's signal level exceeds a predetermined threshold, a digital limiter process that suppresses the signal level to the threshold; and adding means for adding the higher harmonic component to the left-channel and right-channel data to reproduce original data before being compressed. |
| US08195313B1 |
Thermostat user interface
A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component. |
| US08195312B2 |
Multi-mode control loop with improved performance for mass flow controller
One embodiment of the invention comprises a mass flow controller comprising a digital controller, a valve, and a sensor. The digital controller is adapted to implement a control loop having a proportional signal modifier in series with an integral signal modifier. The integral signal modifier is adapted to receive a combination signal and output an integrated signal. The valve is adapted to receive the integrated signal and adjust a valve opening in accordance with the integrated signal. The sensor is adapted to output a measured flow rate signal indicative of an actual fluid flow rate in the mass flow controller. The measured flow rate signal is received by the proportional signal modifier and used in conjunction with a setpoint signal to determine the error signal. |
| US08195310B2 |
Generation of a CNC machine tool control program
A machine tool program editor is used to insert auxiliary operations e.g. measurement, process control and program logic into a CNC work producing program. The editor has representations of the operations which can be placed in the correct position in the program. User input in the form of parameters is prompted when a representation is selected. The program is post processed and run on a machine tool whereat the operations are performed. |
| US08195309B2 |
System for scheduling using an external calendaring service
A building control system incorporating an external calendar service, having a schedule subsystem, a schedule synchronization subsystem connected to the schedule subsystem, and an external calendar configuration subsystem connected to the schedule synchronization subsystem. The schedule subsystem may have a schedule object, a building schedule mechanism for activating different subsystems in a building based on a configuration of a building schedule, and a schedule change mechanism for creating, configuring and/or changing the building schedule. |
| US08195307B2 |
Combination electrical stimulating and infusion device and method
A combined electrical and chemical stimulation lead is especially adapted for providing treatment to intervertebral discs. The combination lead may be placed proximate to intervertebral disc cellular matrix and nucleus pulposus tissue to promote tissue regeneration and repair, as well as nociceptor and neural tissue modulation. The stimulation lead includes electrodes that may be selectively positioned along various portions of the stimulation lead in order to precisely direct electrical energy to stimulate the target tissue. The lead also includes a central infusion passageway or lumen that communicates with various infusion ports spaced at selected locations along the lead to thereby direct the infusion of nutrients/chemicals to the target tissue. One embodiment utilizes a dissolvable matrix for infusion as opposed to remote delivery through an infusion pump. |
| US08195306B2 |
Wireless electrical stimulating device for living body
A wireless electrical stimulating device for living body comprises a light source unit for irradiating an optical signal; a light source control unit for controlling the optical signal irradiated from the light source unit; and an electrical stimulating unit for converting the optical signal received from the light source unit into an electrical signal to generate electrical stimulation. In the wireless electrical stimulating device for living body, the electrical stimulating unit comprises a battery for supplying current; an optical switch for detecting the optical signal irradiated from the light source unit to switch current supplied from the battery; and a stimulating electrode for providing the current switched by the optical switch to a living body. |
| US08195304B2 |
Implantable systems and methods for acquisition and processing of electrical signals
Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide an electrical signal processor for acquisition and processing of electric signals from tissue. The electrical signal processor is sized and configured to be implanted in subcutaneous tissue. The electrical signal processor includes an electrically conductive case of a laser welded titanium material. Control circuitry is located within the case, the control circuitry including a rechargeable power source, a receive coil for receiving a first radio frequency wireless telemetry to recharge the power source, and an antenna for receiving a second radio frequency wireless telemetry for communication with the electrical signal processor. |
| US08195303B2 |
Video processing unit for a visual prosthetic apparatus
A visual prosthesis apparatus comprising: a video capture device for capturing a video image; a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns; and a retinal stimulation system configured to stimulate neural tissue in a subject's eye based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered on after a first time interval upon activation of a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered off after a second time interval upon activation of a power button. |
| US08195296B2 |
Apparatus for treating stress and urge incontinence
Apparatus is provided, including an implantable mechanical support, shaped to support a portion of a urethra of a patient. One or more electrodes are coupled to the mechanical support, so as to contact tissue of the patient when the mechanical support is implanted in the patient. A control unit drives the electrodes to apply a current to the tissue. A method for treating a patient is also provided, including implanting a mechanical support in a position that supports a urethra of a patient. In response to increased pelvic pressure of the patient, a substance stored in a portion of the mechanical support that is not under the urethra is moved to a portion of the mechanical support that is under the urethra. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08195293B2 |
Detecting ventricular noise artifacts in an active implantable medical device for pacing, resynchronization and/or defibrillation of the heart
Sensing ventricular noise artifacts in an active implantable medical device for pacing, resynchronization and/or defibrillation of the heart. This device concerns sensing heart rhythm through an endocardial electrode collecting the depolarization potentials, and detecting the myocardium contractions through an endocardial acceleration sensor. The device searches for ventricular noise artifacts (X, Y) by correlating the signals representative of successive ventricular and atrial depolarizations (P, R) with the signals representative of successive acceleration peaks (PEA I). In case of a lack of correlation, a signal of suspicion of ventricular noise is delivered, which temporarily modifies the sensing sensitivity (S) of the sensing circuit. |
| US08195292B2 |
Cardiac resynchronization therapy optimization using parameter estimation from realtime electrode motion tracking
An exemplary method includes providing at least two-dimensional position information, for at least two points in time, for an electrode located in a cardiac space; determining a local estimator based on the position information; and, based at least in part on the determined local estimator, selecting a configuration for delivering a cardiac pacing therapy or diagnosing a cardiac condition. Exemplary methods for regional estimators and exemplary methods for global estimators are also disclosed along with devices and systems configured to perform various methods. |
| US08195287B2 |
Method 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. |
| US08195286B2 |
Control of pulse duty cycle based upon footswitch displacement
Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical circuitry for ultrasonic vibrating the needle. A power source provides pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical circuitry and an input is provided for enabling a surgeon to select an amplitude of dislighted pulses and a pulse width. A control system and pulse duty cycle is provided for controlling the off duty cycle to insure heat dissipation before a subsequent pulse is activated, including a foot pedal switch. |
| US08195285B2 |
Live finger detection by four-point measurement of complex impedance
A method and sensor assembly for determining the condition of a structure, especially for confirming if a measured fingerprint is on a live finger, measures characteristics of close to the structure surface. The sensor includes a first pair of current supply electrodes coupled to a current source, providing an electrical current to the skin, at least two pickup electrodes at chosen and different positions relative to the current supply electrodes, at least a first of the pickup electrodes being coupled to an instrument for measuring the voltage between the first pickup electrode and at least one of the pickup or current supply electrodes, storage for a predetermined set of values characterizing a certain condition of the surface, and means for comparing the characteristics from each pickup electrode with the measurements of the other pickup electrodes and with the predetermined set of characteristics for determining the surface condition. |
| US08195284B2 |
Bioelectrical information acquisition device and inappropriately-attached-electrode identifying method
A plurality of electrode pairs, each of which is constituted by two electrodes of the plurality of biomedical electrodes are set and at least one of an electrical impedance value between two electrodes forming a pair and a resistance value between the two electrodes, for each of the electrode pairs is measured. An attachment state of each of the electrode pairs is judged by comparing the impedance value or the resistance value, with a predetermined range of numeric values. An electrode in an inappropriate attachment state is identified from the plurality of electrode pairs based on the judged attachment state o each of the plurality of electrode pairs. |
| US08195282B2 |
Method and apparatus for examining tissue for predefined target cells, particularly cancerous cells, and a probe useful in such method and apparatus
A method, apparatus and probe for examining tissue for the presence of target cells, particularly cancerous cells, by subjecting the tissue to be examined to a contrast agent containing small particles of a physical element conjugated with a biological carrier selectively bindable to the target cells. Energy pulses are applied to the examined tissue. The changes in impedance and/or optical characteristics of the examined tissue produced by the applied energy pulses are detected and utilized for determining the presence of the target cells in the examined tissue. In a described preferred embodiment, the applied energy pulses include laser pulses, and the physical element conjugated with a biological carrier is a light-sensitive semiconductor having an impedance which substantially decreases in the presence of light. The same probe used for detecting the targeted cells may also be used for destroying the cells so targeted. |
| US08195281B2 |
Discriminating between tachycardias of ventricular origin and supra-ventricular origin, methods and apparatus
An active medical device able to discriminate between tachycardias of ventricular origin and of supra-ventricular origin. Two distinct temporal components (UnipV, BipV) are obtained corresponding to two EGM signals of ventricular electrograms. The diagnosis operates in at least two-dimensional space to determine, from the variations of one temporal component as a function of the other temporal component, a 2D characteristic representative of a heart beat and, this, for a reference beat collected in Sinus Rhythm (SR) in the absence of tachycardia episodes, and for a heart beat in Tachycardia. The discrimination of the tachycardia type, VT or SVT, is then realized by a classifier operating a comparison of the two current and reference 2D characteristics. |
| US08195280B2 |
Method of and apparatus for classifying arrhythmias using scatter plot analysis
A method of classifying arrhythmias using scatter plot analysis to define a measure of variability of a cardiac rhythm parameter such as for example, without limitation, R-R interval, A-A interval, and the slope of a portion of a cardiac signal, is disclosed. The variability measurement is derived from a scatter plot of a cardiac rhythm parameter, employing a region counting technique that quantifies the variability of the cardiac rhythm parameter while minimizing the computational complexity. The method may be employed by an implantable medical device or system, such as an implantable pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator, or by an external device or system, such as a programmer or computer. The variability measurement may be correlated with other device or system information to differentiate between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, for example. The variability information may also be used by the device or system to select an appropriate therapy for a patient. |
| US08195272B2 |
MRI-compatible patches and methods for using the same
An MRI-compatible patch for identifying a location includes a flexible base layer, a flexible substrate and at least one of MRI-visible fiducial element. The flexible base layer is mountable on and substantially conformable to a patient's body surface. The base layer has opposed upper and lower primary surfaces. The flexible substrate is releasably attached to the upper primary surface of the base layer and substantially conformable to the patient's body surface. The at least one MRI-visible fiducial element is defined by or secured to the flexible substrate. The patch may include a plurality of the MRI-visible fiducial elements arranged in a defined pattern. |
| US08195270B2 |
Method and apparatus for the non-invasive imaging of anatomic tissue structures
A method for the non-invasive imaging of an anatomic tissue structure in isolation from surrounding tissues, including: receiving from an input device magnetic imaging data from a patient of the anatomic tissue structure and surrounding tissues; segmenting the imaging data to isolate the anatomic tissue structure imaging data from the imaging data for the surrounding tissues; separating the anatomic tissue structure imaging data into data populations corresponding to tissue microstructures; constructing an image from the imaging data for at least one of the tissue microstructures; and storing or displaying the image. An apparatus embodying the disclosed method is also described, as well as a method for the quantitative measurement of a nerve tissue suspected of demyelination. |
| US08195263B2 |
Pulse oximetry motion artifact rejection using near infrared absorption by water
A method and an apparatus for measuring a physiological parameter, functioning based on obtaining a first signal derived from electromagnetic energy transmitted through a tissue portion at a first wavelength, the first signal including a signal portion corresponding with motion-related events and a signal portion corresponding with arterial pulsation events, where at the first wavelength water is a dominant absorber of electromagnetic energy in the tissue portion; obtaining a second signal derived from electromagnetic energy transmitted through a tissue portion at a second wavelength, the second signal including a signal portion corresponding with motion-related events and a signal portion corresponding with arterial pulsation events, where at the second wavelength hemoglobin is a dominant absorber of electromagnetic energy in the tissue portion; and combining the first signal and the second signal to generate a combined plethysmograph signal, such that the combined signal has a signal portion corresponding with motion-related events that is smaller than that present in the first signal or the second signal. |
| US08195258B2 |
Method for repetitive transmissions
The present invention relates to method, and apparatus relating to cellular radio communication (300). By communicating information repeatedly in either an uplink or a downlink connection by directing a main lobe of a radiation pattern (331-1 to 331-n; 335-1 to 335-n) of the communication in different directions (d1, d2, d2, d4) in the cell (361,362) of the cellular radio communication network (300) the reception of repetitive transmission of any information in both uplink and downlink connection with as little complexity added to the network as possible is improved. |
| US08195255B2 |
Sliding-type portable terminal
A sliding-type portable terminal is provided. The sliding-type portable terminal includes a first housing and a second housing. The second housing faces the first housing and can slide relative to the first housing. The sliding-type portable terminal also includes a pair of link members coupled with the first housing and the second housing. The link members rotate relative to one of the first and second housings. Also provided is a first guide opening formed on the other housing wherein one end of the link members is engaged with the first guide opening so as to move along the first guide opening as the second housing slides. In the sliding-type portable terminal, a pair of housings can be rotatably coupled with each other by means of the link members so as to sufficiently secure a greater range of sliding, and thus a space for mounting an input device, such as a keypad, or the like, is increased. |
| US08195252B2 |
Input device for mobile terminal using scroll key
The present invention is related to an input device for a mobile terminal. The input device of the present invention comprises a rotatable scroll key providing rotational information based on movement of the scroll key, a sensing device for sensing a position of a user's finger relative to the scroll key and providing sensing information based on the sensed position of the user's finger, and a controller for receiving the rotational information and sensing information, and controlling the mobile terminal based on the received rotational information and sensing information. |
| US08195251B2 |
Reducing WLAN power consumption on a mobile device utilizing a cellular radio interface
A system and method of reducing the WLAN power consumption and limiting battery drain of a mobile communications device is provided. The mechanism continuously monitors for changes in the WLAN and cellular signal strength and modifies the WLAN profile scanning activity accordingly. By monitoring for changes, transitions can be detected which indicate the location of the mobile device (i.e., indoor or outdoor). An increase in cellular signal strength and a decrease in WLAN signal strength indicates the user is transitioning outdoors where WLAN coverage may be limited. To reduce battery power consumption, background scanning is suspended or its frequency significantly lowered. Moving indoors is indicated by a decrease in cellular signal strength and an increase in WLAN signal strength. Background/Connectivity scanning frequency is increased to provide shorter time-to-connect to WLAN Networks for the user within the WLAN coverage area. |
| US08195248B2 |
Disguised power-off method for a mobile communication terminal
The present invention relates to a method of determining the location of a mobile terminal using disguised power-off, wherein if a mobile terminal is powered off in a state where a mobile communication service subscriber does not intend to do so, only the location indication function of the mobile terminal operates, but the remaining functions are terminated as if power of the mobile terminal is turned off. In accordance with the present invention, it is determined whether the subscriber terminal is actually powered off or powered off in a disguised manner. All the power of the subscriber terminal is shut off, or all the power except for power for a function of sending a location signal is shut off, depending on the type of power-off. Furthermore, when a location request signal is received from the server of a mobile communication service provider after the subscriber terminal has been powered off in a disguised manner, the subscriber terminal sends a location signal to a call originator that corresponds to call originator information stored therein. The present invention is advantageous in that, when a mobile terminal is powered off by a disguised power-off key when a user, such as a child or teenager, is in danger, the location of the mobile terminal can be determined through locating thereof. |
| US08195242B2 |
Complementary beamforming methods and apparatuses
Improved methods and apparatuses are provided to address a potential “hidden beam problem” in wireless communication systems employing smart antennas. The improved methods and apparatuses utilize complementary beamforming (CBF) techniques, such as, for example, Subspace Complementary Beamforming (SCBF), Complementary Superposition Beamforming (CSBF) and/or Single Beam Complementary Beamforming (SBCBF) techniques. |
| US08195238B2 |
Mobile station apparatus, base station apparatus, and paging method
A disclosed paging method includes a random access channel generating step of, when a group including an own station is being paged based on a paging indicator channel (PICH) transmitted from a base station apparatus, generating a random access channel (RACH) including information indicating a response to the paging indicator channel (PICH) by a mobile station apparatus; a transmitting step of transmitting the random access channel (RACH) by the mobile station apparatus; a random access channel detecting step of detecting the random access channel (RACH) as the response to the paging indicator channel (PICH) by the base station apparatus; a paging information generation determining step of determining whether paging information is to be generated based on a detection result of the random access channel (RACH); and a paging information generating step of generating paging information based on the determination result. |
| US08195233B2 |
Methods and systems for identity management in wireless devices
Methods and devices for allowing a wireless communication device (1301) initially unauthorized for communication with a network to obtain persistent soft network subscription credential information (1303) from a wireless communication device (1401) initially authorized for communication with the network are disclosed. In performing the persistent transfer of the soft network subscription credential information (1303), one of a token management module (1312), a session initiation protocol communication module (1408), or a electronic rights manager (1406) may be used to ensure that only one communication device is capable of communicating with a network at any one time. |
| US08195225B2 |
Multimode communication terminal and multimode communication implementation method
The present invention provides a multimode communication terminal which contains at least a first separate channel module and a second separate channel module. The multimode communication terminal can be configured to communicate by using the first channel module and/or the second channel module. The channel modules communicate according to different communication protocols. The multimode communication terminal further comprises: channel switch layer means for switching the first channel module to have parameter characteristics consistent with those of the second channel module, so that the multimode communication terminal enables the MIMO operation mode by using the first channel module and the second channel module at the same time. The present invention further provides a method for enabling a MIMO operation mode in a multimode communication terminal. By using a relatively small number of RF communication modules, the present invention implements a wireless mobile multimode communication terminal which enables various operation modes including the MIMO operation mode. Compared with the existing solutions, the present invention greatly reduces the size required by the terminal. |
| US08195223B2 |
Method and device for controlling bilateral communication system and radio transmission
The invention relates to a control module in telecommunications end devices, in particular in mobile telephones, that enables a two-way control of the mobile radio unit and the broadcast unit.Additionally, setting information from the entire system can also be transferred over control channels. |
| US08195218B1 |
Wireless-signal distribution system via set-top box
Methods and systems are provided for facilitating wireless communications over a coaxial network coupled to a wireless communications network. The system comprises one or more set-top boxes capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications, one or more converting devices capable of converting between optical signaling and electrical signaling, and a base transceiver station coupled to one or more communications networks. One method comprises providing a set-top box capable of facilitating bi-directional wireless communications and providing for the communication of data through an out-of-band frequency channel. Another method comprises providing a set-top box physically coupled to a coaxial network and wireless network by a communications line having an out-of-band frequency channel, receiving a request to establish communications, and logically coupling two endpoints. |
| US08195206B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing consistency in SMS message timestamp formatting for mobile communication devices
Methods and apparatus for providing consistency in Short Message Service (SMS) timestamp formatting (UTC or non-UTC) for mobile communication devices are disclosed. In one illustrative example, a method involves receiving an SMS message intended for a mobile communication device; identifying whether the SMS message has timestamp data formatted in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) format or non-UTC format; converting the timestamp data from the UTC format to a non-UTC time format based on an identification that the SMS message has timestamp data formatted in the UTC format; failing to convert the timestamp data to a non-UTC time format based on an identification that the SMS message has timestamp data in the non-UTC format; and causing the SMS message to be sent to the mobile communication device. Other techniques involve mobile device usage of a removable user identity module which has a stored indicator in memory which is indicative of a timestamp mode of operation of a home message center as one of a coordinated universal time (UTC) mode and a non-UTC mode. |
| US08195202B2 |
Device and method for AGPS high accuracy positioning in unknown cell areas
The present invention relates to Assisted Global Positioning System (AGPS) high accuracy positioning in unknown cell areas. By using an approach of three alternative steps a reference position, needed for AGPS positioning, is determined. The first step involves using the location of any neighboring cell. The second involves using the location of a cell within the same Location Area as the cell serving the portable communication device to position. The third step comprises determining a fixed point within the same geographical area as the Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC) is serving, and using this fixed point as a reference location. Using the three-step approach the AGPS positioning can be optimized, providing a possibility to position, for instance a mobile phone, by AGPS even though the location of the cell serving the phone is unknown to the positioning node operating the serving cell. |
| US08195199B2 |
Method and apparatus for deactivating mobile radio stations from the network
Method for deactivating at least one mobile station in a radio communication system, particularly in a picocell on board an aircraft in a GSM mobile radio network, where the radio communication system has a first network element, which forms a transmission/reception device for each mobile station in the radio cell, a second network element which is set up to control the first network element, and a device which is connected between the first network element and the second network element, wherein the device carries out the following steps: detection of a piece of identification information, directed at the at least one mobile station, which is transmitted from the second network element to the first network element, use of this identification information to deactivate the at least one mobile station when a deactivation signal is supplied to the device. |
| US08195197B2 |
Method and apparatus for time-aware and location-aware marketing
A method of communicating inferred information to a wireless communication device user is provided. That method includes determining a location of the wireless device, inferring a likely interest of the user from the location of the wireless device, and transmitting data related to the interest to the wireless device. The method may also ascertain time at the location of the wireless communication device user and infer an interest of the user from the time and location of the user. In addition, the method may include inferences made from information related to preferences of the user. |
| US08195192B2 |
Personal tracking device with low power consumption
An portable tracking device integrating a mobile phone module (e.g. based on GSM or 3G networks), a GPS module, a radio Beacon and ultrasonic beacon. The tracking device is normally in a hibernated state when the entire device consumes little energy and require no periodically changing or recharging batteries to power the device. It consumes power from the primary battery only when a tracking process is actually taken place. With this portable tracking device on the person who is unable to affirmatively report his or her whereabout, the remote center and/or a search team can communicate the GPS module, radio beacon and ultrasonic beacon of the tracking device via the mobile phone module based on existing wireless communication technologies, such SMS, GPRS, ect, on GSM or 3 G networks, which also serves as a means of initial rough estimation of the tracking device's location. |
| US08195186B2 |
Resource allocation
Resource allocation information is signalled to user devices (UE1, UE2, UE3, UE4) in a mobile telecommunications communications system in which each user device is allocated plural resource allocations (RB) in a TTI (50) by, for each user device, providing information (I1) regarding a selected resource allocation allocated to that user device in a control channel (L1, L2, L3, L4) and providing information (I2, I3) regarding at least one other resource allocation allocated to that user device in a data channel (52) in the selected resource allocation. In one example, the selected resource allocation is the first resource allocation (RB1) allocated to that user device (UE1) and information regarding each successive further resource allocation is provided in a data channel in the resource allocation preceding that successive further resource allocation. In another example, the selected resource allocation is the first resource allocation allocated to that user device and information regarding each successive further resource allocation is provided in a data channel in the first resource allocation. In another example, the selected resource allocation is the resource allocation that is indicated to have the best channel quality. The resource allocation information may be provided in the data channel of the one resource allocation as a list of RFI fields or as a bit map. |
| US08195184B2 |
Method and system for best-M CQI feedback together with PMI feedback
Aspects of a method and system for best-M CQI feedback together with PMI feedback may include generating a plurality of feedback messages, which may be communicated from a mobile station to a base station, wherein at least one of the generated plurality of feedback messages may be associated with each corresponding selected one of a plurality of Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) reporting units. The at least one of the generated feedback messages may comprise CQI information and Pre-coding Matrix Index (PMI) information, which may both be associated with the selected one of the plurality of CQI reporting units. At least one other of the generated plurality of feedback messages may comprise an aggregate CQI information, which is based on one or more of the plurality of CQI reporting units. |
| US08195183B2 |
Call admission priority control determination device and mobile wireless communication system
A call admission priority control determination device is intended for determining, when a terminal is present in a femtocell and the terminal is to be admitted for call connection, whether it is to be connected to the femtocell or to a macro-cell. The number of remaining connections and a remaining rate in the femtocell if a new call is admitted are figured out. For a specified terminal so registered as to be given priority in connection to the femtocell, the call is admitted if the number of remaining connections and the remaining rate are equal to or greater than 0, but for other terminals than the specified ones in the pertinent femtocell, the call is not admitted if the number of remaining connections and the remaining rate are below certain thresholds. |
| US08195179B2 |
Numbering of radio frequency channels
The present invention relates to a method and arrangements where each frequency channel is assigned a primary (global) number and a secondary (in-band) number. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention the primary number for one frequency channel (e.g. unicast downlink channel) and one or more secondary channel numbers to account for the corresponding unicast uplink and/or for one or more MBSFN channels are signalled. The primary (global) number indicates the band and frequency channel number while the secondary (in-band) number indicates the frequency channel within the relevant frequency band. |
| US08195177B2 |
User interface methods and apparatus for processing voice call requests from a mobile station based on communication conditions
Methods and apparatus for processing voice call requests based on communication conditions of a mobile communication device are disclosed. In one illustrative example, a voice call request for a voice call is received through a user interface during an out-of-coverage condition of the mobile device. In response to the voice call request, when the out-of-coverage condition has existed for an out-of-coverage time period that is less than a first time period, a scanning operation is performed during a delay time period. If the out-of-coverage condition still exists upon expiration of the delay time period, a call denial indication and a call reminder prompt are produced in a visual display which indicates that the voice call could not be completed. If an in-coverage condition with a wireless network is identified during the delay time period, however, a voice call associated with the voice call request is initiated via the wireless network. On the other hand, in response to the voice call request when the out-of-coverage condition has existed for an out-of-coverage time period that is greater than the first time period, the call denial indication is immediately produced in the visual display without delaying for the delay time period. |
| US08195172B2 |
Process to allocate channels in a sectorized and tiered cellular network
The invention disclosed is a process to allocate channels in a sectorized and tiered cellular network. A system of allocating cellular frequencies (channels) to the sectors among the outer tier of cells within a tile is disclosed which maximizes channel set usage within the tile while minimizing co-channel interference between cells. Any unused, or remaining, frequencies for the outer tier of that cell may then be allocated to an inner tier of the cell that has not had a channel allocated thereto. No additional infrastructure or maintenance set-up is required under this technique for allocating the channel to the additional transceiver and a very high degree of channel utilization is achieved. |
| US08195167B1 |
Dynamic reverse activity bit offset adjustment based on soft handoff ratio
A method and system is disclosed for dynamic reverse activity bit (RAB) offset adjustment based on soft handoff ratio. A base station controller (BSC) or radio node controller (RNC) or similar network device will determine the ratio of access terminals in soft handoff service to a total number of access terminals in service in each of a first and a second sector. Based at least on a comparison of a the ratio in the two sectors, the BSC (or RNC) will dynamically set a RAB offset in each sector in such a way that the response by served access terminals to RAB broadcasts from the two sectors will impact the smallest number of access terminals, while still achieving the intended purposes of RAB broadcasts. |
| US08195164B2 |
Method and arrangements for an event triggered DRX cycle
The invention relates to methods and arrangements for an event triggered DRX cycle adjustment. A user equipment located in a serving cell of a mobile communications network monitors downlink communication at predetermined time intervals when operating in discontinuous reception mode. The user equipment also performs communication parameter measurements regarding at least one of the serving cell and one or more neighbor cells. After the occurrence of a first event, the user equipment sends at least one of measurement data and a first event report to the network. The sending is triggered by the occurrence of the first event. The monitoring is caused to be performed at shortened time intervals after the occurrence of a second event, wherein the second event is defined to indicate a higher probability of receiving a handover command than the first event. |
| US08195155B2 |
Service profile handling in the IMS
A Home Subscriber Server for handling IP Multimedia Subsystem subscriptions comprises means for maintaining associations between public user identities and Service Profiles, where two or more public user identities can be associated with a common Service Profile, and means for identifying to a network node all public user identities that are associated with a common Service Profile. |
| US08195152B1 |
ERI (enhanced roaming indicator) implementation
Systems, products, and methods are disclosed for identifying a roaming indicator to be displayed on a mobile device that is in a given roaming situation and for determining a set of services that are available to the device. One variation of the method includes encoding within an ERI (enhanced roaming indicator) property two values that are respectively defined in a first portion of the ERI property and a second portion of the ERI property. The first portion of the ERI describes a visual roaming indicator that is to be presented on a mobile device. The second portion of the ERI describes a set of services that are available to the mobile device. A decoding method includes identifying an ERI value that is applicable given the roaming status, referencing a binary version of the ERI value, and inspecting a designated portion of the ERI value that indicates which services of the set of services are available. |
| US08195151B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrating and communicating data link information from an aircraft to a ground station using a portable communications system
A portable data link integration and communication unit and method that integrates and communicates data link information from an aircraft to a ground station is disclosed. The portable data link integration and communication unit a communication interface that facilitates communications with communication devices, and an integration and communication processing module that receives data link message information from one or more communication devices through the communication interface, integrates the received data link message information, converts integrated data link information into internet protocol information, and transmits the internet protocol information using the communication interface over a satellite network to the ground station for display to a user over a communications network. |
| US08195150B2 |
Satellite radio file broadcast method
A method and system for distributing files to remote receiving units such as passenger vehicles. The method includes the steps of (a) creating a file broadcast schedule that identifies a plurality of files and that includes scheduling information indicating when the files will be transmitted, (b) sending the file broadcast schedule to a number of remote receiving units via wireless transmission, (c) analyzing the file broadcast schedule at one or more of the remote receiving units by identifying at least one specific file intended for receipt and storage at that receiving unit and by determining from the scheduling information a scheduled time at which the specific file is intended to be received, (d) monitoring a digital satellite transmission channel at the scheduled time for the specific file, and (e) upon receiving the specific file, storing it at the remote receiving unit. |
| US08195145B2 |
User interface unit for a telephone
A user interface apparatus for remote control of a telephone having an input adapted for inputting telephone control signals; a display for outputting visual information, a communications unit adapted for short distance wireless signal communication; circuitry adapted to convey input telephone control signals and display control signals between the user interface apparatus and the telephone by the short distance wireless signal communication unit; wherein the circuitry is configured to adapt the input and output signals of the user interface apparatus to have the same properties as corresponding signals of the telephone. |
| US08195143B2 |
Management unit for facilitating inter-network hand-off for a multiservice communication device
A management unit allocates network resources to a plurality of multiservice communication devices capable of communicating via a plurality of networks. The management unit includes a communication device interface for facilitating a bidirectional data communication with the plurality of multiservice communication devices via a wireless control channel, the bidirectional data communication including outbound control data sent to at least one of the plurality of multiservice communication devices and inbound control data received from at least one of the plurality of multiservice communication devices, wherein the wireless control channel is separate from the communication between the plurality of multiservice communication devices and the plurality of networks. A network interface receives network resource data from the plurality of networks. A management processing unit generates the outbound control data in response thereto, wherein the management processing unit facilities the handoff of a real-time service accessed by the at least one of the plurality of multiservice communication devices via a first network of the plurality of networks to a second network of the plurality of networks. |