| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08196856B2 |
Method for suppressing vibration in a tiltrotor aircraft
A method is disclosed for suppressing vibration in an aircraft having at least one pair of multiple-blade rotors. The first step of the method is to install in the aircraft at least one pair of vibration suppression devices to form a system, the devices of each system being mounted on opposing sides of the aircraft. Then, during operation of the aircraft, the next step is to rotate the at least one pair of rotors in a manner that causes the blades one of each pair of rotors to be out of phase from the other of each pair of rotors. The final step is to use the system to suppress vibrations caused by the out-of-phase rotation of the rotors. |
| US08196851B2 |
Paper shredder with feeder
A paper shredder comprising a housing, cutters positioned in the housing, a feeder base coupled to the housing and including a feeder slot, and a pressure plate mounted for movement above the feeder base. The pressure plate has a length perpendicular to the feeder slot that is less than 80% of a length of the feeder base. In one embodiment, the pressure plate includes two rollers positioned on opposing sides of the feeder slot (e.g., rotational about axes fixed relative to each other). The pressure plate preferably does not overlap with any aperture(s) in the feeder base. The paper shredder can also include a feeder door that substantially covers the entire feeder base and is pivoted at one end of the feeder door. The pressure plate can be mounted adjacent a bottom surface of the feeder door. |
| US08196849B1 |
Roller-type homogenizing mill
The invention relates to the grinding method with simultaneous homogenization of powder-like materials with liquid components in construction engineering, chemical and other industries.The roller breaker-homogenizer comprises a cone-shaped backing roll and not less than three driven rolls and driven rolls, the large bases of which face reverse directions. The rolls are arranged in the case with a replaceable cup vertically at the same level so that the driven rolls are located epicyclically relative to the backing roll and mounted in cantilever fashion in the case cover rotation bearing assemblies, and the backing roll is connected axially with a drive shaft via a spring coupling. An appliance used to regulate the spring coupling pressing force is mounted between the drive and spring coupling. The case cover has an opening for loading basic process materials above the upper end surface of the backing roll, and an anchor-type mixer is fixed on the lower end surface of the backing roll. |
| US08196847B2 |
Spray head for liquid product
A fluid spray head comprising an expulsion channel (5) provided with a spray orifice (1) and a spray profile (10) formed in an end wall of said spray head, said spray profile (10) comprising preferably non-radial spray channels (11) opening out to a central spray chamber (12) disposed directly upstream from said spray orifice (1), an insert (20) being disposed in said expulsion channel (5) so as to form a cover for said spray profile (10), the central axis (X) of said insert (20) being substantially identical to the central axis (Y) of said expulsion channel (5), and said spray head including centering means for centering said insert (20). |
| US08196840B2 |
Keyboard with horizontal card reader
A keyboard (1) with a horizontally arranged card reader. The card reader has a card insertion opening (2) and a card holder section (3). The card holder section (3) defines a plane for placing a card on the upper surface of the keyboard (1). The card holder section (3) is arranged next to the card insertion opening (2), into which the card can be inserted substantially parallel to the plane defined by the card holder section (3). |
| US08196835B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining position and rotational orientation of an object
A method and apparatus for determining position and rotational orientation of an object within a predetermined area is disclosed. Position markers, encoded with their identity, are viewed with a camera, images are captured and processed, and the position and rotational orientation of the object are calculated. Three embodiments are disclosed; the first having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing linear bar codes are fixed in location, the second having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing two-dimensional bar codes are fixed in location, and the third having a position marker of either type affixed to the object while the camera is fixed in location. |
| US08196830B1 |
Hand-operated document reader/imager with speed limiting device including a viscous damper to insure uniform scan rate
A hand-operated document processor includes a base for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A speed limiting device includes a viscous damper, and is connected to the MICR subsystem. The viscous damper provides a resistance load when the MICR subsystem is moved across the document being processed. The resistance load increases as the operator increases the speed of the MICR subsystem to encourage the operator to maintain a constant scanning rate over the length of the document. |
| US08196829B2 |
Chip module, sim card, wireless device and wireless communication method
The invention refers to a chip module comprising at least one memory and/or microprocessor chip and at least one antenna element connected to said chip. Further the invention relates to a SIM card comprising a dielectric substrate, eight or more contact pads provided on one side of said dielectric substrate, at least one memory and/or microprocessor chip provided on the other side of the substrate and connected to said contact pads, a first antenna element provided on the same side of the dielectric substrate as the chip, wherein the first antenna element has at least one driving point and at least one termination point, a second antenna element provided on the same side of the dielectric substrate as the first antenna element, wherein the first antenna element is given in an area different from the area where the contact pads are arranged, and the chip can be accessed by a wireless communication link with help of the antenna operating at a frequency of more than 800 MHz. |
| US08196826B2 |
RFID drawer integration with cash handling devices and point of sale devices
Methods, systems, and devices utilize RFID devices in order to provide integrated information for receivables, inventory, and/or transactions from point of sale (POS) devices and cash handling device(s) to accounting systems. Transactions (e.g., debit card, credit card, coin, cash, check, etc.) are allowed at POS devices. The transactions may be communicated to cash handling devices through RFID devices (e.g., coupled to or on tills, receipts, printouts, etc.). Transaction-related materials (e.g., paper currency, coins, checks, receipts, etc.) may be moved from the POS devices to cash handling device(s). Actual counts and expected counts may be determined and may be communicated to accounting systems. |
| US08196825B2 |
Medical device tracking system with tag and method
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose the medical device to sterilization substances while the medical device is captured by a mechanism including an identifying characteristic. |
| US08196822B2 |
Self checkout with visual recognition
A system and method is disclosed for using object recognition/verification and weight information to confirm the accuracy of a UPC scan, or to provide an affirmative recognition where no UPC scan was made. In the preferred embodiment, the checkout system comprises: a universal product code (UPC) scanner configured to generate a product identifier; at least one camera for capturing one or more image of an item; a database of features and images of known objects; an image processor configured to: extract a plurality of geometric point features from the one or more images; identify matches between the extracted geometric point features and the features of known objects; generate a geometric transform between the extracted geometric point features and the features of known objects for a subset of known objects corresponding to matches; and identify one of the known objects based on a best match of the geometric transform; and a transaction processor configured to execute one of a predetermined set of actions if the identified object is different than the product identifier. |
| US08196820B2 |
Self-service terminal
A self-service terminal comprising a plurality of devices is described. The devices comprise: a racking handle for moving that device from an operational position to a maintenance position; a primary visual identifier (such as a bright color) associated with the racking handle, where the primary visual identifier is common for all of the racking handles and is not used for any part of the device except a racking handle; and a secondary visual identifier associated with any other parts of the device that may be safely touched, where the secondary visual identifier is visually distinct (for example, by using a different color) from the primary visual identifier. |
| US08196819B2 |
Method and device for authenticating economic transactions
A method of conducting an economic transaction includes the steps of wirelessly receiving a card-transmitted signal, where the card-transmitted signal includes user account information and an indicator of an amount of elapsed time between a recognition of a vibration applied to a wirelessly-transmitting credit or debit card and a transmission of the card-transmitted signal from the card. The method further includes determining a last detected vibration at a point-of-sale device, calculating an amount of time elapsed since the identification of the last detected vibration, and comparing the amount of time elapsed since the identification of the last detected vibration with the amount of elapsed time between a recognition of a vibration applied to a card and a transmission of the card-transmitted signal from the card. |
| US08196817B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating payment transactions using a financial transaction card
A financial transaction card associated with an account of a cardholder is provided. The financial transaction card includes a front side, a back side, a signature block, and a validation code. The signature block includes a substrate having a bottom face and a top face wherein the bottom face is coupled to at least one of the sides of the card. The top face is substantially planar and includes a first data field and a second data field. The first data field and the second data field are non-overlapping. The validation code is associated with the account and is displayed within the second data field. |
| US08196814B2 |
Cash letter print streams
Producing print streams for efficiently generating properly formatted and ordered paper cash letters comprises print stream file that includes electronic form definitions for each cash letter document. The cash letter documents can include a cover page, one or more bundles of substitute checks, a bundle summary for each substitute check bundle, and/or a cash letter bundle summary. Information from an electronic image cash letter file can be input in data fields of the electronic form definitions. Printing the information in the print stream file results in a properly formatted and ordered paper cash letter including substitute checks and audit data. Each substitute check can include all of the MICR data provided on a corresponding, original paper check. The audit data includes the cover page, bundle summary(ies), and/or cash letter bundle summary, which can each detail the documents printed concurrently therewith. |
| US08196812B2 |
Conducting multiple financial transactions on a self-service terminal
A self-service terminal (SST) for use in conducting multiple financial transactions between a user of the SST and a financial institution includes one or more user-interface devices and a processing module. The user interface devices are configured to receive information from and provide information to the user. The processing module is configured to: (1) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a first one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the first one of the transactions; (2) receive from the one or more user-interface devices information identifying a second one of the transactions and information containing details necessary to complete the second one of the transactions; and (3) thereafter initiate execution of the first one of the transactions and the second one of the transactions over a financial-transaction network. |
| US08196811B2 |
Multiple criteria buying and selling model
A multiple criteria buying and selling system and method is provided. A seller initially establishes a deal structure for a product, which provides seller defined selling criteria information relating to the purchasing of the product, such as volume per unit price, quality, delivery time and warranty information. A buyer will be able to review a list of deals if the seller's selling criteria matches a buyer defined buying criteria. The deal structure is preferably set up so as to provide buyers with both price and non-price criteria information that the buyer's would consider important in a purchase of the type of product being offered by the seller. The deal structure is electronically made available to potential buyers of the product. For example, the deal structure may be displayed on an Internet site. |
| US08196810B2 |
Method and system to monitor hand hygiene compliance
A system which allows healthcare providers to monitor hand hygiene compliance includes a data reader adapted to be worn by a healthcare provider. The system includes a portal trigger disposed at each door portal of a patient room which activates the reader to record an entrance event when the provider enters the patient room. The system includes a dispenser trigger disposed at each cleaning dispenser having cleanser in or at the entrance of each patient room which activates the reader to record a dispensing event when the provider causes the dispenser to dispense cleanser, the reader having a display which displays a number of dispensing events and a number of entrance events. A method which allows healthcare providers to monitor hand hygiene compliance. A system which allows a person to monitor hand hygiene compliance. A method for allowing a person to monitor hand hygiene compliance. |
| US08196809B2 |
System and method for associating an absorbent article with a user
A system for associating a particular absorbent article with the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article, includes an absorbent article, and machine-readable information concerning the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article. The system includes machine-readable information identifying the absorbent article and a reader to read the information identifying the absorbent article and the information concerning the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article. The system also includes a memory that is arranged to store information identifying the absorbent article and information concerning the identity and/or the location of a user of the absorbent article in a form such that on retrieval of information from the memory, information concerning the absorbent article is automatically associated with information concerning the identity and/or location of a user of the absorbent article. |
| US08196805B2 |
Cartons with liquid-tight receptacles
Cartons include liquid-tight vessels that line the interior volumes of the cartons. The cartons may have selected sections reinforced by one or more reinforcing blanks. |
| US08196799B2 |
Compression box for reflow oven heating with a pressurizing plate
A reflow oven chamber assembly that is configured to be installed within a reflow oven chamber of a reflow oven includes a chamber housing disposed within the reflow oven chamber, one or more heating elements disposed in the chamber housing, and one or more compression box assemblies disposed in the chamber housing. The compression box assembly includes a compression box housing having an intake port located adjacent the heating element, an intake duct disposed in the compression box, and a diffuser plate disposed above the intake duct. The intake duct has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the intake port of the compression box housing and an outlet opening. The compression box assembly is configured to draw heated air into the compression box housing from the reflow oven chamber through the intake port and into the inlet opening of the intake duct and exhaust air out of the outlet opening of the intake duct to the diffuser plate. A method of distributing heated air within a reflow soldering oven is further disclosed. |
| US08196792B2 |
Mounting plate and leg harness assembly
A mounting plate and leg harness assembly for carrying holsterable items having a rigid center portion and vertically disposed sides and two spaced side panels integral with a respective side of the center portion, each side panel having an outside edge, a first pair of vertically spaced elongate slots located adjacent the center portion and a second pair of vertically spaced elongate slots located adjacent the outside edge. Two horizontally disposed straps are threaded through the respective upper and lower slots with the straps spanning the center portion. The side panels are bendable adjacent the respective sides of the center portion to conform the plate to the shape of the leg of a wearer when the straps are tightened. A vertical adjustable strap is mounted to the plate for connection to a belt. |
| US08196785B2 |
Air vent for liquid containers, based on the principle of communicating vessels
An air vent for liquid containers such as baby bottles, flasks, or the like, for containing any liquid easily poured through an upper spout such as a nipple or a hard plastic spout or even a metal spout. The container includes an air vent defined by a system based on the principle of communicating vessels acted upon by equal air pressures, defined by a duct of an adequate diameter placed in a vertical or oblique manner, whose lower end is placed inside and in the bottom of the container, while the upper end defines an external air inlet that is open to external air. The duct communicates with the main internal space in the bottom of the container, such that when the container is sufficiently tilted, the liquid inside the duct may go to the bottom of the container, enabling a free flow of external air to the bottom of the container, without passing through the liquid, thus preventing the formation of a vacuum in the bottom of the container, before even this same liquid be discharged or sucked from the container. |
| US08196778B2 |
Process air-assisted dispensing systems
Systems for dispensing heated liquids, such as hot melt adhesives, with the assistance of process air. The dispensing system may include a control operative to independently control a characteristic of the process air dispensed by a first dispensing module compared to the same characteristic of the process air dispensed by a second dispensing module. |
| US08196775B1 |
Glove dispenser with glove catch well
The present invention is directed toward a glove catch apparatus configured for connection to an existing glove dispenser. The glove catch apparatus comprises a frame, and access opening configured to permit access to a dispensing hole of the existing glove dispenser, and a well configured to catch dropped gloves dispensed from the glove dispenser. In addition, a glove dispenser, mountable to a wall, is disclosed. The glove dispenser comprises a well configured to catch dropped gloves dispensed from the glove dispenser. |
| US08196770B2 |
Fluid supply assembly
A fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly includes a disposable cup and lid, and a reusable cup holder and outer lid. |
| US08196769B2 |
Container
A container body 1 has a rim profile formed by folding sheet metal material. The profile defines at least two separate zones 14, 15 which are completely enclosed by the folded material and two runs of the material 5, 10 meet at the junction 16 between the two zones 14, 15 and are welded to one another at that junction. A lid 2 also has a rim profile folded from sheet material. |
| US08196768B2 |
Connector, particularly for casks
A connector for a container, particularly a cask, comprises a bush (14), intended to be received in an opening (11) in the container through which liquid is discharged, in use. The bush has a closed end (17) with a weakened portion (18), an inner thread (20) and an inner deformable portion (21). Sealing means (23) are intended to be disposed between the exterior of the bush and the interior of the opening at the position of the deformable portion. An insert (15) is screw-threadedly engageable within the bush so as to deform the deformable portion, thereby effecting compression, and thus sealing, of the sealing means between the bush and the container. |
| US08196765B2 |
Multi-function carrier
A multi-function carrier includes a bottom plate bilaterally connected to pivotable lateral plates, wherein each of the lateral plates may be a one-piece grid or a two-piece folding grid, a pivotable rear plate, and a pivotable front plate. The front plate has sliding blocks for being slidably mounted on horizontal sliding guides of the bottom plate. The two lateral plates, the front plate and the rear plate, when posed vertically, are mutually coupled and jointly form a top-opened basket-like structure together with the bottom plate. When the two lateral plates and the front plate are laid over the bottom plate, the multi-function carrier provides a rack-like structure. The multi-function carrier further has an extendable gripper which is movably attached to the front plate and has a movable pressing member. |
| US08196761B2 |
Easily assembled shelving system of small overall size
Shelving system has first and second lateral support elements for a plurality of shelves. The shelves formed from metal wire mesh structure and including a base wall and at least two mutually parallel side walls. The support elements and shelves including, respectively, elements and counter-elements for removably connecting shelves to support elements. The two side walls connected to the base wall and shaped for stacking one shelf on another with base walls of the shelves mutually superposed, one in contact with another, to reduce overall disassembled system size. Each shelf base wall lower face has at least one seat sunken with respect to side walls, to at least partly house at least a portion of one support element. The shelves shaped for housing, in the upper face of the base wall between the side walls, at least a portion of the other support element, to reduce overall disassembled system size. |
| US08196756B2 |
Asymmetric nanotube containing membranes
This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation. |
| US08196750B2 |
Process and apparatus for adsorptive bubble separation using a dense foam
A method of concentrating particles in a liquid-particle dispersion feed by adsorptive bubble separation by intimately contacting a gas with a pressurized stream of liquid in a chamber to form an aerated dispersion that retains at least some of the kinetic energy from the pressurized stream, and removing at least some of the kinetic energy from the aerated dispersion to form a dense foam. A liquid-particle dispersion feed is then injected into the dense foam to form a gas-liquid-particle dispersion. The gas-liquid-particle dispersion is injected into a flotation chamber at a point below a surface of a liquid contained therein, where the gas-liquid-particle dispersion forms bubbles of a gas-particle agglomerate, and the bubbles are released from the feed liquid depleted in hydrophobic particles and rise to the surface to form a floating froth enriched in particles. Also described is a device that includes plurality of chambers for aeration and mixing, feed injection, and a duct that is positioned below the liquid-foam line of a flotation chamber, so that the gas-liquid-particle dispersion is released within the chamber, and rises to the surface as a floating froth enriched in particles. |
| US08196744B2 |
Packaging unit for pipe sections
The present invention concerns a packaging unit (1) for several pipe sections (2) of mineral wool with a packaging material (5), which surrounds the several pipe sections (2) to form the packaging unit (1), with the packaging material (5) arranged around the pipe sections (2) under pressure, the pipe sections (2) are folded within the packaging unit (1) with reduction of the pipe section cavity, and the pipe sections (2) are formed elastically such that, in the folded state, recovery forces for restoring the unfolded initial shape are built up. By means of the packaging unit (1) of the invention, several pipe sections (2) can be transported and stored very economically. In this connection, pipe sections (2) are not restricted in their functionality, but, after removal from packaging unit (1), may be used directly and without restriction, e.g., to insulate chimneys. |
| US08196743B2 |
Needle-receiving device
A needle-holding device (1) suitable in particular as a package comprises a flat needle carrier section (4) and an adjoining section that has a clamping lip (5) that is resiliently biased against the needle carrier section (4). The clamping lip (5) reaches around the stitch-forming sections of the needles (2) which are held lying next to each in contact with each other on the needle carrier section (4). The resiliently yielding clamping lip (5) permits the insertion and the pull-out of one, several or of all the needles (2). |
| US08196742B1 |
Tool bit toolbox
A toolbox includes a base having a compartment with a bottom wall. A cover is pivotably connected to the base. A bit seat is received in the compartment and pivotably connected to the base. The bit seat includes a plurality of bit grooves for receiving bits. When the bit seat is in a storage position, a longitudinal axis of each bit groove is parallel to the bottom wall of the base, and the bits are received in the compartment. An abutment portion of the bit seat abuts a rib on the bottom wall when the bit seat is in an extended position. The cover and the base can be in an inverted V-shaped state and can be placed on a platform while the abutment portion of the bit seat abuts the rib under action of weights of the bits, retaining the bit seat is in the extended position. |
| US08196741B2 |
Syringe assembly and package for distribution of same
A package assembly includes a panel, an array of openings defined in the panel, and a plurality of syringe wells. The panel includes an upper surface. Each of the syringe wells is individually associated with a different one of the openings. The panel and the plurality of syringe wells are integrally formed as a unitary structure. Each of the syringe wells is configured to removeably receive a syringe assembly. |
| US08196740B2 |
Bicycle travel/storage bag
A bag (10) for transporting or storing a partly disassembled bicycle is provided in the form of a lightweight soft shell with strategically located rigid reinforcements. The bag (10) can be collapsed in a compact storage configuration when not in use while still providing added impact protection to the most vulnerable parts of the bicycle. Inflatable partitions (42) can be provided on either side of the bicycle frame to provide added protection while still allowing collapsing of the bag (10) when not in use. Hub attachments (18) can be provided on the side panels (16) of the bag (10) for securely holding the bicycle wheel by the hub thereof on the inner surface of the bag soft side panels (16). |
| US08196739B2 |
Endostitch packages
A suture package assembly is provided and includes a suture tray having a loading unit mounted thereon for supplying a surgical needle-suture assembly to a surgical instrument. A suture package cover is provided to protect the surgical needle-suture assembly prior to use. The suture package cover includes a disc engagable with the suture tray to protect the suture retained in the suture tray and an elongate flap configured to overlie the loading unit to protect the surgical needle contained therein. The elongate flap is bendable relative to the disk along a primary fold line and includes a nose portion removably engagable with the disk. |
| US08196737B2 |
Belt conveyor and method
A method of replacing a continuous belt on a belt conveyor having a frame assembly includes providing a removable belt module with a removable belt module frame, the removable belt module frame having at one end a rotatably mounted drive pulley and having at an opposite end a rotatably mounted other pulley. The continuous belt is reeved around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The removable belt module is removed from at least one attachment surface of the frame assembly while the continuous belt remains under tension. A replacement removable belt module is then placed at the attachment surface. Optionally, the continuous belt has a low modulus characteristic, and the removable belt module may include at least one pivot arm for mounting at least one of the drive pulley and the other pulley to the removable belt module frame. |
| US08196732B2 |
Buffered storage and transport device for tool utilization
A transport mechanism is configured to transport a work piece carrier within a buffer in fabrication facility, comprising: a transporter configured to travel on two rails, wherein the transporter comprises (i) a flat belt hoist mechanism configured to lift and to lower one or more work piece carriers, and (ii) a gripper mechanism configured to capture and to release the one or more work piece carriers. |
| US08196728B2 |
Roller assembly
A roller assembly is provided which includes a roller tube having outer and inner surfaces extending between ends, a pair of bearing assemblies mounted respectively at either end of the roller tube, locating assembly for axially locating the pair of bearing assemblies with respect to the roller tube, the bearing assemblies being distal from each other, and centering assembly for centering each of the bearing assemblies with respect to the roller tube. Each bearing assembly includes an axle, the axles of the bearing assemblies being independent from each other, first and second bearings positioned in a spaced apart relationship on the axle, and a casing enclosing the first and second bearings. |
| US08196724B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a selectable one-way clutch in an electro-mechanical transmission
A selectable one-way clutch includes a strut plate co-annular to a slide plate and a notch plate. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to transfer torque between a strut plate and a notch plate in a first direction when a displacement actuator moves a pin and a slide plate to a first position. The selectable one-way clutch is configured to disengage the strut plate from the notch plate when the displacement actuator moves the pin and the slide plate to the second position. |
| US08196719B2 |
Sintered brake lining
The invention relates to a sintered brake lining (3) with a cylindrical friction element (4) made from a first sintered material, which has an external cylinder surface and a cylinder height (6), and with a reinforcing element (5) enclosing the friction element (4) which is disposed on the external cylinder surface and extends at least approximately across the entire cylinder height (6), and the reinforcing element (5) is made from another sintered material with a metal matrix. At least one abrasive substance is contained in the metal matrix of the other sintered material of the reinforcing element (5). The other sintered material is of a higher strength than the first sintered material of the friction element (4). |
| US08196710B2 |
Oil pan structure
An oil pan structure is provided that can prevent overheating when the temperature of oil is high, and can rapidly raise the temperature when the temperature of the oil is low. The oil pan structure includes: an oil pan main body; a partitioning wall that partitions the inside of the oil pan main body into a first area and a second area; a plate-shaped baffle plate that is provided at an upper portion of the oil pan main body and inclines downward from the first area toward the second area. The oil pan structure further includes: an oil retaining portion at a lower portion of the second area and an oil cooling portion at a lower portion of the first area, at the bottom wall of the oil pan main body; an upper communication opening that communicates an upper surface side and a lower surface side thereof in the baffle plate; a lower communication opening at a lower end side of the partitioning wall that communicates the first area and the second area as well as causes oil that has fallen into the first area after passing through the upper communication opening to flow into the second area via the oil cooling portion. |
| US08196708B2 |
Lubricant circulation system
A lubricant circulation system (10) includes a lubricant supply cup (1) containing a lubricant (6) and having an oil return hole (13) connected to an oil return pipe (16) of a rotary equipment (5). A pump seat (2) is coupled to the lubricant supply cup (1) and includes a pump chamber (253) and a pump outlet (254) connected to an oil supply pipe (256) of the rotary equipment (5). The lubricant (6) in the lubricant supply cup (1) flows into the pump chamber (253). A pump body (3) is coupled to the pump seat (2) and includes a pressure chamber (34) having a pressure inlet (341) and a pressure outlet (342) with a pressure relief valve (35). By introducing a pressurized fluid (7) from the pressure inlet (341) into the pressure chamber (34), a piston rod (27) in the pump chamber (253) reciprocally moves to allow the lubricant (6) in the pump chamber (253) to be successively supplied to the rotary equipment (5). A cooling device (4) is provided on the lubricant supply cup (1) for cooling the lubricant (6) before it enters the rotary equipment (5). |
| US08196707B2 |
Arrangement for cooling of oil in a gearbox for a vehicle
An arrangement for cooling oil in a gearbox of a vehicle which is powered by a combustion engine. An oil cooler is fitted in the vehicle close to the gearbox. An oil system circulates oil between the gearbox and the oil cooler. An oil circuit contains a circulating coolant to cool the oil in the oil cooler. A cooling element cools the coolant by air which flows through the cooling element. The cooling element is situated at a location in the vehicle where air at the temperature of the surroundings flows through it. The cooling circuit includes a line to lead the cooled coolant from the cooling element to the oil cooler. The oil in the oil cooler can thus be cooled to a temperature close to the temperature of the surroundings. |
| US08196704B2 |
Linear acoustic liner
A linear acoustic liner for an aircraft includes a cellular core having a first surface and an opposed second surface. A substantially imperforate back skin covers the first surface, and a perforate face skin covers the second surface of the core. The perforate face skin includes an outer face skin layer having a first plurality of spaced openings, an inner face skin layer having a second plurality of spaced openings, and a porous layer disposed between the outer face skin layer and the inner face skin layer. Each of the first plurality of spaced openings are substantially aligned with one of the second plurality of spaced openings. |
| US08196701B1 |
Acoustic and heat control device
An acoustic and heat control device is disclosed and described. The device can include a central chamber oriented along a central axis within an outer shell, said central chamber having an inlet configured to receive a high energy material from a high energy outlet. Additionally, the device can include a damper disposed proximate to the central chamber and comprising an energy absorbent material. In one aspect, the device can be used with a firearm. |
| US08196698B2 |
Motor-driven power steering apparatus
The invention provides a motor-driven power steering apparatus provided with a fault diagnosing apparatus diagnosing a fault of a board temperature detecting apparatus on the basis of an armature current Im detected by a motor current detecting apparatus and a board temperature Tb of the control board detected by the board temperature detecting apparatus, and a target current suppressing apparatus suppressing a target current Iq at a time when the fault diagnosing apparatus diagnoses that the board temperature detecting apparatus is out of order. |
| US08196693B2 |
Vehicular regenerative braking system
A regenerative braking system for a vehicle, motorized or otherwise, that captures and stores the braking energy of the vehicle through the mechanical compression of a volume of pressurized gas contained in one or more onboard gas springs. This stored energy can be selectively released by the driver to assist with the acceleration of the vehicle from a stopped or moving condition. The compression of the volume of gas is accomplished by the insertion of a plunger into the cylinder of a gas spring by a mechanical spooling cable arrangement powered by the rotative braking of the vehicle. The release of the stored energy is accomplished by the withdrawal of the piston which acts through the spooling cable arrangement to transmit torque to the vehicle's drive train. The system can be implemented in various motorized or non-motorized vehicles. |
| US08196691B2 |
Arrangement for mounting a battery in a motor vehicle
An arrangement for mounting an accumulator battery in a motor vehicle that includes a first body structure part that forms an engine compartment, in which the first structure part includes at least two substantially longitudinal and parallel side members and which is positioned to the rear of a second, a transverse structure part that forms the front filler panel of the vehicle, in which the transverse structure part includes at least one front cross member connected to the side members and supporting at its ends a light-projecting member including bulbs that are accessible from the engine compartment via at least one opening, and in which a support accommodating the accumulator battery is located to the rear of this opening. The accumulator-battery support includes a removable part providing access to the opening of the light-projecting member from the engine compartment so that dead bulbs can be changed leaving the support in position. |
| US08196689B2 |
Saddle-type vehicle including front-end mounted radiator, controller case and controller heat shield
A saddle-type vehicle including a radiator disposed forwardly of a steering shaft for steering a front wheel, the radiator being covered by a vehicle body cover, the vehicle including a controller case which extends forwardly of the steering shaft of a vehicle body frame, formed separately from the vehicle body cover, and fixed on a frame supporting the radiator. The controller case is positioned rearward of and above the radiator, and is configured such that the controller case supports an electronic controller therein. The saddle-type vehicle also includes a heat shield disposed between the radiator and the controller, wherein the heat shield substantially isolates the controller from heat emitted from the radiator. |
| US08196688B2 |
Method for carrying out a tractive-force interrupted shifting in a parallel hybrid vehicle
A method of carrying out a shift operation with traction force interruption during hybrid operation when the electric machine has failed or the energy accumulator is full in a parallel hybrid vehicle having an automated transmission. During an upshift, the power inverter, connected to the electric machine, is actuated with an active short-circuit whereby a torque is generated, at the electric machine, which is used for synchronizing the transmission input. |
| US08196686B2 |
Supercharged hybrid input differential engine system
A hybrid input differential engine system comprising a planetary gear set. Preferably, an ICE is connected to the planet gear carrier, the output shaft is connected to the ring gear, and the sun gear is connected to a supercharger/expander and an electric or hydraulic motor/generator. As engine torque increases, the supercharger speeds up, increasing torque still further, enabling a small displacement engine to have very high torque at low RPM. In cruise conditions, the sun gear direction is reversed by the motor/generator, causing the supercharger to act as an expander for efficiently throttling the engine. The motor/generator modulates the speed/torque relationships between the engine and the supercharger/expander. A second motor/generator may be used on the output shaft. The electric machines and electric storage may be downsized because less electrical power is needed for the operation of the system. |
| US08196685B2 |
Outboard electric drive for vehicles
An outboard electric drive attachable to a vehicle having a hitch attachable to a passenger vehicle; a momentum switch capable of detecting acceleration and deceleration; a swing arm; an electric motor; a wheel secured to the swing arm and coupled to the electric motor; an electric storage battery; and a motor controller electrically cabled to the electric motor, storage battery, and momentum switch such that the outboard electric drive applies force in the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses acceleration and applies force in the direction opposite the direction of vehicle travel when the momentum switch senses deceleration and recharges the battery. The drive can be operated in manual mode using a switch to enable the application constant force. A swing arm raising and lowering system can be provided to raise the apparatus when not in use or when the vehicle is operating in reverse. |
| US08196684B2 |
Wearable folding wing apparatus
A wearable folding wing apparatus includes a top central support ring having a pair of connected shoulder straps and a pair of selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams connected to the top central support ring with slidable connections. A pair of collapsible and extendable wing members are connected to the selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams. A user may employ provided arm connectors to lift and lower the selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams in order to deploy and collapse the wing members. |
| US08196683B2 |
Impregnated rotary bit
A drill bit includes a plurality of continuous segments impregnated with diamond that are each mounted to form a corresponding blade. The regions between the blades define a plurality of fluid passages on the bit face. The blades extend radially outwardly to the gage. The continuous segments may be either straight or spiral in design. Furthermore, the design of the segments supports varying one or more of: diamond content, width, back rake angle and/or relief angle along a length of the segment. |
| US08196678B2 |
Method of downlinking to a downhole tool
A method of downlinking to a downhole tool located in a borehole is provided. The downhole tool detects transitions in the flow velocity of fluid circulating in the borehole at the downhole tool. To provide for the detection of the transitions fluid is pumped into the drillstring so that it circulates in the borehole at the downhole tool and the the pumping rate of fluid into the drillstring is either increased to a rate which overshoots a steady state pumping rate needed to produce a transition or is decreased to a rate which undershoots a steady state pumping rate needed to produce a transition. |
| US08196675B2 |
Impact hammer with pre-pressing damping and buffering effect
An impact hammer with pre-pressing damping and buffering effect includes a handle, outer barrel, air inlet, internal slide, actuating cylinder, air flow switching module and air inlet coupling portion. A front damper is assembled between the front end of the internal slide and the front end wall of the holding space and is characterized by a two-section pre-pressing rear damper assembled between the rear end of the internal slide and the rear end wall of the holding space. The two-section pre-pressing rear damper includes superposed upper and lower elastic buffers. At least the lower elastic buffer is pressed by a pre-pressing member to the preset degree. When the impact hammer yields recoil force under the impaction of the piston, the pre-pressing rear damper is employed to realize stronger buffering effect, so that the impact force is not much affected, thereby improving the impact efficiency and yielding excellent buffering effect. |
| US08196673B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining when a threaded fastener has been tightened to a predetermined tightness
Apparatus for determining when a fastener has been tightened by an impact wrench comprises determining when the number of hammer impacts to advance an anvil of the impact wrench through a predetermined angle reaches a predetermined number. The cumulative angular displacement of the anvil from the first detected hammer impact is determined from the corresponding cumulative angular displacement of the hammer at the corresponding hammer impact from the first detected hammer impact. The cumulative angular displacement of the hammer is determined just prior to the direction of rotation of the hammer reversing at the corresponding hammer impact, and is determined by computing the difference between the cumulative angular displacements of the hammer at the corresponding and previous hammer impacts and subtracting an angle through which the hammer freely rotates between the two hammer impacts from the computed difference. The result is added to the cumulative angular displacement of the anvil computed for the previous hammer impact. |
| US08196670B2 |
Downhole device
A stop collar or like device is formed in one piece to have a portion for a tool to be attached. Movement of the tool allows the collar to be drawn tightly into engagement onto a pipe or other tubular member. A bow centraliser has alternate bows longitudinally offset to reduce initial insertion force. The centraliser may be formed to have end bands of the type used in the stop collar. |
| US08196668B2 |
Method and apparatus for completing a well
A technique that is usable with a well includes running screen assemblies into the well on a base pipe. Each screen assembly is associated with a different zone of the well to be gravel packed. During gravel packing of the well, the screen assemblies may be selectively configured to contain pressure without running a tool inside the base pipe to form a fluid seal. |
| US08196665B2 |
Method and apparatus for containing an oil spill caused by a subsea blowout
A method and apparatus are described for containing an oil spill caused by a subsea blowout, (i.e., a source of pollution located on a floor of an ocean, (e.g., a defective blowout preventer (BOP) that caused the oil spill)). A cylindrical containment assembly may be positioned such that a wall of the cylindrical containment assembly circumvents a portion of a floor of an ocean where the subsea blowout occurred. At least one mud flap may be configured to selectively protrude from the wall or retract into the wall when activated to control the depth that the cylindrical containment assembly sinks to below the ocean floor. A valve assembly may be positioned on the top perimeter of the wall. The top perimeter of the wall may have the same diameter as the outer perimeter of the valve assembly. |
| US08196655B2 |
Selective placement of conformance treatments in multi-zone well completions
Selective placement of conformance treatments in multi-zone well completions. A method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into a zone and optimizing a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid produced from the zone, including adjusting at least one flow control device between fully open and fully closed configurations. Another method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into multiple zones, one at a time, via respective flow control devices, and then producing fluid from each of the zones. Another method includes identifying which of the zones to treat by, for each of the zones: a) closing flow control devices corresponding to the other zones, and b) evaluating fluid produced from the zone; and injecting a conformance treatment into the zones identified as the zones to treat. |
| US08196650B1 |
Combination swivel and ball dropper
For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration. |
| US08196640B1 |
Self supporting core-in-a-core for casting
A core-in-a-core casting method and hybrid core (40) for use in the method. An inner core (42) formed of process-inert particles disposed in a binder material is used as a mold for casting an outer core ((44) formed of particles that will sinter during a subsequent firing step. The inner core provides mechanical support for the outer core during the firing step, and during which the inner core devolves into compacted but unbonded particles that can be removed conveniently from the outer core following the firing step to reveal the fired hollow outer core (44). |
| US08196630B2 |
Thermally-controlled friction bonding of workpiece layers
A system for controlling the strength of seals imparted to workpiece layers by a sealing roll and an anvil roll, the sealing roll and the anvil roll arranged on opposing sides of a conveyed web of workpiece layers, heating elements provided on at least one of the rolls, temperature sensors provided on the at least one of the rolls, and a controller in communication with the sensors and in operable communication with the heating elements. The sealing roll includes a textured sealing surface, the textured sealing surface being divided into a plurality of regions, the texture of a first of the regions being different from a texture of a second of the regions. By controlling the temperature of the respective regions, detrimental effects of anvil wear on the strength of the seal imparted to the workpiece layers may be offset, increasing the service life of rolls. |
| US08196629B2 |
Run-flat support system for a pneumatic tired wheel and method for installing same
A run-flat support system and method for installing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the run-flat support system includes a torque assembly removably coupled to a split wheel rim of a pneumatic tired wheel. Support segments are adapted for attachment to the torque assembly in order to support the pneumatic tired wheel in a flat condition such as an under-inflated condition or deflated condition. Lateral support structures, which may include the form of a wedge, are secured to the support segments to provide a bead lock between beads of the interior side walls of the pneumatic tired wheel and the split wheel rim. |
| US08196627B2 |
Tire having a coated surface
A tire includes at least one outer structural element, wherein the at least one outer structural element is at least partially coated by at least one coating layer including a crosslinked composition obtained by reacting: (a) at least one polysulfide polymer; (b) at least one thermoplastic polymer having at least one hydroxyl group; with (c) at least one polyisocyanate. Preferably, the at least one structural element is at least one of the tire sidewalls. |
| US08196624B2 |
Pencil sharpener
A pencil sharpener has an electrical motor which drives a sharpening assembly. The end of the pencil to be sharpened is inserted downwardly into an opening in the top surface. Shavings from the sharpening process are deposited in a drawer-like receptacle below the sharpening assembly. A switch is provided so that the sharpening assembly will not be activated when the receptacle drawer is removed for disposal of the shavings. |
| US08196620B2 |
Bag valve
The improved bag valve includes a flexible bag (4) made of an impermeable material with an opening that is closed by a valve (6) for filling the bag (4) with a desired product. The empty bag (4) is rolled up or folded about a longitudinal axis (X-X′) and kept in the rolled position. The bag (4) is designed so as to elongate itself when filled with the desired product. |
| US08196618B2 |
Dispenser with an ice discharge duct in which a part of the ice discharge duct is detachably provided and a refrigerator including the same
A dispenser and a refrigerator including the same are disclosed. The dispenser includes a first section of ice discharge duct that receives ice supplied from an ice supplier, a second section of ice discharge duct that receives the ice guided by the first section, and a third section of ice discharge duct that receives the ice guided by the second section. The third section guides the ice through an outlet positioned in front of a surface of a door of the refrigerator. The dispenser also includes a first coupling mechanism located at the second section and a second coupling mechanism located at the third section. The first and second coupling mechanisms are configured to engage and disengage with each other to enable removal of the third section from the second section and attachment of the third section to the second section. |
| US08196614B2 |
Method and apparatus for contamination-free transfer of a hazardous drug
The invention is a method that allows contamination-free transfer of a liquid from one container to another and devices including embodiments of a transfer apparatus and adaptors that are used to carry out the method. By contamination-free transfer of liquid it is meant that during the transfer process there is no leakage of the liquid or air contaminated by the liquid or vapors of the liquid to the surroundings and also that no contaminants from the surroundings come into contact with the liquid. The main advantages of the method, in addition to its simplicity, is that at no stage of the transfer procedure is there leakage of the liquid or air contaminated by the liquid or vapors of the liquid to the surroundings and also that no contaminants from the surroundings come into contact with the liquid. The present invention is particularly directed towards providing an apparatus that is adapted to effect contamination-free transfer of a hazardous drug to and from any container equipped with a standard connector port. |
| US08196609B2 |
Integrated gas panel apparatus
Provided is an integrated gas panel apparatus which has excellent responsiveness, stabilizes gas concentration, and furthermore, can keep a conventional panel shape as it is. A panel body comprises at least a main flow channel block body for forming a main flow channel, and a branch flow channel block body for forming a branch flow channel. The branch flow channel block bodies are arranged on the both right and left sides to face each other by having the main flow channel block body at the center. |
| US08196607B2 |
Subsea coupling
A subsea coupling comprises a male coupler having a probe and a female coupler comprising a socket for the reception of the probe. The couplers each include a valve which is openable on mating of the couplers to provide communication with the socket. The socket includes a recess accommodating an annular seal for providing a radial seal between the probe and the socket. In one embodiment the leading edge of the probe includes at least one relief channel for allowing the escape of hydraulic fluid entrapped between the probe, the seal and the recess when the couplers are made up. There may be a stand-off ring disposed between one end of the recess and the inner side of the seal. In another embodiment the relief channel is provided in the socket. |
| US08196604B1 |
Deployable automated vent cover device
A deployable automated vent cover device includes a vent cover and a telescopic pole. The vent cover includes a vent base, a first vent door, a second vent door and a release mechanism. The release mechanism includes a solenoid, a pivot release, a first latch device and a second latch device. The vent base preferably includes a base plate with two openings, and a vent seal. The first and second vent doors are pivotal attached to the base plate. The first latch device is retained on the base plate and the second latch device is retained on the base plate. The first and second latch devices retain the first and second vent doors in a closed orientation. The pivot release is pivotally connected to the solenoid and to the first and second latch devices. The solenoid is actuated to open the first and second vent doors through the pivot release. |
| US08196602B2 |
Water distribution system for cold climates
The Water Distribution System is specifically applicable in cold climates in which water distribution systems may be subjected to freezing during the winter months.The Water Distribution System is applicable to domestic, industrial, recreational and institutional water distribution systems including water transmission and distribution mains and service connections.The Water Distribution System has applications in specific terrain and climatic conditions such as high bedrock, high groundwater table and permafrost.The Water Distribution System may, in specific terrain and climatic conditions, use uninsulated or insulated water mains and service connections, but without heat tracing or water bleeding in any case.The Water Distribution System is applicable to single and multiple complex distribution pipe systems arranged as parallel or looped, or combination of both arrangements.The system design is simple, practical and economical when compared to conventional design of insulated and heat traced pipes or deep burry installations, or water bleeding to prevent freezing. |
| US08196601B2 |
Thermal flow sensor with zero drift compensation
One embodiment of the present invention comprises a thermal flow sensor having a first capillary tube coupled to a mass flow controller main flow line across a mass flow controller bypass. A first pair of sensing elements is coupled to the first capillary tube. The thermal sensor also comprise a second capillary tube having a substantially similar cross-sectional area to the first capillary tube, a first end thermally coupled to one of a mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the first tube inlet port, and a second end thermally coupled to one of the mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the outlet port. The second tube is not adapted to receive and eject a fluid flow. A second pair of sensing elements is coupled to the second tube. |
| US08196599B2 |
Saddle tee
An improved saddle tee for branching a conduit from a main line is disclosed. The saddle tee includes a base unit that defines an opening for receiving a tap and interlocking jaws for securing the base unit to a main line. The tap may include a shaped portion for receiving a tool interface to rotate the tap to drive the tap into the main line. The tool interface could be secured to a power tool to enable rapid driving of the saddle tee into the main line. The saddle tee may also include offset arcuate interlocking jaws to enable the jaws to interlock around the main line with ease. Optional interface surfaces on the tap and base unit enable the tap and base unit to interlock to limit rotation of the tap relative to the base unit when the tap is fully inserted into the base unit. |
| US08196598B2 |
Actuator for the actuation of submarine devices
Submarine actuator for the actuation of a submarine device comprises a container body (2), from which a drive shaft (4) projects that is suitable for inserting in a seat of said submarine device, which through its rotation actuates said submarine device. Said shaft is moved by an electric motor (21, 22) arranged inside said container body and actuated by an electric control signal generated by a remote station. |
| US08196597B2 |
Check valve
In one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a valve includes a passage. A first sealing element is biased to restrict flow of a fluid in a first direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the first direction is less than a first predetermined threshold. A second sealing element is biased to unrestrict flow of the fluid to a baseline unrestricted flow rate in a second direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the second direction is less than a second predetermined threshold. |
| US08196592B2 |
Hair brush for hot curling
A hair brush for hot curling includes a body, a closing cap, a connection member and a brush part. The body made of ceramic coated aluminum includes holes through which a steel teeth of the brush part protrudes. The closing cap engages with the body formed by assembling segmented portions. The connection member for connecting the segmented portions of the body includes a body part and an insertion groove to which the body is inserted. The brush part includes a handle part and a fastening part, a first end of which is connected to the handle part and a second end is engaged with one end of the assembled body. An iron core is formed by twisting two or more wires, one end of which is securely engaged within the fastening part, a plurality of the steel teeth being formed on the iron core in a circumferential direction thereof. |
| US08196588B1 |
Immobilizer
This invention generally relates to a product and method to restrain movement, and more particularly to a product and method to releasably restrain the movement of a part of the human body, such as an arm or a leg. In one embodiment of the invention, a first piece is releasably positioned at a part of the body the movement of which is desired to be restrained and a second piece is positioned at the desired location of restraint. The first piece and the second piece are adapted to be releasably connected to each other, such as by magnetic forces, the attractive magnetic forces of two or more magnets, or by mechanical forces such as by a snap, button, buckle, pin, hook and loop fastener or other device. |
| US08196585B2 |
Delivery of respiratory therapy
An air delivery system for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to an interfacing structure located at the entrance to the airways of a patient includes a manifold adapted to connect with the supply of positive air pressure and at least one tube connected to the manifold and adapted to deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure. Each tube is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase. |
| US08196583B2 |
Patient interface assembly with simultaneous mask strap adjustment
A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device having a first fastening element and a second fastening element and a headgear for attaching the patient interface device to a head of a user. The headgear includes a headgear member having a first headgear attachment portion and a second headgear attachment portion, and an attaching mechanism coupling the first headgear attachment portion to the first fastening element and coupling the second headgear attachment portion to the second fastening element. One adjustment of the attaching mechanism controls a tension in the connection between both (i) the first headgear attachment portion and the first fastening element and (ii) the second headgear attachment portion and the second fastening element simultaneously. |
| US08196581B2 |
Mouthpiece supply valve
A mouthpiece supply valve which may be used in connection with a rebreather. An exemplary mouthpiece supply valve may include a housing, an inlet mushroom valve, an outlet mushroom valve, a supply gas regulator, an exhaust valve, and a mode selector. An exemplary mouthpiece supply valve may perform manual diluent valve, automatic diluent valve, overpressure relief valve, excess fluid ejection, and bail-out valve functions. |
| US08196580B2 |
Implantable respiration therapy device
Apparatus (10) is provided, including a housing (26) configured to be implanted in a trachea (20) of a patient and a propeller (22), coupled to the housing. The propeller is configured to generate a positive pressure in the trachea while the propeller is in the trachea. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08196575B2 |
Method and an apparatus for monitoring and controlling flows
A method and an apparatus for monitoring and controlling flows in medical equipment including an anesthetic machine and a ventilator for influencing a patient's respiratory system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microprocessor and an airway system including drive gas conduits provided with an inhalation valve (2) and an exhalation valve (5) for gas discharging as well as a ventilator end flow sensor (3) for measuring the introduced or discharged drive gas flow through the valves. The airway system also includes patient end breathing tubing in which a patient end flow sensor (11) for measuring the patient's inspired and expired gas flow is provided. By comparing the measured values of the two flow sensors against the characteristic curve of the inhalation valve (2), the microprocessor can judge the operation states and accuracy of the respective flow sensors and the inhalation valve (2). |
| US08196574B2 |
Nose mask
A nose mask for applying an anesthesia gas to a laboratory animal in a casing means includes an anesthesia tube, an outer wall which is disposed outside the anesthesia tube to form a space therebetween and an anesthesia recovery system having an anesthesia recovery port open to the space. The anesthesia tube includes an anesthesia supply section which opens to an wall of the anesthesia tube so that the anesthesia is applied to the laboratory animal by inserting the nose of the laboratory animal, an anesthesia introducing section for introducing the anesthesia gas to the anesthesia tube, and an anesthesia discharging section for discharging the anesthesia gas from the anesthesia tube. |
| US08196572B1 |
Solar panel cone with rotating mirror
The solar panel cone with rotating mirror includes a cone-shaped solar panel array that rests upon a base, and a rotating mirror. The rotating mirror rotates about the base via a series of gears and motor. The device includes an electrical converter that is wired to the motor and an electrical wire that supplies electricity. |
| US08196566B2 |
Voltage generator
A voltage generator used to generate a voltage for driving a vehicle fuel injector includes a microcomputer, a coil, and a capacitor. The microcomputer calculates an interval at which the fuel injector is driven. When the interval is less than or equal to a predetermined time period, the microcomputer causes a first current to flow through the coil so that the capacitor is charged to a first level by counterelectromotive force produced in the coil. When the interval is greater than the time period, the microcomputer causes a second current less than the first current to flow through the coil so that the capacitor is charged to a second level less than the first level. The fuel injector is driven by the capacitor voltage. |
| US08196564B2 |
Method for determining a controlled variable for pressure control of a high-pressure accumulator in an injection system
In a method for determining a controlled variable of pressure control of a high-pressure accumulator of an injection system, a setpoint pressure gradient value is determined in the high-pressure accumulator as a function of the maximum possible actual pressure gradient value. |
| US08196557B2 |
Plasma-jet spark plug and ignition system
A plasma jet ignition plug including an insulator having an axial hole extending therethrough in the direction of an axis CL1, a center electrode inserted into the axial hole, and a ground electrode disposed frontward of the front end of the insulator. The insulator has a cavity defined by the wall surface of the axial hole and the front end surface of the center electrode and opens frontward. The ground electrode has a through hole for establishing communication between the cavity and an ambient atmosphere. A front end portion of the center electrode is formed into a taper portion whose diameter reduces frontward in the direction of the axis CL1. The outside diameter of a front end of the taper portion is smaller than the diameter of the through hole. The cavity has a substantially constant diameter with respect to the direction of the axis CL1. |
| US08196551B1 |
Multi sensory stimulation simulated prey pet toy
A simulated mouse toy having a prerecorded sound chip therein is provided which emits a prerecorded sound upon physical movement, such as when swatted, rolled or carried, to encourage pets to continue to play. A motion imparting device formed of a solenoid is operatively connected in conjunction the prerecorded sound chip to simultaneously provide a jittery or twitching visual stimulation. |
| US08196549B2 |
Adjustable animal watering system
The assemblies of the invention are suitable for mounting to, or being an integral part of, an animal enclosure such that the height of a valve-controlled liquid outlet may be adjusted according to the changing needs of growing animals. The adjustable liquid delivery assemblies comprise an elongated rail, a liquid delivery unit having at least one liquid delivery head slideably engaged with the elongated rail, a flexible liquid delivery tube for connecting a liquid delivery head to a liquid source, and a means for securing the liquid delivery unit at a selected position on the elongated rail. |
| US08196545B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer
In order to manufacture an epitaxial wafer having satisfactory flatness over its entire surface, epitaxial layers are experimentally grown upon actual wafer samples under various different layer formation conditions, the thickness profiles are measured over the entire surfaces of these wafers before and after growth of the layers, and, from the differences thereof, layer thickness profiles over the entire areas of the epitaxial layers under the various different layer formation conditions are ascertained and stored. Thereafter, the thickness profile of a substrate wafer is measured over its entire area, this is added to each of the layer thickness profiles under the various different layer formation conditions which have been stored, and the planarities of the manufactured wafers which would be manufactured under these various different layer formation conditions are predicted. And one set of processing conditions is selected which is predicted to satisfy a required flatness specification, and an epitaxial layer is actually grown upon the substrate wafer under these processing conditions. |
| US08196543B2 |
Defect repairing apparatus, defect repairing method, program, and computer-readable recording medium
A defect repairing apparatus (1) capable of efficiently repairing defects includes: a substrate-mounting plate (3) for securing a substrate conveyed; a plurality of droplet discharge units (11) disposed along a direction different from the direction of conveyance of the substrate as seen from a direction perpendicular to the substrate secured by the substrate-mounting plate (3), which discharge droplets onto defects scattered about on the substrate; a head gantry unit (7) on which the plurality of droplet discharge units (11) have been mounted; and a gantry sliding mechanism (4) for moving the head gantry unit (7) relatively at a constant velocity along the direction of conveyance of the substrate, the droplet discharge units (11) moving each independently along a direction different from the direction of conveyance in accordance with data indicative of the positions of the defects scattered about on the substrate, while the head gantry unit (7) is moving along the direction of conveyance of the substrate. |
| US08196541B2 |
Personal support system for nautical vessels
A personal support system for persons in the cockpit of a nautical vessel is disclosed. The system includes a personal support device that releasably engages a nautical winch located near the cockpit to provide support or securing for the back or other parts of the body of a person seated, standing, or otherwise located in the cockpit. The system also includes a winch-substitute device that attaches to the vessel and releasably engages the personal support device, allowing use of the personal support device in locations in the cockpit that are not near a winch. |
| US08196525B2 |
Leg assembly for a table or desk with hooking means and desk provided with these leg assemblies
A leg assembly for a table and notably for a desk includes a base resting on the ground, shaft with a vertical appearance, attached to the base, and an upper sole surmounting the shaft and provided for supporting a platform. The sole has a hook positioned at a free end of the sole localized in the vicinity of a border of the platform. |
| US08196524B2 |
Closed-loop control of a pneumatic spring
A device has a pneumatic spring for supporting a load on a bogie of a rail vehicle and a compressed air supply which is pneumatically connected to the air spring via an air spring valve in order to vent and to fill the air spring with compressed air. A closed-loop control unit adjusts the air volume and/or the air pressure in the air spring. A compressed air line provides for the pneumatic connection between the compressed air supply, air spring, air spring valve and control unit. Unnecessary filling and venting of the air spring is prevented by way of a device for limiting the volume flow into the compressed air line in dependence on the speed of the rail vehicle. |
| US08196523B2 |
Railroad tanker car manway cover seal
A railroad tanker car 10 with a fluid cargo tank 11 and a manway assembly 12 is disclosed. The manway assembly 12 includes a nozzle 17 having a nozzle sealing surface 24 and a cover 18 having a cover sealing surface 33. An attachment device 19 supplies a closing force to bias the cover 18 toward the nozzle 17. A fluid seal 51 prevents egress of fluids from and ingress of contaminants into the tank 11. The seal 51 includes a cover seal member 54, a nozzle seal member 55, and an expander 56 that forces the members 54 and 55 against their respective cover and nozzle sealing surfaces. The fluid seal 51 also includes a compression limiting carrier 52 with integral locating tabs 53 that locates the seal 51 and controls the compression of the elastomeric components of the seal 51. |
| US08196521B2 |
Locomotive power module installation and removal
A power module for a locomotive is disclosed. The power module may have a frame including a plurality of lifting elements. The plurality of lifting elements may include at least one fork lifting element and at least one frame lifting eye. The power module may further have a generator set supported by the frame. |
| US08196512B1 |
Plastic encapsulated energetic material initiation device
An initiator with a housing formed of plastic and a chip assembly for initiating at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event. The chip assembly includes an electrically-actuated chip and a pair of electric leads that extend through the housing and are configured to couple the electrically-actuated chip to a fireset circuit. The electrically-actuated chip is partially encapsulated in the housing. A method for forming an initiator is also provided. |
| US08196511B2 |
Method for overprinting already printed packages
Method for overprinting already printed packages includes preparing a raster or steel magnetic block which is provided with a clamping plate, wherein the block is engraved with the aid of a jet etching device and represents new texts or patterns which are applicable by tampon printing using specific inks on a located existing and already printed part of a box, drying, verifying and packing the box. The method is used for overprinting and includes masking an undesired area by printing a blanking pavement and afterwards by overprinting a desired text, instruction or a pattern thereon and uses an automatic line including a de-stacker (3) for automatically feeding boxes, at least one printing head (1), at least one drying tunnel (4) and at least one restacker (5). |
| US08196509B2 |
Apparatus for shelling boiled eggs
An apparatus for shelling boiled eggs is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart shelling rollers which are axially parallel to one another, are arranged in a circulating belt guided over end deflecting rollers in a conveying direction, and are driven in the same rotational direction. A plurality of longitudinal guides are arranged above a top strand of the circulating belt. Pairs of the longitudinal guides form a roof-like channel extending in the conveying direction and are moveable transversely to the conveying direction. A region of the top strand a first operating region breaking open eggshells, and a second operating region for shelling the boiled eggs. |
| US08196506B2 |
Variable stroke compressor design
A pump includes a piston block defining piston bores, and pistons disposed in the piston bores. A swash device defines a swash bore about a swash central axis (CSW) and a swash rotation axis (CR). A pivotal connection pivotally connects each of the pistons to the swash device for rotation about a connection pivot point during relative movement between the swash device and the piston. The connection pivot points are aligned in a plane (P). A shaft supported by the housing passes through the swash bore and defines a shaft central axis (CSH). A hinge assembly pivotally supports the swash device about a hinge axis (CHI) disposed on the opposite side of the plane (P) from the piston block. The swash rotation axis (CR) of the swash device is offset from the plane (P) away from the hinge axis (CHI) and is radially offset from the swash center axis in a direction toward the hinge axis (CHI). |
| US08196499B2 |
Power equipment with detection and reaction systems
Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system. |
| US08196496B2 |
Screwdriver
A screwdriver includes a locking member, a positioning member, a retaining member, and a rotatable member. The locking member defines a locking member hole therein. The positioning member is received in the locking member hole, and defines first and second positioning member holes. An angled surface is located between the first and second positioning member holes. The retaining member secures the positioning member to the locking member, and defines a retaining member hole to receive the positioning member. The rotatable member is received in the first positioning member hole, and slidable to abut the angled surface to slide the positioning member from a first position where the rotatable member is positioned in the first positioning member hole, to a second position where the rotatable member is positioned in the second positioning member hole so as to splay the second positioning member hole. |
| US08196495B2 |
Versatile tool
A versatile tool is driven by a drive tool and comprises a body defined with a through channel, two steel balls, two slide sleeves, and a rod member. The two slide sleeves are provided at both ends of the body, and the two steel balls are movably assembled in the through holes in two drive portions at both ends of the body, respectively and are capable of protruding into the channel. The rod member includes a magnetic end. When the rod member enters into the channel from either end of the body to be positioned by the corresponding steel ball, the drive space in the opposite end of the body can be used to assemble or disassemble multi-sized screws, simplifying the preparation procedure. In addition, the versatile tool can cooperate with different forms of tool heads or drills to increase its function. |
| US08196494B2 |
Attachment system for ratchet type wrenches
A drive system cooperating with the drive mechanism of a ratchet wrench enables a user to use the wrench for its intended purpose and also spin the drive at high speed by pulling an endless belt. The belt is contained in a manner which causes structures on the belt to engage with exposed gear teeth of the ratchet wrench or an attachment. The containment structure provides for proper alignment and positioning of the belt to allow for the desired engagement with the drive teeth even after the user releases grip from the belt. The containment structure further allows an opposite end of the belt to hang loose and thus be easily accessible by a user. The drive system can be used on a socket ratchet without exposed teeth by adding gear teeth to a ratchet drive member or socket either permanently, as an added part or as an extension to the socket ratchet or socket. |
| US08196492B1 |
Versatile robotic module and robots comprising same
A robotic module comprising a housing having opposed first and second sides, and comprising a base, a first end comprising a first drive feature on one of the first and second sides, and a second end comprising a second drive feature on one of the first and second sides. A first rotatable hub is mounted on the first end of the housing and comprises a third drive feature on the side of the housing opposite the side of the first drive feature. A second rotatable hub is mounted on the second end of the housing and comprises a fourth drive feature on the side of the housing opposite the side of the second drive feature. The robotic module is further comprised of a coupling for synchronously rotating the first and second rotatable hubs. A first robotic module may be engaged with a second robotic module to form a robot. |
| US08196490B2 |
Shift operating device for automatic transmission
The present invention provides a dial knob pivotably mounted and a hydraulic device for operating an inhibitor switch of an automatic transmission by creating hydraulic pressure using rotational motion of the dial knob, in order to provide a shift operating device for an automatic transmission that makes it possible to reduce manufacturing cost by having a simple structure and facilitate setting a layout by reducing a space for motion of shift knob, and makes it easy for a driver to shift by turning the shift knob with a hand to reduce the driver's tiredness and improve commercial value. |
| US08196488B2 |
Gear
A helical gear having helical tooth portions of the helical gear being worked by a punch and a die having a land of a smaller distance between opposed working surfaces formed to be inclined than that of other portion, formed on predetermined portions in tooth directions of respective opposed working surfaces thereon, in which worked surfaces on both side of the helical tooth portions on the helical gear as a work are ironed by the land in response to the helical tooth portions passing through the land when the work is forged by the punch. |
| US08196486B2 |
Ball screw mechanism and assembling method of the same
Since it is configured that an female screw groove 2a of a nut 2 extends round an axis of the nut 2 through 360 degrees or less and a sectional shape thereof taken at right angles to the groove contains a circular arc portion 2c of 90 degrees or less and a rectilinear portion 2d which connects to the circular arc portion at a bottom of the groove and extends in parallel with the axis, after molding, a lower mold LM and an upper mold UM can simply be removed from a barrel mold BM in the axial direction, and consequently, the necessity of provision of a parting plane which passes through the thread groove 2a can be obviated, thereby making it possible to easily form the thread groove 2a which is free from a difference in level or a stepped portion. |
| US08196485B2 |
Twin clutch device
In twin clutch device used in an engine transmission, there are coaxially and adjacently arranged a first disk clutch and a second disk clutch of a hydraulic pressure type that displace a pressing member in an axial direction with externally supplied hydraulic pressure to exert a predetermined engagement force, and the first disk clutch and the second disk clutch respectively have: an engagement side hydraulic chamber that gives the pressing member a pressing force towards a clutch engagement side; and a pressure compensation hydraulic chamber that gives the pressing member a pressing force toward a clutch disengagement side to compensate a pressure of a returning action thereof. Furthermore in this twin clutch device there are provided: a first actuator that controls hydraulic pressure supply to the engagement side hydraulic pressure chamber of the first disk clutch, and a second actuator that controls hydraulic pressure supply to the engagement side hydraulic chamber of the second disk clutch; and a hydraulic pressure cut-off device that brings the first disk clutch and the second disk clutch into a disengagement state. |
| US08196484B2 |
Electric actuator
An electrically powered linear actuator having a thrust assembly, a motor with a hollow rotor surrounding at least a portion of the thrust assembly, and a lubricant passage for replenishing lubricant to the force transmitting components of the actuator. |
| US08196482B2 |
Apparatus for efficient resource sharing
A method and an apparatus for efficient resource sharing are presented. The apparatus includes a central unit having a plurality of surfaces on the outside, the central unit holding a resource. Compartments are coupled to the central unit, each of the compartments being placed adjacent to one of the surfaces of the central unit. Each compartment has a platform to support an object, and has a sensor that reads an output signal indicating that the object in the compartment has finished accessing the resource from the central unit. A computation unit receives and processes the output signal from each of the compartments. The sensor in the apparatus may be located in the central unit instead of in the compartments. |
| US08196480B1 |
Modular sample conditioning system
An on-stream sample collection and conditioning system, which is easier to construct, implement, maintain, and is more cost efficient then existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse sample conditioning requirements. The system provides a docking surface specifically designed to receive modular conditioning or sampling components or the like in order to readily engage a system of passages to provide fluid flow between the mounted components. |
| US08196475B2 |
Cointegrated MEMS sensor and method
Described herein is a method for integrating MEMS with submicron semiconductor electrical circuits such as CMOS to provide more complex signal processing, on-chip calibration and integration with RF technologies. A MEMS sensor is provided having an upper layer, an insulating layer into which a cavity has been formed and a handle layer. The upper layer acts as both the substrate of the semiconductor electrical circuit and as the active MEMS element. The remainder of the circuitry is fabricated either in or on the upper layer. In a preferred method of the present invention a first wafer assembly and a second wafer assembly are fabricated such that a MEMS sensor and the substrate of at least one semiconductive electrical circuit is formed. |
| US08196472B2 |
Ultrasonic probe apparatus, system, and method for detecting flaws in a tubular
An ultrasonic probe apparatus for detecting flaws in a tubular includes a probe house. The probe house has an axial axis, a central cavity lying along the axial axis, and a bottom face adapted for placement on the tubular. The bottom face of the probe house has an opening in the middle. A probe support is disposed within the central cavity and rotatable about the axial axis of the probe house. An ultrasonic probe is mounted on the probe support and has a scanning face exposed to the opening of the bottom face of the probe house. The scanning face is tiltable relative to a selected plane of the tubular by rotation of the probe support about the axial axis of the probe house. |
| US08196470B2 |
Wireless interface for audiometers
An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface. |
| US08196469B2 |
Multi-probe rail scanning/encoder system and certified method of use thereof
A rail scanning system and certified method of use thereof are described. The rail scanning system comprises a control unit, a probe carriage, and an encoder. The probe carriage comprises two or more phased array probes. The control unit is communicatively coupled with the encoder and phased array probes of the probe carriage. |
| US08196464B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring a hydraulic pump on a material handling vehicle
Wear of a pump is estimated using a process that involves operating the pump to drive a hydraulic actuator that moves a member. The actual speed of the member is determined and the speed of the pump is sensed. Pressure of fluid conveyed from the pump to the hydraulic actuator also is sensed. A predicted speed of the member is calculated based on the speed of the pump and the pressure of the fluid. The predicted speed is compared to the actual speed and the result is employed to provide an indication of a degree of wear of the pump. The difference between the predicted speed and the actual speed increases as the pump wear increases. |
| US08196462B2 |
Lateral position control for tire tread wear test machine
A method of tire testing comprising applying a drive torque to a tire and a wheel assembly about an axis of rotation to drive the tire and wheel assembly and a rotatable drum with the tire in rolling contact with the rotatable drum; controlling a load pressure of the tire against the rotatable drum; and adjusting a lateral position of the tire across a surface of the rotatable drum. |
| US08196460B2 |
Method and device for monitoring an exhaust gas probe
In relation to a jump (SP_J_LR) from a lean air-to-fuel ratio to a richer air-to-fuel ratio, a measurement signal of the exhaust gas probe is detected after a predetermined lean-to-rich delay (t_R) as a lean-to-rich signal value (SV_LR) and is placed in relation to a lean-to-reference signal value (L_REF). In relation to a jump (SP_J_RL) from a richer air-to-fuel ratio to a leaner air-to-fuel ratio, the procedure is performed equivalently. Depending on the lean-to-rich and lean-to-rich signal value put in relation, either an asymmetrically aged or non-asymmetrically aged exhaust gas probe is detected. |
| US08196459B2 |
Spark plug incorporating a pressure sensor
The spark plug comprises: —a central electrode (2), —an insulating core (6) bearing the central electrode (2), —an external body (8) in which the insulating core (6) is mounted and which has a region (18) where the external body (8) is crimped onto the insulating core (6), and—a force sensor (30). The force sensor (30) is mounted at the periphery of the external body (8) between, on the one hand, a bearing element (38) secured to a first peripheral region of the external body (8) and, on the other hand, a second peripheral region (24) of the external body (8). The second peripheral region (24) of the external body (8) is further away from the crimping region (18) than the first peripheral region. The bearing element (38) is prestressed against the force sensor (30). |
| US08196457B2 |
Surface texture measuring device, surface texture measuring method and surface texture measuring program
A surface texture measuring device comprises a display control unit operative to display a drawing symbol entry screen having entry areas of drawing symbols. An entry acceptance unit is provided to accept the input of the drawing symbol into the entry area provided in the drawing symbol entry screen. An arithmetic unit is provided to calculate surface texture information that indicates a surface texture of an object to be measured, from the measurement result of surface displacements of the object, based on the drawing symbol accepted at the entry acceptance unit. |
| US08196454B2 |
Portable multi-function system for testing protective devices
An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak. |
| US08196451B2 |
Detection sensor
There is provided a technique that can increase sensitivity of a resonator. A ratio Rb/Ra between an inner diameter Rb and an outer diameter Ra of the resonator 20 is appropriately selected, and thus there may be a fixed point where an r component (U(Ra) or U(Rb)) of displacement in a radial direction and an r component (V(Ra) or V(Rb)) of displacement in a tangential direction are 0 on an outer diameter portion or an inner diameter portion of the resonator 20. In this case, the resonator 20 is supported by a holding member 22 constituted by a single-span beam set so that a boundary condition on a side of the resonator 20 is pinned and a boundary condition on a side of an anchor that supports the resonator 20 is clamped at the fixed point, and this prevents vibration energy of the resonator 20 from being lost through the holding member 22, avoids a state to disturb a vibration mode, and achieves a sensor having high sensitivity. |
| US08196450B2 |
Gas chromatograph
A sample vaporization unit that attains enhancing of reproducibility through fixing of the sample vaporization unit. Sample vaporization unit (4) at its one end is connected to the distal end of glass insert (2) and at its other end is connected via glass tube (5) to one end of capillary column (6). The other end of the capillary column (6) is led to detector (8). The sample vaporization unit (4) is comprised of base frame (22), flow channel (24) provided in the base frame (22), and rugged portion (26) for sample vaporization provided by microfabrication within the flow channel (24). Any liquid sample flowing through the flow channel (24) is vaporized by feeding of energy to the rugged portion (26), and the vapor is subjected to separation by means of the column (6) and detection by means of the detector (8). |
| US08196449B2 |
Micro discharge device capable of low voltage discharges in a variety of carrier gases for detection and/or ionization
A micro discharge device (MDD) capable of low voltage discharges in a variety of carrier gases for detection and/or ionization includes a sample introduction capillary having a first open end connected to a gas system and a second open end connected to a cylinder comprising a high dielectric constant material. A high voltage electrode can be placed in close proximity to the outer diameter of the cylinder and at a close linear distance to the second open end of the sample introduction capillary. A region can be formed inside the cylinder between the second end of the sample introduction capillary and the high voltage electrode wherein discharge can be located. An optical emission collector can be located through the flow manifold to a receiving location near the high voltage electrode within a region from inside the cylinder between the high voltage electrode and the manifold. |
| US08196446B2 |
Framework for a prover
A prover mounted upon a supporting lower framework includes a piston supporting rod extending longitudinally through a cylinder, which cylinder receives and discharges a fluid to measure the flow rate of the fluid by translation of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end. Motive means supported on a frame mounted on the lower framework draws the rod toward the fluid receiving end of the cylinder. Upon such movement of the rod, a poppet valve formed as part of the piston opens to permit fluid flow through the piston. A clutch serving as part of the motive means permits travel of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end of the cylinder and serve the flow rate measuring function of the prover. An upper framework is attached to the lower framework through a plurality of stanchions. Various I-beams formed as part of the upper framework enhance rigidity to the combination of lower framework and upper framework. The combination of lower framework and upper framework provides support for the prover in a horizontal or a vertical orientation without affecting the operation, repair or maintenance of the prover. |
| US08196435B2 |
Holey fiber and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a holey fiber includes forming a preform and drawing the preform. The forming includes arranging a core rod at a center of a jacket tube and arranging capillary tubes having hollows around the core rod inside the jacket tube. The drawing includes heat melting the preform in a heating furnace while controlling at least one of a gas pressure to be applied to insides of the hollows of the capillary tubes, a temperature of the heating furnace, and a drawing speed, based on a structure of air holes to be formed in a first layer from the core region. |
| US08196431B2 |
Methods for controlling glass sheet thickness
Methods for controlling thickness variations across the width of a glass ribbon (104) are provided. The methods employ a set of thermal elements (106) for locally controlling the temperature of the ribbon (104). The operating values for the thermal elements (106) are selected using an iterative procedure in which thickness variations measured during a given iteration are employed in a mathematical procedure which selects the operating values for the next iteration. In practice, the method can bring thickness variations of glass sheets within commercial specifications in just a few iterations, e.g., 2-4 iterations. |
| US08196427B2 |
Apparatus for storing food and method for manufacturing the same
An apparatus for storing food therein and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. Space utilization efficiency can be enhanced by configuring a single-body duct diverging to different storage rooms. The present invention includes a first storage room and a second storage room to store food, and a duct unit includes a first duct to guide cold air into the first storage room, and a second duct to guide cold air into the second storage room. A scroll from which the first duct and the second duct diverge is located between the first and second ducts. |
| US08196425B2 |
Auxiliary sub-cooler for refrigerated dispenser
A freeze type dispenser having a refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, expansion means and evaporator in the form of one or more freeze chambers in an enclosure is provided with a sub-cooler or auxiliary coil. The sub-cooler is located downstream of the condenser but upstream of the expansion means and is supplied with condensed refrigerant liquid. The sub-cooler is located adjacent the freeze chamber enclosure to prevent or reduce condensation of the same, without adversely affecting, and in fact increasing cooling performance or capacity. |
| US08196423B2 |
Automatic recovery system for frozen product machines
A recovery system for a frozen product dispenser accommodates automatic recovery and continued operation of the dispenser in response to the output torque of a beater bar and scraper assembly drive motor exceeding a selected upper limit due to transient conditions. A controller monitors the output torque of the drive motor and, upon sensing an output torque in excess of the selected upper limit, shuts off the drive motor and operates a refrigeration system to defrost a freeze barrel within which the beater bar and scraper assembly is rotated, for a time sufficient to defrost product in the barrel. The controller then turns on the drive motor, operates the refrigeration system to refreeze product in the barrel and continues to monitor the output torque of the drive motor. The foregoing operation is repeated several times, if and as necessary, before a system error is generated. |
| US08196413B2 |
Configurations and methods for thermal integration of LNG regasification and power plants
Contemplated plants integrate regeneration of a freeze point depressant with LNG regasification and a power cycle. Most preferably, the plant is a combined cycle plant in which heat for reboiling the regenerator is provided by the steam cycle, and in which LNG refrigeration content is used to condense steam from the regenerator and to further subcool intake air for a combustion turbine. |
| US08196410B2 |
Stress reduction feature to improve fuel nozzle sheath durability
A fuel nozzle sheath has a lateral opening for admitting air about a nozzle stern. The stress distribution along the perimeter of the window is smoothed out by increasing the corner radius of the window corner presenting the highest stress concentration. The different corner radii of the window opening in the sheath allows to reduce stresses resulting from the load transferred from the combustor liner to the sheath. |
| US08196408B2 |
System and method for distributing fuel in a turbomachine
A turbomachine includes a compressor, a turbine operatively connected to the compressor, and a combustion assembly fluidly connected between the compressor and the turbine. The combustion assembly includes an end cover including a plurality of fuel circuits, a fuel distributing flange fluidly connected to at least one of the plurality of fuel circuits, a nozzle assembly fluidly linked to the at least one of the plurality of fuel circuits, and a fuel distribution system configured and disposed to deliver fuel to the fuel distributing flange. The fuel distribution system is selectively activated to stage fuel delivery to the at least one of the plurality of fuel circuits at a pressure sufficient to achieve atomization at the nozzle assembly without requiring a supplemental atomization air flow prior to delivering fuel to others of the plurality of fuel circuits at a pressure to achieve atomization without requiring a supplemental atomization air flow. |
| US08196407B2 |
Small gas turbine engine with multiple burn zones
A small gas turbine engine for use in an UAV such as a cruise missile, the gas turbine having a combustor forming a primary burn zone and a secondary burn zone, and in which fuel is injected into both the primary and the secondary burn zones by either a rotary cup injector or a plurality of fuel injector nozzles. The secondary burn zone with separate fuel injection allows for the diameter of the engine to be reduced in size but still allow for adequate power and efficiency to be reached for powering the vehicle. Air flow from the compressor is used to cool the combustor walls before being injected into the combustor, and to pass through and cool the guide nozzles and a main bearing located near the hot section of the combustor prior to being introduced into the combustor. |
| US08196402B2 |
System and method for electrically-coupled thermal cycle
In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle. |
| US08196400B2 |
Method and an arrangement for controlling pump displacement in a work vehicle
A method of controlling a work vehicle includes detecting an operational condition of a powertrain which is adapted to propel the vehicle, wherein a power source in the powertrain is adapted to operatively drive at least one variable displacement pump, wherein the pump is adapted to operatively drive at least one hydraulic actuator via hydraulic fluid for moving a work implement and/or steering the vehicle. The method further includes comparing the detected operational condition with a predetermined critical condition, limiting a maximum available displacement of the pump and thereby establishing an available pump displacement range if the magnitude of the detected operational condition is within the predetermined critical condition, detecting a hydraulic load associated to the actuator, and adjusting the pump displacement of the pump in response to the detected hydraulic load within the available pump displacement range. |
| US08196398B2 |
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. |
| US08196396B1 |
Compact design of using instream river flow and/or pump discharge flow technology added to differentials between head water and turbine location
Systems and methods for using instream water flow velocity to increase hydro turbine output is provided. In one implementation, the system and method are adapted to harness the kinetic energy in flowing water, preferably in waste water spilling over low-head dams or flowing from pump discharge at reservoir pumping stations, and using such energy in conjunction with differentials between head water and turbine location to improve turbine output. In certain implementations, the novel technology can be used to establish dispersed small-scale hydroelectric generation units at existing low-head dams. Preferably, the dispersed small-scale hydroelectric generation units can be connected to the existing power grid, thus providing a new source of sustainable alternative energy. |
| US08196392B2 |
Exhaust system having regeneration temperature control strategy
An exhaust system for use with a combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may have an exhaust passage configured to receive a flow of exhaust from the combustion engine, a particulate filter located within the exhaust passage, and a heating device located to selectively warm the flow of exhaust passing through the particulate filter. The exhaust system may also have a controller in communication with the combustion engine and the heating device. The controller may be configured to continuously determine an amount of particulate matter within the particulate filter, continuously determine a desired regeneration temperature based on the amount of particulate matter, and continuously determine an error value as a function of the desired regeneration temperature and an actual regeneration temperature. The controller may be further configured to determine an amount of particulate matter within the particulate filter, and adjust an amount of warming provided by the heating device based on the error value. |
| US08196390B2 |
Procedure and device to monitor an exhaust gas after-treatment system
Methods and devices to monitor an exhaust gas after-treatment system of an internal combustion engine with a motor block and an exhaust gas duct. The engine has at least one catalytic converter, upstream from which a reagent substance necessary for the NOx reduction in the catalytic converter is introduced by means of an introduction device. The reduction agent rate is increased to such an extent at defined reference operating points until an ammonia breach is detected in direction of flow behind the catalytic converter by means of an ammonia sensitive sensor in the exhaust gas duct. |
| US08196380B2 |
Machine for decreasing force exerted on maize during harvesting
A machine for harvesting maize includes a supporting structure carrying a plurality of harvesting units set alongside one another in a transverse direction. Each harvesting unit includes a framework fixed with respect to the supporting structure and includes two box sections set at a distance from one another in a transverse direction by an empty space elongated in a longitudinal direction and two stripper plates carried by respective box sections. The stripper plate has respective edges facing one another that extend on opposite sides in the empty space, and the facing edges of the stripper plates form a squeezing channel. A pair of counter-rotating traction rollers are arranged underneath the squeezing channel. The stripper plates are mobile in a vertical direction with respect to the respective box sections and are associated to respective spring devices that push the stripper plates elastically towards a raised position. |
| US08196379B2 |
Chopper assembly for a harvesting implement
A chopping assembly for a harvesting implement having a blade assembly, a housing, and a guide. The blade assembly is disposed within the housing and the guide directs cornstalks toward an input port on the housing. The blade assembly not only cuts the cornstalk from its root but also chops the stalk into stover. A fluid dynamic force is created by the blade assembly to direct the stover with the aid of the housing to an output port. |
| US08196378B2 |
Buckle-free slip-on horse boot with gaiter
A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) and a gaiter (22). The shell has a sole (14) and an upper (16) with a vertical slit (18). The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the heel of the upper and is wrapped around the pastern (P) above the hoofs hairline (C) and below the fetlock to anchor the shell to the pastern and function as a barrier against debris. The gaiter includes a portion of two-way stretch material (60) that makes it possible to fold it out of the way for ease of installation. The process is further facilitated by the slit (18) that allows spreading of the shell. By shaping the upper (16) so that it presses against the hoof (H) the boot is advantageously held in place using only the gaiter anchored to the heel of the boot and strapped to the pastern of the horse. |
| US08196371B2 |
Cap supply device
The present invention is directed to a cap supply device having a simple and inexpensive structure and which is capable of supplying caps all directed in the same direction. The cap supply device includes: a receiving section 104 for receiving the caps 3; and a discharge unit 106 having an endless member 108 placed in the receiving section 104 and support members 109 provided at the endless member. The discharge unit 106 is configured to lift the caps upward and discharge the caps 3 from the receiving section 104 while the caps 3 are supported at the support members 109 with their openings directed to an opposite side of the endless member 108. |
| US08196369B2 |
Building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system
A building integrated thermal electric hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the longitudinal channels, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each of the strings, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of solar electric roof tiles generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens collects the solar energy and converts into thermal energy through running the liquid which is extracted to the heat exchanger resulting in producing domestic hot water. |
| US08196367B2 |
Support bracket for anchoring overlapping cladding tiles to a wall structure
A support bracket (10) for anchoring cladding tiles (40) to a support wall structure (54), the support bracket (10) comprising: a substantially elongated base plate portion (12) attachable to the support wall structure (54), the base plate portion (12) defining a base first end edge (20) and a substantially opposed base second end edge (18), the base plate portion (12) also defining a base first side (22) and a substantially opposed base second side (24); and a substantially elongated flange portion (30) extending from the base first side (14), the flange portion (30) having a substantially T-shaped lateral cross-section, the flange portion (30) defining a flange first end edge (64) and a substantially opposed flange second end edge (56), the flange portion (30) being substantially longitudinally offset relatively to the base plate portion (12) such that the flange portion (30) is protruding from the base first end edge (20) substantially adjacent the flange first end edge (64); the base plate portion (12) and the flange portion (30) together defining a pair of substantially oppositely disposed channel recesses (65) facing substantially laterally outwardly relatively to the flange portion (12) for each receiving a portion of a respective one of the cladding tiles (40), the channel recesses (65) being each closed with a respective stop flange (66) extending substantially adjacent the flange first end edge (64), the stop flanges (66) being each substantially perpendicular to the base plate portion (30). |
| US08196364B2 |
Drywall apparatus and method
Described herein is a drywall apparatus for constructing planar partitions and corners. The drywall apparatus includes a first drywall panel, a second drywall panel and a pliable hinge connecting the first drywall panel to the second drywall panel. The hinge allows the first drywall panel and the second drywall panel to assume a range of angles therebetween to thereby enable the apparatus to be used for constructing planar partitions and corners. A flap extending from an edge of the drywall panel can also be included. The flap is designed to overlap a surface of an adjacent drywall panel abutted against the edge of the drywall panel and designed to affix the panel to a stud or other supporting member. |
| US08196358B2 |
Wind turbine generator tower
A wind turbine generator tower is configured by arranging and connecting a plurality of approximately cylindrical tower sections in their axial direction. Each of the tower sections includes an approximately cylindrical tower section main body, and a plurality of approximately flat-plate protruding parts that are formed so as to protrude along the axial direction at at least an axis-wise end portion of the tower section main body on an outer circumferential surface and/or an inner circumferential surface of the tower section main body. The plurality of tower sections are connected when the protruding parts of one of the tower sections and the protruding parts of another one of the tower sections are friction-jointed with fastening means. |
| US08196353B2 |
Guiding mechanism for sliding leaves or sliding doors
The invention relates to a guiding mechanism for sliding devices, especially leaves or doors. Said guiding mechanism comprises a profiled guide rail which is mounted on rolls or sliding elements and is optionally fitted with a superstructure. A stationary roll support and at least one movable roll support are provided. The movable roll support is moved into the operating position thereof substantially without producing a load moment. |
| US08196350B2 |
Bottom drive rail-less window regulator
A window regulator assembly is described that comprises a window bracket that is in contact with the bottom edge of the window; a cable; a carrier plate that is in contact with the window bracket and both ends of the cable; a tension spring located on each end of the cable; an upper bracket assembly; a drum housing having a cable drum; a hollow conduit located between the upper bracket assembly and the drum housing; and a drive unit. The upper bracket assembly, cable drum, and conduit are capable of slideably receiving the cable, while the tension springs provide a predetermined amount of tension to the cable in order for the window regulator assembly to move the window between open and closed positions. Many of the components of the window regulator assembly may be formed from a thermoplastic material. |
| US08196349B2 |
Lifting window
The lifting window (15) has a windowpane (17) which can be raised and lowered by means of a lifting device and which is guided here by two guide rails (24; 25). In the region of at least one side edge (19), the windowpane (17) is guided, at a point remote from the lifting device, only indirectly by the associated guide rail (24) by means of an adjusting device (38). The adjusting device (38) has a guide strip (39) which interacts with the associated guide rail (24). The guide strip (39) is guided by means of a guide device (41) so as to be moveable at least approximately perpendicularly to the windowpane (17). Said guide strip (39) can be adjusted relative to the windowpane (17) by means of an adjustment device (42) and can be fixed in the desired relative position by means of a fixing device. |
| US08196344B1 |
Modular plant tower assembly
A modular plant tower assembly includes a self-supporting vertical framework of rigid vertical supports defining a relatively large base, and extending inwardly and upwardly from the base to a smaller top of the vertical framework. At least one horizontal closed-end framework includes rigid horizontal supports. The horizontal supports are interconnected at their respective ends, and surround the vertical framework at a location intermediate the base and the top. At least one of the horizontal supports forms a lateral bridge connector. The bridge connector is adapted for connecting one end of a bridge frame to the plant tower assembly, and an opposite end of the bridge frame being connected to an adjacent like tower assembly. |
| US08196340B2 |
Electric deterrent device having knitted conductors
Electric pest deterrents device having knitted conductors are presented. An elongated conductor comprising at least a single conducting strand knitted with itself or with other conducting strands can be attached to a based of the device. The conducting strands can be knitted according to one or more patterns to form textured surfaces having raise protrusions. |
| US08196339B1 |
Rodent trap
A rodent trap comprises a stiff U-shaped spring with long outstretched arms and wire half-noose that are normally closed tightly together. A folding spreader mechanism at the base of the U-shaped spring holds the long outstretched arms apart until a trigger allows the spreader to fold up. The folding spreader mechanism is prevented from extending over-center and locking like a knee joint as near the point of going over-center, a tiny force like a trigger keeps the folding spreader mechanism extended even against strong spring pressures. |
| US08196335B2 |
Spring-loaded fishing lure
The present invention provides a simple, yet improved, spring-loaded fishing hook and bobber. The bobber includes a spring-loaded triggering apparatus attached to a light weight rod and floating device. The triggering apparatus is inertia-driven and activated when a fish swimming by attempts to bite on the lure. The fish activates the device by its movement away from the lure and pulls the spring free from its latch allowing the spring to activate and forces the hook into the fish's mouth. The quickness of the trigger does not allow the fish to avoid the hook and the forcefulness of the trigger means less fish can free themselves of the hook before being caught. |
| US08196327B2 |
Modular magazine assembly
A modular magazine for a firearm is disclosed. The magazine has a tower and a magazine body. The tower and magazine body are modular and can be disconnected from each other. When disconnected, the tower can be paired with other magazine bodies. Also, the magazine body may be connected to other suitable towers. Different towers may allow a magazine to connect with a plurality of styles of firearm. Also, a plurality of styles of magazine may be used with a single firearm when connected to a suitable modular tower. |
| US08196322B2 |
Article of footwear with ball control portion
A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball. |
| US08196320B2 |
Article of footwear with interchangeable bootie
An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements. |
| US08196317B2 |
Article of footwear having a flat knit upper construction or other upper construction
Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product. |
| US08196316B2 |
Article of footwear with two part midsole assembly
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness. |
| US08196313B2 |
Dryer and control method thereof
A method for controlling a dryer includes the steps of sensing an amount of laundry in the dryer, setting a primary drying time period T1 of the dryer with reference to the amount of laundry sensed thus, setting a secondary drying time period T2 in the middle of drying according to the primary drying time period set thus, and drying the laundry according to the secondary drying time period T2 set thus, whereby permitting setting of a more accurate drying time period because the drying time period of the dryer is set two times. |
| US08196312B2 |
Drying method and apparatus for drying object
A technology can efficiently dry the high-boiling point solvent contained in the object and achieve the space-saving and energy-saving of a drying apparatus. A drying method for drying an object containing a first solvent while conveying the object into a chamber (38), comprises: a first drying step of drying the object up to a drying point in the prestage of the chamber (38); and a second drying step of forming a vapor atmosphere of a second solvent having a lower boiling point than the first solvent in the chamber (38) and drying the object such that the temperature of the object in an inlet port of the chamber (38) is made to be lower by a predetermined temperature difference than the temperature of the vapor atmosphere. |
| US08196306B2 |
Post-weld offset gage
A method and device for analyzing a formed weld of a wind turbine system is disclosed. The device includes a gage for measuring a distance, a first member configured for receiving the gage, a second member attached to the first member, the second member being configured to releasably attach to a first surface on a first side of the formed weld, a third member attached to the first member, the third member being configured to releasably attach to a second surface on a second side of the formed weld, and the gage being positionable at a plurality of locations on the first member, the plurality of locations including a first location being proximal to the second member and distal from the third member and a second location being proximal to the third member and distal from the second member. |
| US08196299B2 |
Connecting terminal for litz wire, mounting method for the same and manufacturing method for cooking appliance
A connection terminal of a litz wire, a mounting method thereof, and a manufacturing method of a cooking appliance with a working coil consisting of the litz wire. The mounting method includes preparing the litz wire including plural wires, each of which includes a sheath, installing one end of the litz wire at the connection terminal, removing the sheaths from the plural wires by heating the litz wire, and deforming the connection terminal through a pinch-off process, thereby connecting front ends of the wires through the connection terminal and removing the sheaths or sheath residues between cores of the wires, and thus reducing resistance of the litz wire. |
| US08196297B2 |
Method of rapid prototyping a microwave device
A method of rapid prototyping of a microwave device, by: providing a plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film, each sheet having a different metallization pattern formed thereon; providing a base onto which each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film can be received, wherein the base comprises a metallization pattern formed thereon such that the placement of each of the plurality of thin sheets thereon forms a different circuit; and sequentially placing each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film onto the base, thereby sequentially forming different circuits across the thin sheet and the base. |
| US08196295B2 |
Component mounting method
There is provided a control means for controlling movement positions and movement timings of a nozzle elevating means and a nozzle moving means. The control means stores positions and heights of obstacles located between a component supply unit and a circuit board in advance. The control means moves down a nozzle in sync with the time when the nozzle has finished passing over each obstacle after an electronic component has been photographed by a component camera. Alternatively, the control means moves the nozzle in a path to avoid the obstacles. In addition, in a component mounting region, the nozzle moves at a component mounting region movement height and the component is mounted by the nozzle moved down from the component mounting region movement height. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten an elevating stroke of the nozzle (5). In addition, the nozzle can be elevated in an arc trajectory. |
| US08196294B2 |
Component supply method
A method of mounting supply components includes the step of inserting dish-like members into a base. Each dish-like member holds components. One dish-like member can stay inserted in the base while the other dish-like member is removed from the base and refilled with components. |
| US08196286B2 |
Coil holding assembly
A coil-holding assembly for an electrical machine has coil holders made of plastic and on which coils of a stator can be wound. The coil holders are formed and pivotal on an outer edge of a planar central plastic support by integral film hinges between a winding position parallel to a plane of the support and a bent-up position perpendicular to the plane. Thus the coils can be wound on the holders in the parallel position thereof and the holders are then moved into the bent-up position for use in the electric machine. |
| US08196281B2 |
Method of applying force to electrical contacts on a printed circuit board
A spring actuated clamping mechanism has a backer plate with an upper surface and a lower surface. A set of apertures is formed along the periphery of the backer plate. The upper surface of the backer plate has at least one backer plate recess, and preferably four recesses, formed therein. A threaded aperture is also formed in the backer plate. A compression plate is also provided. A second set of apertures is formed along the periphery of the compression plate. The lower surface of the compression plate has at least one compression plate recess, and at least one compression plate aperture. At least one compression spring is disposed between the backer plate and the compression plate. A screw tension release mechanism is screwed into the backer plate threaded aperture and inserted through the compression plate aperture. When the release mechanism is loosened, backer plate is forced downwardly, applying a uniform force to all electrical contacts on the printed circuit board or card to which the clamping mechanism is attached. |
| US08196280B2 |
Fixture and inspection method for an annular seal
A fixture assembly and inspection method by which the internal diameter and/or concentricity of a segmented annular seal can be readily inspected and optionally measured prior to final installation. The fixture assembly has at least two fixture segments supported on a base, by which an annular fixture housing is defined having an outer rim and a groove with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the annular seal. The fixture assembly further includes a device or apparatus for assessing at least one dimensional characteristic of the annular seal when installed in the groove of the fixture housing and as the assessing device/apparatus travels along the interior circumference of the fixture housing. |
| US08196278B2 |
Method for taking an electronic component out of a carrier tape
A method for taking an electronic component out of a carrier tape configured to house the electronic component in a concave that is defined by a sidewall and a bottom surface reduces a binding force applied by the concave to the electronic component by stretching the sidewall to outside near a perforation hole that is formed at least one of the sidewall and a portion of the bottom surface adjacent to the sidewall. |
| US08196272B2 |
Clamp for hanging things
A clamp for hanging things, the clamp having a pair of jaws and a lever. Manipulation of the lever causes the jaws to either open or close, depending on the direction of manipulation. The lever is connected to one of the jaws and to a plate attachment. The attachment of the lever to the jaw rotates around the point of the lever's attachment to the plate attachment, the structure of the plate attachment defining the boundaries of the rotation. One jaw is connected to the other jaw at a point of pivoting. |
| US08196265B2 |
Concealed door hinge
A concealed door hinge has first and second leaf assemblies fittable into respective mortises in an edge of the door and in the door frame. The first leaf assembly has a body, mounting tabs at ends of the body and securable to the door frame or to an edge of the door, and an insert shiftable in the body in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to a face of the assembly. The body is also shiftable relative to the tabs in a second horizontal direction transverse to the horizontal direction and parallel to the face. A swivel mechanism is connected between the second leaf assembly and the insert of the assembly. Adjusters engaged between the insert, the body, and the tabs can relatively secure the insert and body in any of a plurality of positions offset relative to one another in the horizontal directions. |
| US08196259B2 |
Delayed action door constraint with remote closing by and of a second door
A door positioning system is provided. The system includes a first member and a second member. The first member is attached to an exterior door at a first end of the first member and to an anchor location at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close with the force of the door closer if the second member is disengaged from the locking region. |
| US08196255B2 |
Connection apparatus for a wiping arm
The invention relates to a connection apparatus (10) for a wiper arm (14) and a wiper blade (12). The connection apparatus comprises a first and a second connection part. According to the invention, provision is made for the first connection part to have a first identification means and for the second connection part to have a second identification means which corresponds to the first identification means. The invention also comprises a system with two flat-bar wiper blades, with at least one first identification means being provided on at least one flat-bar wiper blade in order to distinguish between the two wiper blades. |
| US08196251B2 |
Gutter cleaning robot
A gutter cleaning robot can traverse rain gutters to agitate and remove debris. The gutter cleaning robot is equipped with a debris auger at a front end that contacts and ejects the debris, and has a drive system for propelling the gutter cleaning robot along the rain gutter. The debris auger can include a spiral screw or various other forms of auger, and may be interchangeable by the user so as to enhance the effectiveness of the gutter cleaning robot in various environments or modes of operation. |
| US08196247B2 |
Floor maintenance apparatus and method of use
A floor maintenance apparatus having a floor maintenance machine and an attached sulky which allows an operator to ride in a standing position or walk behind the floor maintenance machine. A wheeled sulky having a first attaching portion, a stopping portion, a wheel receiving portion, and a platform portion having a first portion and a second portion is also provided. Methods of operating the apparatus are also provided. |
| US08196245B2 |
Electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush is provided, the electric toothbrush having a housing, with a drive that is elastically mounted on the housing by means of a spring device and can be moved in an oscillatory fashion in at least one plane of motion, and with a transmission element that is connected to the drive and serves for transmitting the driving motion to a brush head. |
| US08196244B2 |
Modular ramp system
A modular ramp system contemplates two molded plastic ramps placed back-to-back with one another so that in a direction of travel, one would travel up one ramp and then immediately down the other. The ramps are interconnected by a spine including connectors interfacing with connectors provided on the facing surfaces of the ramps. In the preferred embodiment, the connectors consist of dovetail recesses and dovetail projections. The ramps also have connection structure on their lateral sides, so that other ramps may be assembled to the two back-to-back ramps to make a ramp that is incrementally wider. The ramp may consist of a plurality of ramp sections assembled together to create a ramp. A table is designed to be used with ramps and other components and includes openings to facilitate installation of a grind rail or a support rail. The table surface includes peripheral coping integrally formed with the table during manufacture. A grind rail system includes support legs with arcuate bottoms to facilitate safe support of a grind rail regardless of angulation. Curved sections of grind rails allow lateral and vertical curvature of an elongated grind rail configuration. Connectors are provided to interconnect adjacent grind rail sections. |
| US08196243B2 |
Functional fitting of cyclists in clipless pedal systems
A method of fitting a cyclist in a cycling shoe is provided. The cycling shoe is engagable in a clipless pedal via a cleat affixed to the cycling shoe. The method includes the steps of compensating for a cyclist's biomechanical malalignments within the kinetic chain involved in cycling by providing a tilt to the cyclist's forefoot and challenging the cyclist with a neuromuscular feedback test as the cyclist uses their foot to apply a force through the cycling shoe to the clipless pedal. The compensation is varied and the cyclist is retested until a favorable response to the neuromuscular feedback test indicates a functional compensation. |
| US08196242B2 |
Method of controlling drying cycle in a washing machine based on sensed temperature
The present invention provides a washing machine and method of controlling a drying cycle thereof, by which a laundry can be evenly distributed within a drum rotated at a second speed for a low-speed dewatering cycle during the drying cycle to further enhance a drying effect. Once the drying cycle is initiated, a blower fan and heater are driven to circulate hot air within the washing machine via tub and circulation duct. And, the drum is rotated by applying a first rotational speed for a normal drying cycle and a second rotational speed for a low-speed dewatering cycle with a prescribed duty ratio. |
| US08196237B2 |
Patient support brake system
A movable patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a base supporting the frame and having a plurality of bearing assemblies for moving the base along a floor surface. The support also includes a brake, a brake actuator for actuating the brake of at least one bearing assembly, and a brake bar coupled to the brake actuator. The brake bar is movable between a non-braking position and a braking position wherein the actuator causes the brake to move to its braking position. Further, the brake bar extends between the head end and the foot end of the frame and further has a portion extending outwardly from the brake actuator to at least close proximity to the bearing footprint defined by the bearing assemblies but within the frame footprint to thereby provide relatively easy access to the brake bar to an attendant standing adjacent one of the longitudinal sides of the frame. |
| US08196234B2 |
Shower installation
A shower installation with discharge nozzles for horizontal installation near the ceiling is constructed to be swiveled between a resting position and an active position, wherein at least a section of the discharge nozzles protrudes in the active position. To swivel the mounting of the shower device, an operating device is provided that swivels the shower device mounting via the force of water flowing to the shower devices. |
| US08196231B2 |
Pressurized trap water saver toilet
A toilet that applies pressured air between an upper trap (30) that connects to the toilet bowl and a lower trap (32) that connects to a drain (16), includes a pressured air source (42) that holds a large volume of pressured air equal to at least 30% of the volume of the trapway passage (34) that connects the traps. The pressured air source includes a container (70) with its top coupled though a conduit (90) to the trapway passage, and with air in the container top compressed by water rising in the container after each flushing. The container top lies at least as high as the full water level (52) in the toilet tank when the toilet tank is full. |
| US08196227B2 |
Goggle with strap and assembly method thereof
A goggle and a strap assembly method thereof are provided. The goggle includes an eyeglass, a frame and at least one strap. The frame receives and secures the eyeglass therein and is bilaterally provided with a pair of engaging portions each having a through hole. The strap has at least one connecting portion and is passed through the through hole of a corresponding one of the engaging portions of the frame. The connecting portion of the strap is provided with a resisting portion which makes the connecting portion slightly larger than an opening of each of the through holes, so that the strap which is passed through the through hole of a corresponding one of the engaging portions can be securely attached to the frame. |
| US08196223B2 |
Patient gown
A patient gown for a nursing mother is disclosed, the patient gown includes an outer gown releasably fastened in a front thereof, an upper portion of said outer gown having shoulder straps cooperating to form the upper opening, wherein a front of the shoulder straps is fastened to a back of the shoulder straps, and an inner jacket fastened to an interior of the outer gown. The outer gown and inner jacket cooperate to provide coverage of a desired portion of the body of the patient, as well as coverage of a nursing child, as desired. |
| US08196222B2 |
Nursing cover
Examples of a nursing cover are described, including a sheet having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a stiffener pocket, a first strap and a second strap are disposed along the top edge of the sheet, the first strap and second strap being configured to detachably couple together, and a stiffener housed within the stiffener pocket and being configured to bow outward from the top edge of the sheet, the stiffener comprised of a material comprising a material memory associated with a pre-determined shape, the stiffener assuming the pre-determined shape during a resting state and, when a force is applied, the stiffener is configured to temporarily deform and, when the force is removed, the stiffener reassumes the pre-determined shape, the stiffener having a first end cap formed at a first end and a second end cap formed at a second end, wherein the stiffener, the first end cap and the second end cap collectively comprise a single member. |
| US08201268B1 |
Integrated high index contrast sub-wavelength optical transforming tip (HICSWOTT) for near-field scanning optical microscope
An optical tip for a Near-field Scanning Optical Microscope (NSOM) is provided. The optical tip includes a waveguide with a semiconductor or metal core and a cladding. The refractive-index-square-ratio contrast between the core and the cladding is at least 0.3. The optical tip may also include a light detector and a light source. The waveguide, the light source and the light detector may be integrated to form a single chip. |
| US08201267B2 |
Cryptographic device having active clearing of memory regardless of state of external power
A cryptographic device that will actively clear its memory even in the absence of external power when a security breach is detected is provided. The memory cell clusters of the cryptographic device are provided with an internal power source that provides sufficient energy for the memory cell clusters to perform a clearing operation. If the external power source for the memory is removed and a physical security breach is detected, the power from the internal power source will allow the memory cells to actively clear their contents, thereby rendering any attempt to obtain the contents of the memory cells fruitless. |
| US08201263B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling access to contact information
A method, an apparatus and a processor readable medium for enabling access to contact information. The contact information for contacting a recipient may be accessed in accordance with a rights object. |
| US08201261B2 |
Secure data storage system and method
A system and method for the secure storage of data in a network. Data stored on a primary server connected to the network is initially encrypted. The IP address of the primary server is sent to a second server, via the network, and a communication is received from the second server indicating pending instructions. If the instructions indicate that theft of the primary server has occurred, then the data stored on the primary server is re-encrypted and the IP address of the primary server is sent to the second server. If attempted unauthorized access of the primary server is determined, and a predetermined number of consecutive unauthorized attempts to access the primary server are made, then the data stored on the primary server is erased. |
| US08201260B2 |
Device, system, and method of digital rights management utilizing supplemental content
Device, system, and method of digital-rights-management (DRM). In some embodiments, a device may include a DRM agent to manage the utilizing of a content object including secured digital content based on a rights object related to the content object, wherein based on at least one restriction defined in the rights object, the agent is to cause the device to present supplemental content of at least one supplemental content object when the content object is utilized. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08201257B1 |
System and method of managing network security risks
A security risk management system comprises a vulnerability database, an asset database, a local threat intelligence database and a threat correlation module. The vulnerability database comprises data about security vulnerabilities of assets on a network gathered using active or passive vulnerability assessment techniques. The asset database comprises data concerning attributes of each asset. The threat correlation module receives threat intelligence alerts that identify attributes and vulnerabilities associated with security threats that affect classes of assets. The threat correlation module compares asset attributes and vulnerabilities with threat attributes and vulnerabilities and displays a list of assets that are affected by a particular threat. The list can be sorted according to a calculated risk score, allowing an administrator to prioritize preventive action and respond first to threats that affect higher risk assets. The security risk management system provides tools for performing preventive action and for tracking the success of preventive action. |
| US08201256B2 |
Methods and systems for assessing and advising on electronic compliance
A method and system of developing electronic performance support systems implemented in a computer system or in a graphical user interface. A method and system determines electronic compliance with a regulatory scheme, includes a compliance standard and using a question and answer prompt in conjunction with a scanning engine to perform an assessment of a computer network's compliance with at least one predetermined standard in addition to a technical assessment of the computer network. |
| US08201249B2 |
Steady state computer intrusion and misuse detection
A system and method provide for detecting intrusion and misuse of a computer in a computer network. The system includes an agent manager that directs actions of software agents to collect computer performance parameters from the computer, and a data analyzer that summarizes the collected computer performance parameters and generates a user profile. The system further includes a comparator that compares the summarized computer performance data and the user profile and generates a prompt based on a set of criteria related to the computer performance data and the user profile. |
| US08201248B2 |
Authenticating a web page with embedded javascript
A method for detecting if a digital document (e.g. an HTML document) is changed by others than authenticated script code (e.g. JavaScript code) is presented. The method includes loading the authenticated script code into a trusted computer application and storing a snapshot of the digital document in the trusted computer application. Before the authenticated script code is executed, the snapshot of the digital document is compared with the document to verify if the digital document is still authentic. After executing the authenticated script code, the snapshot of the digital document is replaced with an up-to-date copy reflecting eventual changes made to the digital document by the executed script code. The digital document can then at any time be compared with the most recent snapshot to verify if it is authentic. |
| US08201245B2 |
System, method and program product for detecting computer attacks
Detecting obfuscated attacks on a computer. A first program function is invoked to render static components of a web page and identify program code within the web page or associated file. In response, before executing the identified program code, a malicious-code detector is invoked to scan the identified program code for malicious code. If the malicious-code detector identifies malicious code in the identified program code, the identified program code is not executed. If no malicious code is detected, a second program function generates revised program code from execution of the identified, program code. In response, before executing the revised program code, the malicious-code detector is invoked to scan the revised program code for malicious code. If the malicious-code detector identifies malicious code in the revised program code, the revised program code is not executed. |
| US08201244B2 |
Automated malware signature generation
Automated malware signature generation is disclosed. Automated malware signature generation includes monitoring incoming unknown files for the presence of malware and analyzing the incoming unknown files based on both a plurality of classifiers of file behavior and a plurality of classifiers of file content. An incoming file is classified as having a particular malware classification based on the analyzing of incoming unknown files and a malware signature is generated for the incoming unknown file based on the particular malware classification. Access is provided to the malware signature. |
| US08201241B2 |
Method and system for publishing presence information
This invention relates to a method for publishing presence information, including: receiving, by a presence server, a message carrying presence information to be published sent from a delegated presentity client or application server; publishing the presence information in the message carrying presence information to be published according to delegation authorization rules upon determining that the presence information is published by delegation; sending the processed presence information to a watcher client. This invention also provides, a presence server and a presence information composing and publishing unit for publishing presence information. The invention makes it more flexible to publish presence information and enhances user' experience. |
| US08201240B2 |
Simple scalable and configurable secure boot for trusted mobile phones
A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are provided for booting up a system using a secure boot framework. In particular, a secure boot mechanism (i.e., a mechanism that enforces that only authenticated programs and/or events are executed on a particular platform) is provided that has an unlimited number of authorized boot configurations, while requiring only a minimal amount of secure/confidential storage. The secure boot mechanism further provides for the separation of run-time and management functionality, which allows other authorization mechanisms to be plugged-in later on. In addition, the authorized secure boot configurations (i.e., the definition of the secure boot state) can be kept in insecure storage, such as a system disk (e.g., flash memory). Finally, the disclosed secure boot mechanism is further beneficial because it builds upon existing TCG techniques, causing it to require minimal implementation where TCG techniques are implemented. |
| US08201239B2 |
Extensible pre-boot authentication
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for obtaining a pre-boot authentication (PBA) image from a full disk encryption disk in a pre-boot environment, executing the PBA using a chipset to obtain user credential information, authorizing the user based on the user credential information and stored credential information, and storing the user credential information in a PBA metadata region of the disk. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08201237B1 |
Establishing secure remote access to private computer networks
Techniques are described for providing users with access to computer networks, such as to enable users to interact with a remote configurable network service to create and configure computer networks that are provided by the configurable network service for use by the users. Secure private access between a computer network provided for a user by the configurable network service and one or more other remote computing systems of the user (e.g., a remote private network) may be enabled in various ways. For example, a user may programmatically invoke an API provided by the configurable network service to obtain assistance in establishing remote access from a remote location to a provided computer network of the configurable network service, such as to establish a VPN connection from the remote location to the provided computer network using hardware and/or software supplied to the remote location in response to the API invocation. |
| US08201235B2 |
System and method for reducing data stream interruption during failure of a firewall device
A system includes first and second firewalls and a controller. The first firewall is configured to perform a firewall function on a first redundant input data packet and output the first input packet as a first redundant output data packet according to the firewall function. The second firewall is configured to perform the firewall function on a second redundant input data packet and output the second input packet as a second redundant output data packet according to the firewall function. The output packets are at least substantially similar when the firewall devices function properly. The controller is configured to receive the output packets from the firewalls, transmit at a given time one of the output packets, transmit the first output packet while the second firewall is failed, and transmit the second output packet while the first firewall is failed. |
| US08201221B2 |
Data transmission control on network
Enables control of data transmission within a network. For this, for example, a network relay apparatus makes a determination as to permission to transmit data, based on a condition relating to at least one of the transmission origin of the data and transmission destination of the data. An administration unit contains administration information indicating permission to use shared devices by users of clients. The connection relay apparatus for a target client acquires user identifying information from the target client. The administration unit acquires the user identifying information from the connection relay apparatus for a target client, and referring to the administration information, detects a target shared device that is one of the shared device permission to use of which has been granted to a user of the target client. The administration unit notifies the connection relay apparatus for the target shared device of permission for transfer of data between the target client and the target shared device, together with information identifying the target client. Upon receiving the notification, the connection relay apparatus for the target shared device sets the condition so as to change the data transmission permission between the target client and the target shared device from not authorized to authorized. |
| US08201215B2 |
Controlling the delegation of rights
The delegation of rights may be controlled in a number of manners. In an example implementation, a delegation authority assertion is formulated with a delegator principle, a delegatee principal, a verb phrase, a resource, and a delagation-directive verb. In another example implementation, a delegation mechanism involving an assertor, a first principal, and a second principal enables a delegation to be specifically controlled. In yet another example implementation, a chained delegation mechanism enables explicit control of a permitted transitive chaining depth. |
| US08201209B2 |
Recording system, receiving apparatus, recording apparatus, recording control method, and program
Disclosed herein is a recording system including a receiving apparatus and a recording apparatus, wherein the receiving apparatus includes, a creation section, and a reservation control section, the recording apparatus includes, a recording section, and a recording control section. |
| US08201208B2 |
Carousel proxy
A broadcaster generates programming content and a carousel containing chunks of data defining one or more interactive applications. The programming content and carousel are received by a local gateway which distributes the carousel and content to receivers at end-users via a distribution network. A carousel proxy in the local gateway receives the inbound carousel from the broadcaster and modifies it to produce an outbound carousel suited for the distribution network, receivers, and/or end-users. The modifications performed by the carousel proxy include filtering chunks and/or data within the chunks from the inbound carousel and transforming data within the chunks to customize the interactive applications for the distribution network, receivers, and/or end-users. The carousel proxy also caches chunks in a cache of a local data store. The carousel proxy uses the cached chunks to send the outbound carousel at a rate optimized for the bandwidth available on the distribution network. |
| US08201206B2 |
System and method for determining cache memory size at a network node of an IPTV network
In an IPTV network, cache memory assigned to each DSLAM, Central Office (CO) or Intermediate Office (IO) can be determined by defining a network cost function having cache memory per DSLAM, cache memory per CO and cache memory per IO as decision variables. The network cost function can be minimized to determine the optimal cache memory size for the network. The network cost function can be subject to boundary constraints that the cache memory is between zero and a maximum cache memory size for each network node type, allowing the network cost function to be solved as a 3-ary tree. |
| US08201204B2 |
Minimizing black video segments during ad insertion
Black video segments in a video playlist may be minimized. Black detection may be utilized by a network device to identify true starting point and a true ending point of a video asset which includes black video segments in the playlist. Locations associated with the true starting and ending points may be recorded in metadata associated with the video asset. New black video segments may be added at the beginning and at the end of the playlist. Playback of the playlist may then be initiated to play the video asset only between the recorded location associated with the true starting point and the recorded location associated with the true ending point at the network device thereby minimizing the black video segments in the video asset. |
| US08201203B2 |
Headrest mounted vehicle entertainment system with an integrated cooling system
An entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest, the headrest including a headrest body in which the video system is mounted. A cooling system is integrated with the headrest for maintaining the video system at a desirable temperature. |
| US08201200B2 |
Storage medium storing an information processing program and information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus has a plurality of display information, with respect to selected display information, displays a content part including a plurality of contents, and displays an index part of the other display information. In a case that an electronic program guide is displayed, as a content part, a program guide including a plurality of program information is displayed, and as an index part, date tubs are displayed. When a search condition is designated, it is determined whether or not program information matching the search condition is present. In the displayed program guide, a display manner of the program information matching the search condition is changed, and with respect to the index part, a display manner of the date tub corresponding to the program information matching the search condition is changed, for example. |
| US08201199B2 |
Monitoring system
A camera for taking a state behind a vehicle is installed in a position laterally shifted from the rear center of the vehicle. An image processing unit generates a rear image from a camera image by shifting merely a rectangular area of the camera image so that a vertical center line thereof can substantially accord with the center line along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, processing for correcting lens distortion may be performed. As a result, when the vehicle is moved straight backward, an object present on the center line of the vehicle moves vertically in substantially the center of the screen, so that a user can be prevented from having an odd feeling to see the image. |
| US08201195B2 |
System, method and computer readable medium for inserting data objects into encrypted video stream
In a particular embodiment a method is disclosed for inserting data objects into a video stream including but not limited to decomposing using a compression technique video content into a plurality of video portions, a low-quality video portion of the plurality of video portions capable of reproducing a low quality version of the video content, the other video portions capable of reproducing higher quality versions of the video content when combined with the low quality portion; sending the low-quality video portion to the subscriber terminal for storage at the subscriber terminal; and receiving from the subscriber terminal a selection request corresponding to the video content after sending the low-quality video portion to the subscriber terminal. A computer readable medium and apparatus for performing the method are also disclosed. |
| US08201194B2 |
Real-time recording agent for streaming data from an internet
A personal recorder/playback system (10) includes a recording agent (32) configured to transparently receive multiple audio/visual streams from analog and/or digital sources. The streams are temporarily stored in queues (52,54) for subsequent analysis. The streams, after analysis, are either discarded, stored permanently in an audio/visual collection (48,50), or used to improve the quality of previously stored streams in the collection. The recording agent (32) provides features such as virtual channels (42) and a “top-ten” list (38) of most popular stored audio/visual streams. |
| US08201192B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing data in different modalities
An apparatus and a method for processing data in different modalities involve applications accessing service modules which are set up by a runtime environment at the time of loading in line with a configuration file. This allows data in different modalities to be edited flexibly and with a resource saving. |
| US08201190B2 |
Sharing a network I/O adapter between logical partitions
An I/O adapter sharing mechanism in a logically partitioned computer system allows sharing a network I/O adapter between logical partitions in an efficient manner. A first logical partition owns (or controls) the I/O adapter, and a second logical partition desires to use (or share) the I/O adapter. An I/O adapter device driver that includes a hardware interface is provided in the first logical partition. A virtual device driver is provided in the second logical partition that provides a set of functions that is at least partially defined by querying the I/O adapter device driver in the first logical partition. The I/O adapter sharing mechanism includes a transfer mechanism that allows data to be transferred directly from the virtual device driver in the second logical partition to the I/O adapter without passing through the I/O adapter device driver in the first logical partition. |
| US08201184B2 |
Systems and methods for parallelizing grid computer environment tasks
Systems and methods for executing a computer program within a multiple processor grid computing environment. Execution behavior of the computer program is captured while the computer program is sequentially executing. The captured execution behavior is linked with steps contained in the source code version of the computer program. The captured execution behavior that is linked with the supplemented source code version is analyzed in order to determine dependencies between a step of the computer program and one or more other steps of the computer program. A determination is made of which task or tasks within the computer program can be processed through the grid computing environment based upon the determined dependencies. |
| US08201182B2 |
Method of managing workloads
A method of managing software application workloads starts, on a machine, a software application from startup script. The startup script includes startup tasks. The machine includes an operating system. The operating system includes a kernel. The method requests an application group identifier from the kernel. The method associates the startup tasks with the application group identifier until the startup script ends. The method requests application group identifiers from the kernel. If said application group identifier is a workload, the method requests the kernel to aggregate usage data for the application group identifier. If the application group identifier is not a workload, the method determines a set of application group identifiers that comprise a work load, and requests the kernel to aggregate usage data for the set of application group identifiers. The method receives the aggregated usage data from the kernel, and uses the aggregated usage data to manage the workload. |
| US08201179B2 |
Multi-threaded shared state variable control
A method for controlling sharing of resources in a multi-threaded environment includes entering a finite state machine state sequence; controlling resource-sharing threads using the finite state machine state sequence; and exiting the finite state machine state sequence when shared resource control is complete. A multi-threaded shared resource control system includes a finite state machine configured to control multi-threaded access to shared resources; a plurality of producer threads regulated by the finite state machine; and a plurality of consumer threads regulated by the finite state machine. A non-transitory computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer system to execute a method for controlling sharing of resources in a multi-threaded environment includes entering a finite state machine state sequence; controlling resource-sharing threads using the finite state machine state sequence; and exiting the finite state machine state sequence when shared resource control is complete. |
| US08201177B2 |
Scheduling a workload based on workload-related variables and triggering values
A mechanism is provided for scheduling a workload on a computer. The mechanism receives, in the computer, one or more workload-related variables. The mechanism further receives, in the computer, one or more trigger values for at least one of the one or more workload-related variables. Moreover, the mechanism determines, from the workload-related variables and their triggering values, one or more conditions under which one or more tasks are to be performed on the computer. In addition, the mechanism acquires a status value of at least one of the one or more workload-related variables at regular intervals and performs a task when a status value of a workload-related variable attains the triggering value for the task. |
| US08201176B2 |
Detecting the starting and ending of a task when thread pooling is employed
Starting and ending of a task is detected, where thread pooling is employed. Threads perform a wait operation on a given object are monitored, and threads performing a notify/notify-all operation on the given object are monitored. A labeled directed graph is constructed. Each node of the graph corresponds to one of the threads. Each edge of the graph has a label and corresponds to performance of the wait or notify/notify-all operation. An identifier of the given object is a label of a number of the edges. A set of nodes is selected that each has an edge having the same label. The threads of these nodes are worker threads of a thread pool. The threads of the nodes that are connected to the set of nodes are master threads. An object having an identifier serving as the label of the edges to the set of nodes is a monitoring mechanism. |
| US08201174B2 |
Technique of determining performing order of processes
The present invention provides to a technique of determining a performing order of processes. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique of optimizing a performing order of processes in such a case that a result of performing a previous process could be modified later depending on a performing order of processes. The invention further provides a method to determine a performing order of processes so as to minimize required time for a process of modifying a result of an already performed process based on a result of a process performed later. |
| US08201170B2 |
Operating systems are executed on common program and interrupt service routine of low priority OS is modified to response to interrupts from common program only
A method of enabling multiple different operating systems to run concurrently on the same computer, comprising selecting a first operating system to have a relatively high priority (the realtime operating system. such as C5); selecting at least one secondary operating system to have a relatively lower priority (the general purpose operating system, such as Linux); providing a common program (a hardware resource dispatcher similar to a nanokernel) arranged to switch between said operating systems under predetermined conditions; and providing modifications to said first and second operating systems to allow them to be controlled by said common program. |
| US08201167B2 |
On-demand allocation of virtual asynchronous services interfaces
An on-demand allocation of virtual asynchronous services interface adapters is provided. A determination is made as to whether an operation request requires that a set of virtual I/O service partitions have a required number of virtual asynchronous services interface adapters. If a required number of virtual asynchronous services interface adapters is required, a determination is made as to whether the set of virtual I/O service partitions have the required number of virtual asynchronous services interface adapters. Responsive to a failure to have the required number of virtual asynchronous services interface adapters, a set of new virtual asynchronous services interface adapters is defined in partition management firmware and in the set of virtual I/O service partitions. The set of new virtual asynchronous services interface adapters is configured in the set of virtual I/O service partitions and the operation is issued to the set of virtual I/O service partitions. |
| US08201162B2 |
Software updating system, software updating method, and software updating program
A user terminal obtains a version information file from a first server when activating its application software. If a version-up or updating of the existing application software is determined necessary on the basis of the version information file, the terminal obtains an update compression file corresponding to its own version of software from a second server storing the most up-to-date applications, uncompresses a compressed file so as to overwrite an existing application software therewith, and deletes unnecessary files that are not listed on the version information file. |
| US08201158B2 |
System and program product for implementing single threaded optimizations in a potentially multi-threaded environment
Under the present invention, program code is examined (statically or dynamically) for characteristics indicative of a potential to generate multiple threads. If none are found, single threaded optimization(s) such as desynchronization, optimization of globals, etc., can be implemented. In addition, if the program code is later revealed to have the potential to generate multiple threads, the single threaded optimization(s) can be corrected to avoid incorrect execution. |
| US08201157B2 |
Dependency checking and management of source code, generated source code files, and library files
An Integrated Design Environment (IDE) includes an on-the-fly compiler. The IDE does a first compiler pass that review code for dependencies. In the first compiler pass, the IDE compiles source files, where files having any unresolved types or errors are marked for a second pass recompilation. The IDE does a second compiler pass that does a multithreaded compilation of the code in an order determined using the dependencies. In the second compiler pass, any file that uses the files compiled in the first pass are recompiled. Additionally, any files marked for unresolved types or errors are also recompiled. |
| US08201156B1 |
Automatic generation of message IDS
Associating a message identifier with a message is disclosed. The message is specified in a program code. It is determined whether the message specified in the program code matches an entry of a message catalog. A message identifier is associated with the message automatically based at least in part on the determination. |
| US08201151B2 |
Method and system for providing post-mortem service level debugging
A computer program product comprises a computer useable medium. The computer useable medium has a computer readable program such that when the computer readable medium is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to configure an interceptor at a service invocation point corresponding to a component service of a software application. Further, the computer is caused to record, at the interceptor, data in a trace file. The data is associated with a service invocation at the service invocation point. Finally, the computer is caused to provide the trace file to a service level debugger that navigates through the trace file. |
| US08201150B2 |
Evaluating software test coverage
A computer-implementable method, system and computer media are presented for calculating software test coverage of a Graphical User Interface (GUI). In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: detecting an activation of a monitored active area in a GUI; recording the activation and a name of a user who activated the monitored active area; recording an order of any prior and subsequent activations of active areas in the GUI, wherein the prior and subsequent activations are performed prior to and subsequent to the activation of the monitored active area; recording any errors associated with the activation of the monitored active area; recording a total number of times that the monitored active area was activated during a pre-determined test period; and creating a report that describes test results for the monitored active area. |
| US08201147B2 |
Generic XAD processing model
Embodiments are directed to dynamically building software applications and dynamically updating software applications based on changed data values. In one embodiment, a computer system receives an indication that a software application is to be initiated. The computer system also receives an application description including tags describing software objects that are to be included in the software application, automatically maps portions of the application description identified by the tags to software objects using reflection, where the reflecting includes accessing properties associated with the software objects, and automatically binds properties of the software objects to the portions of the application description based declarative rules included in the software object properties associated with the software object. |
| US08201145B2 |
System and method for workflow-driven data storage
Programs, systems and methods are described for efficiently storing data as used under a workflow-driven model. A workflow process is defined to control the processing of data objects through different states, e.g., such as an insurance claim document passing through different stages of processing. The workflow process is modeled and employed to manage the storage system based upon predicted state changes derived from state statistics that can be applied to enhance efficiency. For example, copies of the data object may be automatically made when the data object is expected to change state. Some anticipated states implicating high access may direct a storage location with low access time. Hints or requirements for the data object may be applied upon occurrence of an expected state change. Storage management of expected state changes may be further enhanced through dynamic adjustment of the state statistics using collected historical state information to further enhance efficiency. |
| US08201144B2 |
Method and system for distributing software components
The present invention is directed to a method and system for distributing software components. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a distribution hierarchy is established. The distribution hierarchy includes nodes associated with software components. A distribution path in the distribution hierarchy may be determined. The distribution path includes one or more of the nodes that are associated with a particular software application. One or more of software components may be distributed in accordance with the determined distribution path. |
| US08201143B2 |
Dynamic mating of a modified user interface with pre-modified user interface code library
Mating of a modified user interface to existing user interface code is provided. When a user interface is modified, a pseudo code representation of the modified user interface is generated. At application runtime, the pseudo code representation is passed to a user interface render engine that is modified to parse the pseudo code representation to generate a representation of the modified user interface that may be processed by the render engine for rendering the modified user interface for display. A generic code library is generated for receiving events from the modified user interface and for passing the received events to proper event handlers in the existing code library without the need to modify the existing code library in response to modifying the user interface. |
| US08201141B2 |
Apparatus and method for creating control code for home network appliance according to resolution of control device
An apparatus and a method for creating a control code for a home network appliance according to resolution of a control device which can automatically create a control code for a home network appliance according to the resolution of the control device and can perform a testing of the device even in the case in which the home network appliance is not bound. The apparatus includes a first receiving unit to receive a first HTML file that provides a graphic user interface composed of fragmented images, a resource management unit to create a pseudo code that defines a matching relation between an image ID of the image and a behavior function for controlling the home network appliance or collecting a state of the home network appliance, a user interface (UI) code creating unit to create a second HTML file on which the matching relation is reflected with reference to the created pseudo code, and a script code creating unit to create a script code that is called by the second HTML file to control the home network appliance or collect the state of the home network appliance. |
| US08201137B1 |
Method and apparatus for AMS simulation of integrated circuit design
A method to create an integrated circuit that includes digital and analog components comprising: displaying on a computer system display, user input to the computer system that specifies parameter information to determine a binding between an analog circuit design component and a digital circuit design component; saving the user specified parameter information within a file that also specifies at least a portion of the analog circuit design; associating the analog circuit design component a first design block of an integrated circuit that also includes a second digital design block coupled to the first design block; using parameter information to determine a binding between the first analog circuit design component and the first digital circuit design component; saving the determined binding in computer readable storage media. |
| US08201136B2 |
CAD apparatus, method, and computer product for designing printed circuit board
In a computer aided design (CAD) apparatus, an association-data acquiring unit acquires association data that defines an association between pins of a first connector and those of a second connector to be connected to the first connector, and an assignment of signals to the pins. A part-information acquiring unit acquires information including a symbol of the first connector. A layout-condition acquiring unit acquires a layout condition to lay out the symbol of the first connector on a circuit diagram. A circuit diagram creating/updating unit lays out the symbol of the first connector on the circuit diagram based on the layout condition, and adds a net name indicating a signal assigned to each of the pins to the symbol. |
| US08201135B2 |
Printed circuit board layout system and method thereof
A method for managing error information of a printed circuit board layout system is provided. The system provides an error file recording names of all the errors to be displayed in wiring diagrams, generates wiring diagram files, outputs a first user interface showing one wiring diagram. Each of the wiring diagram files includes an attribute table for describing error information. The attribute table comprises the names and the set of coordinates. The method comprises obtaining the error file and the attribute table, outputting a second user interface comprising a first display area and a second display area, outputting the name in the first display area, analyzing the obtained attribute table to provide a classifying table. Then outputting one selected name and at least one set of coordinates corresponding to the one selected name in the second display area according to the classifying table. A related system is also provided. |
| US08201131B2 |
Generating test patterns having enhanced coverage of untargeted defects
Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for generating test patterns having an increased ability to detect untargeted defects. In one exemplary embodiment, for instance, one or more deterministic test values for testing targeted faults (e.g., stuck-at faults or bridging faults) in an integrated circuit design are determined. Additional test values that increase detectability of one or more untargeted defects during testing are determined. One or more test patterns are created that include at least a portion of the deterministic test values and at least a portion of the additional test values. Computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods or comprising test patterns generated by any of the disclosed embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08201129B2 |
PLD architecture for flexible placement of IP function blocks
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a hole is formed within an LE array of a PLD by interrupting the LE array base signal routing architecture such that a hole is left for IP function block to be incorporated. An interface region is provided for interfacing the remaining LE array base signal routing architecture to the IP function block. |
| US08201127B1 |
Method and apparatus for reducing clock signal power consumption within an integrated circuit
A method is provided whereby a placement-based cost function is utilized to minimize leakage and dynamic power that is consumed by clock networks implemented within integrated circuits (ICs) such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). An initial placement of clock signal loads is analyzed to determine whether an alternative placement of clock signal loads results in the reduction of the usage of vertical clock spines, or equivalently, the optimization of the cost function. Several desirable characteristics are obtained through strategic clock signal load placement within the FPGA in accordance with the cost function. First, the number of clock regions spanned by a particular clock signal is minimized. Second, interconnect capacitance within the clock region is also minimized. By minimizing the total capacitance of a particular clock network implemented within a clock region, the leakage and dynamic power consumed by the clock network within the clock region is also minimized. |
| US08201126B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing hardware assisted placement
A method for designing a system on a target device is disclosed. A first plurality of components in the system are assigned to be placed by an computer aided design (CAD) tool based on a criterion. A second plurality of components in the system are assigned to be placed by a hardware placement unit based on the criterion. Placement results from the CAD tool and the hardware placement unit are used to generate a placement solution for the system on the target device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08201122B2 |
Computing resistance sensitivities with respect to geometric parameters of conductors with arbitrary shapes
A computer system selects a shape included in an integrated circuit's layout file, and then selects a first contact and a second contact located on the shape. Next, the computer system computes a nominal resistance between the first contact and the second contact based upon a nominal boundary of the shape, and then computes an adjoint system vector based upon a perturbed boundary of the shape. Using the adjoint system vector, the computer system computes a resistance sensitivity between the first contact and the second contact. In turn, the computer system simulates the integrated circuit using the computed nominal resistance and the computed resistance sensitivity. |
| US08201119B2 |
Formal equivalence checking between two models of a circuit design using checkpoints
Some embodiments of the present invention provide techniques and systems for determining whether a high-level model (HLM) for a circuit design is equivalent to a register-transfer-level (RTL) model for the circuit design. During operation, a system can identify a set of checkpoints. Each checkpoint can be associated with a characteristic function defined over the states of a finite-state-machine (FSM) representation of the HLM, a characteristic function defined over the states of an FSM representation of the RTL model, and an invariant defined over a set of variables in the HLM and a set of registers in the RTL model. Next, the system can generate a set of invariant proof problems, wherein each invariant proof problem corresponds to a transition between two checkpoints in the set of checkpoints. The system can then determine whether the HLM is equivalent to the RTL model by solving the set of invariant proof problems. |
| US08201118B2 |
Method and system for dynamic automated hint generation for enhanced reachability analysis
Methods and systems are provided for dynamically generating a hint set for enhanced reachability analysis in a sequential circuitry design that is represented by a Binary Decision Diagram (BDD). After determining a ranking of the BDD variables, they are sorted in the order of the ranking. The ranking is used to select some of the variables for use in creating hints for more efficiently performing the reachability analysis in a creating an equivalent sequential circuitry design. |
| US08201109B2 |
Methods and graphical user interfaces for editing on a portable multifunction device
Methods and graphical user interfaces for editing on a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display are disclosed. While displaying an application interface of an application, the device detects a multitouch edit initiation gesture on the touch screen display. In response to detection of the multitouch edit initiation gesture, the device displays a plurality of user-selectable edit option icons in an area of the touch screen display that is independent of a location of the multitouch edit initiation gesture. The device also displays a start point object and an end point object to select content displayed by the application in the application interface. |
| US08201102B2 |
Opaque views for graphical user interfaces
A system and method of rendering a graphical user interface for a media based device which employs techniques for layering graphical elements. The method includes providing a background layer for the graphical user interface and graphical layers over the background layer. The method also superimposing an opaque view over a portion of the translucent graphic layer and marking the opaque view as opaque so that the portion of the translucent layer is not redrawn when the content in the opaque view is altered. |
| US08201099B1 |
Method and system for rendering and interacting with an adaptable computing environment
An adaptable computing environment is implemented with software entities termed “s-machines”, which self-assemble into hierarchical data structures capable of rendering and interacting with the computing environment. A hierarchical data structure includes a first hierarchical s-machine bound to a second hierarchical s-machine. The first hierarchical s-machine is associated with a first layer of a rendering region on a display screen and the second hierarchical s-machine is associated with a second layer of the rendering region overlaying at least a portion of the first layer. A screen element s-machine is linked to the first hierarchical s-machine. The screen element s-machine manages data associated with a screen element rendered to the display screen within the rendering region at the first layer. |
| US08201096B2 |
Browsing or searching user interfaces and other aspects
User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a first display area for display representations of documents matching a search query, the first display area configured to display content of the documents which can have a plurality of different types of content including at least one of text-based content and a folder, and displaying a second display area for selecting a selected document to be displayed in the first display area. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08201094B2 |
Method and apparatus for collaborative graphical creation
An approach is provided for performing collaborative graphical creation. It is determined that a plurality of modifications are made within a collaborative environment to an area of an image. The modifications are initiated by a plurality of members of a social network service. A conflict rule specified by the social network service is retrieved. One of the modifications is selected based on the conflict rule. |
| US08201087B2 |
Spell-check for a keyboard system with automatic correction
An adaptation of standard edit distance spell-check algorithms leverages probability-based regional auto-correction algorithms and data structures for ambiguous keypads and other predictive text input systems to provide enhanced typing correction and spell-check features. Strategies for optimization and for ordering results of different types are also provided. |
| US08201082B1 |
Dynamic generation of documents
A system and methods for dynamically generating electronic documents, such as web pages or XML documents, provides increased program parallelism and reduced document generation times. In one embodiment, two separate threads are used: a first thread that processes a document template, and a second thread that handles requests for data. Also disclosed are methods for selectively combining particular data requests for transmission on a network. |
| US08201081B2 |
Systems and methods for processing inoperative document links
A server computer performs multiple operations in response to a user-identified inoperative document link. The server computer extracts one or more query terms from the user-identified document link. At least one of the query terms is different from the user-identified document link. The server computer searches a set of operative document links for one or more candidate document links in accordance with the user-identified document link. The server computer queries a cached document server for a document link to a cached copy of a document corresponding to the user-identified document link. The server computer returns at least one of the extracted query terms, the candidate document links, and the document link to the cached copy to the client computer. |
| US08201080B2 |
Systems and methods for augmenting audio/visual broadcasts with annotations to assist with perception and interpretation of broadcast content
Systems and methods are provided for augmenting audio/visual broadcasts (e.g., movies) with non-textual annotations that are designed to assist an individual to interpret or otherwise understand the content of the audio/visual broadcast. For example, the non-textual annotations can be in the form of visual cues, audio cues, tactile cues, olfactory cues, and/or other types of non-textual cues that assist persons with certain types of sensory deficiencies or cognitive disabilities to understand and interpret the content of a broadcast. |
| US08201079B2 |
Maintaining annotations for distributed and versioned files
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for maintaining annotations for changing source documents are provided. For some embodiments, an annotation system may support multiple policies, with each policy dictating how (or if) an annotation created for a version of a source document should be applied to subsequent versions of the source document. For some embodiments, a user creating an annotation may select from a group of available policies to be applied to the annotation. For some embodiments, policies may be enforced when annotated documents are checked into a content management system used to manage the annotated documents. |
| US08201077B2 |
Methods and systems for imaging device form generation and form field data management
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and devices for modifying and managing form documents with an application that receives input from an imaging device user interface and from other sources. Some aspects relate to an input field definition file that obtained or generated at a device that is remote to the imaging device and which comprises display parameters and UI options for prompting a user for field input and as well as instructions for obtaining field data from other sources. |
| US08201076B2 |
Capturing symbolic information from documents upon printing
An MMR system for publishing comprises a plurality of mobile devices, an MMR gateway, an MMR matching unit, and an MMR publisher. A computer includes a document authoring application, plug-in, and printer driver. The MMR matching unit receives an image query from the MMR gateway and sends it to one or more of the recognition units to identify a result including a document, the page and the location on the page. The list of results and links are sent back to the MMR gateway for presentation on the mobile device. The present invention also includes a number of novel methods including a method for capturing symbolic information from documents and for capturing printer dll functions. |
| US08201075B2 |
Enhanced browser navigation
A method is provided for processing a Web page for display on a device in communication with a server when the Web page is selected by a user clicking on a hyperlink. The method comprises the following steps. Text associated with a link label of the hyperlink is stored. The stored text is used to identify a relevant portion of the Web page that is desired by the user. At least a portion of a Web page identified by a link destination of the hyperlink is retrieved. The relevant portion of the Web page is presented to the user. A computer readable medium comprising instructions for executing the method and a computing device configured to execute the instructions are also provided. |
| US08201074B2 |
Talking paper authoring tools
A range of unified software authoring tools for creating a talking paper application for integration in an end user platform are described herein. The authoring tools are easy to use and are interoperable to provide an easy and cost-effective method of creating a talking paper application. The authoring tools provide a framework for creating audio content and image content and interactively linking the audio content and the image content. The authoring tools also provide for verifying the interactively linked audio and image content, reviewing the audio content, the image content and the interactive linking on a display device. Finally, the authoring tools provide for saving the audio content, the video content and the interactive linking for publication to a manufacturer for integration in an end user platform or talking paper platform. |
| US08201071B2 |
Information transmission and reception
An information transmitting apparatus is described. An interface includes a first input for a valid data word, a second input for an information to be transmitted, and an output, wherein the interface provides the data word or a data word recognizable as an invalid data word at the output, depending on the information. Accordingly, an information receiving apparatus comprises an interface comprising an input for a data word and an output for an information, wherein the interface derives the information depending on whether the data word is a valid data word or an invalid data word. |
| US08201067B2 |
Processor error checking for instruction data
A method for processor error checking including receiving an instruction data, generating a pre-processing parity data based on the instruction data, maintaining the pre-processing parity data, processing the instruction data, generating a post-processing parity data based on the processed instruction data, checking for an error related to processing the instruction data by comparing the post-processing parity data to the pre-processing parity data, and transmitting an error signal that indicates the error related to processing the instruction data occurred if the post-processing parity data does not match the pre-processing parity data, wherein checking for the error related to processing the instruction data is performed without using a duplicate processing circuitry. |
| US08201059B2 |
Method and apparatus of encoding and decoding data using low density parity check code in a wireless communication system
A method of encoding data using low density parity check (LDPC) code defined by a m×n parity check matrix is disclosed. More specifically, the method includes encoding input source data using the parity check matrix, wherein the parity check matrix comprises a plurality of z×z sub-matrices of which row weights and column weights are ‘0’ or ‘1’. |
| US08201056B2 |
Anti-jamming piecewise coding method for parallel inference channels
An encoding of K blocks of information for transmission on N subchannels, responsive to a number of redundant blocks M, employs one of multiple check codes depending on the number of redundant blocks M and employs multiple processes for determining a code for the K blocks of information depending on the number of redundant blocks M and K blocks of information together. |
| US08201053B2 |
Dynamic electronic correction code feedback to extend memory device lifetime
Unrecoverable electronic correction code (ECC) errors in memory storage devices are usually preceded by recoverable ECC errors. A memory storage device controller is provided notice of the recoverable errors and associated information. The memory storage device controller can cause the data having the recoverable information to be rewritten on the memory storage device. Rewriting the data on the memory storage device (often in a different location) normally reduces the probability of encountering data with unrecoverable data errors. |
| US08201050B2 |
Broadcast transmitting system and method of processing broadcast data in the broadcast transmitting system
A broadcast transmitting system and a method of processing broadcast data in the broadcast transmitting system are disclosed. Herein, the broadcast transmitting system includes a group formatting unit for mapping mobile service data into at least one region of a plurality of regions within a data group and adding a plurality of known data sequences to the data group, a deinterleaver for deinterleaving data in the data group, a first multiplexer for multiplexing mobile service data packets including the deinterleaved data with main service data packets including main service data, an interleaver for interleaving data in the multiplexed data packets, a trellis encoding unit for trellis encoding the interleaved data, a second multiplexer for multiplexing the trellis-encoded data with segment synchronization data and field synchronization data, and a modulator for modulating a broadcast signal including the multiplexed data. |
| US08201048B2 |
Method for a general near optimal turbo code trellis termination
A method of terminating two or more constituent encoders of a turbo encoder employing a turbo code, comprising the step of: generating tail input bits at each of two or more constituent encoders, including deriving the tail input bits from each of the two or more constituent encoders separately from a contents of shift registers within each of the two or more constituent encoders, after an encoding of information bits by the two or more constituent encoders; puncturing one or more tail output bits such that 1/R output tail bits are transmitted for each of a plurality of trellis branches, wherein R is a turbo code rate employed by the turbo encoder during an information bit transmission. In yet another variation, the step of puncturing the tail output bits further comprises the step of: transmitting, during trellis termination, the tail output bits, only if they are sent from an output branch of one of the two or more constituent encoders that are used during information bit transmission. |
| US08201045B2 |
System and method for trellis decoding in a multi-pair transceiver system
A method and a system for decoding information signals encoded in accordance with a multi-state encoding scheme and transmitted over a multi-dimensional transmission channel by computing a distance of a received word from a codeword. One-dimensional (1D) input signals are processed in a pair of symbol decoders, implemented as look-up tables, to produce a pair of 1D errors, with each representing a distance metric between the input signal and a symbol in one of two disjoint symbol-subsets. The 1D errors are combined based on the multi-state encoding scheme in order to produce a set of multi-dimensional error terms. Each of the multi-dimensional error terms corresponds to a distance between a received word and a nearest codeword. |
| US08201043B2 |
Method for selecting PMI for non-adaptive HARQ operation in a MIMO wireless communication system
A method for efficiently acquiring precoding information and transmitting an uplink signal using the precoding information in a User Equipment (UE) in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) scheme is disclosed. The UE receives from a Base Station (BS) a scheduling grant signal including precoding matrix information to be used for an uplink signal transmission from the UE, precodes an uplink signal using the precoding matrix information included in the received scheduling grant signal, and transmits the precoded uplink signal initially to the BS. When retransmitting the uplink signal, if a scheduling grant signal is not received for the retransmission from the BS, the uplink signal is precoded and retransmitted using precoding matrix information included in a latest scheduling grant signal received for transmission of an uplink signal having a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) process number equal to an HARQ process number of the uplink signal to be retransmitted. |
| US08201039B2 |
Combining grant, acknowledgement, and rate control commands
Embodiments disclosed herein address the need in the art for reduced overhead control with the ability to adjust transmission rates as necessary. In one aspect, a first signal indicates an acknowledgement of a decoded subpacket and whether or not a rate control command is generated, and a second signal conditionally indicates the rate control command when one is generated. In another aspect, a grant may be generated concurrently with the acknowledgement. In yet another aspect, a mobile station monitors the first signal, conditionally monitors the second signal as indicated by the first signal, and may monitor a third signal comprising a grant. In yet another aspect, one or more base stations transmit one or more of the various signals. Various other aspects are also presented. These aspects have the benefit of providing the flexibility of grant-based control while utilizing lower overhead when rate control commands are used, thus increasing system utilization, increasing capacity and throughput. |
| US08201036B2 |
IC with test and shadow access ports and output circuit
The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for providing a shadow access port within a device. The shadow access port is accessed to perform operations in the device by reusing the TDI, TMS, TCK and TDO signals that are used to operate a test access port within the device. The presence and operation of the shadow access port is transparent to the presence and operation of the test access port. According to the disclosure, the shadow access port operates on the falling edge of the TCK signal while the test access port conventionally operates on the rising edge of the TCK signal. |
| US08201034B2 |
Memory device and related testing method
A method for testing a memory device is disclosed. The method includes: respectively writing at least one test data into a plurality of storage blocks in the memory device such that a plurality of first time written test data are stored in the storage blocks; in a read with write back test mode, reading the first time written test data from the storage blocks in the memory device and writing the plurality of first time written test data into the storage blocks to generate a plurality of second time written test data; and in a compress test mode, reading the plurality of second time written test data from the storage blocks by a compress test operation and determining whether the memory device operates erroneously according to the plurality of second time written test data and the test data. |
| US08201033B2 |
Memory having an ECC system
An error correction code system for a memory is provided. The memory is provided with a parity array that is directly accessible. An embodiment of the error correction code system includes writing and reading test data directly to the parity array. The data read from the parity array is compared with the test data written to the parity array to detect errors. |
| US08201032B2 |
Generalized BIST for multiport memories
A generalized hardware architecture that supports built-in self testing (BIST) for a range of different computer memory configurations and a generalized BIST algorithm can be compiled, based on specified configuration characteristics (e.g., the number of write ports, the number of read ports, the number of entries, and the number of bits per entry in the computer memory), to generate the hardware design for a particular computer memory system. In one embodiment, the generalized hardware architecture includes a multiplexer block that enables a single BIST comparator to be multiplexed for use in performing BIST testing via different read ports of the computer memory. |
| US08201031B2 |
System and method for removing PDCCH detection errors in a telecommunications network
A system, method and node for unambiguous encoding of Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) channels in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) telecommunications system to remove detection errors. The method includes the step of modifying a size of a circular buffer by excluding at least one coded bit from the circular buffer. The circular buffer collects interleaved bits from a PDCCH payload having a plurality of bits. The PDCCH payload is encoded with a convolutional code. The bits of the PDCCH payload are then interleaved. The interleaved bits are collected into the modified circular buffer. The bits are then selected from the modified circular buffer for transmission. |
| US08201028B2 |
Systems and methods for computer equipment management
Various embodiments are directed to systems and method of monitoring computer equipment. For example, a plurality of computer equipment parameters may be monitored. Also, an anomaly in at least one of the plurality of computer equipment parameters may be detected and an alert interface may be generated. The alert interface may comprise an indication of a first piece of computer equipment exhibiting the anomaly; an animation of the computer equipment parameter exhibiting the anomaly over a period of time including the anomaly; and a power impact analysis indicating other pieces of computer equipment that would be affected by a failure of the first piece of computer equipment. |
| US08201025B2 |
Debug messaging with selective timestamp control
A data processing system having debug message generation uses processor circuitry to perform a plurality of processor operations. Global control circuitry is coupled to the processor circuitry. Debug circuitry is coupled to the global control circuitry for generating debug messages corresponding to predetermined processor operations. Message generation logic provides debug messages which selectively include a timestamp field providing information as to when a debug message is generated. Debug control circuitry is coupled to the global control circuitry and the message generation logic and has a timestamp control register. For each of a plurality of debug message types, the timestamp control register selectively enables or disables appending a timestamp to the debug message for that type of debug message. Enable logic is coupled to the timestamp control register for enabling or disabling the timestamp control register based on detecting a selected event in the data processing system. |
| US08201023B2 |
Test optimization
A method for optimizing tests of a software application. The method includes determining a test run time for each test of a plurality of tests of a software application; and dividing the tests into a plurality of test groups. The method further includes assigning a worker system of a plurality of worker systems to each test group; and causing the worker systems to run the tests. |
| US08201021B1 |
Method and apparatus for efficiently creating backup files with less redundancy
A method of creating backup files having less redundancy. The method creates a backup file by creating an overhead segment for each file that is to be backed up and creating a data segment containing the data that is to be backed up for each file. After creating the overhead segment and the data segment, the overhead segment is placed into an overhead stream data segment is stored in memory. The overhead segment is also positioned in the overhead stream with a pointer that identifies the data segment within the memory. For backups of subsequent servers or the same server at a later time, the backup software will create a separate overhead stream. However, a plurality of overhead streams may contain pointers to the same data segments such that redundant data segments do not need to be stored in a backup server. |
| US08201015B2 |
Control card circuit and method for selecting a synchronization source among a plurality of line card circuits
A method and apparatus for handling, maintaining, and controlling network synchronization information emanating from a plurality of line card circuits is described. The technique described may be applied to a redundant pair of line card circuits, where one line card circuit is active, while the other is inactive. Line card activity latches are managed by means of hardware logic that may be configured at the time of line card commissioning. The activity latches are coupled to a logic element. An incoming clock signal is applied to the logic element. If an activity latch indicates that a line card circuit is active, the logic element provides the incoming clock signal as an outgoing clock signal to a control card circuit. If the activity latch indicates that the line card circuit is inactive, the logic element blocks the incoming clock signal from being passed and provides a static output level as the outgoing clock signal to the control card circuit. The control card circuit is provided with circuitry to receive the outgoing clock signals from multiple line card circuits. The circuitry is sensitive to whether or not the line card circuits are configured for redundant operation. One or more of these clock signals are then selected and used for network synchronization. |
| US08201009B2 |
Computer management and power backup system and device
A computer power backup system and device are provided. When power to a computer system is lost, a battery backup unit provides power to the computer system for a while, allowing a power management control to send out an alert to an enterprise client so as to urge immediate action. If the power outage persists without being solved, and the power management control detects insufficient power in a battery of the battery backup unit, the power management control will store data in a storage device automatically and safely and then shut down the computer system. When power is restored, the power management control turns on the computer system automatically and begins charging the battery of the battery backup unit. Through the above operation, the integrity and safety of data in the computer system are secured. |
| US08201007B2 |
Fine grain non-intrusive distributed information technology infrastructure power management system
A power management system includes a power management agent and a computing device comprising a CPU, memory, persistent storage, operating system, and communication mechanism. A power management server communicates with the communication mechanism using a secure communication protocol, communicates with the power management agent when the agent is in the connected mode, and provides a non-intrusiveness monitoring function. The power management agent operates in both a connected and disconnected mode, and maintains a list of applications, tasks, and activities and their dependency on power manageable components in the device. An application control framework defines a non-intrusiveness of a device for every application on the device and a usage of the device to allow fine grain control of the device. A management station sends a set of monitoring commands to at least one agent to monitor the intrusiveness of a power management function on the device without enforcing any power management. |
| US08201002B2 |
Control system and control method for saving power by activating power supplies with shortest recorded power supply times
A control system for saving power in an electronic device obtains information of maximum power that can be supplied to the electronic device by each power supply, detects how much power is demanded by the electronic device, determines minimum number of the plurality of power supplies, based on the detected power demanded by the electronic device, and turns on power supplies, of which the number is equal to the determined minimum number, and turn off the other power supplies. |
| US08200995B2 |
Information processing system and power-save control method for use in the system
A technique for determining task allocation for reducing power consumption of an entire system is disclosed. This system includes physical computers, a cooling apparatus for cooling the physical computers, and a power-saving control server for controlling the physical computers and cooling apparatus. The power-saving control server includes a virtual server layout generator which sets up a plurality of sets of task allocations with respect to the physical computers, a server power calculator for calculating power consumption of the physical computers in each task allocation, a physical computer profile used to estimate a heat release amount of the physical computers in each task allocation, a cooling power calculator which computes power consumption of the cooling apparatus, and a virtual server relocator which determines a task allocation with a total of calculated values of the server/cooling power calculators being minimized to be the optimum task allocation for the physical computers. |
| US08200994B2 |
Image processing apparatus operable using multiple clocks
An aspect of the invention provides an image processing apparatus that processes image data on the basis of received data, the image processing apparatus comprising: a CPU operatable on multiple CPU clocks; a selecting unit configured to select a first CPU clock on the basis of an operation mode of the image processing apparatus and processing state information on the image processing apparatus; and a changing unit configured to change a second CPU clock to the first CPU clock selected by the selecting unit. |
| US08200992B2 |
Parallel processing computer systems with reduced power consumption and methods for providing the same
This invention provides a computer system architecture and method for providing the same which can include a web page search node including a web page collection. The system and method can also include a web server configured to receive, from a given user via a web browser, a search query including keywords. The node is caused to search pages in its own collection that best match the search query. A search page returner may be provided which is configured to return, to the user, high ranked pages. The node may include a power-efficiency-enhanced processing subsystem, which includes M processors. The M processors are configured to emulate N virtual processors, and they are configured to limit a virtual processor memory access rate at which each of the N virtual processors accesses memory. The memory accessed by each of the N virtual processors may be RAM. In select embodiments, the memory accessed by each of the N virtual processors includes DRAM having a high capacity yet lower power consumption then SRAM. |
| US08200987B2 |
Dynamic object-level code translation for improved performance of a computer processor
A system and method for improving the efficiency of an object-level instruction stream in a computer processor. Translation logic for generating translated instructions from an object-level instruction stream in a RISC-architected computer processor, and an execution unit which executes the translated instructions, are integrated into the processor. The translation logic combines the functions of a plurality of the object-level instructions into a single translated instruction which can be dispatched to a single execution unit as compared with the untranslated instructions, which would otherwise be serially dispatched to separate execution units. Processor throughput is thereby increased since the number of instructions which can be dispatched per cycle is extended. |
| US08200986B2 |
Computer enabled secure status return
Computer related method and apparatus to transmit a logical value (e.g., 1 or 0) between two entities, such as an operating system and application program, in a secure way in an insecure environment. The logical status is sent by in effect encrypting it using two random numbers, one from each entity, before sending it to the other entity. However the encrypting is much “lighter” (requiring much less computer or circuit resources) than any conventional secure cipher and has a built-in verification feature. |
| US08200983B1 |
System and method for tamper-proofing executable binary assemblies
A method, system and computer program product for tamper-proofing an executable assembly, including identifying assembly-time constants in source code; encrypting the assembly-time constants during the assembly process using public key cryptography; and signing the executable assembly using a digital signature. The executable assembly, at run-time, decrypts the assembly-time constants using the digital signature. A hashing function, a compression function or a one-way cryptographic block function is used to encrypt the assembly-time constants. Different keys or the same keys can be used to launch the assembly and to encrypt the assembly-time variables. The assembly-time constants are placed into a heap prior to the encrypting step. The assembly-time constants include strings and databases. |
| US08200977B2 |
Group signature system, device, and program
A group signature system includes a group manager device, a signer device and a verifier device capable of communicating with each other, each device using a group signature scheme. The group manager device generates a group secret key, a group public key, a member secret key and a signer tracing information. The signer device generates an encrypted text data of the signer tracing information, and a zero-knowledge proof showing that the signer device knows the member secret key and the encrypted text data is correctly generated based on the signer tracing information. The signer device transmits, to the verifier device, a group signature composed of the encrypted text data and the zero knowledge proof, and the message. The verifier device verifies correctness of the group signature and transmits the verified result to the signer device. |
| US08200975B2 |
Digital signatures for network forms
Systems and/or methods enabling an individual to digitally sign data using an identifier where the data being digitally signed and the identifier are not accessed at the same location are described. In some cases, the systems and/or methods permit an individual to digitally sign data for an electronic document using an identifier inaccessible by a remote computer where the electronic document is rendered using view information from that remote computer. The systems and/or methods may also enable a network computer to send view information for, and a digital encoding of, an electronic document to a local computer effective to enable the local computer to digitally sign the electronic document by signing the digital encoding of electronic document. |
| US08200974B1 |
Method and system for securely exchanging encryption key determination information
A system and method for securely exchanging plurality of information items used to generate a plurality of encryption keys used in a public key-and-private key system. In accordance with the principles of the invention, elements of exchanged information items, such as public key and synchronizing indictors are encrypted before the exchange. The information item element is encrypted using an encryption key determined from information items that were previously exchanged. The encryption of information items used to determine subsequent encryption keys provides additional security to the encryption key used in the transmission of informational data as the encrypted elements of the information item must be decrypted before the data message encryption key can be decrypted. The process of exchanging encrypted information items can be repeated until an agreed upon number of encrypting keys is determined. |
| US08200972B2 |
Encryption of security-sensitive data by re-using a connection
Techniques are provided for processing data. Connections having different security properties are stored, wherein each of the connections allows applications at the client computer to access data sources at a server computer. A request is received from an application to access a data source, wherein the request has associated security properties. In response to the client computer requesting establishment of a connection on behalf of the application, it is determined whether there is a stored connection that used a same set of security properties as are associated with the request from the application and that connected to the data source that the application requests access to. In response to determining that there is a stored connection that used the same set of security properties and that connected to the data source, the connection and an associated client encryption seed, client encryption token, server encryption seed, and server encryption token are re-used. In response to determining that there is not a connection that used the same set of security properties and that connected to the data source, a new client connection key, client encryption seed, client encryption token, sever connection key, server encryption seed, and server encryption token are generated. |
| US08200971B2 |
Method for the provision of a network service
Methods and systems provide for sharing information between computer networks in which the information to be shared is required at one location (e.g. for the provision of a data-processing service) but is only available at a separate location. The information may be deliberately absent (e.g. for privacy reasons) or may be unavailable as an artifact of the computer network(s) involved. For the provision of a data-processing service, where several different devices on one network may service contiguous requests from a client device on another network according to a load-balancing strategy, data is propagated once only through the service network. Network communication software is subsequently amended to provide the minimal information necessary for a device on the service network to retrieve the information pertinent to the client device and necessary for its service. Therefore, a web-based single sign-on scheme can operate over HTTP to authorize data-processing services, such as web-filtering services. |
| US08200970B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing replay attack in wireless network environment
A method for preventing a replay attack is provided. A prime number is mutually exchanged between a main node and children nodes. The main node generates a Prime Sequence Code Matrix (PSCM) corresponding to the prime number, notifies the children nodes of sequence orders corresponding to the children nodes. The main node selects an arbitrary value of a Prime Sequence Code-1 (PSC1) among a series of values corresponding to an arbitrary node in the PSCM. The arbitrary node computes a Prime Sequence Code-2 (PSC2) subsequent to receiving the PSC1 using a sequence order received from the main node and the prime number. The PSC2 is transmitted to the main node. The main node compares the received PSC2 with the PSCM. The method can be easily applied by supplementing a weakness for a replay attack on the basis of an IEEE 802.15-4-2006 standard and minimizing system load. |
| US08200969B2 |
Data verification by challenge
An embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus and method for data verification by challenge. The apparatus and method perform acts including: sending a hash value of a data piece in a sender; if the hash value matches a stored hash value in a receiver, then sending a challenge from the receiver to the sender; sending a sample data set from the data piece in the sender, wherein the sample data set is determined by a window that is identified by the challenge; comparing the sample data set with a data set that is overlapped by the window for a stored data piece in the receiver; and performing a response based on the comparison of the sample data set and the stored data set that is overlapped by the window for the stored data piece. |
| US08200965B2 |
Storage system for data encryption
A storage system including a host interface connected via a network to a host computer; a disk interface connected to a disk drive; a memory module that stores control information of a cache memory for an access to the disk drive and the storage system; a processor that controls the storage system; a network that interconnects the host interface, the disk interface, the memory module, and the processor; and an encryption module that encrypts data read/written by the host computer, in which the processor reads data from an area of the disk drive from the memory module, decrypts the read data with a corresponding encryption key, encrypts the decrypted data with a different encryption key, and writes the encrypted data in a different area. |
| US08200957B1 |
Using SYN-ACK cookies within a TCP/IP protocol
A method, apparatus, and system are directed toward managing a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) handshake. A SYN-ACK cookie is determined based on a cryptographic operation using a secret key and at least one network characteristic. The SYN-ACK cookie is provided in a SYN message's field. The SYN message is sent from a client to a server. Another sequence number based on the received SYN-ACK cookie is included in a SYN-ACK message. The SYN-ACK message is sent to and received by the client. The other sequence number is validated based on the secret key to generate at least another network characteristic. A TCP/IP connection is established if the network characteristic matches the other network characteristic. In one embodiment, the component sending the SYN message may be a different component than the component receiving the SYN-ACK message. In this embodiment, the secret key may be shared between the two components. |
| US08200952B2 |
Platform authentication via a transparent second factor
Firmware of a system is configured to allow secondary devices, such as a smart card, to be used for authentication. In an example embodiment, the secondary device is a CCID smart card in compliance with the ISO 7816 specification. The smart card is inserted into a card reader coupled to the system prior to booting the system. The firmware comprises an emulator and driver configured to allow authentication information from the smart card to be utilized to allow execution of the boot process. In an example embodiment, the smart card comprises external keys for use with BITLOCKER™. The secondary device is compatible with systems implementing a BIOS and with systems implementing EFI. Authentication also can be accomplished via devices that do not provide data storage, such as a biometric device or the like. |
| US08200951B2 |
System and method for efficiently performing bit-field extraction and bit-field combination operations in a processor
A system and method for efficiently performing bit-field extraction and bit-field combination operations in a processor is provided. The system includes a plurality of general purpose registers, a plurality of predicate registers, and at least one execution unit configured to extract a plurality of bit fields from a source reservoir and to populate a plurality of destination lanes in response to a single instruction. In addition, the execution unit is configured to write supplied fill data into the source reservoir if the number of bits in the source reservoir is less than a predetermined number. In addition or alternatively, the system may include at least one execution unit configured to combine a plurality of bit fields from a plurality of source lanes into a continuous bit stream in response to a single instruction executable by the processor. |
| US08200945B2 |
Vector unit in a processor enabled to replicate data on a first portion of a data bus to primary and secondary registers
A microprocessor includes a branch unit, a load/store unit (LSU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and a vector unit to execute a vector instruction. The vector unit includes a vector register file having a primary vector register and a secondary vector register. The processor preferably further includes a first data bus and a second data bus wherein the first and second data busses couple the vector unit to the data memory. The vector unit includes a first input multiplexer enabling data on the first data bus to be provided to the primary register file or the secondary register file and a second input multiplexer, independent of the first input multiplexer enabling data on the second data bus to be provided to the second data bus. The first and second data busses may comprise first and second portions of a data memory bus. |
| US08200936B2 |
Systems and methods for recording information to a memory card
A recording area of an information recording medium is divided into a plurality of management areas. In the case where one of the management areas is selected and first file data are requested to be written, the scalability of file data that are lastly written in the selected management area is determined. If the scalability is high, the file data are written in the next management area, and, if the scalability is low, the first file data are written in succession to the file data. |
| US08200934B2 |
Data transfer unit in multi-core processor
To reduce overhead of data transfer between processor cores and improve a processing capability of a processor, there is provided a processor including: a CPU for performing computing processing; an internal memory for storing data; and a data transfer unit for performing data transfer between the internal memory and a shared memory, in which: the data transfer unit includes: a command chain module for executing a command sequence formed of a plurality of commands including a data transfer instruction; and a monitor module for reading data set in advance in the internal memory and repeatedly monitoring the data until a comparative value and a value of the data become equal to each other, when one of the plurality of commands of the command sequence thus read is a predetermined command; and the command chain module executes a next command in the command sequence after the monitor module has finished monitoring. |
| US08200933B2 |
System and method for removing a storage server in a distributed column chunk data store
Assuring recovery from failure of a storage server in a distributed column chunk data store of operably coupled storage servers, includes: partitioning a data table into chunks; implementing a distribution scheme with a specified level of redundancy for recovery of one or more failed servers among multiple storage servers; distributing the column chunks according to the distribution scheme; calculating column chunk parity; storing the calculated column chunk parity; managing metadata for the column chunk data store; and updating the metadata for distributing the column chunks among remaining storage servers upon receiving an indication to remove a storage serve. |
| US08200928B2 |
Storage system and remote copy control method for storage system
A storage system maintains consistency of the stored contents between volumes even when a plurality of remote copying operations are executed asynchronously. A plurality of primary storage control devices and a plurality of secondary storage control devices are connected by a plurality of paths, and remote copying is performed asynchronously between respective first volumes and second volumes. Write data transferred from the primary storage control device to the secondary storage control device is held in a write data storage portion. Update order information, including write times and sequential numbers, is managed by update order information management portions. An update control portion collects update order information from each update order information management portion, determines the time at which update of each second volume is possible, and notifies each-update portion. By this means, the stored contents of each second volume can be updated up to the time at which update is possible. |
| US08200917B2 |
Multi-media processor cache with cache line locking and unlocking
The disclosure relates to techniques for locking and unlocking cache lines in a cache included within a multi-media processor that performs read-modify-write functions using batch read and write requests for data stored in either an external memory or an embedded memory. The techniques may comprise receiving a read request in a batch of read requests for data included in a section of a cache line and setting a lock bit associated with the section in response to the read request. When the lock bit is set, additional read requests in the batch of read requests are unable to access data in that section of the cache line. The lock bit may be unset in response to a write request in a batch of write requests to update the data previously read out from that section of the cache line. |
| US08200915B2 |
Management of very large streaming data sets for efficient writes and reads to and from persistent storage
A method to produce a reverse skip list data structure in a computer readable medium, comprising: inputting streamed data to packets created in a temporary memory so as to create a sequence of packets; upon completion of creation of a packet in the stream, transferring the completed packet from the temporary memory to persistent memory; providing each of a plurality of respective packets with a respective pointer that skips over at least one other packet in the packet sequence and that indicates a location in persistent memory of a different respective packet in the packet sequence that was transferred to persistent memory prior to such providing of the respective pointer. |
| US08200912B2 |
Multi-core device with optimized memory configuration
A multi-core device for a piece of electronic equipment includes at least two cores arranged to execute different software portions stored on a memory means. At least one of these cores is associated with a primary RAM that is part of the memory means and arranged for persistent storage without power consumption. |
| US08200910B2 |
Generating and issuing global shared memory operations via a send FIFO
A method for issuing global shared memory (GSM) operations from an originating task on a first node coupled to a network fabric of a distributed network via a host fabric interface (HFI). The originating task generates a GSM command within an effective address (EA) space. The task then places the GSM command within a send FIFO. The send FIFO is a portion of real memory having real addresses (RA) that are memory mapped to EAs of a globally executing job. The originating task maintains a local EA-to-RA mapping of only a portion of the real address space of the globally executing job. The task enables the HFI to retrieve the GSM command from the send FIFO into an HFI window allocated to the originating task. The HFI window generates a corresponding GSM packet containing GSM operations and/or data, and the HFI window issues the GSM packet to the network fabric. |
| US08200908B2 |
Method for debugger initiated coherency transactions using a shared coherency manager
A data processing system includes a system interconnect, a first interconnect master coupled to the system interconnect, a second interconnect master coupled to the system interconnect, and a cache coherency manager coupled to the first and second interconnect masters. The first interconnect master includes a cache. The cache coherency manager provides debug cache coherency operations and non-debug cache coherency operations to the first interconnect master. The cache coherency manager generates the debug cache coherency operations in response to debug cache coherency commands from a debugger and generates the non-debug cache coherency operations in response to transactions performed by the second interconnect master on the system interconnect. |
| US08200907B2 |
Compressed cache controller valid word status using pointers
An apparatus having a memory and a controller is disclosed. The memory may be configured to (i) store a plurality of cache lines, each of the cache line comprising a plurality of locations including a respective end location and (ii) accessing a particular one of the cache lines identified by a cache address signal. The controller may be configured to (i) buffer a plurality of line pointers, each of the line pointers identifying a respective boundary one of the locations in one of the cache lines and (ii) generate the cache address signal in response to a processor address signal hitting a given one of the locations residing between the respective boundary location and the respective end location. |
| US08200902B2 |
Cache device for coupling to a memory device and a method of operation of such a cache device
A cache device is provided for use in a data processing apparatus to store data values for access by an associated master device. Each data value has an associated memory location in a memory device, and the memory device is arranged as a plurality of blocks of memory locations, with each block having to be activated before any data value stored in that block can be accessed. The cache device comprises regular access detection circuitry for detecting occurrence of a sequence of accesses to data values whose associated memory locations follow a regular pattern. Upon detection of such an occurrence of a sequence of accesses by the regular access detection circuitry, an allocation policy employed by the cache to determine a selected cache line into which to store a data value is altered with the aim of increasing a likelihood that when an evicted data value output by the cache is subsequently written to the memory device, the associated memory location resides within an already activated block of memory locations. Hence, by detecting regular access patterns, and altering the allocation policy on detection of such patterns, this enables a reuse of already activated blocks within the memory device, thereby significantly improving memory utilization, thereby giving rise to both performance improvements and power consumption reductions. |
| US08200898B2 |
Storage apparatus and method for controlling the same
An apparatus includes a controller and a plurality of drives. The controller has a communication control unit for accepting a data input/output request, a controller unit for controlling a drive, and a cache memory for temporarily storing data transferred between the communication control unit and the controller unit. The plurality of drives has different communication interfaces and connected to the controller unit to communicate with the controller unit. |
| US08200888B2 |
Seek time emulation for solid state drives
Methods and apparatuses for delaying execution of input/output (I/O) requests for solid state drives are contemplated. Some embodiments comprise receiving I/O requests for a solid state drive and calculating amounts of time based on characteristics of the requests, such as differences of the logical block addresses (LBAs) of the requests. The embodiments may then delay responses by the solid state drive for the requests. Calculating the amounts of time and delaying the responses by the amounts of time may allow the solid state drives to emulate the responses of various types of hard disk drives. Some embodiments comprise an apparatus for delaying execution of the I/O requests for solid state drives. The apparatuses may have numerous modules, such as a request receiver to receive the I/O requests, a calculation module to calculate the amounts of delay times, and a delay module to delay the responses of the I/O requests. |
| US08200884B2 |
Reconfigurable memory module and method
A computer system includes a controller coupled to a plurality of memory modules each of which includes a memory hub and a plurality of memory devices divided into a plurality of ranks. The memory hub is operable to configure the memory module to simultaneously address any number of ranks to operate in a high bandwidth mode, a high memory depth mode, or any combination of such modes. |
| US08200883B2 |
Micro-tile memory interfaces
In one embodiment of the invention, a memory integrated circuit is provided including an address decoder to selectively access memory cells within a memory array; a mode register with bit storage circuits to store an enable bit and at least one sub-channel select bit; and control logic. The control logic is coupled to a plurality of address signal lines, the address decoder, and the mode register. In response to the enable bit and the at least one sub-channel select bit, the control logic selects one or more of the address signal lines to capture independent address information to support independent sub-channel memory accesses into the memory array. The control logic couples the independent address information into the address decoder. |
| US08200880B2 |
Shared system of I/O equipment, shared system of information processing apparatus, and method used thereto
An I/O equipment sharing system includes CPUs, a plurality of route complexes coupled to the CPUs, upstream PCI Express-bridges coupled to the route complexes, downstream PCI Express-bridges coupled to the upstream PCI Express-bridges through a network, and I/O equipment coupled to the downstream PCI Express-bridges. In the above configuration, the I/O equipment are shared between the CPUs using the identifiers of the network (for example, Ethernet VLAN IDs), the identifiers are set so that they do not overlap between the respective CPUs and necessary I/O equipment is set to a set identifier. Further, an identifier is set to a plurality of the same I/O equipment required by the respective CPUs. |
| US08200879B1 |
Memory interface including an efficient variable-width bus
A semiconductor device includes an interface controller for communication with a memory device over a communication link. The link includes a plurality of data lines for transmitting data. A plurality of bus width values are defined, each being a selectable number of data lines over which data are to be transmitted. The number of data lines is in the range between one and the number of the plurality of data lines. The interface controller is dynamically configurable to any of the defined bus width values, which becomes the current bus width. The transmission over each data line may be selectably in either direction. The transmission over all data lines corresponding to the current bus width may collectively carry, in at least one direction, command codes, memory addresses, and data in an intermixed manner. |
| US08200874B1 |
Method and apparatus for arbitration among multiple ports
A device has first circuitry and also second circuitry that includes an interface and command ports that can each receive commands from the first circuitry, each command requesting an information transfer through the interface. A technique relating to the device involves dynamically enabling and disabling at least one of the command ports under control of the first circuitry, and using a priority list specifying an order of priority for a group of the command ports to identify and cause a command to be accepted from the command port of highest priority that contains a command and is currently enabled. |
| US08200873B2 |
Editing system, computer, timing notice apparatus, computer program, and method for acquiring timing
An editing system in which a personal computer is easily configured as an editing apparatus that performs editing processing in synchronization with predetermined timing. According to the invention, a personal computer 2 transmits an acquisition command C1 to a timing notice apparatus 4 over a USB cable 3, as a result, the personal computer 2 receives a timing notice signal S2 transmitted from the timing notice apparatus 4 under frame timing over the USB cable 3. Thus, it becomes possible to notify the personal computer 2 of the frame timing as reception timing of the timing notice signal S2 by connecting the timing notice apparatus 4 to the personal computer 2 over the USB cable 3 without the need of troublesome works such as installing a PCI board in a main body of the personal computer 2, thereby realizing an editing system 1 in which the personal computer 2 is easily configured as an editing apparatus that performs editing processing in synchronization with predetermined timing. |
| US08200872B2 |
Method for deterministic SAS discovery and configuration
The present invention is directed to a method for deterministic Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) discovery and configuration. The method includes transmitting a Serial Management Protocol (SMP) DISCOVER Request from a node of a SAS domain to each expander of the SAS domain. The method further includes receiving SMP DISCOVER Responses at the node from each expander of the SAS domain. The method further includes comparing BROADCAST (CHANGE) RECEIVED (BCR) counts provided in each of the received SMP DISCOVER Responses to stored BCR counts, said stored BCR counts having been recorded and stored by the node prior to said transmitting of said SMP DISCOVER Request. The method further includes updating the stored BCR counts based upon said received BCR counts. The method further includes selectively transmitting a second SMP DISCOVER Request from the node to at least one, but not all of the expanders of the SAS domain. |
| US08200869B2 |
Storage system with alterable background behaviors
A method and apparatus associated with circuitry configured to perform a selected one of a plurality of different data integrity operations on stored data in relation to a manner in which the data are to be retrieved. In some embodiments a data storage device is partitioned into a plurality of partitions, and one of a plurality of different data integrity operations is performed on stored data in relation to which partition of the plurality of partitions the stored data is in. |
| US08200863B2 |
Device management apparatus, device management system, information management method, information management program and recording medium storing the program therein
A device management apparatus connected to one or more devices via a data transmission channel includes an input information holding unit for holding an input information group including one or more pieces of input information, each of which is to be connected to device information of a device; a device search unit for detecting the devices by a search; a device information acquiring unit for acquiring the device information from the devices; a cross-checking unit for cross-checking information items of the input information with those of the device information; and a registering and updating unit for performing data registration/update by, when the cross-checking unit determines that there is a common information item between the input information and the device information, connecting a piece of input information to the device information based on item entries of the common information item, and storing the connected information as registry management information. |
| US08200856B2 |
Flow control for universal serial bus (USB)
Techniques for performing flow control in Universal Serial Bus (USB) are described. In one design, a USB host sends token packets to a USB device to initiate data exchanges with the USB device. The USB device determines that it is incapable of exchanging data with the USB host, e.g., because there is no data to send or because its buffer is full or near full. The USB device then sends a “flow off” notification to the USB host to suspend data exchanges. The USB host receives the flow off notification and suspends sending token packets to the USB device. Thereafter, the USB device determines that it is capable of exchanging data with the USB host. The USB device then sends a “flow on” notification to the USB host to resume data exchanges. The USB host receives the flow on notification and resumes sending token packets to the USB device. |
| US08200854B2 |
Smart card driven device configuration changes
A smart card determines if the smart card has been inserted into a device, and retrieves a device identifier and at least one application configuration value from the device if the smart card has been inserted into the device. The smart card compares the retrieved device identifier and the at least one application configuration value with a device identifier and at least one application configuration value previously stored in the smart card. The smart card causes the retrieved device identifier and the at least one application configuration value to be sent to an Over The Air (OTA) server if the comparison indicates that the retrieved device identifier or the at least one application configuration value is different than the previously stored device identifier or the at least one application configuration value, so that the OTA server can supply application parameter changes to the mobile device for future device operation. |
| US08200850B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for ring network communication
Communication modules are coupled in a communication ring and are operable to send and receive data from peripheral devices. The modules are operable to send and receive data streams on paths of the ring, and each module is operable, responsive to receiving a predetermined initialization signal, to operate as a master for initially blocking data in the first path and initially sending a block signal to a neighboring module downstream in the second path. The modules are operable, responsive to receiving the block signal in one of the paths, to block data in that one of the paths, so that responsive to initialization of one of the modules as a master, the master and the neighboring module create an inactive virtual link therebetween in order to prevent data from propagating around the ring more than once. |
| US08200849B1 |
Model based network communications
In an implementation, a model executing at a target device may use networking services integrated within the model instead of using networking services of the operating system kernel. Latency and non-deterministic behavior associated with using networking services of the operating system kernel may be reduced. Computer-readable media may include instructions for compiling a model, that represents a design, for execution on a target computing device, the compiled model including one or more software components for directly communicating with a network adapter on the target computing device to handle network communications. The computer-readable media may additionally include instructions for transmitting the compiled model to the target computing device, the model, when executed, providing control over network communications at the target computing device. |
| US08200843B2 |
Method and device for establishing network connection service, and automatically switched optical network
A method for establishing a network connection service includes: initiating a request for establishing a network connection service from the user side of a source end to the user side of a sink end; a network ingress node and network egress node of the network connection service communicating through message exchange to determine a network connection between the two nodes for supporting the network connection service and a protocol adaptation stack from the user side to the network side in the network connection service; and the network ingress node and the network egress node establishing the network connection supporting the network connection service and configuring the adaptation stack, so as to establish the network connection service. With the invention, no manual configuration is needed, and it is possible to reduce the time delay in the connection establishment and facilitate multi-service transport under a multi-service transport network condition. |
| US08200835B2 |
Method for transmitting data from an emitter to a plurality of receivers
A method is provided for transmitting data from a sender to a number of receivers. Also provided are an emitting and/or receiving unit and a communication system. The present invention seeks to provide a method, an emitting and/or receiving unit and a communication system for the efficient, resource saving and energy saving transmission of data to a group of receivers of a point-to-multipoint service. To this end, a point-to-multipoint service is carried out as an extension of a broadcast service CBS in a multi-layer protocol system, providing a multimedia transmission and/or a multicast service, preferably in the form of a multimedia broadcast/multicast service MBMS, during the distribution and/or planning of the use of system resources and the use of a discontinuous reception DRX. |
| US08200831B2 |
Fast setup response prediction
Mechanisms are provided to accelerate Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) setup messages. A client transmits an RTSP request to a server. The server responds to the request and preemptively responds with acknowledgements for messages not yet received. For example, a server responds to an RTSP describe message with an RTSP describe acknowledgement, an RTSP setup acknowledgement, and an RTSP play response before setup and play messages are received by the server or even transmitted by the client. The client processes the anticipatory responses and transmits setup and play responses when the anticipatory responses are processed. |
| US08200814B2 |
System and method for analyzing and coordinating service-level-agreements (SLA) for application-service-providers (ASP)
The present invention describes a system for automatically monitoring and managing Service Level Agreements on behalf of Service providers (such as Application Service providers). The system is based on a specialized SLA language that can translate complex or simple Service Level Agreements into measurable and controllable criterion. The system enables Application Service providers to set up customized Service Level Agreements with customers, and monitor, modify and control all aspects of these agreements, including billing, sales, Customer Relation Management, customer support and Quality of Service. The technology on which the present invention is based is a formula driven language that translates Service Level Agreement details into commands. As such these details can be tracked and processed to produce detailed reports and summaries. |
| US08200807B2 |
Non-blocking local events in a state-diagramming environment
This invention is directed to a method for use in a state diagramming environment on a computing device. The method includes obtaining a state diagram via the environment and processing a first event for the state diagram via the environment. The method also includes triggering a second event, wherein the triggering is based on the first event. The method further includes broadcasting the second event in a non-blocking fashion that allows the first event to continue being processed. |
| US08200803B2 |
Method and system for a network management framework with redundant failover methodology
A method, system, apparatus, and computer program product is presented for management of a distributed data processing system. Resources within the distributed data processing system are dynamically discovered, and the discovered resources are adaptively monitored using the network management framework. When the network management framework detects that certain components within the network management framework may have failed, new instances of these components are started. If duplicate components are later determined to be active concurrently, then a duplicate component is shutdown, thereby ensuring that at least one instance of these components is active at any given time. After certain failover events, a resource rediscovery process may occur, and a topology database containing previously stored information about discovered resources is resynchronized with resource information about rediscovered resources. |
| US08200802B2 |
Methods and systems for provisioning and maintaining a circuit in a data network
A disclosed example method involves at a network management module, receiving a request for logical circuit data associated with a network circuit. In addition, the example method involves requesting the logical circuit data from a legacy logical element in communication with a network device of the network circuit. The logical circuit data is received from the legacy logical element. The logical circuit data is indicative of whether the network circuit has failed. |
| US08200798B2 |
Address security in a routed access network
In one embodiment, providing multi-layer address security incorporating Layer 2 Media Access Control (MAC) addresses and corresponding Layer 3 Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for host machines on a routed access network is provided. |
| US08200794B1 |
Primitive functions for use in remote computer management
The invention facilitates remote management of a computer via a network. Remote computer management capability can be expanded beyond that previously available through the addition of one or more new primitive functions that can be performed on a managed computer. |
| US08200792B2 |
Desktop secure video teleconferencing
Method, system, and computer program product example embodiments of the invention are disclosed to provide multi-network secure video teleconferencing (VTC) for VTC endpoints. The embodiments of the invention provide distributed components to perform the necessary operations, rather than co-locating the components in the VTC endpoint. Some system components are located with the VTC endpoint, other components are placed in a network operations center (NOC) and still other components are distributed on the various networks. |
| US08200790B1 |
Dynamically identifying client applications on mobile devices
A method and medium are provided for identifying a client application residing on a mobile communications device. The mobile device detects installation of a new client application, and provides information about the client to an application registration catalogue (ARC) on the mobile network. The ARC returns an application identifier corresponding to the client, which the mobile device inserts into access request headers sent by the client over the mobile network. By also including a request to update the identifier with a custom client identity agreed upon by a content provider or developer, mobile networks provide a trusted method of forwarding access requests to content providers. |
| US08200788B2 |
Slice server method and apparatus of dispersed digital storage vaults
A slicer server includes a network port, memory, and a central processing module. The central processing unit functions to obtain, via the network port, an information record regarding a virtual dispersed data storage container. The central processing unit further functions to determine whether its list of virtual dispersed data storage containers includes the virtual dispersed data storage container. The central processing unit further functions to, when the list does not include the virtual dispersed data storage container, update the list to include the virtual dispersed data storage container and allocate a portion of the memory to the virtual dispersed data storage container. |
| US08200787B2 |
Methods and systems for distributing software
Systems and methods consistent with the invention relate to the distribution of software. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for distributing software from a first system to a second system may comprise determining a software object to be transported. The method may then create, on the first system, a transport request comprising an object list. The method may also define, on the first system, a transport container and include the software object in the transport container. Further, the transport container may be included in the object list of the transport request. The transport request may then be provided to the second system. |
| US08200784B2 |
Method and computer system for unstructured data integration through graphical interface
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a system and method for transferring data between an unstructured data source and a structured destination. In one embodiment, graphical representations of a unstructured data source and a structured destination are presented to a user via a graphical user interface of a computer. Using the graphical user interface, the user can draw lines between the graphical representations to indicate how data from the unstructured data source should be associated with and transferred to the structured destination. The graphical representation of the unstructured data source may be generated using data extracted from a web based document. This data extraction can be done recursively and at least partially in parallel with retrieving files associated with hyperlinks within the web based document. |
| US08200778B2 |
Method for integrating plug-in security panel module with network interface middleware
A security system is provided. The security system includes a security processor having a plurality of inputs that receive signals from security sensors in a secured area and at least one data output path that couples the received signals from the security sensors to a central monitoring station and a network interface device coupled to the security processor that couples signals between the security processor and central monitoring station through a network connection, said network interface selected from the group consisting of a television set-top box, digital video recorder, DSL modem, fiber-optic modem, VSAT satellite transceiver and personal computer, and said network connection selected from the group consisting of a public or proprietary network connection, an Internet connection, a PSTN connection, and a cable TV distribution system connection. |
| US08200776B2 |
Methods and apparatus for network presence detection
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a computing device. The behavior of a user of a computing device is observed when the computing device is connected to each of a plurality of networks. A profile is automatically maintained for each of the networks. Each profile contains one or more predefined actions to be performed when the computing device is connected to the corresponding network. The predefined actions are based on the observed behavior. The predefined actions that are recorded in the automatically generated profile and based on the observed behavior can be automatically triggered when the computing device is connected to the network associated with the profile. |
| US08200775B2 |
Enhanced syndication
A variety of tools and techniques are disclosed for managing, viewing, publishing, searching, clustering, and otherwise manipulating data streams. Data streams such as RSS data feeds may be searched, aggregated, and filtered into a processed feed. The processed feed, along with rules used to process the feed may be shared in a number of ways. A data feed management system may provide an integrated user interface through which a user may manage feeds, including searching for new feeds, managing and filtering current feeds, modifying a user profile, and sharing feeds and feed configuration data with other users. A server may provide a complementary search engine to locate new feeds and to store and/or index items or posts in known feeds. Together, these technologies may provide a richly-functioned feed management system and greater ease of use for individuals in managing large numbers of feeds and large amounts of data in feeds. Additional functional layers may provide for authentication, security, and privacy, metadata creation and management, and social networking features. Using the management tools and additional functionality, a syndicated data stream system may provide a platform for a wide array of useful consumer and business applications. |
| US08200773B2 |
Client-side network access policies and management applications
A remote access client is provided for enabling communication between a remote data terminal configured to access a public network, and an enterprise network by way of a VPN tunnel through the public network. The remote access client includes at least one application program interface (API) to receive a first verification of the operating state of a predetermined application of the remote data terminal to enable a connection agent for establishing a point of presence on the public network. Upon connection to the point of presence, the API exchanges data between the remote access client and the predetermined application of the remote data terminal. The remote access client receives a second periodic verification of the operating state of the predetermined application via the API for terminating the connection to the point of presence upon the absence of the second verification. The point of presence enables the VPN tunnel for transporting data from the remote data terminal to the enterprise network across the public network. |
| US08200772B2 |
Media streaming of web content data
Methods for streaming web content data via a computer-readable medium. The web content data comprises one or more media samples. The media samples are encoded in a streaming media format as a web component stream. The web component stream is combined with other component streams comprising additional data other than web content data into a presentation stream. The presentation stream is transmitted via a media server to a client. Rendering commands, which are included in one or more rendering samples encoded in the web component stream along with the media samples, coordinate synchronization between the media samples and the additional data when the client renders the presentation stream. |
| US08200771B2 |
Workload migration using on demand remote paging
In one embodiment a method for migrating a workload from one processing resource to a second processing resource of a computing platform is disclosed. The method can include a command to migrate a workload that is processing and the process can be interrupted and some memory processes can be frozen in response to the migration command. An index table can be created that identifies memory locations that determined where the process was when it is interrupted. Table data, pinned page data, and non-private process data can be sent to the second processing resource. Contained in this data can be restart type data. The second resource or target resource can utilize this data to restart the process without the requirement of bulk data transfers providing an efficient migration process. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08200769B2 |
Downloading a plug-in on an instant messaging client
Downloading a plug-in for an Instant. Messaging (IM) client includes receiving a request for the plug-in from a user of the IM client; detecting a directly accessible peer client that is currently online; sending a plug-in download request to the directly accessible peer client; and in the event that the plug-in is received from the directly accessible peer client, installing the plug-in on the IM client. |
| US08200768B2 |
Deferred reading of email database in mobile environments
Systems, methods, computer program product embodiments for deferred reading of email databases are described herein. An embodiment includes an event listener configured to poll (or query) the email server and selectively read an email database associated with the email server. Such a selective database read operation is based on the priority of an event occurring in the email server. If events of a low priority occur, the event listener does not open the email database immediately to retrieve additional information related to the low priority event but defers reading the email database by a pre-determined amount of time. If a higher priority event occurs, the email database is immediately read to retrieve details related to the high priority event from the mail server database. In another embodiment, event listener reads the email database based on when event timestamp information is updated by the email server. |
| US08200767B2 |
Microscope image taking system
A camera takes an observed image of a sample acquired by a microscope. A disk device stores image data representing the observed image taken by the camera. A CPU generates e-mail including the image data and information indicating the settings of the microscope or the camera during taking the observed image represented by the image data using as a destination an e-mail address entered in advance. A communication control device transmits the e-mail to a communication network. |
| US08200764B2 |
System and method for achieving highly scalable real-time collaboration applications using HTTP
A highly scalable and highly responsive RTC system uses asynchronous or non-blocking I/O and HTTP response queuing to avoid server overload. The system distinguishes between two types of requests: an update request and a change request. An update request is a request used to fetch an update or change notification. A change request is a request to change some data related to the real-time session. For a given RTC session, the server first checks whether any updates exist for an update request. If an update exists, the server code can send an immediate response to the client. However, if no update exists, the server code application sets a well-defined HTTP response header, and then responds. Once the server code application responds, all application server resources are freed, and the application server is free to handle the next requests without blocking any thread. |
| US08200762B2 |
Displaying complex messaging threads into a single display
A method for organizing a message thread containing one or more messages. A root message and reply groupings are identified, each reply grouping depending from the root message. Each reply grouping has one or more child reply messages depending from a common parent message. The child reply messages within each reply grouping are ordered in chronological order based on the time of each of the one or more child reply messages was received or sent. The reply groupings are hierarchically ordering based on a relationship between the reply grouping and its parent message. A single display allows a user to view the message thread and the content of all of the messages in accordance with the hierarchical ordering. |
| US08200761B1 |
Method and apparatus for improving security in a data processing system
Methods and Apparatuses for processing data are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method receives data which may include an executable portion and a non-executable portion. The non-executable portion of the data may be presented to a user without rendering the executable portion. The non-executable portion of data presented may also include information regarding the executable portion (e.g., subject matter or source of the data). The executable portion of the data is rendered or executed only when a request from a user is specifically received. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08200758B2 |
Management of organizational boundaries in unified communications systems
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of controlling communications occurring in a unified communications system. As described herein, a directory is established at a server system that hosts the unified communications system. The directory includes a plurality of hierarchically-organized categories. Each category specifies a set of users. One or more conferences may be associated with each of the categories. All communications occurring in the unified communications system occur within the context of one of the conferences. A user can only communicate within a conference if the conference is associated with the category that specifies a set of users that includes the user. By appropriately structuring the categories in the directory and the sets of users specified by the categories, the techniques of this disclosure may serve to prevent a user from using the unified communications system to communicate with certain other individuals. |
| US08200755B2 |
Presence administration method and device
In a presence system in which one user users a plurality of terminals, dynamically changing buddy lists are synchronized between the terminals. A presence notification message is sent to all the terminals of the user. The timing of sending includes, for example, when the presence information of a buddy is updated, when a new buddy is set, when display attribute information is updated, when a buddy is cancelled, and when a presence notification of unknown presentity is made. Thus, when one user uses a plurality of terminals in the presence system, dynamically changing buddy lists can be synchronized between the terminals. In addition, the display formats of the buddy lists do not differ from one terminal to another, and the same display format is attained. |
| US08200750B2 |
Data communication apparatus, control method thereof, computer program and storage medium
A data communication apparatus that reduces erroneous transmission, together with allowing an operator to confirm destinations registered as data transmission destinations. To accomplish this, the data communication apparatus includes a destination registering unit adapted to register at least one or more destinations, a data acquisition unit adapted to acquire data to transmit to the registered destinations, a destination list print unit adapted to print a destination list showing the registered destinations to allow an operator to confirm the registered destinations, an operation acquisition unit adapted to acquire, via an operation unit, a first operation operated by the operator if the destinations shown on the destination list are confirmed by the operator, and a transmission unit adapted to transmit, if the first operation is acquired, the acquired data to the destinations shown on the destination list. |
| US08200749B2 |
Data processing method for generating service interface descriptions
A data processing method is disclosed. The data processing method comprises the step of receiving a request for a service interface description of a service from a client at a server, wherein the service is implemented via a first service endpoint at the server, and wherein the first service endpoint is associated with a first service endpoint interface description. In a further step, a given set of correlations is employed for the determination of service endpoints correlated with the first service endpoint with respect to the service, wherein each of the correlated service endpoints is associated with a service endpoint interface description. Furthermore the service interface description is generated by aggregating the first service endpoint interface description with the service endpoint interface descriptions of the correlated service endpoints and the service interface description is provided to the client. |
| US08200746B2 |
System and method for territory-based processing of information
A system and method for processing information leverages territory-based processing capabilities to provide efficient distributed processing of processing jobs. For example, hive engines can be organized into territories based on their physical locations to support the distributed processing of processing jobs within particular territories. |
| US08200743B2 |
Anomaly management scheme for a multi-agent system
An anomaly management method is provided for a multi-agent system (MAS) in which a plurality of application agents are arranged to be capable of interacting with each other over a communications network. The MAS has a plurality of anomaly management agents arranged to receive reports from a referring agent regarding a referred agent when a referring agent has determined an interaction anomaly has occurred which was potentially caused by one or more conditions associated with a referred agent. The anomaly management agent is arranged to determine one or more conditions associated with the referred agent which have caused the interaction anomaly. The anomaly management agent is also arranged to remedy the condition. The method comprises at least one of said plurality of anomaly management agents receiving a message containing information related to the interaction with the referred agent from the referring agent. The message comprises information identifying the referred agent and other information related to the interaction anomaly. One or more possible conditions associated with the referred agent which may have caused the interaction anomaly are determined from the information provided by the referring agent. A plurality of tests is then performed to determine at least one condition associated with the referred agent. Finally, the condition associated with the referred agent is remedied. The referring agent may then be provided with feedback information to enable the interaction to be resumed. |
| US08200739B2 |
Arrangement and method relating to load distribution
A method in a server for controlling the distribution of messages from a plurality of clients among a plurality of processing means, including the steps of: establishing whether a message received on an interface board of the server is addressed using a normal identity specific for the client that sent the message and, if yes, then: using a first algorithm to map the normal identity to a load index in a first mapping means; and, mapping the load index to one of the plurality of processing means using a mapping table provided in the interface board. If the message is addressed using an internal identity generated in the server, rather than the normal identity specific for the client that sent the message, then: using a second algorithm to map the internal identity to a load index in a second mapping means; and, mapping the load index to one of the plurality of processing means using the mapping table provided in the interface board. |
| US08200738B2 |
Virtual cluster based upon operating system virtualization
Virtual clusters are based upon virtual operating systems. The physical cluster includes a plurality of physical server nodes. Each physical server node includes a plurality of physical resources and a virtualizing subsystem. The virtualizing subsystem is capable of creating separate environments that logically isolate applications from each other. The separate environments are virtual operating systems. A virtual operating system is configured on each physical server node by defining properties of the virtual operating system. A virtual cluster is composed of a plurality of virtual operating systems that are on a plurality of physical server nodes. A cluster application runs on the virtual cluster. The virtual cluster presents the plurality of virtual operating systems that compose the virtual cluster to the cluster application such that the cluster application is isolated from any other virtual operating systems that compose other virtual clusters on the plurality of physical server nodes. |
| US08200737B2 |
System to facilitate pipeline management, program product, and related methods
Systems, program code, and methods to facilitate pipeline management, are provided. An example of a method can include the steps of forming digitized map segments to provide for display of a geographical relationship between terrain featured in the map segments and a pipeline network, forming pipeline equipment records to provide for detailed engineering analysis on associated pipeline equipment, functionally linking each digitized map segment and each pipeline equipment record to at least one geographically associated pipeline operational area, identifying a rupture exposure radius coverage area of the rupture, identifying an immediate upstream and downstream valve from the pipeline rupture, identifying pipeline valves potentially needing to be closed, determining potential lost inventory, forecasting a potential environmental impact of the rupture, and displaying critical engineering data and drawings for the effected portion of the ruptured pipeline, the identified immediate upstream valve, and the identified immediate downstream valve. |
| US08200735B2 |
Multi-core processor for performing matrix operations
A data processing system for performing a matrix calculation is disclosed. The data processing system includes a multi-core processor with multiple processing elements each having a processor and a local memory. The data processing system includes a system memory, a first and second readout units, a first and second arithmetic unit, and an output unit. |
| US08200733B1 |
Device having interleaving capabilities and a method for applying an interleaving function
A method and a device having interleaving capabilities, the device comprises a first interleaver; the first interleaver comprises a first register, a second register, a first adder and a second adder; wherein the first register is coupled to the first adder and to the second adder; wherein the second register is coupled to the second adder; wherein the first adder is adapted to add a current first register value to a first coefficient to provide a next first register value that is stored at the first register; wherein the second adder is adapted to add a current first register value to a second coefficient, to a third coefficient and to a current second register value to provide an interleaved output value. |
| US08200731B1 |
Device for determining a coherence measurement for a digital signal that does not require spectral estimation
A device for and method of determining a coherence measurement for a signal that includes a digitizer for digitizing the signal, a transformer connected to the digitizer, a first squarer connected to the transformer, a second squarer connected to the digitizer, an adder connected to the first squarer and the second squarer, a subtractor connected to the first squarer and the second squarer, a standard-deviation function block connected to the subtractor, a mean generator connected to the adder, a first multiplier connected to the standard-deviation function block, and a divider connected to the output of the mean generator and the first multiplier. |
| US08200729B2 |
Efficient implementation of filters for MIMO fading
A single finite impulse response filter designed to operate on a single signal is used in conjunction with an input multiplexer that interleaves samples from multiple signals and an output decimator. The output of the decimator contains interleaved samples of the multiple signals with independent filtering applied to each. |
| US08200727B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifying and diversifying randomness
Method and apparatus for ensuring randomness of pseudo-random numbers generated by a conventional computer operating system or electronic device. Typically pseudo-random number generators used in computer operating systems or electronic devices may be penetrated by a hacker (pirate), who penetrates a cryptographic or other supposedly secure process using the random numbers by tampering with the input random numbers, thus making them nonrandom. The present method and apparatus are intended to verify such random numbers to make sure that they are indeed random enough, by applying suitable random tests. Only if the values pass the test are they passed on for use in the cryptographic or other process. If they fail the test, a new set of random numbers is requested from the pseudo-random number generator. These are again tested. Further a diversity function may be applied to the random numbers even if they have passed the random number test in order to improve their randomness. This diversity function is for instance double encryption. An anti-replay feature is also included by which the pool of random numbers is subject to a check on each cycle to make sure that there has been no duplication of the input random numbers. |
| US08200722B2 |
Method for shrinking a file system
Illustrative embodiments disclose shrinking a file system in a data processing system by designating an amount by which the file system stored in a memory and comprised of a plurality of contiguous logical blocks is to be shrunk. At least one contiguous intermediate logical block of the plurality of contiguous logical blocks from the file system is removed to shrink the file system by the designated amount. A record is maintained indicating a first intermediate logical block of the at least one contiguous intermediate logical block at which the removing starts, and a last intermediate logical block of the at least one contiguous intermediate logical block at which the removing ends. |
| US08200721B2 |
System and method for providing write-once-read-many (WORM) storage
Techniques for providing write-once-read-many (WORM) storage are described herein. According to one embodiment, in response to a command to set a time attribute of a file to a first predetermined value, it is determined whether the first predetermined value is outside of an ordinary range of values associated with the time attribute in accordance with a file system associated with the file. The file is designated as a WORM file and a WORM retention period is set for the file based on the first predetermined value, if the first predetermined value is outside of an ordinary range of values associated with the time attribute. The designation of the file as a WORM file and setting the WORM retention period are performed in response to the command. |
| US08200720B2 |
System and computer program product for file management
On a display unit of a client terminal, a to-be-uploaded folder and a to-be-uploaded file, a display area associated with computer program that provides uploading function, and the like are displayed. When a user operates a mouse and the like such that a pointer is placed on the to-be-uploaded file and performs a drag-and-drop operation into the display area, the to-be-uploaded file is uploaded to a file management server via a network. |
| US08200717B2 |
Revision of multimedia content
A system and method for revision of multimedia content is provided. For example, in one embodiment, among others, a computer readable medium comprises instructions for revising a multimedia content. The multimedia content includes a first server multimedia content and an optical disc multimedia content. The instructions are executable on a computer and control the computer to perform retrieving, using an optical disc drive, a first association content included in an instructional content stored on an optical disc. The optical disc multimedia content includes the instructional content. The instructions further control the computer to perform importing the first server multimedia content from a first server according to the retrieved first association content. The first server multimedia content is a previously-authored content. The instructions further control the computer to perform updating the first server multimedia content and exporting the updated first server multimedia content. |
| US08200713B2 |
Database exploration for building wireless component applications
A method is disclosed for facilitating development of an application having access to a database data-source. The method comprises the following steps. At least one subroutine that is a candidate for potentially including hidden information is identified. A definition document for the subroutine is generated using information available from its available schema metadata. The subroutine is executed via the database data-source. A result set of the executed subroutine is analysed for exposing any hidden information. The analysis is used to supplement the definition document with additional schema information to describe a structure of the exposed information. The definition document can then be used in developing the application. A development tool and computer readable medium configured to implement the method are also disclosed. |
| US08200712B2 |
System and method for generating a virtual tour on a display device
A system and method for generating a virtual tour on a display device is described. The method comprises providing at least one map. The method further comprises providing a plurality of sequenced images, wherein each of the images is associated with at least one location by a geo-coding module configured to generate a geo-location object data sheet that associates sequential images with a corresponding location. The sequenced images are organized based on the location of each of the sequenced images and displayed on the map. The method is implemented by the system. |
| US08200711B2 |
Incremental packaging
A project directory structure of an application or service is mapped to a package directory structure. A package is built for the application or service by copying files from the project directory structure to the package directory structure in accordance with the mapping. An event trigger is detected, wherein the event trigger is one of a new file, a modified file, or a deleted file in the project directory structure. An updated package is built for the application or service by performing an appropriate one of copying the new file to the package directory structure, replacing an existing file in the package directory structure with the modified file, or deleting a file in the package directory structure that corresponds to the deleted file in the project directory structure. |
| US08200709B2 |
Data model and applications
Systems and methods relating to a data model are described. The data model includes aspects of both static and dynamic data structures. In a typical implementation the dynamic data structures are used to store information whose organization and values may change responsive to the values of other data stored in the data model. The static data structures are used to store information whose structure and content are relatively more static. Tables within the static and dynamic data structures include a unique key configured to interrelate information stored in each data structure. The data model is illustrated using a customer relationship management (CRM) example. In this example, roles and relationships between business objects are stored in the dynamic data structures. |
| US08200707B2 |
Compliance manager
An estimate compliance tool to specify estimate compliance criteria is presented. In one embodiment, the tool can be provided using hardware, software or a combination thereof, and can be configured to include functionality to facilitate creation of rules to outline criteria for estimate creation or invoicing. In one embodiment, a user interface is provided to a user to provide the opportunity to enter vehicle and parts identification to which a rule will apply. The user can also be prompted to enter a rule requirement or suggestion such as, for example, the type of parts required. The system can include a first module configured to accept user input specifying vehicle criteria; a second module configured to accept user input specifying parts criteria; and a third module configured to create an estimate compliance rule based on the entered vehicle selection criteria and parts criteria. The system can further include a storage medium configured to store a plurality of created estimate compliance rules and a profile module configured to create a rules profile comprised of a plurality of estimate compliance rules. Additionally, a compatibility module configured to check a plurality of created rules for conflicting rule criteria can be provided. |
| US08200706B1 |
Method of creating hierarchical indices for a distributed object system
A data management system or “DMS” provides data services to data sources associated with a set of application host servers. The data management system typically comprises one or more regions, with each region having one or more clusters. A given cluster has one or more nodes that share storage. When providing continuous data protection and data distribution, the DMS nodes create distributed object storage to provide the necessary real-time data management services. The objects created by the DMS nodes are so-called active objects. The distributed object store can be built above raw storage devices, a traditional file system, a special purpose file system, a clustered file system, a database, and so on. According to the present invention, the DMS active object store provides an indexing service to the active objects. In an illustrative embodiment, any object property that has a given attribute is indexed and, as a result, the attribute becomes searchable. The DMS provides hierarchical distributed indexing using index trees to facilitate searching in a highly efficient manner. |
| US08200705B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying database partitioning in a multi-tenancy scenario
A method and apparatus for applying database partitioning in a multi-tenancy scenario is disclosed, the method includes providing, in each database table of a partitioned database system storing tenant data, a partition key field for storing a respective partition key for each tenant within a plurality of tenants. The respective partition key for each tenant is designated for each tenant according to a partition designated for the each respective tenant and the corresponding relationships between partitions and partition keys in the database partitioning mechanism of the partitioned database system. The respective partition key is used by the partitioned database system to perform database partitioning operations on the data of each respective tenant. |
| US08200701B2 |
Handling of data in a data sharing system
A method of handling data in a data sharing system is provided. The data sharing system includes a set of data objects. Each data object includes an object type identifier and a set of attributes. The method includes coupling at least one set of object type identifier and attribute in accordance with a set of dependency rules. |
| US08200696B2 |
Presenting multiple possible selectable domain names from a URL entry
A domain name system (DNS) resolver within a network detects a URL entry including at least a portion of a particular domain name. The DNS resolver automatically selects multiple possible domain names for at least said portion of said particular domain name, wherein each of the multiple possible domain names includes a separate one of multiple ending types available for a domain. The multiending controller directs concurrent output of a separate selectable thumbnail representation of a separate webpage accessible from each of the selection of multiple possible domain names within an interface of a browser. |
| US08200692B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing messages based on interactive history and context between sender and recipient
Techniques for processing messages based on interactive history and context between a sender and a recipient are described herein. In one embodiment, a process includes, but is not limited to, in response to a message to be received by a recipient from a sender over a network, determining one or more previous transactions associated with the sender and the recipient, the one or more previous transactions being recorded during course of operations performed within an entity associated with the recipient, and generating a list of one or more candidates of interactive history links based on the determined one or more previous transactions, such that the recipient is able to select one or more of the candidates of interactive history links to be performed for responding the message of the sender. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08200690B2 |
System and method for leveraging historical data to determine affected entities
Systems and methods for leveraging historical data to determine affected entities is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a current matter is created. When creating the current matter, at least one initial scope parameter for the current matter is known. Historical data associated with the at least one initial scope parameter may then be accessed and review. Based on the historical data, one or more refined scope parameter may be determined. A list of affected entities based at least on the one or more refined scope parameter is provided. |
| US08200688B2 |
Method and system for facilitating information searching on electronic devices
A method and system for facilitating information searching for a user of an electronic device is provided. Facilitating searches involves obtaining information about the user interests, identifying potential data of interest to the user, extracting data related to said data of interest to the user, and collecting the extracted related data for presentation to the user on the device. |
| US08200686B2 |
Lookup engine
A look up engine 200 comprising a storage means 212a, 212b for storing a plurality of entries, each entry comprising a value and an associated key value, such that, in operation, a look up is carried out by outputing a value which is associated with the stored key value which matches an input key value. The look up engine 200 comprises a plurality of look up state machines 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d connected in parallel to enable multiple look ups to be carried out concurrently. Each entry comprises an associated skip value, if the skipped bits of the input key value and the associated skip value mismatches, an error message is output to indicate lookup failure. The entries may be stored in a trie format which is constructed by identifying overlapping ranges between the plurality of entries; splitting the identified overlapping ranges; storing the plurality of entries within a trie structure. |
| US08200684B2 |
Method and system for dynamic templatized query language in software
A system to automatically generate query language in software is described. The system receives a request for data that is persistently stored in a database. The system selects a predefined query template from a number of query templates based on the request. The system utilizes the query template to receive content from at least one different source, the first source being a prototype data object. The system generates a query statement based on the query template that includes the content. Finally the system queries the database using the query statement to retrieve the requested data. |
| US08200682B2 |
Method of detecting a reference sequence of events in a sample sequence of events
A method of detecting a reference sequence of events in a sample sequence of events, wherein each event is of a certain event type and holds a set of data attributes, includes the steps of: picking candidate combinations of events from said sample sequence so that the event types within each candidate combination match the event types in the reference sequence, calculating an overall similarity score for each candidate combination from at least (i) an event occurrence score based on occurrence deviations of the events of a candidate combination with respect to the matching events of the reference sequence and (ii) an attribute match score based on similarity deviations between the data attributes of the events of a candidate combination and the data attributes of the matching events of the reference sequence, and identifying the candidate combination with the best overall similarity score as reference sequence detected. |
| US08200677B2 |
System and method for the dynamic generation of correlation scores between arbitrary objects
Systems and methods are described for performing the dynamic generation of correlation scores between arbitrary objects. When a behavioral event is recorded, that is to say when an end user interacts with multiple objects, relationships between objects are created. These relationships are maintained as a list. When a request for correlated items is requested based upon a seed object, a list of correlated items is dynamically created through the generation of a pivot set and a scoring algorithm to compute the list of correlated items. |
| US08200675B2 |
Virtual reader for scoring applications
A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for the automated processing and scoring of applications. Application reader resources are selected to read and score individual categories of the application. The difference between the respective reader scores and an average delta value for each category of each application that the selected readers have previously score is calculated. The standard deviation of the average delta value for each category is calculated. If the selected reader's score for that category is not within one standard deviation of the average delta value, then the selected reader's score is adjusted the least amount necessary to be so. |
| US08200673B2 |
System and method for on-demand indexing
A system and method for on-demand indexing in a data management system is described. An index is generated when it is requested, such as when a database operation requires access to the index. If the index is loaded in memory, the index is retrieved from memory. Otherwise, the index is generated on-demand. A priority configuration identifies at least one priority index which is generated and loaded in memory. The priority configuration can identify priority indexes either directly or indirectly, such as by a threshold parameter. |
| US08200670B1 |
Efficient document clustering
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for clustering documents. A plurality of documents are identified from a set of documents, where the identified documents have the same top N terms by term frequency score for an integer N. A pattern string that is satisfied by at least a subset of the identified documents is identified. A document cluster is formed from at least the subset of the identified documents. |
| US08200667B2 |
Method and apparatus for constructing user profile using content tag, and method for content recommendation using the constructed user profile
A method of and apparatus for constructing a user profile using a content tag, a method of recommending digital content by using a user profile including a tag included in the digital content and a preference value for the tag. According to the methods and apparatus, a user profile is generated by using a content tag, and thus the taste of the user according to digital content consumption can be expressed in more varied ways. Also, by suggesting a method of generating a tag from web content, construction of a user profile for digital content having no tag is enabled. Furthermore, a tag extracted from digital content used by a user is included in a profile and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as expansion of a comparison scope, use of preference keywords, providing of content links, and expansion of search scope. |
| US08200666B2 |
Providing relevant information based on data space activity items
Various embodiments of systems and methods for providing relevant information based on data space activity items are described herein. Data space activity items of a user are identified while the user is working through an application. Several context elements relevant to each data space activity item are then determined. Content locations are searched to find content items relevant to the context elements. The content items are then ranked to determine relevant information. The relevant information can be accessed by the user when required. |
| US08200660B2 |
System and method for executing queries
There is provided a computer-implemented method of executing a query plan against a database. An exemplary method comprises accessing a first subset of rows of a database table using a direct access method. The query plan may comprise the direct access method. The exemplary method also comprises determining a processing cost of accessing the first subset of rows. The exemplary method further comprises modifying the direct access method in response to determining that the processing cost exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, the exemplary method comprises accessing a second subset of rows of the database table using the modified direct access method. |
| US08200657B2 |
Processing cross-table non-boolean term conditions in database queries
Processing non-Boolean term conditions in database queries. A query that is a request for data in a database is received and includes at least one uneven non-Boolean term condition that spans multiple tables in the database. The non-Boolean term condition is split into separate portions, each of the portions providing a Boolean term that can be satisfied by accessing one table in the database. The separate portions are executed independently to find at least one data result in the database that satisfies the Boolean term of each separate portion, and the data result from each separate portion are combined into a final result that satisfies the query. |
| US08200654B2 |
Query interface configured to invoke an analysis routine on a parallel computing system as part of database query processing
Techniques are disclosed for invoking an analysis routine running on a parallel computer system to analyze query results. An interface used to build and execute a database query may be used to invoke a complex analysis routine on a parallel computer system to analyze query results obtained by executing the database query. Alternatively, a user may build a query that includes specific conditions evaluated by an analysis routine on the parallel computer system (as opposed to selecting an analysis routine after receiving query results). |
| US08200648B2 |
Data similarity and importance using local and global evidence scores
A method includes finding regions of a reference signal which provide at least one of: local evidence scores and a global evidence score. The local evidence scores indicate local similarity of the regions of the reference signal to regions of a query signal and the global evidence score defines the extent of a global similarity of the query signal to the reference signal. A media exploring device is also included which includes an importance encoder and a media explorer. The importance encoder generates importance scores of at least portions of digital media as a function of at least one of local evidence scores and global evidence scores. The media explorer enables exploring through the digital media according to (i) the importance scores, (ii) data associations/links induced by the evidence scores between different portions of the digital media. The device may also include a media player to play the digital media with adaptive speeds as a function of the importance scores. The device may also include a labeling/annotation module which inherits labels/annotations/markings according to the abovementioned data associations. |
| US08200645B2 |
System and method for executing multiple concurrent index-driven table access operations
An index scan processor and method to perform concurrent scans of stored indexed data. An indexed data scanner performs a first scan of stored data by sequentially scanning through an index data structure and maintains, over a duration of the first scan, a first scan current scan location within the index data structure that indicates a currently accessed record within the stored data structure for the first scan. A scan manager accepts a request for a second scan of the stored data, determines, during the performing the first scan, a starting index scan location within the index data structure for the second scan that is sufficiently near the first scan current index scan location to cause records indicated by the starting location index to be stored within a buffer due to the performing the first scan, and starts the second scan at the starting location and proceeding to the second end key. |
| US08200644B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for search result driven charitable donations
A method, system, and computer program product for charitable computing on a host system are provided. The method includes receiving a search request at the host system and performing a local search on a data storage device, where the data storage device is locally accessible to the host system. The method further includes determining whether the local search locates at least one local search result, making a charitable donation in response to locating the at least one local search result, and outputting the at least one local search result. The method may also include forwarding the search request to a domain name. |
| US08200640B2 |
Declarative framework for deduplication
A system, framework, and algorithms for data deduplication are described. A declarative language, such as a Datalog-type logic language, is provided. Programs in the language describe data to be deduplicated and soft and hard constraints that must/should be satisfied by data deduplicated according to the program. To execute the programs, algorithms for performing graph clustering are described. |
| US08200638B1 |
Individual file restore from block-level incremental backups by using client-server backup protocol
A network storage server restores a selected file or files from a block-level backup of a data set that contains multiple files, by using a client-server backup protocol, without restoring the entire data set. The backup can include at least one incremental backup image, in which case the file can be restored at least partially from the incremental backup image. A particular version of a file can also be restored, from a block-level backup image that includes multiple snapshots, by automatically selecting a particular snapshot associated with that version of the file, from the backup image, and using the selected snapshot to restore the file. |
| US08200637B1 |
Block-based sparse backup images of file system volumes
A system and method for creating a backup image from a volume including a plurality of files are described. Information specifying a subset of the files, but not all of the files, to backup may be received. The volume may include a plurality of blocks, where the plurality of blocks includes a respective set of data blocks for each file of the volume and blocks of file system metadata structures for the volume. The method may comprise identifying a subset of, but not all of, the plurality of blocks to copy into the backup image. The subset of blocks may include each data block for each file of the subset of files, and may also include blocks of one or more file system metadata structures needed for accessing the subset of files. The method may further comprise copying each block of the subset of blocks into the backup image. In some embodiments the subset of blocks may be copied into the backup image without copying data blocks for files not in the specified subset of files. |
| US08200635B2 |
Labeling electronic data in an electronic discovery enterprise system
Embodiments herein disclosed relate to methods, systems and computer program products that provide an enterprise wide e-discovery system configured to search myriad data sources across an enterprise to identify electronic data relevant to a particular data request, harvest the relevant electronic data, filter the electronic data to identify request file types, transfer the request file types to a data store, and assign labels, such as barcodes, to the requested file types for the purpose of producing, in an organized fashion, all requested electronic data that is in the enterprise's possession. |
| US08200627B2 |
Journaling database changes using a bit map for zones defined in each page
The disclosure and claims herein are directed to efficient journaling for recovery of a database index by journaling zones of a page. A journal mechanism maintains a page zone bit map that includes a bit for a plurality of zones in each page to indicate which zones have had their unchanged image journaled before being changed since a last sync point update. The page zone bit map has a bit for each zone in each page so that the status of each zone can be tracked separately. Tracking the smaller zones of the pages makes the process more efficient both at run time and during recovery by reducing the period of time for memory deposits and reducing the amount of total redundant/recovery data sent to disk for larger pages. |
| US08200626B1 |
Mobile device file management
A system is provided for mobile device file management. A client application determines whether a requested file associated with a file identifier is stored in a file system in a mobile device. If the file is not stored in the file system, the client application retrieves the file via over-the-air communication, stores the file with storage information in the file system, and provides the file for presentation on a user interface on the mobile device. If a background application determines that the client application is inactive and that a current time and the storage information indicate to refresh the provided file, the background application retrieves at least apart of a refreshed file via over-the-air communication. If the background application determines that the provided file is not the same version as the refreshed file, the background application stores the refreshed file with refreshed storage information in the file system. |
| US08200623B2 |
Optimizing file replication using binary comparisons
Client and server based copies of a file are maintained in synchronicity as changes are made to the file. Data is compared to a previous version known to both the client and server and a highly compressed representation of the differences between the two is generated. These differences, or “diffs”, are then transmitted, and may use extensions to the HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) protocol. |
| US08200620B2 |
Managing service processes
Computer systems, methods, and computer program products for managing a service process that includes a plurality of service steps. A repository holds, for each of at least one configuration item, a set of data that represents at least one predetermined attribute of the configuration item and a relation between the configuration item and a second configuration item. The method includes detecting data on a resource for executing at least one of a plurality of service steps of the service process; creating, in response to a particular service process starting, data using a first configuration item model in which the particular service process is defined as a single configuration item; and creating data from the detected data using a second configuration item model in which one or more particular service steps are defined as a single configuration item. |
| US08200618B2 |
System and method for analyzing data in a report
A method and a system for analyzing a data value of interest in a multidimensional database. The data value of interest is first identified in a structured report. The data source for the structured report is retrieved. A context for the data value of interest in the data source is collected, for example, by extracting a slicer from the structured report, by extracting members of master-detail pages, or by extracting a default measure from the structured report. An analysis specification based on the collected context is then built, and the data value of interest is analyzed using the analysis specification. The result from analyzing the data value of interest may be presented in an analysis view. |
| US08200615B2 |
Database size tracking and reporting for application upgrades
Techniques for determining the growth of database objects. In one set of embodiments, baseline sizes for a plurality of database objects are recorded, where the baseline sizes are recorded prior to the execution of an application upgrade. Further, upgraded sizes for the plurality of database objects are recorded, where the upgraded sizes are recorded subsequent to the execution of the application upgrade. Growth values for the plurality of database objects are then determined based on the baseline sizes and the upgraded sizes. In further embodiments, the plurality of database objects may be organized into one or more functional groups or product families, and aggregate database object growth may be reported per functional group or product family. |
| US08200614B2 |
Apparatus and method to transform an extract transform and load (ETL) task into a delta load task
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to support the definition of an Extract Transform and Load (ETL) task. An evaluation of source table structures, source data change indicators, and target table structures is performed. The ETL task is converted to a delta load task in accordance with the evaluation. |
| US08200609B2 |
Construction of decision logic with graphs
Data characterizing a plurality of related action graphs is received. Thereafter, the plurality of related action graphs are transformed into a logically equivalent structure so that rendering of the logically equivalent structure can be initiated. Related interfaces, apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US08200607B2 |
Memory devices and data decision methods
Disclosed are a memory device and a data decision method. The memory device may include a memory cell array, and a decision unit configured to read first data from the memory cell array via a first channel, perform at least one of a hard and soft decision on the first data using a first number of decision levels set based on characteristics of the first channel, read second data from the memory cell array via a second channel, and perform a soft decision on the second data using a second number of decision levels set based on characteristics of the second channel. |
| US08200606B2 |
Alert management system and method
A system and related method for automating alert decision-making in a computer network are disclosed. The system and method act to receive an alert request from an event management system, and then carries out operations using several sets of inference rules, associating the alert request to a generic conceptual data model of alert request and alert resolution. The generic model is specialized to represent the specific environment being monitored. The alert request is enriched with contextual and network information in order to generate one or several alert resolution actions. |
| US08200603B1 |
Construction of an agent that utilizes as-needed canonical rules
A method for constructing an agent that utilizes an as-needed canonical rule set in a first execution environment comprising requesting the as-needed rule set for the agent, supplying the agent with the as-needed rule set and requesting compilation of the as-needed rule set. |
| US08200596B2 |
Speeding up analysis of compressed web graphs using virtual nodes
Classes of web graph algorithms are extended to run directly on virtual node-type compressed web graphs where a reduction in runtime of the extended algorithms is realized which is approximately proportional to the compression ratio applied to the original (i.e., uncompressed) graph. In the virtual node compression technique, a succinct representation of a web graph is constructed by replacing dense subgraphs by sparse ones so that the resulting compressed graph has significantly fewer edges and a relatively small number of additional nodes. |
| US08200594B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for accelerating a game artificial intelligence process
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for accelerating a game artificial intelligence process. In one embodiment, a graphics processor is provided, the graphics processor being capable of accelerating a game artificial intelligence process. In another embodiment, a graphics processor is provided, the graphics processor being capable of accelerating a navigational planning artificial intelligence process. |
| US08200592B2 |
System and method for modeling multilabel classification and ranking
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for determining and utilizing detection models, such as models for machine condition monitoring. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for identifying and prioritizing labeled data. The model allows a monitored system to be associated with a calibrated and ordered set of states. Further, in machine condition monitoring, the machine condition is associated with the entire set of states in a particular order with a relevance zero-point. That is, a ranked set of calibrated data describing machine conditions is augmented with an annotation indicating a cut-off between relevant and non-relevant data. |
| US08200591B2 |
Self-organized distributed directory
Various amounts of information can be beneficial to different controllers configured upon an industrial control system. Information can be retained in a distributed directory such that controllers quickly learn information concerning other controllers. The distributed directory can be automatically constructed and populated with information from different controllers. When a module enters an industrial control system, information can automatically advertise to other units through use of the distributed directory. |
| US08200590B2 |
Method for solving minimax and linear programming problems
A novel method is disclosed for efficiently solving minimax problems, and in particular, for efficiently solving minimax problems wherein the corresponding matrix is large. In particular, the novel method solves minimax problems in O(n2 T) operation count, where n denotes the problem size and T is reversely proportional to the required duality gap as one skilled in the art will understand. Further disclosed herein is a method for solving linear programming (LP) problems by converting such problems into minimax problems, and then using the novel minimax solution method disclosed herein. |
| US08200589B2 |
System and method for network association inference, validation and pruning based on integrated constraints from diverse data
A network inference and validation engine is presented which combines data of different types into a network associations' inference and performs validation of existing networks based on constraints from several data sets or previously known linkages. The engine would assist scientists to integrate information from various sources into a network of association, validate previously known associations against the supplied constraint data sets and prune or modify existing connections based on subsequent experiments. |
| US08200587B2 |
Techniques to filter media content based on entity reputation
Techniques to filter media content based on entity reputation are described. An apparatus may comprise a reputation subsystem operative to manage an entity reputation score for an entity. The reputation subsystem comprising a reputation manager component and a reputation input/output (I/O) component. The reputation manager component may comprise, among other elements, a data collection module operative to collect reputation information for an entity from a selected set of multiple reputation sources. The reputation manager component may also comprise a feature manager module communicatively coupled to the data collection module, the feature manager module operative to extract a selected set of reputation features from the reputation information. The reputation manager component may further comprise a reputation scoring module communicatively coupled to the feature manager module, the reputation scoring module operative to generate an entity reputation score based on the reputation features using a supervised or unsupervised machine learning algorithm. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08200584B2 |
Employee recruiting system and method
A system for advertising an employment opportunity and efficiently providing information needed for a prospective employee to make a holistic assessment of the opportunity includes a job posting made accessible to potential candidates via a computer network or computer readable media. The job posting is comprised of a plurality of sections, with each section being devoted to one or more specific topics. The sections are accessible from an intuitive main menu. The sections provide an orderly arrangement of details concerning the employment position, significant co-workers, schools, housing, the community, nearby universities, an interview itinerary and links to local websites of interest, as well as views of residents (e.g., community leaders) concerning the community. The information may be presented in text, graphics, animation, audio and/or video formats. Other features include an email to a friend feature, a link to ask questions, a link for an application, and instructions and/or a link for submitting a resume. A network-accessible wizard automates creation of the posting. |
| US08200577B2 |
Systems and methods for retrieving and modifying data records for rating and billing purposes
An operational support system includes a data collection unit and a number of network devices that are associated with various telecommunications services. The data collection unit retrieves raw data records from the network elements and identifies information in the raw data records that is relevant for billing purposes. The data collection unit normalizes the raw data records to create a billable record. The billable record may then be passed to a rating or billing unit that determines the charges associated with a customer's use of the telecommunications services. |
| US08200575B2 |
Secure electronic payment system and methods
The invention provides a system and method for ensuring secure payment transactions. The invention provides for a chargeable and dischargeable security (CDS) system that allows users/account holders to have greater control over access to their accounts. The CDS-system may include a CDS-instrument, such as a credit or debit card that can be charged with funds located in a first account and then discharged either automatically or manually so that the potential for fraud and misuse are significantly reduced. |
| US08200572B2 |
System and method for displaying and/or analyzing a limit order book
Various systems and methods for determining information about limit orders is provided. Data regarding a plurality of limit orders entered onto an electronic market is received and stored. For each of a subset of the plurality of limit orders, a market distance is determined. The market distance comprises the difference between the price of the respective limit order and a market price. A weighting of the respective limit order is determined based at least on the determined market distance for the respective limit order. One or more market indicators is determined based at least in part on the weighting of each of the at least two limit orders. The one or more market indicators are caused to be displayed in a graphical user interface. |
| US08200571B2 |
Margin trading system, computer program and storage medium
Extensibility of a margin trading system is provided for and improvement of processing quality can be achieved easily. The margin trading system comprises a plurality of processing unit for receiving and processing order information from a plurality of trading terminals, a calculation unit for calculating a second sum value based on a first sum value which is the sum value of the order information received within a predetermined duration by each processing unit, an ordering unit for ordering each processing unit such that at least one of the first sum value is not less than the threshold value when the second sum value is not less than the threshold value and a cover-ordering unit for making a covering order to a transaction-covering bank terminal. |
| US08200565B2 |
Adjustable derivative securities and method for adjusting the value of same due to a corporate event
The claimed invention relates to an adjustable derivative contract. Particularly a method and system for adjusting the derivative contract to account for time value of money due to an occurrence of a corporate event that affects the value of the derivative contract. The claimed method and system allocates distributions amongst different derivative contracts, each derivative contract representing a different economic interest of at least two shares of an underlying security. The claimed invention uses the concepts of present and future values to value derivative contracts in order to more fairly and accurately represent the interests of the various holders of such derivative contracts upon the occurrence of a corporate event affecting the value of these derivative contracts. |
| US08200563B2 |
Publish and subscribe system including buffer
Systems and methods for delivering a plurality of trading data messages to a server in connection with the monitoring the trading of financial instruments are provided. A listener subscribes to a subset of the plurality of trading data messages generated by market participants or components within the trading platform. A buffer receives the subset of the plurality of trading data messages and stores the subset of the plurality of trading data messages. A server, such as a live alerts server, receives the subset of the plurality of trading data messages stored from the buffer and analyzes the subset of the plurality of trading data. |
| US08200561B1 |
Tax-aware asset allocation
A method of tax-aware asset allocation is provided. According to one embodiment, information is received regarding financial products available for investment in a taxable account and a tax deferred account of an investor. Information is also received regarding current investments held in the taxable account and the tax deferred account. Tax characteristics associated with each financial product is determined by evaluating information regarding distributions and/or information regarding turnover. Relevant financial circumstances of the investor are also determined. Finally, advice is formulated regarding a recommended portfolio of financial products, including a recommendation regarding which of the taxable account and the tax deferred account each financial product in the recommended portfolio should be held by performing a portfolio optimization process that takes into consideration the tax characteristics, the relevant financial circumstances, and tax implications of holding the financial products in the taxable account versus the tax deferred account. |
| US08200557B2 |
Systems and methods for providing migration and performance matrices
Systems and methods are provided for computing migration and performance matrices. The matrices may provide risk and performance data, as well as different views on the data useful for making and monitoring investment decisions. The migration and performance matrices may bring together data to reflect information on the likelihood that a rated entity will change its current rating within a given time period, information reflecting retention rates, and information describing the effect of changed exchanged rates on different data, for example. |
| US08200556B2 |
Issuer support services
A process, residing on a server, provides issuer support services to a financial market. A compliance process reviews issue and issuer data and filing and financial data, which is received from a first data source and concerns a specific issuer and one or more securities issued by the specific issuer, 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. |
| US08200552B2 |
Intelligent multimedia e-catalog
An intelligent product catalog system provides for electronic creation, management and viewing of product information using a multimedia display system. A central database repository stores the product information and provides for an unlimited number of product attributes and dynamic reconfiguration of the product information. The central database repository comprises a meta data system, a scheme system and an object model system. A plurality of applications access the central database repository, the applications being automatically adaptive to the dynamic reconfiguration of the product information. A user interface provides display, sorting and filtering of the product information including the unlimited number of product attributes. |
| US08200545B2 |
Multi-Merchant payment system
A method of payment for mufti-vendor gift cards, that performs actions including maintaining a merchandise database comprising records for merchandise and services for a plurality of merchants, enabling a gift card giver to interactively purchase a gift card for a gift card recipient, entitling the gift card recipient to redeem the gift card for items up to a specified spending limit, electronically transferring the money used to purchase the gift card into a card funding account that is used to pay for purchases by the gift card recipient, enabling the gift card recipient to interactively select one or more items from the merchandise database, thereby generating an aggregated selection of items for each merchant, issuing orders to each merchant in accordance with the aggregated selected items corresponding to each merchant and paying each merchant the amount of their respective order from the card funding account. |
| US08200543B2 |
Methods and systems to supplement a listing via a third party trust provider
Various embodiments include a method and system to supplement a listing via a third party trust provider. Responsive to an event associated with an item listing, supplemental trust information is requested from a third party trust provider using at least one predetermined criterion from the item listing. At least a portion of the supplemental trust information may be stored in the item listing. A notification may be presented in response to a trigger based on the at least a portion of the STI stored in the item listing. |
| US08200537B2 |
Integrated retailer process
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a set of API's for integrated retailers to perform standard order fulfillment operations to fulfill and return products on behalf of their clients is described. A common catalog on a software platform is intended be a flexible common hub around which many different commerce models can be implemented. Integrated retailer is one such model on which e-commerce occurs. Integrated retailers are permitted to sell product from the common catalog with another company providing back-end fulfillment. The common catalog infrastructure's pre-existing XML catalog export facility provides product information to the retailer. The Retail Web Service (RWS) provides the fulfillment functions as a REST-style web service. |
| US08200536B2 |
Image display medium and image forming apparatus
The present invention provides an image display medium comprising a pair of substrates facing each other; and a particle group comprising two or more types of particles sealed in a space between the substrates, at least one of the two or more types of particles being positively chargeable by an external stimulus and at least one other of the two or more types of particles being negatively chargeable by an external stimulus, and the positively chargeable and negatively chargeable particles having, respectively, colors different from each other, wherein the positively chargeable and negatively chargeable particles have particle size distributions satisfying 0.4 |
| US08200532B2 |
System and method for providing incentives to purchasers
An online system presents remote users with static incentives, dynamic incentives and the ability to create and submit customizable incentives related to goods or services of interest to the user. By using the incentive delivery system, the user can research goods or services of interest and in an interactive fashion create an incentive package most desirable to the user and submit same to a central location. The systems performs decisioning routines on submitted incentive requests and makes such requests available for review. Ultimately, the submitted requests may be accepted or rejected or a counter-incentive may be issued to the user for consideration. A manufacturer, such as an automobile manufacturer, can offer incentives direct to its consumers and enter into an electronic dialogue with its customers to help drive profits and sales in the most efficient manner. For instance, where certain models of vehicles are in over-supply in a certain geographic region a manufacturer may in real-time tailor its incentive offerings to help account for seasonal or other demand events. Further, the manufacturer can in real-time see the response to its incentives offerings and make appropriate changes to insure the desired result of its marketing efforts is obtained. A graphical user interface enables the remote user to search products or services of interest and to selectively build desired incentives and submit same for acceptance. |
| US08200530B2 |
Determining complementary product content from primary product document information and providing such complementary product content in association with the primary product document, in an online environment
When purchasing a product or service from an online merchant (“first merchant”), e-commerce consumers might want to purchase a complementary product and/or service not offered by the first merchant. Such consumers are provided with an opportunity to purchase or otherwise learn about such complementary products and/or services, and secondary merchants are provided with the opportunity to sell or market such complimentary products and/or services in a way that would not jeopardize the first merchant's sale, and indeed, in a way that might provide a benefit to the first merchant. |
| US08200526B2 |
Method and system for collecting stakeholder relationship data
A system for compiling and presenting data collection instruments associated with a plurality of stakeholder relationship causality models, managing data collection processes, conducting statistical tests, variable analytics and impacts calculations, and generating action plans and reports associated with a plurality of stakeholder experiences, stakeholder attitudes and stakeholder behavioral intentions for use in assessing the state of stakeholder relationships and planning for performance optimization, the system comprising: a) a user interface software module, b) a stakeholder model library, c) a variables database, d) a stakeholder profile database, e) an action plan library, f) a reports library, g) a language conversion engine, h) a stakeholder survey software module, i) a variable analytics software module, j) an impact calculation software module, k) an action plan generation software module, and l) a report generation software module. |
| US08200523B2 |
Procedure generation apparatus and method
A procedure generation apparatus has, in a storage unit thereof, a database in which a name of input information and a name of output information name are stored, associated with a name of a work. The procedure generation apparatus retrieves one or more candidate work names associated with an input information name from the database, displays the retrieved one or more work names, receives a selection of a work name from among the displayed one or more work names, retrieves one or more candidate output information names associated with the selected work name from the database, displays the retrieved one or more output information names, receives a selection of an output information name from among the displayed output information names, retrieves one or more candidate input information names each having a similar name to the selected output information name, from the database, and displays the retrieved input information name. |
| US08200515B2 |
System and method for theme park line queue management
The present disclosure describes a method for managing theme park ride lines by providing an identifying device to a guest, the device configured to uniquely identify the guest, using the identifying device to ascertain an amount of time a guest spends at a predetermined location and reducing the amount of time a guest spends in a line queue for a predetermined ride by the amount of time the guest spends at the predetermined location. A system for managing theme park ride lines is also provided. |
| US08200513B2 |
System and method for processing work products for vehicles via the world wide web
A method and system for receiving data relating to an insurance claim for a damaged vehicle and transmitting a valuation report for the damaged vehicle over the world wide web. The system includes a client computer and a web server that are coupled through an electronic communication network such as the internet. The web server contains a web site that contains a plurality of web pages. Each web page allows an operator to enter the insurance claim data. The data can be processed into a valuation report by a separate valuation server. The valuation report can be transmitted to the client computer through the web server. A claims adjuster can access the web server by merely entering a uniform resource locator (“URL”) into a web browser. The adjuster does not have to dial directly into the valuation server. |
| US08200511B2 |
Method and system for determining the importance of individual variables in a statistical model
A method and system for determining the importance of each of the variables that contribute to the overall score of a model for predicting the profitability of an insurance policy. For each variable in the model, an importance is calculated based on the calculated slope and deviance of the predictive variable. Since the score is developed using complex mathematical calculations combining large numbers of parameters with predictive variables, it is often difficult to interpret from the mathematical formula for example, why some policyholders receive low scores while other receive high scores. Such clear communication and interpretation of insurance profitability scores is critical if they are used by the various interested insurance parties including policyholders, agents, underwriters, and regulators. |
| US08200507B2 |
Examination information management apparatus
An examination information management apparatus that enables a client doctor to select a more proper examination. The apparatus includes a hard disk for storing a database that accumulates information on evaluations of examinations performed for predicted disease names, an examination information managing unit for managing the database, an examination request prior information acquiring unit for acquiring examination request prior information including information representing a predicted disease name and an examination candidate, and causing the examination information managing unit to perform search in the database based on the examination request prior information, an examination content judging unit for acquiring information on an evaluation of the examination candidate for the predicted disease name based on the search performed by the examination information managing unit, and an examination content validity outputting unit for outputting the information on the evaluation acquired by the examination content judging unit to a client doctor terminal. |
| US08200503B2 |
System and method for scheduling travel on a charter transport
A method is disclosed for scheduling travel on a charter transport. The method can include obtaining from a traveler a passenger accommodation request identifying an origin-destination-pair. The method can also include automatically identifying one or more charter transports having an available passenger accommodation. Moreover, the method can include notifying the traveler of the available passenger accommodation. |
| US08200502B2 |
Frame tracer web browser component
An internet browser software component facilitates online submission of prescription eyeglass orders by receiving frame trace data sent to a computer by a frame tracer and embedding it in an order form prepared for submission over the internet. The browser software component may interpret data sent to any peripheral port on the computer, including serial (COM) ports, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, and Ethernet ports. The browser software component embeds the frame trace so that it is sent in the same logical packet as the rest of the prescription order. The browser software component may also create a graphical representation of the frame trace and display it in a graphical user interface containing the order form so that the prescription order may be easily reviewed for accuracy before submitting it to be processed. |
| US08200499B2 |
High-frequency bandwidth extension in the time domain
A system extends the high-frequency spectrum of a narrowband audio signal in the time domain. The system extends the harmonics of vowels by introducing a non linearity in a narrow band signal. Extended consonants are generated by a random-noise generator. The system differentiates the vowels from the consonants by exploiting predetermined features of a speech signal. |
| US08200498B2 |
Secure audio stream scramble system
A process for distributing digital audio sequences according to a nominal flux format including a succession of fields, each of which includes at least one digital block clusterizing a selected number of coefficients corresponding to single audio elements that are digitally coded inside the flux and utilized by audio decoders that are able to play it to be able to decode it correctly, including a preparatory step including modifying at least one of the coefficients, and a transmission step including a primary flux in compliance with a nominal format including blocks that were modified during the preparatory step and by a route separated from the primary flux by an additional piece of digital information which allows reconstruction of the original flux starting with a calculation, on recipient equipment, as a function of the primary flux and of the additional information. |
| US08200492B2 |
Update technique for speech recognition applications with uninterrupted (24X7) operation
A method of updating an application in a processing system, the processing system including a plurality of computing resource units wherein at least two of the resource units are initially allocated to a first application, and wherein the processing system has insufficient resources to simultaneously run both of the first application and a second application at full capacity, the method including de-allocating fewer than all of the resource units allocated to the first application, then allocating at least one resource unit to the second application, and then de-allocating at least one resource unit from the first application. |
| US08200489B1 |
Multi-resolution hidden markov model using class specific features
A method for classifying data includes selecting an elemental size and features for the data that are representative of possible subclasses. Resolution widths are selected in conjunction with these features. Models associated with symbols are developed from these resolution widths and features. Data is compared with these models to give a likelihood that the model applies. The best model is determined and a signal is provided related to the symbol associated with the best model. |
| US08200487B2 |
Text segmentation and label assignment with user interaction by means of topic specific language models and topic-specific label statistics
The invention relates to a method, a computer program product, a segmentation system and a user interface for structuring an unstructured text by making use of statistical models trained on annotated training data. The method performs text segmentation into text sections and assigns labels to text sections as section headings. The performed segmentation and assignment is provided to a user for general review. Additionally, alternative segmentations and label assignments are provided to the user being capable to select alternative segmentations and alternative labels as well as to enter a user defined segmentation and user defined label. In response to the modifications introduced by the user, a plurality of different actions are initiated incorporating the re-segmentation and re-labelling of successive parts of the document or the entire document. Furthermore the method comprises a learning functionality, logging and analyzing user introduced modifications for adaptation of user's preferences and for further training of the statistical models. |
| US08200486B1 |
Sub-audible speech recognition based upon electromyographic signals
Method and system for processing and identifying a sub-audible signal formed by a source of sub-audible sounds. Sequences of samples of sub-audible sound patterns (“SASPs”) for known words/phrases in a selected database are received for overlapping time intervals, and Signal Processing Transforms (“SPTs”) are formed for each sample, as part of a matrix of entry values. The matrix is decomposed into contiguous, non-overlapping two-dimensional cells of entries, and neural net analysis is applied to estimate reference sets of weight coefficients that provide sums with optimal matches to reference sets of values. The reference sets of weight coefficients are used to determine a correspondence between a new (unknown) word/phrase and a word/phrase in the database. |
| US08200485B1 |
Voice interface and methods for improving recognition accuracy of voice search queries
A system and associated methods are disclosed for improving voice recognition accuracy when a user conducts a search by voice. One method involves prompting the user to enter a set of characters of the query (e.g., the first N letters of a query term), and then using these letters to execute a preliminary search. The results of the preliminary search are then used to generate a dynamic grammar for interpreting the full voice query. The grammar may alternatively be retrieved from a cache or other memory that stores the grammars for various combinations of letters. In one embodiment, the user enters the characters by selecting the corresponding keys on a standard telephone keypad (one depression per letter) and then saying the letters, and the keypad entries are used to reduce the number of possible interpretations of each character utterance. Another method, which is useful for search refinement, involves generating a dynamic grammar from a set of search results (e.g., when the number of hits is large), and then using this grammar to interpret utterances of additional query terms to be added to the query. |
| US08200484B2 |
Elimination of cross-channel interference and multi-channel source separation by using an interference elimination coefficient based on a source signal absence probability
Cross-channel interference is eliminated and multi-channel sources are separated by estimating a source absence probability for a current frame of a first channel output, and determining an interference elimination coefficient for matching a secondary signal of the first channel output with a primary signal of a second channel output by using the source absence probability, generating an interference signal by multiplying the second channel output by an over-subtraction factor and the interference elimination coefficient, wherein a partial differentiation is performed for a v-norm value of a spectral amplitude difference, between the first channel output and the second channel output multiplied by the interference elimination coefficient and a result of multiplication of the source absence probability, by using the interference elimination coefficient to determine an update amount of the interference elimination coefficient for a next frame. |
| US08200480B2 |
Deriving geographic distribution of physiological or psychological conditions of human speakers while preserving personal privacy
A method including: obtaining, via a plurality of communication devices, a plurality of speech signals respectively associated with human speakers, the speech signals including verbal components and non-verbal components; identifying a plurality of geographical locations, each geographic location associated with a respective one of the plurality of the communication devices; extracting the non-verbal components from the obtained speech signals; deducing physiological or psychological conditions of the human speakers by analyzing, over a specified period, the extracted non-verbal components, using predefined relations between characteristics of the non-verbal components and physiological or psychological conditions of the human speakers; and providing a geographical distribution of the deduced physiological or psychological conditions of the human speakers by associating the deduced physiological or psychological conditions of the human speakers with geographical locations thereof. |
| US08200479B2 |
Method and system for asymmetric independent audio rendering
Methods and mobile devices are provided for asymmetric independent processing of audio streams in a system on a chip (SOC). More specifically, independent audio paths are provided for processors performing audio processing on the SOC and mixing of decoded audio samples from the processors is performed digitally on the SOC by a hardware digital mixer. |
| US08200476B2 |
Message file editing process
A system for facilitating the translation of messages from an original language to a language preferred by an end user is provided. The system allows distributors, end users or others to create translated versions of messages used by an application program, while protecting against changes that might affect operation of the application program. More particularly, a new message editor application ensures that proper formatting of messages is utilized, and protects verified messages against unauthorized editing using a data conformance stamp. Before applying a new message, the application program recreates the data conformance stamp to ensure that the new message has not been altered outside of the message editor application. |
| US08200474B2 |
Dynamic model checking with property driven pruning to detect race conditions
A system and method for dynamic data race detection for concurrent systems includes computing lockset information using a processor for different components of a concurrent system. A controlled execution of the system is performed where the controlled execution explores different interleavings of the concurrent components. The lockset information is used during the controlled execution to check whether a search subspace associated with a state in the execution is free of data races. A race-free search subspace is dynamically pruned to reduce resource usage. |
| US08200469B2 |
Method for reconstructing statement, and computer system having the function therefor
Provided is a computer system (1) including a storage (2) for storing a netlist (31), and a contents generator (12) for generating a program (32) containing a statement to execute a plurality of operations of an operation portion contained in the netlist (31). The operation portion includes an operation performing logic operations of multiple stages and having a plurality of inputs, and an operation of a previous stage for a plurality of input sources. The contents generator (12) includes an analyzer (14) for analyzing the operation portion from the output stage to the input stage and for judging that the operation of an object to be analyzed is such an operation when the plural inputs are partially determined that at least a portion of other inputs are don't care, and a converter (15) for reconstructing and outputting, if the judgment is YES, the statement to execute the operation of the analysis object into the statement to execute any of the operations of the plural input sources and to bypass the operation of the source of the input of the don't care. |
| US08200466B2 |
Method for tuning patient-specific cardiovascular simulations
Computational methods are used to create cardiovascular simulations having desired hemodynamic features. Cardiovascular modeling methods produce descriptions of blood flow and pressure in the heart and vascular networks. Numerical methods optimize and solve nonlinear equations to find parameter values that result in desired hemodynamic characteristics including related flow and pressure at various locations in the cardiovascular system, movements of soft tissues, and changes for different physiological states. The modeling methods employ simplified models to approximate the behavior of more complex models with the goal of to reducing computational expense. The user describes the desired features of the final cardiovascular simulation and provides minimal input, and the system automates the search for the final patient-specific cardiovascular model. |
| US08200463B2 |
Method of simulating rolling tire
A method of simulating a tire rolling on a road at a certain speed by using a computer apparatus 1 comprises the steps of: modeling a flexible tire model 2 for numerical calculation by using finite elements having at least one elastic element (step S1), changing at least one elastic element of the flexible tire model 2 to rigid elements so as to make a rigid tire model 5 (step S6), accelerating the rigid tire model 5 (step S7), returning the elasticity of each element of the rigid tire model 5 into the original elasticity when the speed of the rigid tire model 5 has reached the certain speed (step S8), and obtaining at least one physical parameter related to the flexible tire model 2 (step S10). |
| US08200457B2 |
Customizing of computer aided design models
A CAD model customized, which represents a mechanical design of an artifact comprising a set of parts with respective dimensions. A configuration model defines an exhaustive range of ways to customize the CAD model by changing a subset the dimensions. A model translation module is arranged to convert the configuration model into: (i) a CSP representing all possible customizations defined by the configuration model, the CSP is defined by: (a) set of integer variables, wherein each variable may attain a finite number of different values, and (b) a set of constraints restricting which variable values that are simultaneously possible for the variables, (ii) a set of CSP variable-dimension pairs, and (iii) a set of CSP variable-parameter pairs. A configuration engine is arranged to: calculate a solution to the CSP, which solution is optimal with respect to a value assigned to each variable in the CSP relative to a predefined optimizing criterion, and assign a parameter value for each CSP variable-parameter pair, the allocated parameter value corresponding to the value assigned to the CSP variable in the optimal solution. A CAD interface is arranged to assign a dimension in the CAD model for each CSP variable-dimension pair, where the assigned dimension corresponds to a value assigned to the CSP variable in the optimal solution. |
| US08200452B2 |
Attitude-angle detecting apparatus and attitude-angle detecting method
To provide an attitude-angle detecting apparatus, which detects an attitude angle of a mobile object during movement with good accuracy by correcting an output value from an acceleration sensor, and to provide a method for the same. It is characterized in that it comprises an acceleration sensor for measuring an acceleration being applied to a mobile object, a yaw-rate sensor for measuring a yaw rate of the mobile object, a speed sensor for measuring a speed of the mobile object, a mobile-component acceleration calculating means for calculating an actual acceleration from the speed, calculating a centrifugal force from the yaw rate and the speed and calculating a mobile-component acceleration, a resultant force of the actual speed and the centrifugal force, and an attitude-angle calculating means for calculating an attitude angle from a gravitational acceleration, which is obtainable by correcting the acceleration with the mobile-component acceleration. |
| US08200444B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring battery charge depletion
A system includes an implantable battery, an implantable medical device powered by the battery, a first resistance, a second resistance, a first memory register and a second memory register. The implantable medical device has first and second current drain states. The first resistance is connected to the battery through a first current path when the device is in the first current drain state, wherein current is prevented from flowing through the first current path when the device is in the second current drain state. The second resistance is connected to the battery through a second current path when the device is in the second current drain state, wherein current is prevented from flowing through the second current path when the device is in the first current drain state. The first memory register is configured to store a cumulative first current drain state count indicative of total charge drawn from the battery when the device is in the first current drain state. The second memory register is configured to store a cumulative second current drain state count indicative of a total charge drawn from the battery when the device is in the second current drain state. |
| US08200440B2 |
System, method, and computer software product for genotype determination using probe array data
An embodiment of a method of analyzing data from processed images of biological probe arrays is described that comprises receiving a plurality of files comprising a plurality of intensity values associated with a probe on a biological probe array; normalizing the intensity values in each of the data files; determining an initial assignment for a plurality of genotypes using one or more of the intensity values from each file for each assignment; estimating a distribution of cluster centers using the plurality of initial assignments; combining the normalized intensity values with the cluster centers to determine a posterior estimate for each cluster center; and assigning a plurality of genotype calls using a distance of the one or more intensity values from the posterior estimate. |
| US08200438B2 |
Method and computer program for creating electronic custody and control forms for human assay test samples
A system, method, and computer program that quickly, accurately, and efficiently identifies, catalogs, and tracks human assay samples and creates documentation for the human assay samples. The computer program and method include the steps of: storing donor information in a donor information database accessible by a computer; storing client information in a client information database accessible by the computer; retrieving client information necessary to determine a type of test to be performed on a specimen; storing collection facility information in a collection facility database accessible by the computer; administering a human analyte test using the computer program to guide a collector of the specimen and identify problematic exceptions; receiving the test result electronically and storing the result in a test result database accessible by the computer; and permitting the client, Medical Review Officer, and other authorized persons to electronically access the test result via a communications network. |
| US08200435B2 |
Method and arrangement for the forecast of wind-resources
A method and an arrangement for a forecast of wind-resources of a wind-farm are provided. The forecast is done by a numerical weather-prediction-tool, the weather-prediction-tool using a long-term data-set of meteorological data. The data are related to the location of the wind-farm. A wind-speed measurement is done by a wind-turbine of the wind-farm to do a parameterization of an atmospheric turbulence. The wind-speed measurement is used to generate a data-stream, which is combined with the data-set of the meteorological data to do the forecast. |
| US08200433B1 |
Combining navigation chart information with synthetic vision terrain representation on a synthetic vision system display
The present disclosure is directed to a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) view combined with information from navigation charts. The operator of a vehicle is not required to mentally combine separate SVS view and navigation charts, increasing situational awareness and decreasing complexity. A synthetic terrain representation is generated, combined with navigation chart information, and displayed. Additionally, the combination may include an indicator indicating the intended path of the current planned course. The combination may be generated with less detailed navigation chart information when further away or more detailed navigation chart information when close, displaying more detail as landmarks are approached. The combination may include indicators representing one or more navigation aids based on information in the navigation charts. The combination may include text based on navigation chart information. |
| US08200432B2 |
Route guidance system, route search server, route guidance method, and terminal
First and second route guidance systems provided with country or region-specific map data or route search network data are linked. If the departure place and the destination are in different areas, a first route guidance system (A) extracts a candidate connection which is the border between the different areas to transmit it to a second route guidance system (B). The first and second route guidance systems search the optimum route from the departure place to the candidate connection and the optimum candidate route from the candidate connection to the destination, respectively and provide the required time and link data to their respective route guidance systems. The first or second route guidance system determines a recommended route with the smallest total of the required time out of candidate routes connected at the candidate connection and provides the recommended route data including the link data from the first route guidance system (A) to a terminal (20). The terminal (20) requests route guidance to the first or second route guidance system on the basis of the recommended route data depending on the area in which it is located. |
| US08200429B2 |
Vehicle navigation apparatus
The navigation apparatus has a display unit ready to accept a user operation that moves a reference point of a navigation route already being defined on a map by the apparatus. The move of the reference point of the navigation route according to the user operation, together with map information, defines a new navigation route that incorporates route amendments. The navigation apparatus thus allows the user to easily and responsively modify an already-defined navigation route in a novel manner, which enables a rubber-banding of the already-defined navigation route. |
| US08200428B2 |
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. |
| US08200427B2 |
Method for providing POI information for mobile terminal and apparatus thereof
A method and apparatus for providing point of interest (POI) information of a mobile terminal are disclosed to extract and provide POI information and/or road information included in an image captured by a camera. Location information of an image capture place and image capture direction information are read from the digital photo image, the POI information corresponding to the location and image capture direction information is extracted from map data, and the extracted POI information is displayed on the digital photo image. |
| US08200425B2 |
Route prediction using network history
A computer system may include a route reader configured to determine routes of a route database, the routes being associated with a combination of route characteristics including an origin, destination, and transported object type, the routes representing actual transportations of transported objects of the transported object type from the origin to the destination within a time period. The computer system also may include a route selector configured to determine a route set from among the routes, based on additional route characteristics, and a route analyzer configured to determine a subset of routes from among the route set, based on a total transit time of each route within the route set, and configured to separate each of the subset of routes into route events of each route, each route event being associated with a route event completion time. The computer system also may include a route predictor configured to determine a predictive event completion time for each route event, based on the associated route event completion time, and further configured to use the predictive event completion time for each route event to compile a predictive route transit time and thereafter provide the predictive route transit time as a prediction for future transporting of transported objects of the transported object type between the origin and the destination. |
| US08200422B2 |
Information presentation apparatus, information presentation method, information presentation program, and computer-readable recording medium
A detecting unit of an information presentation apparatus detects information concerning driver gaze directed toward a screen displaying map information indicating a current position of a mobile object. A determining unit determines information concerning specific items to be given to a driver from among predetermined information items. An obtaining unit obtains the information determined by the determining unit based on the map information. A generating unit generates guidance information that provides, by sound, the information obtained at the obtaining unit. An output unit outputs the guidance information generated by the generating unit. |
| US08200419B2 |
Braking control system and braking control method
A braking control system (1) includes: an ECU (20) that determines the likelihood of collision with an object based on detection results by a millimeter wave radar (10), a stereo camera (11) and the like; a brake actuator (30) that automatically applies a braking force based on the determination results; a steering angle sensor (14) that detects the steering condition by a driver; and so forth. When it is determined that a collision with an object is likely and automatic braking is started, and it is subsequently determined that a collision with the object is avoided through a steering operation by the driver, the ECU (20) sets a smaller gradient with which the target deceleration (target braking force) in the automatic braking is reduced in comparison to when a collision with the object is avoided not through the steering operation by the driver. |
| US08200415B2 |
Method and device for controlling the operating mode of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for controlling the operating mode of an internal combustion engine (1) comprising several cylinders (3) and an injection system (4) with one injection unit (5) per cylinder (3). According to said method: a digital measuring signal, which characterizes the combustion of fuel (6) in the internal combustion engine (1), is first determined; said digital measuring signal is then transformed into a frequency range; a misfiring of the ignition is detected using the amplitude information of the transformed measuring signal and if a misfiring has occurred, the injection of the individual cylinders (3) is deactivated sequentially for a predefined period and for each cylinder the corresponding digital measuring signal that characterizes said cylinder is determined and transformed into the frequency range and a misfiring cylinder (3) is identified during the evaluation of the transformed measuring signal using the amplitude information. The invention also relates to a device for controlling the operating mode of an internal combustion engine (1) using a method of this type. |
| US08200411B2 |
Method and system for fuel vapor control
A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system. |
| US08200409B2 |
Travel control system for vehicle
A travel controller which controls the travel of a subject vehicle based on a distance to and a relative speed with respect to a control object determined by a control object determiner. If stoppage of the subject vehicle by a decelerating operation of a driver is detected by a manual stoppage detector and a comparator determines that a distance to the object in or on a travel locus is equal to or larger than a determination threshold value, the comparator excludes the object from being considered as a control object. |
| US08200407B2 |
Vehicle control device
A vehicle control device which can provide compatibility between a high grip performance and fuel efficiency is provided. When a camber angle of a wheel 2 is adjusted to a negative camber, ground contact pressure in a first tread 21 is increased and ground contact pressure in a second tread 22 is decreased. Accordingly, the high grip performance is provided. On the other hand, when the camber angle of the wheel 2 is adjusted to a positive camber, the ground contact pressure in the first tread 21 is decreased and the ground contact pressure in the second tread 22 is increased. Accordingly, a rolling resistance becomes low, and fuel saving is achieved. In this manner, by adjusting the camber angle of the wheel 2, the compatibility can be provided between conflicting performances of the high grip performance and the fuel saving. |
| US08200406B2 |
Reducing brake noise during low pressure braking
A mechanism for reducing brake noise during braking of a vehicle. The mechanism includes controllers and methods that “hold” a currently applied braking torque rather than applying the operator-requested braking torque when a vehicle is traveling at a low speed and the operator-requested braking torque is within a predetermined range. The controllers and methods “release” the previously “held” braking torque and apply the operator-requested braking torque once the operator-requested braking torque is outside the predetermined range. |
| US08200401B2 |
Determining and reconstructing changes in load on lifting gear
The invention relates to a method of determining changes in loads on lifting gear, whereby a change in load is determined within load curve data at a transition point of the load curve gradient, and whereby the load curve is broken down into discrete-time observation intervals at the transition points. It further relates to a method of reconstructing load situations on lifting gear, for which such a method of determining changes in load is used. |
| US08200399B2 |
Method of controlling a baler and a baler
A baler (1) composed of a pick-up device (4) for picking up a crop string (12), a compression device for compressing the crop in a compression direction to form a bale, the compression device having components (19) for measuring a distribution of a charging degree transversely to the compression direction. The baler (1) also has a 3D imaging device (11) for recording a 3D image (23) of the field and the crop string (12) in front of the baler (1), and a control device including a data processor (13) for controlling the baler (1) in dependence on data from the 3D image (23) and the charging degree (25). |
| US08200398B2 |
Automated control of boom and attachment for work vehicle
A first sensor detects a boom position of a boom based on a first linear position of a first movable member of a first hydraulic cylinder. A second sensor detects an attachment position of an attachment based on a second linear position of a second movable member of a second hydraulic cylinder. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the ready position state in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve. |
| US08200397B2 |
Automatic rearview mirror adjustment system for vehicle
Mirrors on a motor vehicle are adjusted by monitoring the position of a first, preferably manually adjusted, mirror and adjusting the position of additional mirrors based on the monitored position of the first one of the mirrors. |
| US08200392B2 |
Vehicular steering control device
A vehicle steering control apparatus (10) is provided with: a steering force applying device (15, 30) for applying a steering force front wheels (5, 6); and a lateral force detecting device (42) for detecting a lateral force of each of the front wheels and rear wheels (7, 8), the steering force applying device applying, to the front wheels, a convergent steering force which steers the front wheels in a direction in which yaw oscillation converges, if a ratio of the lateral force (Fr) of the rear wheels to the lateral force (Ff) of the front wheels becomes a ratio of possibly causing the yaw oscillation in a vehicle (1). |
| US08200388B2 |
Hybrid vehicle
A control section determines either EV travel or HV travel to control drive of an engine. A ratio calculation section calculates an EV/HV travel ratio, and a display section displays the EV/HV ratio as a percentage. In this way it is possible to easily recognize the EV/HV travel ratio. |
| US08200382B2 |
Method and system for torque control of a hybrid automobile after a start
The invention is directed to a method and a system for controlling a drive torque of a hybrid drive unit (10) of an automobile after a start. The hybrid drive unit (10) includes a first drive source (12), in particular an internal combustion engine, includes at least one electric machine (14), which can be operated either in motor-mode or in generator-mode, wherein the electric machine (14) provides in motor operation an electromotive torque (M_EM), which in conjunction with a torque (M_VM) of the first drive source (12) represents a total drive torque of the drive unit (10), and supplies in generator-mode electric power. |
| US08200369B2 |
Use of statistical analysis in power plant performance monitoring
A technique of implementing performance monitoring in a power plant is appropriate to control operating parameters and factors connected with the efficiency of the energy production process in an energy marketplace that is more complex than in the past, and that takes variable costs besides the cost of fuel into account, e.g., environmental credits, equipment degradation and repair costs, electrical energy trade market factors like ramp rate, LMP (Locational Marginal Pricing) factors, the ability to deliver contracted power levels and spot transactions, etc. The technique applies a statistical analysis to collected power plant data to determine the factors that are best controlled or changed to affect (increase) the efficiency or other primary performance indication of the plant, as well as to establish baseline or best-possible operational constraints to be used to control the plant in the future. |
| US08200368B2 |
Automatically adjusting irrigation controller with temperature and rainfall sensor
Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation, an irrigation control unit comprises at least one input adapted to be coupled to and receive signals from a rainfall sensor and a temperature sensor, the signals corresponding to current values of an amount of rainfall and temperature. The unit also includes a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables and a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory. The processor is adapted to determine plant water requirements at least in part using the historical values of the plurality of variables and the current values of the temperature and the amount of rainfall. |
| US08200367B2 |
Bulk material transport system
In a material handling system having a material feeder, a material container may be configured to discharge material to the material feeder and a process aid may be engaged with the material container, a method including determining a process indicator associated with a material flow characteristic of the feeder during operation of the feeder, determining a difference between the process indicator and an indicator threshold value, adjusting the operation of the process aid based on the value of the difference determined above between the process indicator and the indicator threshold value. |
| US08200358B2 |
Hard drive temperature control
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) temperature control system includes an HDD including a temperature sensor. An Operating System (OS) driver is coupled to the temperature sensor and includes a temperature data retrieval engine that is operable to retrieve HDD temperature data from the temperature sensor and transmit the HDD temperature data. A shared data storage is coupled to the OS driver and operable to store the HDD temperature data transmitted from the temperature data retrieval engine. A fan speed controller is coupled to the shared data storage and operable to use the HDD temperature data stored in the shared data storage to adjust the speed of a fan. |
| US08200356B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus data acquisition apparatus and semiconductor manufacturing system
A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus data acquisition apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a production management system interface unit which may communicate with the production management system, an apparatus interface unit which communicates with the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and a production management system substitution unit which may communicate with the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus via the apparatus interface unit. When the production management system can communicate with the production management system interface unit, the production management system and the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus communicate with each other via the production management system interface unit and the apparatus interface unit to receive process data output from the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. When the production management system cannot communicate with the production management system interface unit, the production management system substitution unit and the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus communicate with each other via the apparatus interface unit to receive process data output from the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. |
| US08200354B2 |
Assembly task verification system and method
A method for verifying completion of a task is provided. In various embodiments, the method includes obtaining location coordinates of at least one location sensor within a work cell. The at least one sensor is affixed to a tool used to operate on a feature of a structure to be assembled, fabricated or inspected. The method additionally includes, generating a virtual object locus based on the location coordinates of the at least one location sensor. The virtual object locus corresponds to a computerized schematic of the structure to be assembled and represents of all possible locations of an object end of the tool within the work cell. The method further includes, identifying one of a plurality of candidate features as the most likely to be the feature operated on by the tool. The identification is based on a probability calculation for each of the candidate features that each respective candidate feature is the feature operated on by the tool. |
| US08200329B2 |
Combined hemodynamic and EGM-based arrhythmia detection
A medical device and associated method for detecting arrhythmias that includes electrodes for sensing cardiac electrical signals and a hemodynamic sensor for sensing a hemodynamic signal. An episode of cardiac electrical event intervals meeting cardiac arrhythmia detection criteria is detected from the sensed electrical signals. Cardiac mechanical events and/or cardiac mechanical event intervals are measured from the hemodynamic signal and used to withhold or confirm a cardiac arrhythmia detection of the episode. |
| US08200326B2 |
Calibration of impedance monitoring of respiratory volumes using thoracic D.C. impedance
A system includes an implantable medical device that includes a trans-thoracic impedance measurement circuit providing a trans-thoracic impedance signal of a subject. A controller is coupled to the trans-thoracic impedance circuit. The controller extracts a respiration signal from the trans-thoracic impedance signal, measures a breathing volume of the subject using the amplitude of the respiration signal and a breathing volume calibration factor, computes an adjusted breathing volume calibration factor using a reference baseline value of the trans-thoracic impedance and a measured baseline value of the trans-thoracic impedance, and computes a calibrated breathing volume using the adjusted breathing volume calibration factor. |